When to Send Wedding Invitations: Complete Timeline

Send wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before local weddings and 10-12 weeks before destination weddings¹. Save-the-dates should go out 6-8 months in advance for local events and 8-12 months for destination celebrations². This timing gives guests adequate notice to arrange travel, accommodations, and time off work while keeping your wedding fresh in their minds.

The invitation timeline varies based on wedding type, guest travel requirements, and seasonal factors. Destination weddings require earlier notice for flight bookings and visa applications. Holiday weekend weddings need extended timelines since guests may have competing plans. Setting your RSVP deadline 3-4 weeks before the wedding provides sufficient time for vendor final counts and follow-ups with non-responders.

Modern couples increasingly use digital invitations, which can be sent 4-6 weeks before the wedding due to instant delivery. However, formal weddings and traditional families often prefer paper invitations with the standard 6-8 week timeline. A hybrid approach—digital save-the-dates followed by paper invitations—combines convenience with tradition.

Quick Reference Timeline

This timeline accommodates the majority of wedding scenarios while allowing flexibility for special circumstances. Destination weddings require the longest lead time—8-12 months for save-the-dates—because guests need to budget for flights, which are often cheaper when booked 6-8 months in advance.

Standard Timeline for Local Weddings

Local wedding invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks before the ceremony date¹. This window provides guests with 4-6 weeks to RSVP after receiving the invitation, assuming 1-2 weeks for postal delivery. The timeline balances giving guests adequate notice while maintaining momentum toward your wedding day.

Save-the-dates for local weddings go out 6-8 months before the ceremony. This early notification allows guests to mark their calendars and avoid scheduling conflicts. For popular wedding months (May through October in the US), send save-the-dates 8 months in advance since guests may receive multiple wedding invitations during peak season.

Set your RSVP deadline 3-4 weeks before the wedding date. This deadline provides 2-3 weeks for follow-ups with non-responders before submitting final counts to your caterer, typically due 7-10 days before the event. Budget extra time if your wedding falls during holiday seasons when guests may be traveling or less responsive to correspondence.

The standard timeline assumes domestic guests within your country who don't require international travel, visa applications, or extensive time off work. Guest lists composed primarily of local friends and family (within 3-4 hours driving distance) can follow this standard schedule without modifications.

Destination Wedding Timeline

Destination wedding invitations require extended timelines due to travel complexity. Send save-the-dates 8-12 months before the wedding date to allow guests to budget for flights, accommodations, and time off work². International flights are typically cheapest when booked 6-8 months in advance, making early notification financially beneficial for your guests.

Mail formal invitations 10-12 weeks before destination weddings. This extended timeline accommodates passport renewals (6-8 weeks for routine processing), visa applications (4-12 weeks depending on country), and group hotel booking deadlines. Include accommodation details and travel information with your invitations to streamline guest planning.

Set your RSVP deadline 6-8 weeks before the wedding rather than the standard 3-4 weeks. Destination weddings require earlier headcounts for resort minimums, group dinner reservations, and activity bookings. The extended RSVP window also accounts for international guests who may need more time to confirm travel arrangements with employers and family.

Create a wedding website immediately after sending save-the-dates. Update the site with accommodation options, local attraction information, and travel tips as details are finalized. This resource reduces the number of individual guest inquiries and provides a centralized information hub throughout the planning process.

Regional Variations: US, UK, and Australia

Wedding invitation timing varies significantly across English-speaking countries based on cultural norms, geographic factors, and seasonal differences. Understanding regional expectations ensures your invitations arrive at the appropriate time for your guest demographic.

United States

The 6-8 week invitation timeline is standard across all 50 states. Digital invitations have gained acceptance, with over 65% of couples using some digital element in 2025¹. Destination weddings in popular US locations (Hawaii, California wine country, Florida) follow the 10-12 week timeline.

United Kingdom

British wedding invitations traditionally go out 8-12 weeks before the ceremony, reflecting more formal etiquette expectations³. Summer weddings (June-August) require earlier timing since guests book holiday travel during these months. The UK maintains stronger adherence to paper invitations, though digital save-the-dates are increasingly common.

