When should you send wedding invitations for a large wedding?

A large wedding means more moving parts, and your guests will appreciate a longer notice. Sending invitations ten to twelve weeks ahead is standard and sensible. This is enough time for people to sort out diaries, book trains or flights, and arrange childcare or pet care. It also gives you time to chase RSVPs and finalise numbers with your venue and caterers.

For a very large wedding, or if many guests are travelling from abroad, consider sending save-the-date cards six to eight months ahead. This is not a formal invitation, just a heads-up. Then send the full invitation ten to twelve weeks before the day. Your RSVP deadline should be about four weeks before the wedding, so you have time to confirm final numbers.

Make sure your invitation includes clear directions, parking information, and any dress code. If you have a gift list, mention it on your wedding website rather than on the invitation. For a large wedding, it is also helpful to include a note about whether children are invited, and if there is a separate evening guest list, be clear about that on the invitation.