When to Send Wedding Invitations: A Practical Timeline for Save-the-Dates, Cards & RSVPs

Sending invitations too late leaves guests scrambling for leave and travel; sending them too early means details may change before the wedding arrives. A simple timeline avoids both problems.

Share the date early

As soon as the date and city are fixed, let close family and out-of-town guests know — informally by call or message is fine. People travelling long distances or taking time off work need the most notice, and a short "save the date" message costs nothing.

A working timeline

• 3 to 4 months before: date and city shared with close family and travelling guests
• 6 to 8 weeks before: full invitation sent to everyone; allow longer if guests must travel abroad or book flights
• 2 to 3 weeks before: RSVP deadline, so catering and seating numbers can be finalised
• 1 week before: a short reminder with directions, parking, and timings for guests who have confirmed

These are common planning guidelines rather than fixed rules; adjust them to your community's customs and your guests' circumstances.

Digital cards shorten the lead time, not the courtesy

Because a digital card can be designed and delivered in minutes, it is tempting to send it late. Guests still need time to plan, so treat the timeline above as the minimum even when delivery is instant.

Set a real RSVP date

Put the reply-by date on the card itself and say how to respond. A shareable RSVP link — like the free one built into ShadiCardMaker — shows you who has replied without chasing each guest individually, which matters most in the final fortnight.