Sending wedding invitations | Discover the perfect timing and avoid stress!

Sending out your wedding invitations is one of the most exciting moments in the preparation. Suddenly, your wedding becomes real! Friends and family receive the invitation, and the countdown can begin. But when should you actually send wedding invitations? Too early, and people might forget the date; too late, and guests might already have other plans. Discover exactly when to send your wedding invitations, how to best approach it, and what to keep in mind.

When to send wedding invitations?

Most couples send their wedding invitations about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives most guests plenty of time to keep the wedding date free and make any necessary arrangements. Are you planning a wedding in the high season (for example, in the summer)? Then it might be wise to inform guests earlier with a save the date card. This way, they know well in advance that your wedding is coming up.

If you send the official wedding invitations about two months before the wedding, you're usually in good shape. In some situations, it might be wise to send the invitations a bit earlier or later. Below are some common examples.

Summer wedding

Getting married in the summer? Many people plan vacations or weekend getaways early. In that case, it's smart to inform guests a bit earlier, for example, 8 to 10 weeks in advance.

Destination wedding

Getting married abroad or do guests have to travel further? People often need more time to arrange flights and accommodations. In that case, it's best to send the wedding invitation 10 to 12 weeks in advance.

Last minute wedding

Sometimes a wedding is planned faster than expected. No problem! Send the invitations as soon as the date, location, and key details are set. Even with 4 to 6 weeks of preparation, guests can often still make it.

Want to know what should be on a wedding invitation? We'll tell you!

Do you send wedding invitations by mail or digitally?

Nowadays, there are different ways to send wedding invitations. What suits you best depends mainly on your style and preference.

Classic wedding invitations by mail

The most chosen option is still the classic wedding invitation by mail. Opening a beautiful envelope with a personal card feels extra special for many guests. Moreover, a wedding invitation is often kept as a keepsake.

Digital wedding invitation

More and more couples are also opting for a digital invitation, for example, via email or a personal wedding website. This is quick, practical, and often cheaper.

A combination of both

Some couples combine both options. For example, a beautiful paper card for family and close friends, and a digital invitation for colleagues or acquaintances.

Can you deliver wedding invitations personally?

Some couples enjoy personally delivering wedding invitations to family or close friends. It makes the moment extra special and enjoyable. Keep in mind that it's helpful to do this around the same time as you would send the cards. This way, everyone receives the invitation around the same time.

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How do you collect all your guests' addresses?

A surprisingly time-consuming task: collecting all your guests' addresses. Especially if you're inviting guests from different friend groups, families, and colleagues. A handy way is to create a list where you keep track of all names and addresses. This way, you can immediately check if everything is correct before sending the cards. Many couples use our digital guest list tool, where you can easily collect addresses, organize guests, and track who is coming or not.

When do you send cards to day guests and evening guests?

Not everyone is present all day at your wedding. That's why many couples distinguish between day guests and evening guests. In most cases, you send the cards around the same time. The difference is usually not in the timing of sending, but in the information on the card. For example, the invitation for day guests includes the full program of the day, while evening guests only receive the time of the party.

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How do you prevent wedding cards from arriving late?

It would be a shame if your carefully chosen wedding cards arrive late. Fortunately, you can do a few simple things to prevent that:

• Consider weekend mail. Mail sent just before the weekend can sometimes take a few extra days to arrive.
• Watch out for holidays. Around holidays, mail delivery can take longer than usual.
• Send cards to international guests earlier. International mail often takes more time to arrive.
• Mail the cards at the beginning of the week. This way, they have the best chance of arriving on time for your guests.

Don't forget the RSVP! We explain what it is and give you examples.

Common mistakes when sending wedding cards

Even when sending wedding cards, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few mistakes that couples surprisingly often make.

• Sending wedding cards too late. Don't wait until the last moment. Guests need time to make plans, especially if they have to travel.
• Not checking addresses properly. A small typo in a postal code or street name can cause a card to never arrive.
• Not allowing enough time for addressing envelopes. Writing envelopes often takes more time than you think. So start well in advance.
• Mailing all cards at once right before a weekend. Mail sent just before the weekend may take longer to arrive.
• Not considering international guests. International mail often takes longer, so always send those invitations a bit earlier.

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Frequently asked questions about sending wedding invitations

• When do you mail wedding invitations?

  In most cases, yes. This way, all guests receive the invitation around the same time. Only guests who live further away might be invited a bit earlier.

• Do you send all wedding invitations at once?

  Yes, many couples enjoy personally handing the wedding invitation to family or close friends. Do this around the same time as you would mail the cards.

• Can you personally deliver wedding invitations?

  Yes, many couples enjoy personally handing the wedding invitation to family or close friends. Do this around the same time as you would mail the cards.

• Do you send wedding invitations at the same time as the save the date?

  No, a save the date is usually sent a few months earlier. The official wedding invitation follows about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.

Sending wedding invitations? Save these tips!

Are you about to send out wedding invitations? Then you'll probably want to keep these tips handy. Save this article in your profile. How? Click the heart at the top of the article, and you'll easily find it later under 'saved' in your free planning tools. This way, you'll always quickly find all the handy tips on sending wedding invitations while planning your wedding.

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