Some couples think they need to send out their wedding invitations as early as possible! That's not necessarily the case. In fact, it might be better to wait until closer to the wedding day to mail them out.
In today's digital world it's important to communicate with your guests in a way that's convenient for them. It's also important to remember that you'll likely have guests in various demographics--different locations, stages of life, etc. so that's why we recommend a variety of communication methods.
Save the Date
While you shouldn't be sending your invitations a year out, you will want to get your date marked off on your guests' calendars. This is where a "Save the Date" comes in.
A Save the Date can be a traditional, formally mailed card. Many invitation designs & templates come with complementing Save the Date designs. But the Save the Date can also take a more informal delivery. Think email, texting, social media, wedding websites.
The important thing is to get the word out as soon as the date is set (that typically means after you've secured a venue).
What Information do you need on a Save the Date?
- Your names
- The wedding date
- The wedding location
- (Bonus) An image of the cute couple
That's it! You don't need to go into details about an address, ceremony time, RSVP information... That will all follow in the formal invitation.
Formal Invitations
We feel like the best time to mail out formal wedding invitations is about two months out. Do your guests need detailed information before then? Not typically.
- Two months will give them time to know if they can actually attend and you will have a better (more accurate) response rate with your RSVP's.
- When they receive invitations two months out you'll get placed on the refrigerator, rather than lost at the bottom of a pile of mail to be dealt with later.
- Waiting until two months out will give you time to finalize details like locations, times, menus, hotel blocks, etc.
Now, when you're scheduling and planning, be sure to give yourself enough time for you to gather addresses, take your engagement pictures, get your edits back from your photographer (be sure to know what their turnaround time is!), choose and finalize your invitation design, order your imitations, wait for them to be printed or shipped, address envelopes, stuff them & send them in the mail. *phew!*
Invitations can often be one of the biggest, most time consuming elements of your wedding, so if you need help, reach out to a local printing & design professional from the MVW Vendor Directory. You don't have to do it all alone!
