When should you send wedding invitations for a humanist or belief ceremony?

For a humanist or belief ceremony, the invitation timeline is the same as for any wedding: 8 to 12 weeks before the date. This gives guests enough time to plan and RSVP. However, there is an extra consideration. In Scotland, humanist weddings are legally binding, so your ceremony is your legal wedding. In England and Wales, a humanist ceremony on its own is not legally binding, so many couples have a short civil ceremony as well. This affects your invitations because guests may need to know whether the humanist ceremony is the main event or a symbolic addition. Be clear on the invitation if there are two parts, for example a civil ceremony at a register office followed by a humanist celebration at another venue. For belief ceremonies led by other celebrants, the legal position can vary, so check with your celebrant and the local register office. If you are having a humanist ceremony in Scotland, you can hold it almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, so include clear directions and weather advice if it is outside. Send invitations with enough time for guests to arrange travel, especially if your venue is remote or rural.