When to send save the dates and wedding invitations

Enter your wedding date and the tool gives you the right dates for save the dates, invitations, evening invites and your RSVP deadline. This keeps your stationery on track without you doing the maths.

Save the dates go out first. Send them six to nine months before the wedding, or earlier for a destination wedding or if many guests are travelling. Invitations follow about three to four months before the day. Evening invites can go with them, or later if you prefer.

Set the RSVP deadline around six to eight weeks before the wedding. This leaves enough time to finalise numbers with your venue and caterer.

The timing depends on your guest list and venue. If many people need to book travel or time off work, send invitations earlier rather than later.

• Send save the dates six to nine months ahead for most weddings.
• Send formal invitations three to four months before the ceremony.
• Send evening invites with the main invitations or a few weeks later.
• Set the RSVP deadline six to eight weeks before the wedding.

If you are having a weekday wedding or a small local ceremony, you can shorten these windows slightly. If you are booking a popular venue, ask your venue what they recommend first.

Work backwards from your wedding date and add a little buffer. Printers and proofing take time, and you do not want to be rushing the final order.

• Confirm your venue and caterer need final numbers before setting your RSVP deadline.
• Check your printer's lead times before ordering.
• Send save the dates early if guests are travelling from abroad.
• Keep a simple list of who has replied so you can chase late guests.

If your plans change, update the tool with your new date so every stationery date stays correct.