What is the rule for sending out wedding invitations?

Short answer

Send wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. For a wedding with many guests travelling or during a busy holiday period, send them earlier, around ten to twelve weeks. Always include a clear RSVP date that is at least two to three weeks before the ceremony.

The standard rule in the UK is to send invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to reply, arrange time off and book accommodation without losing momentum. For weddings over a bank holiday, during school holidays or when many guests live far away, send them ten to twelve weeks ahead.

Before you post anything, confirm your final numbers with your venue and caterers, because your invitation RSVP date must sit comfortably before their deadline. A good RSVP date is three to four weeks before the wedding, which leaves you time to chase late replies and finalise seating.

Send invitations to everyone you want to invite, including children if they are welcome, and be clear about who is invited on the envelope. Use full names and addresses, and include a response card or a link to an online RSVP if you prefer. For older guests who may not use online forms, offer a paper option.

If you are having a small ceremony and a larger party, you can send separate invitations for each event, with different RSVP dates. Just be clear on each invitation which event it is for. Always check your venue contract for any guest number deadlines before you set your own.