Wedding Invitation Ideas

When To Send Wedding Invitations?

By inviting guests to your wedding, you can finally start to plan for the big day. It's important to send out wedding invites at the ideal period, which is neither too near to the wedding date nor too far in advance. In case you've already sent out save-the-date cards, guests should have already made arrangements for travel and lodging and checked out the wedding website, but our invitation will act as a gentle reminder. In addition, you'll need timely RSVPs from your guests so that you can determine the final headcount and arrange the seating chart.

If you put some thought into your wedding invites in advance, you can ensure that everyone who is invited can mark their calendars for the big day. It's best to give guests at least two months' notice, and for a destination wedding, you'll need to start planning even earlier.

However, keep in mind that sending out wedding invitations too early is rude.

When Should You Send Invitations?

You should start addressing invitations three months prior to the wedding. Get in touch with your calligrapher about 4 months before the big day. Make sure you check in with them to see when they'll need your invitation list and guest list. Vogue Ballroom is your ultimate Wedding Reception Venue to create your dream wedding.

We recommend sending out wedding invitations eight weeks in advance. You'll give your visitors plenty of time to respond to your invitation, whether they need to arrange travel or take time off work to do so.

Choosing An RSVP Date

After sending out invitations, you must ensure they are returned on time. Having a system in place like this makes it easier to manage minor but important aspects, including such labelling place cards and setting up seating charts. You should also enquire as to when the caterer requires final headcounts in order to finalise the drinks and food.

Three weeks before the wedding, have guests respond by that date. Invite guests at least six weeks in advance, and have them respond no later than two weeks well before wedding.

You can always give those guests a call if you find yourself in a circumstance where they haven't responded. Get a verbal RSVP or respectfully request a written one by mail so you can include all of their information.

Destination Weddings

It is customary to send out "save the date" cards for just a destination wedding about six months ahead of time. Your guests will appreciate having this extra time to save money and look into other housing options. The invitations can be sent out eight to 10 weeks prior to the wedding. ​

It is recommended to request guests' attendance commitments three to four weeks well before departure date, as destination wedding excursions sometimes involve additional festivities beyond the ceremony and reception. Doing so will allow you to better plan for the arrival of your guests, from the number of welcome presents you should have on hand to the number of local excursions and specialised packages you should reserve.

What Should Be Included?

The full web URL to your wedding website can be printed on the first save or the other smaller card to refer guests to for additional information. This is a common choice for engaged couples because it spares invitation recipients the hassle of filling in unnecessary information.

Do not include gift registry information, as this could give the impression that it is required when in fact it is not. Your wedding website can feature personalised elements like a registry.

There is no better place to tell guests of important details, such as the uniform policy, than on the wedding invitation. These particulars should be written in the invitation's lowest left or right corner. If you want to include information about attire on the invitation, keep it brief so that everyone can read it. Expressions like "business casual" or "black tie optional" will do. Saying “I do” at Vogue Ballroom is an elegant and luxurious affair.

When Should You Send Out Wedding Invites For A Destination Wedding?

Wedding invitations for a destination ceremony should be sent out earlier than those for a ceremony in the bride and groom's hometown. Invitations to a destination wedding should be sent out at least three months in advance. You should give your guests a bit extra notice in case they need it to make travel and hotel arrangements (ideally they will still have done so when you sent out can save dates, but some folks are slackers!). Since you will likely need additional time to arrange the upcoming wedding (and any team projects or events), you should probably set the RSVP date for about six weeks before the event.

Check out our post on What can I DIY for my wedding?

When Should You Send Out Wedding Invitations For A Hometown Wedding?

When hosting a wedding in one's hometown, one has a bit more leeway in terms of when invites are sent out. If the vast majority of your visitors won't have to travel far to attend your event, then you should have plenty of time to prepare before the big day (about six to eight weeks). If you want to have ample time to create your seating chart, make your escort cards, and deliver your final number to the caterer and the venue, you should set the RSVP deadline for around two to three weeks before the big day.

