The most frequently asked question I hear from couples during the early stages of wedding planning is “when do we send our invitations?”
Here’s a guideline to know what steps to take, and how to meet deadlines that will keep your guests up-to-date and informed about your big day!
Save the Dates
6 to 8 months
Save the Dates are especially important for out of town relatives and guests. By providing 6- to 8-months notice, there’s a better likelihood that guests will have the time they need to make travel arrangements. Save the Dates are a must for destination weddings!
Invitations
8 to 10 weeks
As a rule, invitations should be mailed to guests 2+ months before the wedding. If you are planning a destination wedding, consider sending your invitations closer to 3+ months in advance. To meet these deadlines, order your invitation suite approximately 14 weeks in advance. If you plan to use a calligrapher to address envelopes, order sooner.
Reply Cards
2 to 4 weeks
You’ll need to provide guests with a deadline to R.S.V.P. to your wedding. The ideal timeframe for reply cards is 2 to 4 weeks. Have a conversation with your caterer or wedding coordinator about when your final guest count is needed (some caterers will request final numbers 2 weeks in advance!). Once your R.S.V.P. date has passed, it is socially acceptable to follow up with guests. Give yourself enough time to contact those forgetful guests that may not reply in time.
-GF xo