In addition to the newly-engaged bliss, it's easy to feel stressed with the new tasks of wedding planning and timeline coordination. Save-the-dates and invitations are no exception, and while that can seem overwhelming at first, a little knowledge and advanced planning can make the seemingly unmanageable, manageable.
Keep reading to learn when to send save-the-dates, invitations, and thank-you notes to everyone on your guest list. We’ve got you covered!
Save-the-Dates
Save-the-dates — while not mandatory — are a great way to get your guests to mark their calendars in anticipation of your big day. Especially in the context of the current wedding boom, it’s best to get your wedding on the radar of your friends and family as soon as possible.
When should I send save-the-dates?
We recommend sending your save-the-dates at least eight months in advance, or even longer if you are having a destination wedding that requires more involved travel arrangements.
Traditional wedding etiquette suggests that save-the-dates should be sent out four to six months before the wedding, but we recommend a longer notice period in the current wedding landscape. Remember that “wedding boom” we mentioned above?!
Invitations
Wedding invitation suites typically include a main invitation, RSVP card and envelope, and any other enclosure card that provides key information to your guests.
When should I send out my wedding invitations?
It’s best to send your wedding invitations out six to eight weeks in advance of the festivities. That gives guests plenty of time to plan, assess their attendance, and reply four weeks before the wedding.
If a large portion of your guests live abroad or very far from your wedding location, it might make sense to move up your send-out date. Ten to twelve weeks should give everyone plenty of time to respond.
Thank-You Notes
Once the save-the-dates and invitations have been sent, the gifts typically start arriving on your doorstep. And while it is important to cordially invite your guest to celebrate your marriage, it is equally important to thank them!
When should I send thank-you notes?
Thank-you notes should be sent to anyone that has given you a gift during the course of planning and celebrating your wedding. Thank-you notes should be sent within two to three weeks of any engagement parties or showers. For gifts sent before the wedding, send a card as soon as possible. For gifts received on the wedding day, mail a thank-you note within three months; and for those sent after the wedding, reply with thank-you within two to three weeks
In addition to this resource, a great stationer will also help you stick to these timelines to ensure the best possible experience for you and your guests.