The only wedding timeline you need: here’s when to send out your invitations

Welcome to the whirlwind that is wedding planning! From the engagement party to the rehearsal dinner all the way to your wedding reception, you’ve got no shortage of celebrations to send invitations for. 

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But, when exactly are you supposed to do what? Between planning and taking time to enjoy the happiness of engaged life, we figured you could use a little recap on optimal timelines to help you stay on track.  

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Start by taking a look at our wedding stationery timeline guide below to help you navigate wedding invitation etiquette. Then, keep reading to check out our answers to commonly asked questions and get top tips on choosing your Invitation style!

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When should you send wedding invitations?

In general, it's recommended to send your wedding invitations approximately six to eight weeks before your wedding day. This timing allows your guests enough time to RSVP and make necessary arrangements, while still keeping the event fresh in their minds. By sending your invitations several weeks in advance, you give your guests ample time to respond and plan accordingly. 

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When should you send wedding invitations if you didn’t send save the dates?

If you haven't sent out save the dates, you should plan to send out your wedding invitations earlier to provide your guests with enough notice. Aim to send your wedding invitations to guests three to four months before the wedding date to ensure they have adequate time to adjust their schedules and make arrangements to attend your big day.

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When should you send wedding save the dates?

It's recommended to send save the dates about six to eight months before the wedding, though four to six months before is also acceptable. This timing allows guests to mark their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements, particularly if they need to plan around work or school schedules. 

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For destination weddings or events that require more extensive travel plans (especially if they take place during peak travel times like the holidays), consider sending your save the dates up to a year in advance to ensure your family and friends can attend. 

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When should you send wedding invitations for a destination wedding?

If you have out-of-town guests or are planning a destination wedding, send out your wedding invitations earlier than the standard timeline—two to three months in advance of your wedding day should allow your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements, book accommodations and plan their visit. 

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In addition to the usual wedding invitation details, consider providing additional information, such as recommended hotels or transportation options to help out-of-town guests attending your wedding.

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Who should receive a wedding invitation?

Easy—anyone you want to attend your wedding! This typically includes close family members, friends, and possibly colleagues, as well as any plus-ones indicated on the invitation. 

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If you send save the dates beforehand, you should still send everyone from that list a formal wedding invitation. Ensure that your guest list is finalized before sending out your wedding save the dates and wedding invitations to avoid any last-minute additions or omissions.

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When should you request RSVPs for a wedding?

You want to allow sufficient time for guests to respond, but you also want to get that final headcount ASAP—we get it. It's recommended to request RSVPs no later than three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to finalize the guest count, make seating arrangements, and communicate with vendors without stressing out over changes to your wedding celebration's headcount.

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How early is too early to send out wedding invitations?

These days, there’s no such thing as too early! People are sending their invitations more in advance than ever, so if that’s your style, go for it. Just keep in mind that if you send invitations too far in advance, guests may forget or misplace them, resulting in delayed responses or misunderstandings closer to the wedding day.

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Other wedding invitation etiquette to remember

There's no one way to write or format a wedding invitation, but there are a few key components you’ll want to include:

• The request line (ex: “you are cordially invited”, “together with their families,” — or whichever wording you choose)
• The names of the couple
• The date and time
• The location 

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You can also include reception info, the dress code, an "RSVP by" line, and your wedding website on your invitation. Basically, your wedding invitation should fully inform your guests of what to expect and how to prepare for your day of love. 

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Wedding invitation design ideas

The wedding invitation design you choose goes a long way towards informing your guests of what kind of event to expect. Find your Invitation style by taking our wedding quiz to get personalized recommendations.

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