If you are wondering when you should send wedding invitations in the UK, the answer depends on your wedding style, guest list and how far people need to travel. This guide explains realistic UK timelines for save the dates and invitations, helping you plan with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress.
When Should You Send Wedding Invitations in the UK
For most UK weddings, invitations are sent between 8 and 12 weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests enough time to make arrangements without forgetting details or misplacing the invitation.
If you have already sent save the dates, sending invitations closer to the 8 week mark is usually perfectly fine.
When to Send Save the Dates
Save the dates are typically sent 6 to 12 months before the wedding. They are most useful if you are getting married during peak season, on a bank holiday weekend, or if many guests will need to travel.
Save the dates do not need to include full details. Their purpose is simply to secure the date in your guests’ diaries.
Does the Type of Wedding Change the Timeline
Yes, the kind of wedding you are planning can affect when invitations should be sent.
Destination weddings
If guests are travelling abroad, invitations are often sent 3 to 4 months in advance, sometimes earlier. This allows time for booking flights and accommodation.
UK weddings with overseas guests
Even if your wedding is in the UK, guests travelling from abroad will appreciate earlier notice. Sending invitations around 12 weeks before the wedding is usually sensible.
Registry office or small weddings
For smaller, informal weddings, invitations can be sent slightly later, especially if guests are local. However, 8 weeks is still a good minimum.
When to Set Your RSVP Date
Your RSVP deadline should usually be set 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to finalise seating plans, catering numbers and on the day stationery.
Setting the RSVP date too close to the wedding often leads to unnecessary chasing and last minute changes.
What If You Are Running Late
If you are behind schedule, it is still better to send invitations than to keep waiting for everything to feel perfect. Guests are generally understanding, especially if you communicate clearly.
In some cases, couples send invitations slightly later and follow up with a message or email to confirm details.
Modern Invitation Timelines and Digital RSVPs
Many couples now use wedding websites and digital RSVPs. This has made invitation timelines more flexible, as guests can respond quickly and access updates online.
Using a QR code or website link can also reduce the need for additional printed inserts, simplifying your stationery and saving time.
How Invitation Timing Affects the Rest of Your Stationery
Your invitation timeline affects when you will need menus, place cards and seating plans printed. Knowing your guest numbers early makes the rest of your stationery planning much smoother.
Leaving enough time between your RSVP date and the wedding allows you to enjoy the final stages of planning without feeling rushed.
A Simple UK Wedding Invitation Timeline
- 6 to 12 months before: send save the dates if needed
- 8 to 12 weeks before: send wedding invitations
- 3 to 4 weeks before: RSVP deadline
- 1 to 2 weeks before: finalise on the day stationery
This timeline works for most UK weddings and can be adjusted to suit your plans.
