When Do I Send Out My Wedding Invitations?

Navigating the Timing of Wedding Invitations: A Modern Guide

When do I send out wedding invitations?

In the ever-evolving landscape of wedding traditions, one aspect that often leaves couples scratching their heads is the timing of sending out invitations. While once upon a time, a standard timeline sufficed (6-8 weeks prior to wedding day), today's weddings are as diverse as the couples themselves. Let's explore the factors influencing when to mail those all-important invites and how to strike the perfect balance between anticipation and practicality. 

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Destination Weddings
Are you jetting off to a far-flung locale for your nuptials? If so, your invitation timeline may need a significant adjustment. Sending out invites 6-9 months in advance is not uncommon for destination weddings. Guests require ample time to make travel arrangements, secure time off work, and consider the financial implications. A timely invitation ensures your loved ones can mark their calendars and join you in celebrating your special day.

Elaborate Itineraries
If your wedding festivities extend beyond the ceremony and reception to include pre-wedding parties, post-wedding brunches, golfing, spa time or other activities requiring RSVPs, you'll want to factor in additional mailing time. Invitations should be sent out around 12 weeks prior to the big day to give guests ample opportunity to respond and make necessary arrangements.

Postal Considerations
Ah, the joys of snail mail in the digital age. While postal services strive to deliver efficiently, factors like increased mechanization and occasional delays can impact delivery times. Couples should account for potential postal hiccups by sending out invitations with enough lead time to accommodate any unforeseen delays or lost mail incidents. Also, see my blog post “wedding postage explained” for some other factors that may affect the mailing of your invitations.

International Guests
For those with guests residing in far-flung corners of the globe, international mail delivery times add another layer of complexity. It's prudent to extend the invitation mailing window by a couple of weeks to ensure overseas guests receive their invites in a timely fashion. After all, you want to give Uncle Angelo in Italy or your college friend in Japan plenty of time to let you know if they are coming.

RSVP Deadlines and Meal Selections
Remember, the purpose of sending out invitations is not just to extend a warm welcome but also to gather crucial RSVPs. Setting a reasonable deadline of around one month allows guests to respond thoughtfully without feeling rushed. For couples offering menu selections or needing precise guest counts for venue or catering purposes, a bit of extra time may be warranted to ensure all logistical details are ironed out smoothly and the date for mailing allows for a reasonable timeframe for responses.
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Avoiding Invitation Fatigue
Can you send out invitations too early? Absolutely! It's understandable to want to share the excitement of your upcoming wedding. However, invitations sent out excessively early risk getting lost in the shuffle or relegated to the dreaded "to-do later" pile…even yours (said gently and kindly). Aim for a good window by timing your invitations to arrive 10-12 weeks before the wedding for events taking place in your hometown.
In the intricate dance of wedding planning, timing is key, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. By considering factors like destination, itinerary complexity, postal services, international guests, and RSVP deadlines, couples can ensure their invites arrive with perfect timing. Striking the perfect balance between anticipation and practicality, you set the stage for a truly unforgettable wedding experience for both you and your guests.

Sharon Donnelly, Owner
​Cotton Ink