What About Invitations To The Rehearsal Dinner? When Shall We Distribute Those?

After receiving your wedding invitation, your guests may be curious as to whether or not they are invited to the rehearsal dinner. Rehearsal dinner invites should be sent out a week or two following the wedding invitations. That way, if necessary, your visitors will have time to reschedule their trip. Even if most of the same people will be attending both the wedding and the rehearsal dinner, the invitations for the two events should be issued to them separately.

When Should I Start Looking At Wedding Invitation Styles?

Okay, let's rewind for a second. Giving yourself plenty of time to browse the plethora of wedding invitation options and choose on a design that complements your theme and colour palette is essential. We suggest that you start looking at stationers around six months before the big day, either by browsing online or reading the reviews of area stationers on the a site, and then visiting a handful to see what they have to offer in person. You'll have plenty of time to double-check the spelling and grammar on your invitations, place your order, and have the envelopes addressed by a professional calligrapher if you so choose. It is recommended to employ a calligrapher as soon as possible because their schedules fill up quickly.

Wedding Invitations

What Should My Wedding Invitations Contain?

In most cases, a wedding invitation is a multi-piece set. Including the main invitation, there are typically multiple inserts. The names of the couple and the host(s) (often the parents), as well as the wedding date, time, and place, are included on the main invitation. If the reception is taking place at a separate venue than the ceremony, guests may appreciate a card containing the necessary information. Don't forget to include a reply card and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for your guests to return their responses to you. In addition to invitations, you may require inserts such as directions cards, hotel cards, honeymoon registry card numbers, and others.

What Should I Not Include On My Wedding Invitations?

The wedding invitation does not need to cover every aspect of the wedding. The most egregious faux pas is to include your register information, which reads like a blatant request for cash. Give guests the URL to your wedding website and register details there.

Who Should I Address My Invitations To?

All of your invitees should receive theirs at the exact same time. Our advice is not to send out a large number of invitations, wait to hear back, and then send the rest to your backup list. It might get embarrassing if people who have been invited tell those on your "B" list. The timing of sending out wedding invites is dependent on the completion of the guest list.

When Should Invitations Be Sent Out (No Set Dates)?

If you haven't already sent out save the dates, when should invites be issued? Whether or not you have given individuals a heads up informally, such as by telling someone in person, over the phone, via email, or on social media, will play a role. Even if you've told people informally, the formal invite is when most will start making plans, booking leave, and shopping for a dress or suit. Giving your loved ones plenty of advance notice is the least you can do for them. Consider how much time that would require to get prepared if you were an visitor when selecting when to send out invitations. So, factor in some more time, because it's likely that other people will require more of it than you will.

If a save-the-date card wasn't sent, when should invites be sent? However, we suggest a minimum of six weeks, however this may vary depending on the circumstances. As close to the wedding day as possible, a few months is perfect. If you think your guests will need more time than that to plan, we suggest sending out "save the dates" or otherwise informing them informally well in advance of the event.

When Should Invitations To International Guests Be Mailed?

When should I invite my international friends and family? is among the most frequent inquiries we get. This is a fantastically thoughtful enquiry into the needs of your entire guest list. Due to the possibility of postal service delays, we advise allocating four months. Guests will still have time to prepare. You don't have to put out two separate invitation batches. If you're expecting guests from other countries, you may save yourself some stress by sending out invitations early. Of course, 4 months isn't a hard and fast rule in every circumstance, and the precise answer to "when do you ship invitations for international guests?" will vary depending on whether you're mailing them from Australian to New Zealand, Australia to the UK, or Australia to Antarctica.

When Should Invites Be Sent Out In The Run-Up To Christmas Or Another Major Holiday?

