Getting married is a memorable milestone. However, from the entourage to the wedding invitations, the preparations could be quite exhausting. If getting ready for your wedding, you’re probably aware that it takes a lot of stationery and invitations. With this, you might be struggling with your invites.
Not only that, but you might also be wondering, “How early is too early for wedding invitations?” Are you having difficulties with your invitations? Do you not know when to send wedding invitations? Well, worry no more!
Below are some wedding invitation etiquettes you should follow if you’re ready to send your invites.
When it comes to wedding invitations, you have got to create and follow a timeline. Typically, it takes a lot of time preparing for grand wedding invitations. On the other hand, exceptional cases like last-minute ceremonies usually involve a shorter timeline.
When to Order Wedding Invitations
Probably the most critical part of the timeline is ordering your wedding invitations. Ordering ahead of time helps you plan and determine when you can send them out to your guests.
They are ordering four to six months before the wedding is enough time. Keep in mind that invitations and other stationery require time, so ordering in this time frame is recommended.
When to Send Wedding Save the Dates
If you’re planning to save the dates for a local wedding, send them eight to ten months before the ceremony. Early reminders allow your guest list to mark their calendars and remind them of an incoming formal invitation.
On the other hand, save the dates for destination weddings are best sent a year before the wedding. This time frame will give your guests the time to plan their vacations and request time off from work or school. Given that destination weddings require more time to plan out correctly, you want to give your guests as much time as possible.
When to Send Wedding Invitations Without Save the Dates
Now, if you do not have “save the dates,” it’ll all depend on whether you have informally informed them about your wedding. However, keep in mind that a formal invitation is what’s going to make them get ready for your wedding.
With this, it’s fair to give your guests enough time and room if you do not have to “save the dates.” Typically, six weeks is the minimum. On the other hand, two or three months is ideal.
When to Send Wedding Invitations, Local and Hometown Weddings
It is recommendable to send wedding invitations at least six to eight weeks before the wedding. It is recommendable for local and hometown weddings. Six to eight weeks is enough to give your guests time because they wouldn’t be traveling.
Besides, you can set the RSVP deadline two to three weeks before the ceremony. You will gain enough time to plan essential wedding matters, including escort cards and the final headcount.
When to Send Wedding Invitations, Destination Weddings
As mentioned, destination weddings require more time and planning than local and hometown weddings. With this, you must give your guests enough time to prepare for the trip.
If you’re holding a destination wedding, you should aim to send the invitations six to ten months before the travel dates. It applies regardless if you’re going online and sending e-invites or going traditional. Keep in mind that traveling requires various documents, so you have to give your guests enough time to gather them.
Now, if you still have questions about sending your invitations and other necessary wedding stationery, watch Bluebird Bride Academy’s When To Send Wedding Invitations (AND SAVE THE DATES).
How Early Is Too Early for Wedding Invitations?
“Too early” exists when it comes to wedding invitations. However, the question is, “Just how early is too early?”
Depending on your wedding venue, it’s best to send invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding for local ceremonies. On the other hand, sending wedding invites six months in advance to ten months before the travel dates are ideal.
According to Weddingbells, anything earlier than the dates mentioned will cause your guests to forget about the RSVP. It is not most people’s forte to accept or decline an RSVP. The longer they have the invitation, the lower the chances of them going to the event.
How to Address Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitation etiquette requires that the invitation’s outer envelope be formal, with the guests’ titles and full names. On the other hand, the inner envelope could be informal, with no title or last names. However, know that you can leave labels off because they aren’t necessary and can be exclusive.
If you’re wondering how to address wedding invitations, here’s how.
- Married Couple
Put the names on the same line. You can leave the titles out if you want. For different surnames, put the person closer to you first. If they are equally close to you, make it alphabetical. If they have the same last name, address the invitation that reflects such.
- Unmarried Couple That Lives Together
Use the format similar to married couples. The main difference is that each name has a line of its own.
- Married Doctor or Two Married Doctors
The proper etiquette is to use the official title of a doctor. If the couple doesn’t have the same last name, reflect it on your invitations.
- People With Other Distinguished Titles
For people with distinguished titles, the same rule you use for doctors apply. This rule applies to judges, military personnel, and others. If the labels don’t fit using a single line, indent the second line.
- Children and Families
Younger guests should be part of the inner envelope of their parents’ invitations. For girls below 18 years old, you can address them as “Miss” if you like. On the other hand, boys need not be addressed as “Mr.” unless they are 18. If you want to be gender-neutral, go with “Mx.”
- Children 18 and Older
You should send separate invitations to children who are above 18 unless they live with their parents. You’re free not to use titles as they are not necessary. However, if you’re going to use labels, be sure that you use the appropriate identifiers. If you’re not sure, it’s best to leave titles out or use “Mx.”
If you want visual examples of wedding invitations addressed according to etiquette, you may watch this video from HowToCreatorss.
Wedding Guest Count Formula
Once you’ve sent out your invites, you will probably start to ask how many will accept them and come to your wedding. Now, if you’re not sure, you can always estimate to give you an idea. Here’s how to determine your wedding’s attendance.
- Locals vs. People from Out of Town
If you already have a wedding guest, divide the list between locals and those out of town. If you sent the invitations six to eight weeks before the big day, most of the people on your list would likely show up.
For local guests, typically, 85% of your wedding guests will show up. However, keep in mind to include plus ones if you’ve invited them.
On the other hand, those from out of town typically depend on wealth and how many are related. For a wealthy crowd that’s mostly associated, it’s typical that 85% of the total count will come to the wedding. However, if they are old friends you haven’t seen in years, chances are, only 40% will accept your invitation.
- Absolute Maximums
If we’re talking absolute maximums, consider the overall wedding attendance. If your wedding can only take 60 guests, ensure that the ceremony can accommodate everyone. With this, you would probably want to go short of 60.
If you’ve already determined your decline rates, the next thing to do is use this formula from The Spruce to add them together: (# of out-of-town guests * 65%) + (# of local guests * 90%). The number you get is the estimated guest count at your wedding.
- The A and B Lists
Making A and B lists for your wedding invitations is a smart move. What you can do is send the A-list invitations eight weeks before the wedding. As the RSVP comes in, you can start sending invites to people on the B list. You can then begin your final guest list ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the wedding of your dreams can be quite exhausting, especially with all the invitations and other essential stationery. However, figuring out when to send wedding invitations would be easy, especially when you’ve read this guide.
Just remember, if you’re planning a destination wedding, sending wedding invites six months in advance is ideal. You can also go up to 10 months if you’d like. For local weddings, six to eight weeks is ample time to let your guests prepare.
If you’re still struggling with wedding invitations, you may comment on this article if you have any questions. We’ve got you covered!