When to Send Wedding Invitations and Save-the-Dates
When to send save-the-dates and wedding invitations, when to set the RSVP deadline, and how the timeline changes for a destination wedding.
Most couples send wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, and save-the-dates six to eight months before. This guide sets out the whole timeline, from the first save-the-date to the final headcount, and explains when to start earlier for a destination wedding, a holiday weekend or guests who have to travel.
Wedding invitation timeline at a glance
Send save-the-dates 6 to 8 months before the wedding. Send invitations 6 to 8 weeks before. Ask guests to reply 3 to 4 weeks before the date. For a destination wedding, move each step earlier.
| Step | Local wedding | Destination wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Save-the-date | 6-8 months before | 8-12 months before |
| Invitation | 6-8 weeks before | About 3 months before |
| RSVP deadline | 3-4 weeks before | 6-8 weeks before |
| Final numbers to the venue | When the venue asks, often 1-2 weeks before | When the venue or planner asks |
| Thank-you cards | Within about 3 months after | Within about 3 months after |
When to send save-the-dates
A save-the-date is a short notice that tells guests the date and the place, so they can book time off and travel. It does not need the full schedule or an RSVP. Those come with the invitation.
- 6-8 months before suits most weddings.
- 8-12 months before suits a destination wedding, a wedding on a holiday weekend, or a guest list with many people traveling long distances.
- Only send one to people you will invite. A save-the-date is a promise that an invitation will follow, so finish your guest list first.
The wording can be very short: “Save the Date. Ava Collins and Sam Patel are getting married. Saturday, June 6, Lakeside Barn, Hartwell. Invitation to follow.” You can browse matching designs among our wedding invitations.
When to send wedding invitations
Six to eight weeks gives guests time to arrange travel, childcare and outfits, and it is close enough to the date that the invitation does not get forgotten. If you are sending paper invitations, add a week or two before that for printing, addressing and postage.
Send invitations earlier if
- Many guests need to fly or book hotels.
- The wedding falls on a holiday weekend, when flights and rooms fill up early.
- Guests are coming from abroad and may need passports or visas.
- Your caterer needs meal choices well before the final headcount.
Short engagements
If the wedding is less than four months away, skip the save-the-date. Send the invitation as soon as the venue and time are confirmed, ideally 8 to 12 weeks before, and tell close family and friends in person or by message first.
When to set the RSVP deadline
Set the RSVP deadline 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. Start from the date your venue or caterer needs final numbers, then add a week so you have time to contact anyone who has not replied. Write the date plainly: “Kindly reply by Saturday, May 9.” Our RSVP wording guide has more ways to phrase it.
Destination wedding timeline
Destination guests have more to arrange: flights, hotels, time off work and sometimes a passport. Give them as much notice as you can.
- Save-the-date: 8-12 months before, with the location and a link to travel details.
- Invitation: about 3 months before.
- RSVP deadline: 6-8 weeks before. Hotel room blocks often have a release date, so set your deadline before it.
- Travel details: share the nearest airport, hotel options, transport to the venue and any group events in one place guests can return to.
Timing for other wedding events
- Engagement party: 4-6 weeks before the party.
- Bridal or wedding shower: 4-6 weeks before the shower.
- Bachelor or bachelorette party: 6-8 weeks before, or earlier if it involves travel.
- Rehearsal dinner: 3-4 weeks before, or include a separate card with the wedding invitation.
- Thank-you cards: within about three months of the wedding. Gifts that arrive before the day can be thanked sooner.
Example timeline for a June wedding
Here is how the dates work out for a local wedding on Saturday, June 6.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| October to early December | Finish the guest list and send save-the-dates |
| March | Order or design invitations and collect addresses |
| Mid to late April | Send invitations, 6-8 weeks before the wedding |
| Saturday, May 9 | RSVP deadline, 4 weeks before |
| Mid-May | Contact guests who have not replied |
| Late May | Send final numbers and meal choices to the venue |
| June to early September | Send thank-you cards |
Next step: the wording
Once the dates are set, the next job is what the invitation says. Our wedding invitation wording guide has formal, casual and family-hosted examples you can copy.
Pick a design, add your details and collect every RSVP in one place. Free to start.
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About Invite Jam Team
Written by the team building Invite Jam, a digital invitation service with editable templates, hand-drawn designs and uploads for your own artwork. We share practical advice on invitation wording, planning celebrations and collecting guest replies online.
Learn more about Invite JamFrequently asked questions
- How far in advance should you send wedding invitations?
- Send them 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. For a destination wedding or a holiday weekend, send them about 3 months before so guests have time to book travel.
- When should save-the-dates be sent?
- Send save-the-dates 6 to 8 months before the wedding, or 8 to 12 months before for a destination wedding. Only send them to people who will receive an invitation.
- Is four weeks too late to send wedding invitations?
- It is short notice, and some guests may already have plans. Send the invitations straight away, set the RSVP deadline about two weeks before the wedding, and call or message the guests who matter most so they hear about it directly.
- When should the RSVP deadline be for a wedding?
- Three to four weeks before the wedding is usual. Work back from the date your venue or caterer needs final numbers and leave a week to follow up with guests who have not replied.
- Do you have to send save-the-dates?
- No. They are most useful for destination weddings, holiday weekends and guest lists with a lot of travel. For a small local wedding or a short engagement, the invitation alone is enough.