How far in advance should wedding invitations be sent?

Eight weeks for local weddings, 12 weeks for destination weddings. Set the RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the date.

When do save-the-dates go out?

Six months before the wedding for local guests, eight to twelve months before for destination weddings or those held during the holidays.

Is it rude to send wedding invitations too early?

Yes — guests forget. The 8-week window is the etiquette-correct sweet spot.

How long should guests have to RSVP?

Roughly four to five weeks from when they receive the invitation, with the RSVP deadline landing three to four weeks before the wedding.

Should you email or mail wedding invitations?

Mail is still standard for formal weddings. Email invitations are appropriate for elopements, casual weddings and second weddings.

Etiquette

When to Send Wedding Invitations: Exact Timeline (2026)

Send wedding invitations 8 weeks before a local wedding and 12 weeks before a destination wedding. Save-the-dates go out 6–12 months earlier.

Updated May 30, 2026Reviewed by Ava Mercer, Editor-in-Chief

The exact timeline

What	When
Save-the-dates (local)	6 months before
Save-the-dates (destination / holiday)	8–12 months before
Invitations (local)	8 weeks before
Invitations (destination)	12 weeks before
RSVP deadline	3–4 weeks before the wedding
Final headcount to caterer	2 weeks before

Why these windows matter

Eight weeks gives guests enough time to clear their calendars, but not so much that they put the invitation aside and forget. Twelve weeks for destination weddings accounts for flight booking, time-off requests and passport renewals.

Save-the-dates vs. invitations

Save-the-dates announce the date and city only. They go to everyone you intend to invite — no “save the date” without an invitation.
Invitations contain the full details: ceremony time, venue, RSVP card, dress code and wedding-website URL.

What to include in the invitation

Host line (whoever's hosting / paying)
Couple's names
Date and time
Ceremony venue + reception venue if different
RSVP card with deadline and meal choices
Details card: dress code, accommodations, wedding-website URL

Common timing mistakes

Sending invitations later than 8 weeks out — guests RSVP late, caterer counts slip.
Forgetting to address inner and outer envelopes if you go traditional.
Not including a stamped RSVP card. Even in 2026, paper RSVPs come back faster than online ones.
Sending save-the-dates to people you may not actually invite. Once it's sent, it's a promise.

Holiday and seasonal adjustments

For weddings between November and early January, add 2–4 weeks to every timeline above. Guests need lead time to book travel during the holidays, and invitations get lost in the mail during peak season.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should wedding invitations be sent?: Eight weeks for local weddings, 12 weeks for destination weddings. Set the RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the date.
When do save-the-dates go out?: Six months before the wedding for local guests, eight to twelve months before for destination weddings or those held during the holidays.
Is it rude to send wedding invitations too early?: Yes — guests forget. The 8-week window is the etiquette-correct sweet spot.
How long should guests have to RSVP?: Roughly four to five weeks from when they receive the invitation, with the RSVP deadline landing three to four weeks before the wedding.
Should you email or mail wedding invitations?: Mail is still standard for formal weddings. Email invitations are appropriate for elopements, casual weddings and second weddings.

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