subject: When Should I Send My Invitations? [print this page] When Should I Send My Invitations? When Should I Send My Invitations?
Plan ahead for your party. Make sure your guests have enough time to schedule your event by using these timeline guidelines for your invitations.
Wedding Invitations
Order Invitations: 4 months before wedding date (depends on how long it takes to prepare)
Start addressing: 3 months before wedding
Send: 8 weeks before the wedding (minimum 6 weeks before wedding)
with an RSVP date of: 3 weeks before wedding (minimum 2 weeks before wedding)
Other:
- YourRSVP date should allow you time to label place cards & make final head counts
- Consider sending Save-The-Date cards when your wedding date has been set (4-12 months before wedding)- especially if your wedding date is near a holiday or you expect people to travel to your wedding
- If inviting guests from overseas, send them their invitations about 10 weeks before the event
In Europe, because people may attend from thousands of miles away, Save The Date cards are sent out 9 months before the wedding, then invitations about 6 months before. RSVPs are requested up to 4 months before the wedding, giving the bride-to-be time to confirm arrangements.
RSVP: if your venue or caterer needs to know the exact number of people attending, make sure your RSVP date give you enough time to follow up on stragglers.
Other: If the party date is near a holiday, plan to send them out 4-6 weeks before the party
Party Invitations
Order: 4-5 weeks in advance
Send: 3-4 weeks in advance
RSVP: if your venue or caterer needs to know the exact number of people attending, make sure your RSVP date give you enough time to follow up on stragglers.
Other: If the party date is near a holiday, plan to send invitations out 4-5 weeks before the party
Kids Party Invitations
Order: 3-4 weeks in advance
Send: 2 weeks in advance is OK
RSVP: if your venue or caterer needs to know the exact number of people attending, make sure your RSVP date give you enough time to follow up on stragglers.
Other: If the party date is near a holiday, plan to send invites out 3-4 weeks before the party
