Invite Timeline: Your Step‑by‑Step Guide to Wedding Invitation Scheduling

Planning a wedding feels like juggling a thousand details, and the invitation timeline is one of the trickiest bits. Get the right dates on the calendar and you’ll keep guests informed, avoid last‑minute stress, and keep your budget in check. Below is a practical, no‑fluff roadmap that works for most UK couples.

When to Send Save‑the‑Dates

Save‑the‑dates act like a friendly heads‑up. Aim to send them about 12–14 weeks before the big day if most guests are local. If you’re planning a destination wedding or expect many out‑of‑town guests, push that out to 6 months ahead. This gives people enough time to book flights, arrange time off, and start budgeting.

A quick tip: keep the design simple—just the basics (couple’s names, date, location) and a note that formal invites are on the way. This saves money and speeds up printing.

Timing Your Formal Invitations & RSVP Cards

Formal invitations should land in the mailbox 8–10 weeks before the ceremony. This window offers guests ample time to RSVP while still feeling the excitement. For a wedding in June, aim to send out invites in early April.

Include a pre‑paid RSVP card with a clear deadline—usually 3 weeks before the event. That deadline gives you a solid head‑count for catering, seating, and final numbers for the venue. If you’re using an online RSVP system, still set a cut‑off date and mention it on the invitation.

Remember these common pitfalls:

• Sending invites too early (people forget or lose them).
• Leaving the RSVP deadline too close to the wedding (vendors can’t adjust).
• Forgetting to mention a dress code or special instructions.

Cross‑check your timeline with any other pre‑wedding events—engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsals—so nothing overlaps.

Finally, keep a master spreadsheet. Log each guest’s address, when you mailed their invite, and when the RSVP came in. A quick glance will show you who’s missing and who needs a gentle reminder.

By sticking to this invite timeline, you’ll keep the paperwork moving smoothly, give guests plenty of notice, and stay on top of head‑counts without pulling your hair out. Happy planning!