One of the questions we get asked all the time is “when should I be sending my invitations?”. In this blog post we’ll cover when to send your invitations, plus other top tips you might find helpful.
When should we send save the date cards?
Save the date cards are a lovely way of giving your guests prior notice of your big day, allowing them to mark it in their diaries to keep it free and if you’re at the age where lots of your friends and family are getting married sending save the dates helps to get yours in the diary first!
If you have your wedding date booked in and confirmed with your venue we do strongly recommend sending save the date cards to help ensure your friends and family can make it, and you can send save the dates six to eight months in advance.
Who should we send save the dates to?
Save the dates should only be sent to guests who are invited to your whole wedding day.
When should we send our wedding invitations?
Try to give your guests plenty of notice – even if you have already sent save the date cards. We recommend sending 3 – 4 months before the big day if you can, especially if your date is during summer holiday months or close to Christmas and new year.
Who should receive a wedding invitation?
Everyone on your guest list, but don’t forget to combine couples and families when looking at your numbers i.e. every singular guest does not need their own invitation.
When should the RSVP date be?
We suggest a RSVP date approx. 8-10 weeks before the wedding which allows you plenty of time to gather your final numbers and chase any stragglers.
What time should we state on our invitations?
Definitely not the time you want the ceremony to actually begin! Give your guests a time that is at least half an hour to 45 minutes before the ceremony time to ensure everyone is seated for when you want the official proceedings to begin. A top tip is to give them something to do during this time – perhaps create a photo area where they can have their photos taken whilst they look immaculate (before the celebrations perhaps get a bit messy!), or ask them to sign the guest book.
What about invitations for guests overseas?
If you’re sending your invitations 3 – 4 months in advance of the big day this timelines works perfectly for any international guests too. You might want to send them additional information via email e.g. details of recommended hotels.
When should we order our on-the-day wedding stationery?
We recommend ordering your on-the-day items 6 – 7 weeks before your wedding day, but don’t worry if you’ve left it longer it’s not a problem. Our express service can accommodate any last minute “I’ve forgotten!” orders.
Our recommended timelines are just that, recommendations. We understand life sometimes gets in the way of allowing you to follow suggested guidelines so don’t worry if you’re out of synch with the timings we’ve included, and just work to what is best for you.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to drop the customer services team an email on [email protected] or give them a call on 024 76 688692. We’re here to help.