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When it comes to planning your wedding, timing is everything. One of the crucial elements to consider is the timing of your wedding invitations. Sending them too early or too late could affect the attendance rate and overall success of your big day. In this article, we will discuss the ideal time to send out wedding invitations and provide tips on how to create a timeline to ensure a successful event.
When to Send Out Wedding Invitations
The ideal time to send out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This timeline allows guests enough time to plan for the event, make travel arrangements, and RSVP. If you are having a destination wedding or a wedding during peak travel season, consider sending your invitations at least three months in advance to give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements.
On the other hand, if you are having a small, intimate wedding or a wedding that is closer to home, you can send your invitations four to six weeks before the wedding date. It's important to note that if you send your invitations too early, there is a risk that your guests will forget about the event or lose the invitation.
Wedding Invitation Timeline
To create a wedding invitation timeline, you need to consider various factors, such as the wedding date, guest list, and printing time. Here is a general timeline to help you get started:
Six to Eight Months Before the Wedding:
- Create your guest list and finalize your wedding date.
- Choose your wedding theme, colors, and style.
- Order a sample of your chosen wedding invitation design from Truly Engaging to ensure you like it.
Three to Five Months Before the Wedding:
- Finalize your wedding invitation design and wording.
- Order your wedding invitations, RSVP cards, and other stationery items.
- Hire a calligrapher or select a style for our guest and return addressing service.
- Determine if you need additional enclosure cards, such as directions or accommodation cards.
Six to Eight Weeks Before the Wedding:
- Assemble and address your wedding invitations.
- Include any additional enclosure cards and stamps.
- Send out your wedding invitations to your guests.
Other Considerations for Wedding Invitations
In addition to the timing of your wedding invitations, there are other important considerations to keep in mind:
- RSVP Deadline: Be sure to include an RSVP deadline on your wedding invitation, typically two to three weeks before the wedding date. This deadline will give you enough time to finalize your guest count and provide accurate numbers to your vendors.
- Save-the-Dates: If you are having a destination wedding or a wedding during peak travel season, consider sending save the dates six to eight months before the wedding date. This timeline will give your guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements.
- Online RSVP: Consider offering an online RSVP option for your guests. This option can save time and money on postage and printing, and it's more eco-friendly. Any of our cards can be customized with a QR code that leads guests straight to your wedding website!
Dealing with Late RSVPs
Even with a clear RSVP deadline, it's common to receive late responses from some guests. This can be frustrating, but it's important to handle them with grace and flexibility. One option is to follow up with guests who haven't responded a week after the deadline, either via phone or email. Another option is to plan for some extra seats or meals to accommodate any unexpected guests. Remember to stay positive and focus on the joy of celebrating with those who are able to attend.
Invitations for Other Wedding-Related Events
While the focus is often on the wedding day itself, there are many other events leading up to it, such as engagement parties, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners. If you're planning these events, it's important to consider the timing and design of their invitations as well. Bridal shower invitations can be sent out four to eight weeks before, while the rehearsal dinner takes much additional planning and should be sent with the wedding invitation suite six to eight weeks before the wedding. Make sure to coordinate the design and style of these invitations with your wedding invitations to create a cohesive theme for all of your wedding-related events.
Sending out wedding invitations is not just about informing guests about the date and venue of your wedding; it's also about setting the tone and creating anticipation for your big day. By sending out invitations at the right time, creating a timeline, and considering other important factors like RSVPs and other wedding-related events, you can ensure a successful and memorable wedding experience for you and your guests. Remember, timing is everything, and with these tips, you can make sure that your wedding invitations are sent out at the perfect time for a truly magical day.