Australia

Australian weddings face unique seasonal considerations due to Southern Hemisphere timing. Peak wedding season runs October through March, requiring extended timelines—invitations often go out 3-4 months before summer weddings due to high demand for venues and vendors⁴. Interstate travel between major cities (Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane) is common, warranting the longer notice period.

Seasonal Timing Considerations

Peak wedding season (May-October in the Northern Hemisphere) requires earlier invitation timelines than off-season weddings. Send invitations 8-10 weeks before peak season weddings since guests may receive multiple invitations during this period and need more time to coordinate schedules¹. Venues and accommodations book faster during popular months, making early notification critical for guest planning.

Holiday weekend weddings (Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4th in the US; bank holidays in the UK; public holidays in Australia) need extended timelines. Send save-the-dates 8-10 months before holiday weddings and invitations 8-10 weeks in advance. Guests often make holiday travel plans 3-6 months early, so your save-the-date must arrive before competing plans are finalized.

Winter and off-season weddings (November-March in the Northern Hemisphere) can follow standard timelines or slightly compressed schedules. Invitations sent 6 weeks before off-season weddings are sufficient since accommodation availability is higher and guests face fewer competing events. However, avoid sending invitations during late November-December holiday rushes when mail is slower and guests are distracted.

Weather considerations affect timing in certain regions. Hurricane season (June-November in the Caribbean and southern US) requires earlier save-the-dates with clear weather contingency information. Australian summer weddings (December-February) need 3-4 month advance notice since families book holiday travel during this peak vacation period.

Digital vs Paper Invitations: Timing Differences

Digital wedding invitations can be sent 4-6 weeks before the wedding rather than the standard 6-8 weeks for paper invitations¹. Instant delivery eliminates 3-7 days of postal transit time, and digital RSVP systems provide immediate response tracking. The compressed timeline works particularly well for casual, modern, or eco-conscious weddings where digital communication aligns with couple values.

Paper invitations maintain traditional appeal and require the full 6-8 week timeline. Account for 3-7 days for printing and assembly, 2-4 days for postal delivery, and potential delays during holiday seasons. Order invitations 12-14 weeks before your wedding date to allow time for proofing, printing, addressing, and mailing.

The hybrid approach combines digital efficiency with traditional elegance. Send digital save-the-dates 6-8 months before the wedding for instant delivery and easy calendar integration. Follow with paper invitations 6-8 weeks before the ceremony for formal presentation. This strategy balances convenience with tradition and is popular among modern couples².

Digital RSVP systems (via wedding websites or platforms) streamline response collection regardless of invitation format. Include QR codes on paper invitations that direct guests to online RSVP forms. This approach maintains paper invitation elegance while simplifying response management and providing real-time headcount updates.

Special Circumstances

Short Engagements

Short engagements (3 months or less) require accelerated timelines. Skip save-the-dates entirely or send digital versions immediately upon setting a date. Mail paper invitations 4-6 weeks before the wedding or send digital invitations 3-4 weeks in advance. Set your RSVP deadline 2-3 weeks before the event and follow up aggressively with non-responders.

Military or Overseas Guests

Military or overseas guests need 12-16 weeks advance notice for invitations due to military leave approval processes and international travel logistics. Send save-the-dates 10-12 months before the wedding. Include detailed travel information and flexible RSVP options since deployment schedules may change. Provide digital RSVP alternatives for guests in locations with unreliable postal service.

International Guest Lists

International guest lists require tiered timing. Send invitations to international guests 12-16 weeks before the wedding to accommodate visa applications (4-12 weeks depending on country), passport renewals (6-8 weeks), and international flight bookings. Domestic guests can receive invitations following the standard 6-8 week timeline. Include a note explaining the staggered mailing to avoid confusion.

Last-Minute Changes

Last-minute venue or date changes after save-the-dates require immediate communication. Send correction cards or digital notifications as soon as the new details are confirmed. Follow up with complete invitations 6-8 weeks before the revised date. Consider calling VIP guests personally to ensure they receive updated information.