If you're planning an event for a particularly busy time of year, like Christmas or Easter, and you're wondering when to send out invitations, we recommend adding an extra two to four weeks to the lead time on the invitations so that ones friends and family can prioritise attending your event over others. When planning for the Christmas holidays, the earlier you start, the better.

When Should I Send Out Destination Wedding Invitations?

Want to avoid missing the window for sending out destination wedding invitations but not sure when that is? Sending out invitations for a destination wedding four to six months in advance will allow your guests plenty of time to save up for and make the trip.

When Should Invites Be Sent If Attendees Require Extra Time To Save?

Some of your guests may need some time to save for their flights and other fees if you're planning a destination wedding and requesting them to travel. Do not suppose that everyone has ready cash. For those who want to give their recipient a heads up on saving for the wedding, a "save the date" card is a great option. As long as you have the dates and place nailed down, you may send this out. Just give them a general time frame and location (such as "June 15-18, 2019, Bali") so they can start looking into flights and making other preparations.

When Do The Invites Go Out If I Hand Deliver Them?

We advise getting your wedding invitations out no later than four to six weeks before the big day if you plan on hand-delivering them in addition to a save the date card. Wedding invitations that are personally delivered should be of a high-quality print, such as foil stamping. In cases where an official "save the date" card was not sent, however, three months should be allowed. Timely invitations are essential, so don't procrastinate. It's more considerate to mail an invitation to a buddy you only see once every three months than to hand them a physical copy two weeks prior to the wedding. To ensure that everyone who wants an invite receives one has plenty of time to start the distribution process. If you wait until four weeks well before wedding to send out invitations, you will have very little time to get them to everyone.

When Should I Send Out Invites If I Have An Early Rsvp Date?

When should invites be sent if a quick "yes" or "no" response is required? If your RSVP deadline is very early, guests will need time to figure out whether they can attend and how they can get there. You can expect a higher rate of timely RSVPs from this.

When Should I Buy And Mail Thank You Cards?

Many future Mrs.' prefer to order their thankyou you cards at same moment as their invitations. As a result, you'll have more time to send out thank-you notes following the wedding. That way, as gifts and assistance come in the weeks leading up to the wedding, you may quickly and easily send out thank-you notes. However, three months after the wedding, you can place an order for thank-you cards to be sent to guests. Don't underrate the time commitment of writing out individual thank-you notes to each and every one of your visitors, though. It's not the sort of thing you can finish in a single afternoon, as it may be a very involved process.

Is It Necessary To Invite Every Attendee Who Has A Date Or A "Plus-One"?

The short answer is no, you need not. It's fine to invite a guest who isn't married or even in a committed relationship. The vast majority of invitees will realise that they cannot bring a plus one ifneither "and Guest" nor another name appears on the invitation. However, inviting everyone who might bring a guest can soon become expensive ( in terms of both headcount and cost). Call the guest and explain that you're being careful with the guest list but they RSVPed for two. You were unable to invite everyone who expressed interest because of the limited space. Recognizing that most guests will be accompanied by a date, you may want to consider inviting those you know who will be attending alone with an invitation for a plus one.

On Wedding Invitations, Where Do You Place The Return Address?

Your return address should be printed on the envelope's back flap. It's also important that the return address match the one you've chosen to receive the response cards, whether it's your parents or yourself (traditionally, whoever is hosting the wedding handles response cards). This address should also be printed on the RSVP envelope (and should include postage).

Is It Acceptable To Invite People To The Ceremony Just If Our WeddingReception Is Only For Immediate Family?

The current predicament is complex. Everyone who is invited to the wedding (or the bridal shower, engagement party, or wedding) must also be invited to the ceremony itself, as is customary in many cultures. If you only invite people to the ceremony but not the reception, it may seem like you want them for the ceremony but don't wish to pay or their meal or don't want them there just to celebrate your marriage.

During the time leading up to the big day, the engaged pair will participate in a plethora of celebrations and activities, all of which will necessitate a slew of invites and stationery. It may appear daunting at first, but after you learn what to expect, you'll find that it's actually rather doable.

