How far in advance should I send a wedding invitation?

The standard timing for sending wedding invitations in the UK is 2 to 3 months before the ceremony. This gives guests enough time to arrange time off work, book travel and accommodation, and decide on their outfit. It also means the details on the invitation, such as timings and venue, are unlikely to change. If your wedding falls in a busy period, such as a summer Saturday, a bank holiday, or near Christmas, send invitations at 3 months or a little earlier. For guests who need to fly or book hotels far in advance, 4 to 6 months is considerate. You should also send a save the date card 6 to 12 months before, especially if many guests are coming from a distance. Your RSVP date should be at least 2 to 4 weeks before your final numbers are due to your venue or caterer. Work backwards from that date to set your invitation mailing date. For example, if your venue needs final numbers 4 weeks before the wedding, set the RSVP date 6 weeks before, and send invitations 10 to 12 weeks before. That gives guests a clear window to reply. In Scotland, where weddings can happen almost anywhere, the same timing works well. Always check with your venue for their deadline.