Sending out save-the-dates and formal invitations is a critical part of the wedding planning process. They serve as the first official announcement of your wedding day and give your guests ample time to plan and prepare for your big day. But when is the right time to send out these important pieces of stationery? Here's a guide to help you determine when to send out your save-the-dates and formal invitations:
- Save-the-Dates - Save-the-dates should be sent out 6 to 8 months before your wedding day. This allows your guests enough time to make arrangements, including booking travel and accommodations if necessary.
- Formal Invitations - Formal invitations should be sent out 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding day. This gives your guests a clear timeline for the wedding day and allows them to make any necessary arrangements, such as ordering a new outfit or requesting time off work.
- Destination Weddings - If you're planning a destination wedding, it's best to send out your save-the-dates 9 to 12 months in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan and prepare for their trip, and also allows them to secure travel arrangements and accommodations.
- Consider Your RSVP Deadline - When you send out your formal invitations, be sure to include a clear RSVP deadline. A typical RSVP deadline is 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding day. This gives you enough time to finalize your guest list and make any necessary arrangements.
- Mailing Timeline - To ensure that your guests receive your save-the-dates and formal invitations on time, it's important to follow a strict mailing timeline. This means that you should send out your save-the-dates 6 to 8 months before your wedding day and your formal invitations 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding day.
By following these guidelines, you'll give your guests plenty of time to plan and prepare for your wedding day. Remember, the goal of sending out save-the-dates and formal invitations is to give your guests all of the information they need to celebrate with you on your big day.