Should you send wedding invitations earlier if the wedding is on a bank holiday?

For a bank holiday wedding, giving your guests more notice is kind and practical. Many people will already have plans or may be considering a short break, so an early invitation lets them decide before other commitments fill up. A good rule is to send your invitations at least four to six weeks earlier than you would for a regular Saturday. That means if you would normally send them eight weeks ahead, send them twelve to fourteen weeks ahead instead.

Think about the practical side too. Bank holidays often mean higher travel costs and limited hotel rooms, especially if your wedding is near the coast or a popular tourist spot. Sending invitations early gives guests time to book trains, coaches or rooms before prices rise. It also helps your bridal party and close family, who may need to take extra time off work or arrange childcare.

If you have guests travelling from abroad, send a "save the date" even earlier, perhaps six to nine months ahead. For everyone else, a clear invitation with a response date that is also earlier than usual will help you confirm numbers and finalise your plans with your venue and caterers. Remember, the legal notice periods for marriage do not change because of a bank holiday, so check your ceremony timings with the register office or your place of worship if you are unsure.