When to send your wedding invitations

Setting the tone . . .

Sending out wedding invitations is an important milestone in the wedding planning process. It's a chance to set the tone for your big day and to let your guests know all the important details, such as the date, time, and location of your wedding.

But when should you send out your wedding invitations?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to send out your invitations will depend on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your wedding, the time of year you're getting married, and how far your guests need to travel.

In the UK, a general rule of thumb is to send out your wedding invitations four to six months before your wedding date.

This will give your guests plenty of time to save the date, make travel arrangements, and RSVP.

However, there are some cases where you may want to send out your invitations earlier or later.

Destination Wedding . . . (Up to a year in advance)

If you're having a destination wedding, you'll want to send out your invitations up to a year in advance, so that your guests have enough time to book flights and accommodation. 

Week Day Wedding . . . (Give plenty of notice)

If your wedding falls on a week day, rather than a weekend, you may want to send your invitations 6 months or more before your wedding. That wya your guests can book the time off they need to fully enjoy your celebration.

Summer Wedding . . . (Avoid the holiday clash)

It may seem obvious but with the majority of weddings taking place in the summer months it's a good idea to ensure important friends and family don't book a holiday that clashes with your wedding date. Avoid this by sending your invitations out at least 6 months before the big day.

Small, Intimate Wedding . . . (2-3 months before)

On the other hand, if you're having a small, intimate wedding, you may be able to send out your invitations later. If you're getting married during a less popular wedding season, such as the winter, you may also be able to send out your invitations a little later.

Some things to keep in mind . . .

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when deciding when to send out your wedding invitations:

• Your wedding budget: The cost of wedding invitations can vary depending on the type of invitations you choose, the number of invitations you need, and the postage costs. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider sending out your invitations later, so that you have more time to save up.
• Your wedding planning timeline: If you're planning a complex wedding with a lot of moving parts, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to get everything done. This means sending out your invitations earlier, so that you have enough time to address them, mail them out, and follow up with any guests who haven't RSVP'd.
• Your guests' travel arrangements: If your guests need to travel to your wedding, you'll want to give them plenty of time to book flights and accommodation. This means sending out your invitations earlier, so that they have enough time to plan and budget for their travel.

What works for you . . .

Ultimately, the best time to send out your wedding invitations is the time that works best for you and your guests. Consider all of the factors listed above and make a decision that you're comfortable with.

Here are some additional tips for sending out your wedding invitations:

• Send out save-the-dates: Save-the-dates are a great way to let your guests know the date and location of your wedding well in advance. This will give them plenty of time to save the date and make any necessary travel arrangements.
• Address your invitations carefully: Double-check all of your addresses before mailing out your invitations. The last thing you want is for your guests not to receive their invitations because of a mistake in the address.
• Include all of the important details: Be sure to include all of the important details on your wedding invitations, such as the date, time, location, and dress code. You may also want to include information about your wedding website, if you have one.
• Set an RSVP deadline: Be sure to set an RSVP deadline on your wedding invitations. This will help you to get an accurate headcount for your wedding.
• Follow up with guests: If you haven't heard back from a guest by the RSVP deadline, follow up with them to see if they're coming to your wedding.

Sending out your wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but it's also a very exciting one. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your guests receive their invitations on time and that they have all of the information they need to attend your wedding.

We hope you've found this useful and would love to hear your thoughts.