Wedding Invitation Timeline
May 7, 2026
Timing your invitations correctly is important. Use this timeline for sending save-the-dates and formal invites.
Give guests plenty of notice. Send save-the-dates 8 to 12 months before for destination weddings, and 6 to 8 months for local weddings. Send formal invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. The RSVP deadline should be 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to give final numbers to your caterer. Order your invitations 3 to 4 months before the send date. Address envelopes by hand or use a calligrapher. Do not use printed labels. Weigh a fully assembled invitation. Take it to the post office to check postage. Mail them all at once. For destination weddings, send invitations even earlier. Even 3 to 4 months before. Guests need to book travel.