Setting Your RSVP Deadline

Set your RSVP deadline 3-4 weeks before the wedding date for local weddings and 6-8 weeks before destination weddings². This timeline provides 2-3 weeks for follow-ups with non-responders before submitting final guest counts to caterers, typically due 7-10 days before the event. The buffer accommodates procrastinating guests while meeting vendor deadlines.

Calculate your RSVP deadline by working backward from vendor final count deadlines. Identify when your caterer, venue, and rental company require final numbers—usually 7-10 days before the wedding. Add 2-3 weeks for follow-up time, resulting in a deadline 3-4 weeks before the ceremony. For complex guest lists spanning multiple time zones or countries, extend the deadline to 5-6 weeks before.

Include clear RSVP instructions on your invitations. Specify the deadline date prominently ("Please respond by March 15, 2025") and provide multiple response options: pre-stamped response cards, wedding website RSVP forms, or QR codes linking to digital forms. The easier you make responding, the higher your initial response rate.

Plan your follow-up strategy before the RSVP deadline. Identify a point person (wedding planner, family member, or friend) to contact non-responders starting 1 week after the deadline. Use text messages or phone calls rather than email for faster responses. Budget 2 weeks for follow-ups before your caterer deadline.

Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid

Sending invitations too early (more than 12 weeks before local weddings) causes guests to forget or lose track of details. Save-the-dates handle early notification; formal invitations should arrive 6-8 weeks before the ceremony when the event feels imminent. Invitations mailed 4+ months in advance often get buried under other mail or misplaced.

Setting unrealistic RSVP deadlines (less than 3 weeks before the wedding) doesn't provide adequate time for follow-ups. Procrastinating guests may miss tight deadlines, forcing last-minute phone calls during your final wedding week when you're managing other details. Build in buffer time between your RSVP deadline and vendor final count deadlines.

Forgetting postal delivery time when calculating mailing dates results in invitations arriving late. Budget 3-7 days for domestic postal delivery and 10-14 days for international mail. Send invitations 1 week earlier than your calculated date during holiday seasons (Thanksgiving-Christmas, summer vacation months) when postal services are slower.

Not accounting for time zones with geographically dispersed guest lists creates confusion. Specify the time zone for your wedding ("4:00 PM Pacific Time") and consider time differences when setting RSVP deadlines. International guests may interpret dates differently based on their local calendar.

Omitting accommodation booking deadlines from invitation materials forces guests to make travel arrangements without crucial information. Include hotel room block deadlines and discount codes with invitations, especially for destination weddings. Guests need this information immediately upon receiving invitations to secure affordable accommodations.

Building Your Complete Wedding Timeline

Create a comprehensive invitation timeline working backward from your wedding date. Start with vendor final count deadlines (typically 7-10 days before), add 2-3 weeks for RSVP follow-ups, and set your RSVP deadline 3-4 weeks before the wedding. Count back 6-8 weeks to determine invitation mailing date, allowing 1 week for postal delivery.

12-14 weeks before: Order printed invitations allowing time for proofing, printing, and assembly. Digital invitations require 1-2 weeks for design finalization and technical setup.

8-10 weeks before: Begin addressing envelopes and assembling invitation suites. Include all necessary enclosures: RSVP cards with pre-stamped envelopes, accommodation information, direction cards, and wedding website details.

6-8 weeks before: Mail invitations or send digital versions. Coordinate mailing date so invitations arrive within this window, accounting for postal delivery time.

4-5 weeks before: Monitor RSVP submissions daily through your tracking system. Address questions from guests about accommodations, dietary restrictions, or plus-ones as they arise.

3-4 weeks before: RSVP deadline passes. Begin follow-up with non-responders via text or phone within 3-5 days after the deadline.

2-3 weeks before: Complete all follow-ups and finalize your guest count. Compile dietary restrictions, seating preferences, and special requests from RSVP responses.

7-10 days before: Submit final guaranteed guest count to caterer, venue, and rental company. Finalize seating chart based on confirmed RSVPs.

Sources and References