How far in advance to send wedding invitations and save the date cards

 Congratulations, you’ve set a date for your wedding!

How far in advance to send wedding invitations and save the date cards

It is usually recommended to send your wedding invitations out 6-8 months before your wedding. This ensures that your guests will be able to plan in advance to be able to attend, especially if they need to book time off work or arrange childcare. This timeframe also enables you to send invites to reserve guests if some RSVP to say they’re unable to attend.

If you would like to include specific details on your invitations that you won’t know until a later date, then a good option would be to order save the dates in advance. Save the dates are great at giving your guests as much notice as possible so they can plan ahead. As such, save the dates can be sent anywhere between 9-12 months before your wedding, or longer! (if you’re planning far ahead).

Obviously, timeframes on when you should send out save the dates or invitations vary largely depending on your circumstances and how long you have given yourself to plan. For example, for destination weddings, you may want to give your guests as much notice as possible in order to book travel and accommodation.

Wedding Invitations

 

Do you have to send save the dates?

It is traditional to send save the dates before sending out your invitations, although, it’s also entirely down to personal preference. If you have all the details you need in advance, you can skip straight to sending invitations if you prefer. Save the dates don’t have to have too much information on them, sometimes just your names, the date and the location are enough to give your guests plenty of notice.

Things to take into consideration when deciding whether to send save the dates to your guests are; if they’re planning to book holidays over your date, if they’re already attending another wedding on your date, or if they’re able to request the time off work. The aim is to make sure the guests you want to be there on your big day are able to actually attend!

Save The Dates

 

When should you send out wedding invitations?

It is important to first consider what style of wedding invitations you want to send, custom designs or handmade finishing options can lengthen the time it takes to arrange your invitations by a few weeks to several months, depending on the seller. This means that you will need to allow additional time to finalise your designs. Ideally, you want to choose something that reflects your style, so you’ll need to do some research and see what options meet your budget and timeline before committing.

Ready-made invitation templates can be found online in various places, the templates we show on our TavernCreative website and Etsy store are available to be customised by yourself and are ready to print as soon as you place your order. Given the fast turnaround, these may be the best option if you have left things a little late in your wedding planning.

We understand that wedding planning can be very overwhelming and other life events can get in the way. Although, we still recommend sending your invitations out at the absolute latest 2-3 months before your wedding to allow your guests enough time to RSVP. Chasing for responses can lead to added stress and you want your big day to be as enjoyable as possible.

As there is a lot to consider when ordering save the dates and invitations, here at TavernCreative we are always on hand to offer advice and provide you with the information you need to make organising your stationery stress-free.

Wedding Invitations

 

Why choose TavernCreative for your wedding stationery?

TavernCreative was founded in October 2017 with the goal of creating luxury stationery that is accessible to everyone. We believe that luxury wedding stationery should not come at a high price, and we strive to offer our products at a more affordable price point while maintaining a high level of quality.

At TavernCreative, we take pride in our attention to detail and exceptional customer service.

From the design process to the packaging and shipping of our products, we aim to provide a memorable and satisfying experience for our customers.

Furthermore, we feel ‘quality’ isn’t limited to the finished product itself, which is why we offer exceptional service every step of the way. From the attentive design process, to the careful packaging & shipping, all the way until you open the box to see your stunning stationery for yourself.

We are committed to creating stunning and luxurious stationery that will leave a lasting impression.

We aim to wow!

How far in advance to send wedding invitations and save the date cards
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Matching Your Invitations to Your Wedding Style

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Once you’ve chosen your wording, selecting an invitation design that complements your tone helps create a cohesive first impression for your guests.

Explore Wedding Invitation Guides and Ideas

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Wedding Invitation FAQs

  • How many wedding invitations should we order?

    You only need one invitation per household or couple, rather than one per guest. It’s a good idea to order a few extra copies to allow for last minute additions or keepsakes.

  • What is the difference between day and evening wedding invitations?

    Day invitations are sent to guests attending the ceremony and wedding breakfast, while evening invitations are for guests invited to join you later for the reception. The wording and timings on each invitation should clearly reflect this.

  • When should wedding invitations be sent in the UK?

    Wedding invitations are typically sent 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding date. Evening invitations can often be sent slightly later, around 6 to 8 weeks before the day.

  • Can wedding invitations be personalised?

    Yes, most wedding invitations can be personalised with your names, wording, dates and venue details. Many couples also choose to personalise design elements such as colours, fonts or layouts to suit their wedding style.

  • What information should be included on a wedding invitation?

    A wedding invitation should include the names of the couple, the date and time, the venue details and RSVP information. Additional details such as dress code or accommodation are often included on an insert card or wedding website.

  • Do we need RSVP cards with our wedding invitations?

    RSVP cards are optional, but they are helpful for managing guest numbers. Some couples choose traditional RSVP cards, while others prefer online RSVPs through a wedding website.

  • Should wedding invitations match the rest of the stationery?

    Many couples choose to coordinate their invitations with the rest of their wedding stationery, including save the dates, order of service booklets and thank you cards, to create a consistent look throughout the day.

  • What style of wedding invitation should we choose?

    The style of your invitation should reflect the overall feel of your wedding. Classic designs suit formal celebrations, while modern or illustrated invitations work well for relaxed, contemporary or destination weddings.

Designed Wedding Invitations, Made Personal

At TavernCreative, we design wedding invitations that balance beautiful design with thoughtful wording. Every invitation is carefully considered to ensure it not only looks beautiful but also communicates the details of your day clearly and confidently. Many couples choose to personalise their wedding invitations to reflect their style, their story and the overall tone of their celebration, creating a first impression that feels both meaningful and memorable.

Written by TavernCreative – UK Wedding Stationery Designers