When Should You Send Wedding Invitations UK

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.

Flat lay of a weekly planner with a camera, gold jewellery, candle and pen arranged on a marble surface, styled as a modern wedding planning workspace.
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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