Sending out wedding invitations is an important part of planning your big day. It's the official way to let your guests know about your wedding and to invite them to attend. But when should you send them out? There are a few factors to consider, including the formality of your wedding, the size of your guest list, and the time of year you're getting married.
For a formal wedding, it's generally recommended to send out invitations 6-8 weeks in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to save the date and make travel arrangements, if necessary. For a less formal wedding, you can send out invitations 4-6 weeks in advance.
No matter when you decide to send out your invitations, be sure to include all of the important information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as the RSVP information. You may also want to include a brief note about the dress code or any other special instructions.
When Should You Send Wedding Invitations?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding when to send out your wedding invitations, including the formality of your wedding, the size of your guest list, and the time of year you're getting married.
- Formal wedding: 6-8 weeks in advance
- Less formal wedding: 4-6 weeks in advance
- Destination wedding: 8-12 weeks in advance
- Large guest list: Send invitations earlier
- Summer wedding: Send invitations earlier
- Holiday wedding: Send invitations earlier
- Include RSVP information
- Include dress code
- Include special instructions
No matter when you decide to send out your invitations, be sure to give your guests plenty of time to save the date and make travel arrangements, if necessary.
Formal wedding: 6-8 weeks in advance
For a formal wedding, it's generally recommended to send out invitations 6-8 weeks in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to save the date and make travel arrangements, if necessary. It also allows them to RSVP in a timely manner.
When sending out formal wedding invitations, it's important to include all of the important information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as the RSVP information. You may also want to include a brief note about the dress code or any other special instructions.
If you're having a destination wedding, you may want to send out invitations even earlier, such as 8-12 weeks in advance. This will give your guests more time to plan their travel and accommodations.
No matter when you decide to send out your invitations, be sure to give your guests plenty of time to respond. This will help you to get a better idea of how many people will be attending your wedding.
Here are some additional tips for sending out formal wedding invitations:
- Use high-quality paper and envelopes.
- Have your invitations printed by a professional.
- Include a formal RSVP card.
- Mail your invitations in a timely manner.
Less formal wedding: 4-6 weeks in advance
For a less formal wedding, you can send out invitations 4-6 weeks in advance. This is a good amount of time to give your guests notice, but it's not so far in advance that they'll forget about it.
- Invitations can be less formal. You can use less expensive paper and envelopes, and you don't have to have them printed by a professional. You can also be more creative with the design.
- You can include an online RSVP. This is a great way to make it easy for your guests to RSVP.
- You can mail your invitations in a less expensive way. You can use regular postage instead of priority mail.
- You can send out invitations electronically. This is a great option if you're on a budget or if you have guests who live far away.
Here are some additional tips for sending out less formal wedding invitations:
- Make sure to include all of the important information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as the RSVP information.
- Be clear about the dress code.
- Include any other special instructions, such as whether or not guests can bring children.
Destination wedding: 8-12 weeks in advance
If you're having a destination wedding, you'll need to send out invitations earlier, such as 8-12 weeks in advance. This will give your guests plenty of time to plan their travel and accommodations.
When sending out destination wedding invitations, it's important to include all of the important information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as the RSVP information. You should also include information about travel and accommodations, such as the nearest airport and hotel block.
You may also want to include a note about the dress code and any other special instructions. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you may want to suggest that guests wear casual attire.
Here are some additional tips for sending out destination wedding invitations:
- Use a travel agent to help your guests with their travel arrangements.
- Create a wedding website with all of the important information about your wedding, including travel and accommodations.
- Send out save-the-dates early, especially if your wedding is during peak season.
By sending out your invitations early and providing your guests with all of the necessary information, you can help to ensure that they have a wonderful time at your destination wedding.
Large guest list: Send invitations earlier
If you have a large guest list, you'll need to send out invitations earlier, such as 6-8 weeks in advance. This will give your guests plenty of time to RSVP and make travel arrangements, if necessary.
When sending out invitations to a large guest list, it's important to be organized. Create a spreadsheet or database to keep track of your guests' contact information and RSVPs. You may also want to consider hiring a wedding planner to help you with this process.
It's also important to be mindful of your budget when sending out invitations to a large guest list. You can save money by using less expensive paper and envelopes, and by printing your invitations at home. You can also consider sending out electronic invitations.
Here are some additional tips for sending out invitations to a large guest list:
- Send out save-the-dates early, especially if your wedding is during peak season.
- Use a wedding website to keep your guests informed about your wedding plans.
- Set up a RSVP deadline and stick to it.
By sending out your invitations early and being organized, you can help to ensure that all of your guests receive their invitations and have plenty of time to RSVP.
Summer wedding: Send invitations earlier
If you're having a summer wedding, you'll need to send out invitations earlier, such as 6-8 weeks in advance. This is because summer is a popular time for weddings, and your guests may have other commitments, such as vacations or family reunions.
- Summer is a popular time for weddings. This means that your guests may have other commitments, such as vacations or family reunions. By sending out your invitations earlier, you'll give them plenty of time to make arrangements.
- Summer weather can be unpredictable. You may want to send out your invitations earlier so that your guests can make backup plans in case of bad weather.
- Summer is a busy time for travel. Your guests may need more time to book travel and accommodations, especially if they're coming from out of town.
- Summer is a popular time for other events. Your guests may have other events to attend, such as concerts or festivals. By sending out your invitations earlier, you'll give them plenty of time to plan their schedules.