Please continue reading to find out when and to whom you should send your save the dates, invitations, and thank you notes. You may visit the post office more often than ever before in your life. Yet you and your guests will treasure these invitations for years to come.

Conclusion

It's important to send wedding invites at the ideal period, which is neither too near to the wedding date nor too far in advance. For destination weddings, you'll need to start planning even earlier. You'll need timely RSVPs from your guests so that you can determine the final headcount and arrange the seating chart. Invitations to a destination wedding should be sent out at least three months in advance. It is recommended to request guests' attendance commitments three to four weeks well before departure date.

This will allow you to better plan for the arrival of your guests, from the number of welcome presents you should have on hand to the local excursions and packages you should reserve. When hosting a wedding in your hometown, you should have plenty of time to prepare before the big day (about six to eight weeks). If you are hosting a nuptials in a city where most of your guests won't have to travel far, then you should set the RSVP deadline for around two to three weeks. It is recommended to employ a calligrapher as soon as possible because their schedules fill up quickly. The most egregious faux pas is to include your register information, which reads like a blatant request for cash.

Give guests the URL to your wedding website and register details there. All of your invitees should receive theirs at the exact same time. The timing of sending out wedding invites is dependent on the completion of the guest list.

Content Summary:

  • By inviting guests to your wedding, you can finally start to plan for the big day.
  • It's important to send out wedding invites at the ideal period, which is neither too near to the wedding date nor too far in advance.
  • In addition, you'll need timely RSVPs from your guests so that you can determine the final headcount and arrange the seating chart.
  • If you put some thought into your wedding invites in advance, you can ensure that everyone who is invited can mark their calendars for the big day.
  • It's best to give guests at least two months' notice, and for a destination wedding, you'll need to start planning even earlier.
  • However, keep in mind that sending out wedding invitations too early is rude.
  • When Should You Send Invitations?
  • You should start addressing invitations three months prior to the wedding.
  • Get in touch with your calligrapher about 4 months before the big day.
  • Make sure you check in with them to see when they'll need your invitation list and guest list.
  • Vogue Ballroom is your ultimate Wedding Reception Venue to create your dream wedding.
  • We recommend sending out wedding invitations eight weeks in advance.
  • You'll give your visitors plenty of time to respond to your invitation, whether they need to arrange travel or take time off work to do so.
  • After sending out invitations, you must ensure they are returned on time.
  • Three weeks before the wedding, have guests respond by that date.
  • Invite guests at least six weeks in advance, and have them respond no later than two weeks well before the wedding.
  • Your guests will appreciate having this extra time to save money and look into other housing options.
  • The invitations can be sent out eight to 10 weeks prior to the wedding.
  • ​ It is recommended to request guests' attendance commitments three to four weeks well before departure date, as destination wedding excursions sometimes involve additional festivities beyond the ceremony and reception.
  • Doing so will allow you to better plan for the arrival of your guests, from the number of welcome presents you should have on hand to the number of local excursions and specialised packages you should reserve.
  • The full web URL to your wedding website can be printed on the first save or the other smaller card to refer guests to for additional information.
  • Your wedding website can feature personalised elements like a registry.
  • There is no better place to tell guests of important details, such as the uniform policy, than on the wedding invitation.
  • These particulars should be written in the invitation's lowest left or right corner.
  • If you want to include information about attire on the invitation, keep it brief so that everyone can read it.
  • Wedding invitations for a destination ceremony should be sent out earlier than those for a ceremony in the bride and groom's hometown.
  • Invitations to a destination wedding should be sent out at least three months in advance.
  • Since you will likely need additional time to arrange the upcoming wedding (and any team projects or events), you should probably set the RSVP date for about six weeks before the event.
  • When hosting a wedding in one's hometown, one has a bit more leeway in terms of when invites are sent out.
