The best time to send wedding invitations is generally six to eight weeks before the wedding day. This timeline gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and respond with RSVPs while allowing you to finalize headcounts and seating arrangements. Here are some specific points about timing from the gathered information:
- If you are sending save-the-date cards , then you can send wedding invitations a bit closer to the event, around 3 months before the wedding.
- For out-of-town or destination wedding guests , invitations should be sent about 8 weeks before the RSVP deadline , ideally 9 to 10 weeks before the wedding to allow extra time for travel arrangements.
- When weddings are around major holidays or peak seasons , consider sending invitations 10 to 12 weeks in advance to give guests ample planning time.
- For couples with short engagements (a few months), sending invitations about 3 months before the wedding is recommended.
- If you are going paperless or using digital invites , try to keep the traditional 6 to 8-week timeline for formality and planning convenience.
- If you have not sent save-the-dates, sending invitations 4 to 8 months before the wedding is also acceptable, especially if your wedding is during busy travel seasons.
In summary:
Situation| When to Send Invitations
---|---
Typical wedding| 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding
Destination wedding| 9 to 12 weeks before the wedding
Around major holidays/peak seasons| 10 to 12 weeks before the wedding
Short engagements| About 3 months before the wedding
No save-the-dates sent| 4 to 8 months before the wedding
Digital invitations| Follow the 6 to 8-week rule
This timing balances giving guests enough notice without the risk of them forgetting or needing to change plans later.
