When You Should Send Your Wedding Invitations

Photographer: Susan Dixon

Planning a wedding can be confusing - when should you book your wedding venue? Your florist? Caterer? And of course, your wedding invitations! And it’s not just wedding invitations, it’s save the dates, thank you notes, and more! Here is your guide for when to sending these - and who to send them to!

Wedding Invitations 

The traditional wedding invitation group includes the main invitation, a response card, and any additional information your guests will need (i.e. reception cards, travel & accommodations, attire, wedding website, etc.). Wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks prior to your wedding date and should be sent to everyone on your guest list. And, calling the wedding for at least 30-45 minutes before you want the ceremony to begin is a good rule of thumb. 

Save the Dates 

While save-the-date cards aren’t necessarily required, they’re a great way to ensure your guests mark your wedding date on their calendars. They’re also especially helpful for when guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations close to the wedding site are limited. Only guests who you plan on inviting to the wedding should receive a save the date and they should be sent around four to six months before the wedding (or earlier if you’re planning a destination wedding).  

Engagement Party Invitations

Some couple’s parents or close friends will throw an engagement party where the couple can announce the big news. While some keep the party reason a secret and announce the engagement during a toast, others send out the invitations with the reason for celebration. Most people who receive an engagement party invitation expect to be invited to the wedding so plan accordingly! Engagement party invitations should be sent out as soon after the engagement as possible. 

Bridal Shower Invitations 

The maid of honor is typically responsible for hosting the bridal shower while friends and/or bridesmaids share the responsibility of celebrating the bride-to-be. Like an engagement party, guests who attend a bridal shower typically expect to be invited to the wedding. Bridal shower invitations should be sent about six to eight weeks before the event and ensure guests RSVP to one person (the maid of honor, usually) to keep things organized. 

Wedding Thank You Cards 

Thank you notes should be sent for all gifts received during the wedding planning. Anyone who has given you a gift at any time (engagement party, bridal shower, wedding) should receive a thank you card. Thank you notes for gifts received during the engagement party and shower should be sent within two to three weeks. Gifts sent before the wedding dates should be sent as soon as possible (ideally before the wedding) and gifts given on the wedding day itself should be sent within three months. Gifts received after the wedding should be set within two to three weeks after the wedding! 

Hopefully this helped ease some stress with when and who to send different wedding invitations to! Let us know what else we can help with in the comments!