When to Send Wedding Invites

When to send wedding invites isn’t just about picking a date—it’s about timing, the strategic window between sending save-the-dates and finalizing your guest count. Also known as wedding invitation timeline, this step sets the rhythm for your entire planning process. Send them too early, and guests forget. Too late, and they’re already booked. The sweet spot? 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding day. For destination weddings or holidays, aim for 10 to 12 weeks. This gives people enough time to arrange travel, time off work, and childcare without feeling rushed.

This timeline works best when paired with save the dates, early notifications sent 6 to 12 months ahead. Also known as wedding save the dates, these aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential for keeping your guest list realistic. If you’re sending save-the-dates in January for a September wedding, your invites should land in July. That way, guests have months to plan, and you get RSVPs back fast. Without save-the-dates, you’re gambling with attendance rates. Data shows most weddings see 75-85% turnout, but that number drops fast if guests don’t have time to adjust their calendars.

And don’t forget the RSVP deadline, the date by which you need responses to finalize catering, seating, and rentals. Also known as wedding RSVP deadline, this should be set for 2 to 3 weeks before your wedding. That gives you just enough buffer to chase down stragglers and update your vendor numbers. Most couples set their RSVP date for a Monday, so responses come in over the weekend and you can track them early the next week. If your venue requires final headcount 14 days out, your RSVP deadline needs to be at least 17 days before the wedding to account for late replies.

What about guest list size? If you’re inviting 150 people, plan for 20 to 30 no-shows. That’s normal. But if you send invites too late, you might end up with fewer than expected—and no time to adjust. The same goes for family dynamics. If your aunt lives overseas or your cousin is a last-minute planner, you need extra lead time. Don’t assume everyone checks email daily. Some still wait for paper invites. Others need to clear it with their boss. Give them room.

And here’s the thing: your wedding isn’t just about the day. It’s about the weeks leading up to it. Invites are your first real chance to set the tone. A well-timed invite feels thoughtful, not rushed. It says, "We planned this for you." A late one says, "We forgot." You don’t want the latter.

Below, you’ll find real advice from couples who’ve been there—how they handled tricky RSVPs, what they wish they’d known about timing, and how they avoided the stress of guessing guest counts at the last minute. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a big celebration, the right timing makes all the difference.