When To Send Wedding Invitations

by Courtney Moody

Planning a wedding involves a ton of decisions, and one of the most crucial is figuring out when to send out your wedding invitations. Your invitations set the tone for your big day, conveying not just the essential details but also the style and theme of your celebration. While there's a general rule of thumb for when to send out these important pieces of stationery, various factors can influence the ideal timing.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the considerations that go into deciding when to send wedding invitations.

The Standard Timeline: 8 Weeks Before the Wedding

Traditionally, the guideline for sending out wedding invitations is about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. This window allows your guests enough time to RSVP and make the necessary arrangements to attend your celebration. Within this timeframe, you have sufficient flexibility to fine-tune details and make any last-minute adjustments. For local weddings with a majority of guests living nearby, this timeline is generally effective.

Factors that Influence the Timing

  1. Destination Weddings: When Dreams Take Flight

Destination weddings have grown in popularity as couples seek unique settings to exchange their vows. Whether it's a tropical beach, a European villa, or a rustic mountain retreat, these weddings require additional planning. Due to the logistics of travel and accommodation, it's recommended to send out invitations a minimum of 12 to 16 weeks in advance. This extended timeline gives guests ample time to make travel arrangements, secure accommodations, and plan for time off work.

Pro Tip: Destination weddings are a fantastic example of a time that Save the Dates are non-negotiable. 

  1. Out-of-Town Guests: Bridging the Gap

Even if your wedding isn't in a far-off location, if a significant portion of your guest list hails from out of town, consider sending invitations a bit earlier. These guests may need to make similar arrangements as those attending a destination wedding, such as booking flights and hotels. Providing them with a 12 to 16-week window can help ensure their attendance and minimize any scheduling conflicts.

Pro Tip: Be sure that you're sending your invitations with enough time for your guests to book their accommodations at any hotels where you might have a room block. Room block cut-off dates are often a month or two prior to the event date, so plan accordingly!

  1. Complex Schedules: Navigating Calendars

Certain times of the year are busier than others for many people due to holidays, work commitments, and other events. If your wedding falls during a peak vacation period or overlaps with major holidays, sending invitations earlier can help your guests prioritize your celebration (and make sure your invite doesn't get lost in a stack of Holiday cards).

Similarly, if your circle includes professionals who need to arrange time off, a longer lead time can ensure they can attend your big day.

  1. DIY and Customization: Time for Craftsmanship

If you're planning a wedding with intricate DIY elements or custom-made invitations, you'll need to account for the additional time required for production. This doesn't necessarily change the time that you send your invitations, but it changes your timeline for when you need to start working on them, so be sure you factor in timelines for design, shipping, and any additional customizations.

Remember, your invitations are the first glimpse your guests have into your wedding's style and ambiance, so take the time to craft them with care and send them out with ample notice. Whether you're celebrating in your hometown or in a far-flung location, striking the right balance between anticipation and preparation will ensure a wonderful turnout on your big day.

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