By sending out your invitations early, you can help to ensure that your guests can attend your wedding and have a wonderful time.
, holiday party.It's important to include all of the necessary information on your wedding invitations, including the RSVP information. This will help your guests to RSVP in a timely manner.
- Include a clear and concise RSVP message. This should include the date by which guests need to RSVP, as well as the method of RSVPing (e.g., online, by mail, or by phone).
- Provide a variety of RSVP options. This will make it easy for your guests to RSVP in the way that is most convenient for them.
- Make it easy for guests to track their RSVPs. This can be done by providing a website or phone number where guests can check the status of their RSVP.
- Send out a reminder to guests who have not yet RSVPed. This can be done a few weeks before the wedding.
By including all of the necessary RSVP information on your wedding invitations, you can help to ensure that your guests RSVP in a timely manner. This will help you to get a better idea of how many people will be attending your wedding.
Include dress code
It's helpful to include the dress code on your wedding invitations so that your guests know what to wear. This will help them to feel comfortable and confident at your wedding.
- Be specific about the dress code. Don't just say "dressy attire" or "casual attire." Instead, provide more specific guidance, such as "black tie optional" or "cocktail attire."
- Consider the time of day and location of your wedding. A more formal dress code is typically appropriate for evening weddings and weddings held at formal venues.
- Be respectful of your guests' cultures and religions. Some cultures and religions have specific dress codes for weddings. Be sure to consider these when choosing a dress code for your wedding.
- Provide examples of appropriate attire. This can be helpful for guests who are unfamiliar with the dress code.
By including the dress code on your wedding invitations, you can help your guests to choose the perfect outfit for your wedding.
Include special instructions
If there are any special instructions that your guests need to know, such as dietary restrictions or parking information, include them on your wedding invitations. This will help your guests to plan for your wedding and to have a more enjoyable experience.
- Dietary restrictions. If you have any guests with dietary restrictions, let them know what food options will be available at your wedding.
- Parking information. If your wedding venue has limited parking, provide your guests with instructions on where to park.
- Transportation information. If you are providing transportation for your guests, let them know the pick-up and drop-off times and locations.
- Other important information. Any other important information that your guests need to know, such as whether or not to bring a gift or what time the ceremony will start.
By including special instructions on your wedding invitations, you can help your guests to have a more enjoyable experience at your wedding.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about when to send wedding invitations:
Question 1: When should I send out save-the-dates?
Answer: Save-the-dates should be sent out 6-8 months before the wedding.
Question 2: When should I send out formal wedding invitations?
Answer: Formal wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
Question 3: When should I send out less formal wedding invitations?
Answer: Less formal wedding invitations can be sent out 4-6 weeks before the wedding.
Question 4: When should I send out destination wedding invitations?
Answer: Destination wedding invitations should be sent out 8-12 weeks before the wedding.
Question 5: When should I send out invitations if I have a large guest list?
Answer: If you have a large guest list, you should send out invitations earlier, such as 6-8 weeks in advance.
Question 6: When should I send out invitations if I'm having a summer wedding?
Answer: If you're having a summer wedding, you should send out invitations earlier, such as 6-8 weeks in advance.
Question 7: When should I send out invitations if I'm having a holiday wedding?
Answer: If you're having a holiday wedding, you should send out invitations earlier, such as 6-8 weeks in advance.
Question 8: What should I do if I need to change the date of my wedding?
Answer: If you need to change the date of your wedding, you should send out new invitations as soon as possible.
Question 9: What should I do if I have guests who RSVP late?
Answer: If you have guests who RSVP late, you should contact them to confirm their attendance.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about when to send wedding invitations. If you have any other questions, be sure to ask your wedding planner or a member of your wedding party.
Now that you know when to send wedding invitations, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get started with sending out wedding invitations:
Tip 1: Start early. The earlier you send out invitations, the more time your guests will have to save the date and make travel arrangements.
Tip 2: Be organized. Keep track of your guest list and RSVPs in a spreadsheet or database. This will help you to stay organized and to avoid any mistakes.
Tip 3: Be clear and concise. Your invitations should include all of the important information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as the RSVP information.
Tip 4: Be respectful of your guests' time. Give your guests plenty of time to RSVP. This will help you to get a better idea of how many people will be attending your wedding.
Tip 5: Send out reminders. If you have guests who RSVP late, send out a reminder to confirm their attendance.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your wedding invitations are sent out on time and that your guests have all of the information they need.
Now that you know when to send wedding invitations and how to get started, you can start planning the rest of your wedding.
Conclusion
When you send out your wedding invitations depends on a number of factors, including the formality of your wedding, the size of your guest list, and the time of year you're getting married. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are sent out on time and that your guests have all of the information they need.
Here are some of the key points to remember:
- For a formal wedding, send out invitations 6-8 weeks in advance.
- For a less formal wedding, send out invitations 4-6 weeks in advance.
- For a destination wedding, send out invitations 8-12 weeks in advance.
- If you have a large guest list, send out invitations earlier, such as 6-8 weeks in advance.
- If you're having a summer wedding, send out invitations earlier, such as 6-8 weeks in advance.
- If you're having a holiday wedding, send out invitations earlier, such as 6-8 weeks in advance.
No matter when you decide to send out your invitations, be sure to include all of the important information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as the RSVP information.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your wedding invitations are sent out on time and that your guests have a wonderful time at your wedding.