One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is ensuring that your guests have enough time to RSVP and make necessary arrangements to attend your big day. Sending out invitations at the right time can make a huge difference in guest attendance and overall wedding logistics. Here’s a complete guide on when to send out wedding invitations and save-the-dates.

1. Save-the-Dates: 6 to 12 Months Before the Wedding

Save-the-dates are a great way to give your guests an early heads-up about your wedding. This is especially important if you’re having a destination wedding, planning during peak seasons, or inviting out-of-town guests who may need to book flights and accommodations. These can be sent out with photos from your engagement session, which should happen anywhere from 6-12 months before your wedding date.

Ideal Timeline:

Local Wedding: 6–8 months before
Destination Wedding: 9–12 months before

2. Wedding Invitations: 6 to 8 Weeks Before the Wedding

Your formal wedding invitations should be sent out at least 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements if necessary.

Ideal Timeline:

Local Wedding: 6–8 weeks before
Destination Wedding: 3–4 months before

3. RSVP Deadline: 3 to 4 Weeks Before the Wedding

Setting an RSVP deadline at least 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding allows you to finalize your guest count for catering, seating, and overall logistics. Be sure to include an easy way for guests to respond, whether through a wedding website, email, or RSVP card.

4. Extra Considerations

Holiday Weddings: If your wedding falls on or around a holiday, send invitations 8–12 weeks in advance to ensure guests have ample time to plan.
Weekday Weddings: Since weekday weddings require guests to take time off work, consider sending invitations a bit earlier than usual.
Virtual Weddings: If you’re hosting a virtual wedding, invitations can be sent closer to the date (around 4–6 weeks prior), as travel and accommodations aren’t a concern.

5. How to Send Invitations

While traditional paper invitations are still popular, many couples opt for digital invites or wedding websites. Regardless of the method, ensure your guests receive all the key details, including date, time, venue, dress code, and RSVP instructions.

Final Thoughts

Timing is key when sending wedding invitations to ensure your guests have enough notice to attend your special day. By following these general guidelines, you can avoid last-minute stress and enjoy a seamless wedding planning experience. Happy planning!

When Should We Send Out Wedding Invitations?