Wedding Invitation Timeline: When to Send Save the Dates & Invites
Introduction
One minute you’re celebrating your engagement, the next you’re knee-deep in wedding to-do lists. And somewhere between choosing a venue and picking a cake, you realise… "Hang on, when are we actually supposed to send our invites?!"
If that sounds familiar, don’t worry – you’re not alone! Figuring out when to send Save the Dates and invitations can feel like a guessing game. But getting the timing right is key. It helps your guests plan ahead, book travel, and RSVP on time (because chasing up responses last minute is not fun).
To keep things stress-free, we’ve put together this simple guide to when to send your wedding stationery. So, grab a cuppa, and let’s get your timeline sorted!
The Wedding Invitation Timeline at a Glance
Need a quick reference? Here’s your wedding stationery timeline in a nutshell:
- Save the Dates → 8-12 months before
- Invitations → 3-6 months before
- RSVP Deadline → 6-8 weeks before
- On-the-Day Stationery (Menus, Place Cards, etc.) → 1-2 months before
When to Send Save the Dates
What Are Save the Dates?
Save the Dates are a little heads-up to let guests know your wedding date well in advance. They don’t include all the details (that’s what your invitation is for), but they give your loved ones plenty of notice to make plans.
Who Needs Them?
They’re great as a head's up to all intended guests but especially helpful if:
- You’re having a destination wedding
- Your wedding is during peak season or a bank holiday weekend
- A lot of guests are travelling from abroad
When to Send Them
- 12 months before for destination weddings
- 8-10 months before for local weddings
Printed or Digital?
- Printed Save the Dates are elegant, tangible, and make it official. Plus, they look lovely on fridges and noticeboards!
- Digital Save the Dates are a budget-friendly, eco-conscious choice. Just make sure all your guests regularly check their emails!
When to Send Wedding Invitations
Your wedding invitations do the heavy lifting – they include key details like timings, venue, dress code, and RSVP instructions. Sending them at the right time ensures your guests can plan accordingly.
The Golden Rule
- 6 months before for destination weddings (more time for travel arrangements!)
- 4-6 months before for UK weddings
- 3 months before for intimate or last-minute weddings
Weekend vs. Weekday Weddings
Weekend weddings tend to be busier for guests, so sending invites earlier helps avoid scheduling clashes. Weekday weddings usually require guests to book time off work, so extra notice is always appreciated!
What If You’re Running Late?
Life happens! If you’re behind schedule, send invitations digitally first, then follow up with printed ones. A friendly message like "We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Official invites are on the way, but here’s a sneak peek." does the trick!
Setting an RSVP Deadline
Getting RSVPs in on time can feel like herding cats. Setting a clear deadline helps avoid last-minute stress.
The Ideal RSVP Deadline
- 6-8 weeks before the wedding is standard.
- If you have caterers or a strict seating plan, aim for the earlier side to allow time for final numbers.
How to Handle Late RSVPs
A gentle nudge usually does the trick:
- Polite Reminder: "Just a friendly reminder that we need your RSVP by [date]! Can’t wait to celebrate with you!"
- Humorous Approach: "If we don’t hear from you soon, we’ll assume you’re bringing a llama as your plus-one!"
When to Order On-the-Day Stationery
Menus, place cards, order of service booklets – these little details bring your wedding day to life. Ordering them at the right time avoids last-minute scrambles!
When to Order
- 1-2 months before the wedding (once you have your final guest numbers)
- Order extras! Someone always changes their RSVP last minute.
Why Not Leave It Too Late?
Rushing at the last minute can mean limited design choices and higher printing costs. Plus, you don’t need that extra stress!
Final Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Top Wedding Invitation Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)
❌ Leaving it too late – Guests need time to RSVP and plan. Send invites early!
❌ Not ordering enough invites – Always order at least 10 extra for last-minute guests (or lost invites!).
❌ Forgetting postage costs – Square or heavier invitations cost more to send. Check your postage before ordering!
❌ Not considering international guests – If you’re inviting guests from abroad, send their invites at least 1-2 months earlier.
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got your timeline sorted, you can relax (well, until it’s time for the seating plan!). If you need stunning invitations that set the perfect tone, we’d love to help. Have a browse and find the design that speaks to you!
