When Should I Mail Out My Wedding Invitations?
Once you have secured your wedding venue and date the wedding planning takes off. We often hear from our clients that they are unsure when to send out wedding invitations to family and friends. Even over the past decade of being part of the wedding industry, wedding invitation etiquette has changed. With the addition of engagement party invitations, save-the-dates, more elaborate wedding invitation suites, and rehearsal dinner invitations… things can feel complicated. We’re here to answer your common questions!
Your wedding invitations are the start to showcasing your unique style and the design of your wedding. Guests will get a subtle sense of the tone of your wedding by the formality of your invitations. A black-tie formal wedding invitation will look much different than an informal outdoor wedding. If your wedding has a signature color or theme, choose invitations that incorporate those design elements. Then you can carry out that palette throughout all of your printed materials, such as programs, name cards, bar signage, or table numbers.
Read through to the end to catch the tags for the incredible photographers and custom wedding stationery businesses featured in this blog!
When do I mail save-the-dates?
With couples booking their wedding day one or two years in advance, it can be tricky deciding when to mail out save-the-dates. The standard timeframe for mailing out save-the-dates is four to six months before the wedding date. If you have family or friends traveling internationally or will require more extensive travel plans, you may bump that timeline up to a year in advance. Family and friends always appreciate a heads up so they can make plans to attend your big day!
When do I mail my wedding invitations?
Wedding invitations generally are sent out anywhere from six to eight weeks or two to three months before the wedding day. Invitations can be sent out earlier if you haven’t mailed save-the-dates beforehand. You want to hit that sweet spot when people are beginning to plan what they are doing for the next season. Sending invitations out too early or too soon to the wedding date can be viewed as impolite. If you do have family or friends traveling from far away giving them a phone call to let them know about your plans would be a sweet gesture. For international guests, lean closer to at least three months before the wedding date.
When do guests send in their RSVP?
Adding an RSVP, or reply, card to your wedding invitation with an addressed envelope helps your wedding guests send in their replies promptly. Make a note on your RSVP card to please send in all replies at least four weeks before the wedding. If you do not hear back from a guest by that time, it is appropriate to reach out to them to see if they can attend or not. Once you have your final guest count you can fine-tune your seating chart, confirm your dinner headcount, and shore up on details with your vendors. Don’t forget to let your venue know your final guest count at least three weeks before the wedding.
“It is completely appropriate to circle back and check in with guests you haven’t heard from by your RSVP deadline. This is a task that you can delegate to a friend or family member, or your wedding planner if you’re feeling the pressure as the wedding day quickly approaches. ”
Extra Wedding Invitation Tips
What else do you need to know as you prepare to send out your wedding invitations? Here are a few of our top tips on making the most out of your wedding invitations.
Selecting custom wedding stationery is a beautiful way to showcase your unique design style and a nod to your wedding day vibe.
Include a separate page with your wedding details and information about your wedding website.
A QR code is an easy way to send guests to your website from your save-the-dates.
Do not include registry information on the wedding invitation. This information needs to be on your wedding website.
Make sure to specify the date, time, and location of your wedding. If your reception is in the same location, say “reception to follow.” If it is in a different location, include a reception card with further details.
Include a stamp on the RSVP card to encourage people to send them back with ease. Also, make sure to state the date of your RSVP deadline so you get responses back on time.
If you do not have children on your guest list, address your invitations as “To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson” instead of “To the Robinson Family.”
If your guest is single and you are including a significant other or allowing for a plus-one, write “To Jennifer Smith and Guest".”
Dress code information is appropriate on the wedding website and invitation. Being clear about your expectations is so helpful to your guests.
Your wedding invitations say so much more than just the date of your wedding! They are your first foot forward when wedding planning and can say a lot about your unique style. With so many incredible custom wedding stationery companies, you can find exactly what you need and want to fit your style. Curate a dream wedding look by starting with the perfect wedding invitation suite.
Ready to start your wedding planning?
Vendors highlighted in this blog:
On Three Designs - Custom wedding stationary
Squared Wedding Press - Custom wedding stationary
02/04/2022 - Gabrielle Isom
