One of the most common questions we are asked by our brides-to-be is when to send their wedding stationery. With lots of conflicting information online and factors such as holidays or weddings abroad, it is no wonder our brides are so baffled. The truth is there is no an exact science to it as each couple’s wedding is unique, however here we try to cover all factors, clearing up once and for all when to send your wedding stationery for your wedding.
Save the Dates
Save the date cards are pre-wedding invitation memos announcing the date of your wedding, letting guests know that they are invited. This allows them to pop it in their diary and well…save the date! Your guests will appreciate the heads up so that they can make plans around it!
When should I send my save the date cards?
Traditionally, save the date cards are sent out between 4 – 6 months before the wedding, giving your guests plenty of time to request time off work, book accommodation, arrange child care and save money.
What if my wedding is abroad or during the summer holidays?
For destination weddings or weddings during the summer holidays send the save the date cards 6-8 months in advance.
There are a lot more logistics to consider for your guests if you are marrying abroad. They may need to renew their passport, book flights and accommodation and child care will potentially be more tricky if they are going to be away for more than a day.
With weddings during the summer holidays you want them to receive their save the date before they book any holidays. With children being off school during this time, they may find organising child care more difficult too.
What if my wedding is around Christmas?
Christmas is a busy and expensive time for everyone so it is worth considering this before sending out your wedding stationery. As with holidays abroad or during the summer holidays, send them 6-8 months before the wedding.
What if my wedding is in a couple of years?
We know you are excited, but even if you have booked your venue don’t send out your save the dates too early to avoid them being misplaced. We wouldn’t recommend sending them any earlier than a year in advance. You may also find that your friendship group may change leaving you wishing you hadn’t invited some people and could invite newer friends.
Should I send a save the date to guests who are only coming to the evening do?
Attending an evening party will not require as much planning for your evening guests, therefore a save the date card is not necessary. Wedding invitations are sent in plenty of time for your guest to make plans and save that evening for your wedding.
Wedding Invitations
Your wedding invitations should contain everything that your guests need to know about your wedding – when, where, directions and a map, accommodation recommendations, plus-one rules, the dress code, a link to your wedding website (if you have one), your gift list and RSVP cards.
When should I send my wedding invitations?
We recommend sending your wedding invitations 2 – 3 months before the wedding.
What if my wedding is abroad or during the summer holidays?
Like the rule with save the date cards, send them a couple of months earlier; so 3 – 4 months if the wedding is abroad or during the summer holidays.
What if my wedding is around Christmas?
Bear in mind the issues with the post as mentioned with the save the dates and send them 3 – 4 months in advance of your big day.
What if my wedding is in a couple of years?
Whilst it is okay to send your save the dates a bit earlier, we would recommend sending them no earlier than 2-3 months in advance to avoid them getting lost.
Should I send evening invitations at the same time as the regular invitations?
Yes. Whilst evening guests don’t need quite as much time as your ‘all day’ guests to make plans for the big day, it makes your life easier to send them all out at the same time!
When Should I Ask for the RSVPs Back?
Even after sending your save the dates and wedding invitations months in advance, there is always a handful of people who leave it until the last minute to RSVP! Clearly state on your RSVP and wedding invitations a specific date you want them back by and make this date between 2 – 3 weeks before the wedding, giving you enough time for a final head count. Don’t be afraid to give a friendly reminder in person or via email about the due date a week or so before hand and if there is anyone who hasn’t gotten back to you by the cut off date, pick up the phone. After that, their time is up!
