when to send wedding invitations
“When should I send wedding invitations, thank you notes, Save the Dates?”
This is a question I get often from clients, so I’ve created this handy timeline guide that gives a detailed overview of when to send out wedding invitations.
9–12 Months in Advance
Order Destination Save the Dates
If you’re having a destination wedding, especially if it’s in an international location, now is the time to order Save the Dates. This will give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements.
6–8 Months in Advance
Order Save the Dates
Be sure to include location on the Save the Date! You do not have to include the venue, just the city and state.
5–6 Months in Advance
Order destination wedding invitations
Again, destination weddings warrant more advance notice, so if that describes your affair, be sure to get your invites out early.
3–4 Months in Advance
Order wedding invitations
This allows plenty of time for proofing and printing. When you order invitations from Fine Day Press, your proofs are ready within 2-3 days. Allow 2 weeks for printing.
6–8 Weeks in Advance
Mail invitations
Note: Destination weddings should be mailed about 3 months in advance.
Our invitations come unassembled, so leave yourself a day to assemble them and get them ready to mail. Grab your fiancé or a few pals and have an assembly party!
A word about mailing: We recommend taking one complete suite to your local post office. Have them weigh the full invitation and give you the correct postage amount, for US Mail and International, if needed.
4 Weeks in Advance
Order day-of pieces & Thank Yous
This includes menus, programs, escort cards, and other day-of stationery. We highly recommend ordering Thank You notes at this time as well, so you’ll have them ready.
After the Ceremony
While etiquette rules say you have 3 months to write thank you notes, it’s ideal to send them within 3 weeks of receiving the gift. We can make Thank You notes to match your invitation, so order them with your invitations or day-of pieces and you’ll be ready!
