When to Send Wedding Invitations (Timeline & Etiquette)

Send your invitations too early and guests forget; too late and they've made other plans. There's a sweet spot, and it's simple to hit. Here's the timing that works for most weddings.

Save-the-dates: 6–8 months before

A save-the-date isn't the invitation — it's a heads-up so guests hold the date and book travel. Send it six to eight months ahead, or up to a year for a destination or holiday-weekend wedding. It only needs your names, the date, and the city.

The invitation itself: 6–8 weeks before

Send the full invitation six to eight weeks before the wedding. That's enough time to reply and plan, but close enough that your date stays top of mind. With a digital invitation there's no post office, so you can send the moment details are final.

Destination or holiday weddings: 3 months before

If guests need flights, time off, or accommodation, send the invitation about three months ahead — and lean on that earlier save-the-date to give people real notice.

Set the RSVP deadline 3–4 weeks before

Your caterer and venue will want final numbers roughly two weeks out, so ask guests to reply three to four weeks before the day. That buffer gives you time to chase the handful who always forget.

A gentle word on chasing replies

Some guests will miss the deadline — it's normal. A digital invite quietly tracks who's replied, so a quick message to the few missing names is all it takes. No spreadsheet, no guesswork.

Quick reference

• Save-the-date: 6–8 months before (up to 12 for travel)
• Invitation: 6–8 weeks before (3 months for destination)
• RSVP deadline: 3–4 weeks before the wedding
• Final headcount to vendors: ~2 weeks before

The easiest way to hit every date

Because a Lumi invite is a link you can send, resend, and edit anytime, you can line it all up early and update details without reprinting. Pair it with our wedding planning checklist, then browse the templates and get your timing right from the start.