How far in advance should you send evening invites?

Evening guests usually need less notice than day guests, but they still deserve a proper invitation. Aim for 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. That is enough time for them to sort babysitters, book taxis and plan their evening without clashing with other plans.

If your venue needs a final headcount for evening catering, send them a little earlier, say 8 weeks, so you have a buffer for chasing replies. You can also send a save the date to evening guests if you want, but it is not essential.

For guests who live far away or need to book accommodation, send their invites at the same time as your day guests, around 4 to 6 months ahead. That way they can plan travel and overnight stays. For local evening guests, the shorter window works well.

Remember to include clear start and end times, and whether food will be served. If you are having a buffet or hog roast, say so. If it is just cake and drinks, manage expectations kindly. A short note like "join us from 7pm for drinks and dancing" helps everyone know what to expect.