When Should You Send Wedding Invitations?

Timing your wedding invitations right can help everything fall into place... from RSVPs and meal planning to travel and accommodation. But when exactly should you send them?

Here’s a quick guide to help you post your invites at the perfect moment... whether you’re planning a local celebration or a destination wedding.

3 to 4 Months Before the Wedding

For most UK weddings, sending your invitations around 12 to 16 weeks before the big day is ideal. This gives guests plenty of time to reply, make arrangements, and book accommodation if needed.

4 to 6 Months for Peak Season or Weekend Weddings

If you're getting married during the summer or on a bank holiday weekend, send invites a little earlier. Schedules fill up fast during these periods, so giving guests a head start can improve your response rate.

6+ Months for Destination Weddings

Planning a wedding abroad or somewhere that requires significant travel? Aim to send invitations six months in advance... or even earlier. Guests may need time to request time off work, book flights, and budget for the trip.

What If You Sent Save the Dates?

If your guests have already received save the dates, you can get away with sending formal invitations slightly closer to the date. However, the 3–4 month rule is still a helpful guideline for giving everyone time to respond.

Don’t Forget to Factor in Printing Time

When planning your timeline, remember to include time for proofreading, printing, and postage. If you're using a bespoke or illustrated design, give yourself extra wiggle room to allow for approval and production.

Sending your invitations at the right time helps you get those RSVPs in early, manage your planning more smoothly, and keep guests informed... all without any last-minute stress.

When Should You Send Wedding Invitations?
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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