Planning your wedding involves countless details, and one of the most important is sending out your invitations. Mailing your wedding invitations at the right time ensures your guests have ample notice to plan and RSVP, keeping your wedding timeline stress-free. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate when to send those beautiful invitations.
The General Rule of Thumb
Most wedding experts recommend sending your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This timeline gives guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements, but it’s not so far in advance that they might forget about the event.
Destination Weddings
If you’re planning a destination wedding, the timeline shifts. Invitations for destination weddings should be mailed three to four months in advance. This allows your guests to book travel, request time off work, and plan their accommodations. Since destination weddings often involve more logistics, early invitations are essential.
Save-the-Dates
Save-the-dates are your first step in giving your guests a heads-up. These should be sent six to twelve months before the wedding. A save-the-date doesn’t need to include all the details but should provide the wedding date and location so guests can mark their calendars.
Holiday Weekends or Busy Seasons
If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or during a busy season, such as summer or around other major events, send your invitations closer to the eight-week mark. This gives guests extra time to work around potentially hectic schedules.
RSVP Deadline
When mailing your invitations, include an RSVP deadline that’s three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to finalize your headcount for catering, seating charts, and other logistical details. Be sure to include the RSVP date prominently on the invitation or RSVP card.
Local Weddings
For weddings where most guests are local and don’t require extensive travel planning, you can stick closer to the six-week mark. However, even for local weddings, it’s courteous to provide ample notice.
Tips for Timely Mailing
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Order Early: Work with your stationer to ensure your invitations are ready to mail on time. This includes addressing envelopes and assembling components if your invitations are multi-layered or feature intricate designs.
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Confirm Addresses: Verify guest addresses well in advance to avoid delays or lost invitations.
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Test Your Postage: Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine proper postage, especially if you’re using unique sizes or heavier paper.
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Mail First Class: Opt for first-class mail to ensure timely delivery and tracking.
In Case of Delays
If you’re behind schedule, send digital save-the-dates or updates to give guests essential details. While it might not feel like the perfect solution, your guests will appreciate having the proper information as soon as they can get it!
Recap of Mailing Timeline
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Save-the-Dates: 6-12 months before
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Local Invitations: 6-8 weeks before
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Destination Invitations: 3-4 months before
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RSVP Deadline: 3-4 weeks before the wedding
By following this timeline, you’ll keep your wedding plans on track and your guests well-informed. After all, sending those gorgeous invitations is one of the most exciting steps in your wedding journey!
