When should you send wedding invitations?
Mail wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, and closer to eight if guests are mailing RSVP cards back. Send save-the-dates six to eight months out, set the RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the day, and give the caterer a final headcount about two weeks before. Destination weddings need more lead time. Enter your date below.
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Build the timeline in Rundown, freeYour invitation timeline
- Send save-the-datesThursday, March 18, 2027About 6 months before (6–8 is ideal)
- Order invitationsSaturday, June 12, 2027About 6 weeks before they go in the mail
- Mail invitationsSaturday, July 24, 20276–8 weeks before (aim for 8 with mailed RSVPs)
- RSVP deadlineSaturday, August 21, 20273–4 weeks before
- Final headcount to caterer & venueSaturday, September 4, 2027About 2 weeks before (check your contracts)
- Seating chart finalSaturday, September 11, 2027Common rule of thumb: about a week before
- Wedding daySaturday, September 18, 2027
Questions planners ask
When should you send wedding invitations?
Mail invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, according to The Knot. If guests are mailing RSVP cards back, stay closer to eight weeks. Have them printed and in hand about 10 weeks out, so order roughly 12 to 14 weeks before the date. For travel weddings, mail them earlier, about two to three months out.
When should the RSVP date be?
Set the RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the wedding, and never later than two weeks out (The Knot). That gives you time to chase late replies, send the final headcount to the caterer and venue about two weeks before, and finish the seating chart. For destination weddings, WeddingWire suggests about six weeks.
When should you send save-the-dates?
The Knot calls six to eight months before the wedding the ideal window; Zola says four to six months is fine for a local wedding. More than a year out is too early, and if you’re under four months away, skip save-the-dates and send invitations instead.
How is destination wedding timing different?
Everything moves earlier because guests need to book flights and rooms. Zola recommends save-the-dates eight to 12 months ahead, and WeddingWire suggests mailing invitations two to three months out with RSVPs due about six weeks before. Some planners send destination invitations even earlier; when in doubt, give guests more time.