Planning a wedding is all about timing, and one of the most crucial aspects is ensuring your guests receive their save the dates and wedding invitations at the right time. Sending them too early can cause guests to forget, while sending them too late can leave them scrambling to make plans. To help you navigate the ideal timeline, here’s everything you need to know about when to send out your save the dates and wedding invitations.

When to Send Save the Dates

Save the dates serve as a friendly heads-up to your guests, letting them know to mark their calendars for your big day. Ideally, you should send them out 6 to 9 months before your wedding. This gives guests ample time to plan, especially if your wedding falls during a busy season or requires travel.

For destination weddings, where guests will need to book flights and accommodations, consider sending save the dates 9 to 12 months in advance to ensure they have enough time to make arrangements.

When to Send Wedding Invitations

Your wedding invitation provides all the essential details—date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP instructions. The general rule of thumb is to send your invitations 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding.

If you have guests traveling from out of town, sending invitations 12 to 14 weeks in advance is a thoughtful approach. This extra time allows guests to book flights, secure hotel accommodations, and arrange any necessary travel plans.

Bonus Tips for Mailing Your Invitations

• Confirm Addresses: Before sending out your invitations, double-check mailing addresses to prevent delays.
• Consider Digital RSVPs: If you’re looking for a quick and efficient way to track responses, include a wedding website with an online RSVP option.
• Factor in Holiday Seasons: If your wedding falls near a major holiday, sending invitations on the earlier side ensures your guests don’t get caught up in seasonal delays.
• Account for Calligraphy and Assembly Time: If you’re hiring a calligrapher or assembling invitations yourself, give yourself extra time before the mailing date.

Final Thoughts

Sending your save the dates and wedding invitations at the right time ensures a stress-free experience for both you and your guests. By following this timeline, your loved ones will have ample time to make plans and be a part of your special day.