When should you send wedding invitations if you are having a wedding abroad and need guests to book flights?

For a wedding abroad, aim to send invitations six to nine months ahead. That is the sweet spot for most guests. It gives them time to compare flights, book holidays from work and save if they need to. Some couples send a save the date card even earlier, around a year before, so guests can start planning without the full invitation pressure.

If many guests are travelling from different countries, think about their visa needs. Some visas take months to arrange. Check the rules for each guest's country and mention any deadlines clearly on your wedding website or a note with the invitation. You can also set a clear RSVP date, usually two to three months before the wedding, so you can confirm numbers with your venue and suppliers.

For guests who cannot afford to travel, be gentle. Let them know you understand if they cannot come. You could share details of a live stream or a later celebration at home. That way no one feels left out.

Remember, your legal wedding in the UK may need separate notice. If you are marrying abroad, check the local rules and the GOV.UK page for that country. If you are also having a small legal ceremony in the UK, that notice is separate from your invitations.