How far in advance should you send wedding invitations if you are having a two part wedding or separate ceremonies?

A two part wedding often means a legal ceremony and a separate religious or cultural ceremony, or a ceremony in one place and a celebration in another. The key is to give guests enough notice for each event, without overwhelming them with too much at once.

Start with the main legal ceremony, whether that is at a register office, approved venue or place of worship. Send those invitations ten to twelve weeks ahead, as you would for a large wedding. This is the date that matters most legally, and guests need to know it first.

For the second part, such as a religious blessing, a nikah, or a separate reception, send invitations about six to eight weeks before that date. If the two parts are close together, you can send one combined invitation, but make it very clear which events are on which day and time. If the second part is in a different location, include separate directions and travel details.

Remember that in England and Wales, a religious ceremony on its own is only legally binding if it takes place in a registered building with an authorised person present. Many couples have a short civil ceremony as well. Check with your register office or place of worship for the exact rules, as they can vary.