When should you hand out wedding invites?

Short answer

Hand out wedding invitations in person when you see guests naturally, usually around 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. Do not hand them out too early, as people may lose them, and not too late, as they need time to plan.

Handing out invitations in person is lovely, but timing matters. Aim to give them out around the same time you would post them, roughly 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. That keeps things consistent for all your guests.

If you see close family and friends often, you can hand theirs over when you next meet, for example at a family Sunday lunch or a catch up with friends. For guests you see less often, posting is usually easier and more reliable.

Avoid handing out invitations more than three months ahead. People may put them aside and forget, or lose them. Also avoid handing them out too close to the wedding, under four weeks, because guests need time to arrange travel and reply.

If you have a hen do or stag do before the wedding, that can be a natural moment to give invitations to your bridal party and close friends. But only if the timing works. Otherwise, post them like everyone else.

For a morning or afternoon ceremony, the same rule applies. The time of day does not change when you hand out invitations. Keep to the 6 to 8 week window, and if you are unsure, posting is always a safe option.