  • If the vast majority of your visitors won't have to travel far to attend your event, then you should have plenty of time to prepare before the big day (about six to eight weeks).
  • If you want to have ample time to create your seating chart, make your escort cards, and deliver your final number to the caterer and the venue, you should set the RSVP deadline for around two to three weeks before the big day.
  • What About Invitations To The Rehearsal Dinner?
  • After receiving your wedding invitation, your guests may be curious as to whether or not they are invited to the rehearsal dinner.
  • Rehearsal dinner invites should be sent out a week or two following the wedding invitations.
  • That way, if necessary, your visitors will have time to reschedule their trip.
  • Even if most of the same people will be attending both the wedding and the rehearsal dinner, the invitations for the two events should be issued to them separately.
  • When Should I Start Looking At Wedding Invitation Styles?
  • Giving yourself plenty of time to browse the plethora of wedding invitation options and choose on a design that complements your theme and colour palette is essential.
  • We suggest that you start looking at stationers around six months before the big day, either by browsing online or reading the reviews of area stationers on the a site, and then visiting a handful to see what they have to offer in person.
  • You'll have plenty of time to double-check the spelling and grammar on your invitations, place your order, and have the envelopes addressed by a professional calligrapher if you so choose.
  • It is recommended to employ a calligrapher as soon as possible because their schedules fill up quickly.
  • What Should My Wedding Invitations Contain?
  • In most cases, a wedding invitation is a multi-piece set.
  • Including the main invitation, there are typically multiple inserts.
  • The names of the couple and the host(s) (often the parents), as well as the wedding date, time, and place, are included on the main invitation.
  • If the reception is taking place at a separate venue than the ceremony, guests may appreciate a card containing the necessary information.
  • Don't forget to include a reply card and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for your guests to return their responses to you.
  • In addition to invitations, you may require inserts such as directions cards, hotel cards, honeymoon registry card numbers, and others.
  • What Should I Not Include On My Wedding Invitations?
  • The wedding invitation does not need to cover every aspect of the wedding.
  • The most egregious faux pas is to include your register information, which reads like a blatant request for cash.
  • Give guests the URL to your wedding website and register details there.
  • Who Should I Address My Invitations To?
  • All of your invitees should receive theirs at the exact same time.
  • Our advice is not to send out a large number of invitations, wait to hear back, and then send the rest to your backup list.
  • It might get embarrassing if people who have been invited tell those on your "B" list.
  • The timing of sending out wedding invites is dependent on the completion of the guest list.
  • When Should Invitations Be Sent Out (No Set Dates)?
  • If you haven't already sent out save the dates, when should invites be issued?
  • Whether or not you have given individuals a heads up informally, such as by telling someone in person, over the phone, via email, or on social media, will play a role.
  • Even if you've told people informally, the formal invite is when most will start making plans, booking leave, and shopping for a dress or suit.
  • Giving your loved ones plenty of advance notice is the least you can do for them.
  • Consider how much time that would require to get prepared if you were an visitor when selecting when to send out invitations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Invitations

Timing Your Wedding Invitations

Our recommendation is to send out your invitations between 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding, but if you need more time, 16 weeks early is acceptable.

Traditionally, invitations go out six to eight weeks before the wedding. That timeline gives guests plenty of leeways to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if they don't live in town. If it's a destination wedding, give guests more time and send them out three months before the wedding.

If you're not sending save the dates, the best time to send out wedding invitations is 9 to 10 weeks before the wedding. Just two weeks more gives a little more of an indication.

We'll take a look at a few here.

  • Registry information. Topping the list of what not to include in wedding invitations is registry information. 
  • No kids. 
  • Too much information. 
  • Too many different fonts and font sizes.
  • The bride's married name. 
  • An incomplete address/location.

Traditionally, the parents of the bride issue wedding invitations. This tradition dates back to when a bride's father arranged marriage for his daughter.

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