When planning a wedding, there are many details to consider, including when to send out wedding invitations. Etiquette expert Emily Post has provided a guide to help couples determine the best timing for their invitations. Knowing when to send out invitations is important to ensure that guests have enough time to make arrangements to attend the wedding and RSVP. In this article, we will explore Emily Post’s etiquette guide for wedding invitations and answer some common questions about when to send them out.
Emily Post’s etiquette guide provides helpful advice for couples who want to make sure they are following proper wedding etiquette. While some factors will depend on the couple’s preferences, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind when deciding when to send out wedding invitations.
Read on to learn more about when to send out wedding invitations, what factors can affect the timing, and how to ensure that your invitations are received on time.
Emily Post’s Etiquette on Wedding Invitations
If you’re in the process of planning your wedding, you may be wondering when to send out your invitations. Emily Post, the legendary etiquette expert, has some valuable advice on this topic. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your invitations should be sent out with enough time for your guests to make arrangements to attend your wedding.
When it comes to the wording of your invitations, Emily Post recommends that you keep it simple and to the point. Your invitations should include the names of the bride and groom, the date and time of the wedding, the location of the wedding and reception, and the dress code, if applicable. You can also include information about your wedding website or registry if you wish, but it’s not necessary.
If you’re planning a formal wedding, Emily Post recommends that you use traditional wording on your invitations. For example, instead of saying “you are invited to attend the wedding of,” you would say “the honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of.” If you’re having a more casual wedding, you can use less formal wording on your invitations.
Finally, it’s important to remember that your invitations set the tone for your wedding. They’re the first impression your guests will have of your special day, so it’s important to put some thought and effort into them. By following Emily Post’s advice on wedding invitations, you can ensure that your invitations are both informative and elegant.
Who Should Send the Invitations?
The hosts: Traditionally, the bride’s parents were responsible for sending out the invitations, but nowadays, anyone can host the wedding and send out the invitations.
Collaboration: If the couple and their families are sharing the expenses, it’s a good idea to collaborate on the invitation list and wording.
Care and accuracy: The invitation should be sent out by the person(s) responsible with the utmost care and accuracy. Double-check all the details before sending them out.
Timing: Invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding to allow guests enough time to plan and RSVP. For a destination wedding or holiday weekend, send them out three months in advance.
Save the dates: Consider sending save-the-dates up to a year in advance to give guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements.
RSVP: Include a response card with a stamped envelope and a deadline for RSVPs. Follow up with guests who haven’t responded a week after the deadline.
It’s important to remember that the invitation sets the tone for the wedding and should be carefully crafted. Whether it’s a formal or casual affair, make sure to convey the appropriate style and tone in the invitation. By following proper etiquette, you’ll ensure that your guests feel welcomed and appreciated.
What Should Be Included in the Wedding Invitation?
When preparing the wedding invitation, it is essential to ensure that it includes all the necessary information. The following should be included:
- Date and Time: The date and time of the wedding ceremony and reception should be stated clearly on the invitation. It is also essential to include the time zone for the wedding ceremony.
- Location: The wedding venue and address should be stated clearly on the invitation. If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, ensure that both venues are included.
- Dress Code: The dress code should be indicated on the invitation. This will help guests to dress appropriately for the occasion.
- RSVP Details: It is essential to include the RSVP details on the invitation. This can include a phone number or email address for guests to respond.
- Registry Information: It is not appropriate to include registry information on the wedding invitation. This information can be included on the wedding website or shared by word of mouth.
- Additional Information: If there is any other essential information that the guest needs to know, such as transportation or parking details, it should be included on the invitation.
By ensuring that the invitation contains all the necessary information, guests will be well informed about the wedding ceremony and reception. This will also help to avoid confusion and ensure that the wedding day runs smoothly.
How to Address Wedding Invitations?
The way you address your wedding invitations can set the tone for your event. It is essential to use proper etiquette to show respect to your guests. Here are some guidelines for addressing wedding invitations:
- Use Full Names: Use the full name of the recipient, including middle names or initials, if you know them.
- Spell Out Titles: Spell out titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., Doctor, and Reverend. Only use abbreviations for military titles such as General or Admiral.
- Include Plus One: If a guest is allowed to bring a plus one, write “and Guest” after their name. If you know the name of the plus one, include their name as well.
- Addressing Married Couples: Address married couples as “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.” If the woman kept her maiden name, address them as “Mr. John Smith and Ms. Jane Johnson.”
- Addressing Unmarried Couples: Address unmarried couples living together as “Mr. John Smith and Ms. Jane Johnson.”
- Addressing Families: Address families as “The Smith Family” or “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family.”
Properly addressing wedding invitations shows respect and consideration for your guests. These guidelines will help you avoid any awkward situations and make your guests feel valued.
Factors That Determine When to Send Wedding Invitations
Type of wedding: The type of wedding you’re having is one of the biggest factors to consider when deciding when to send out wedding invitations. For instance, if you’re having a destination wedding, you may want to send out invitations earlier than you would for a local wedding.
Time of year: The time of year you’re getting married can also affect when you should send out your invitations. Summer weddings, for example, may require more notice than winter weddings, as people tend to make vacation plans during the summer months.
Guest list: The size of your guest list can also impact when you should send out invitations. If you’re having a large wedding with many out-of-town guests, you’ll likely want to give your guests more notice.
Special circumstances: Special circumstances, such as a wedding on a holiday weekend or a mid-week wedding, may require you to send out invitations earlier than you would for a typical weekend wedding.
Personal preferences: Ultimately, when to send out wedding invitations will depend on your personal preferences. You may want to send them out earlier or later than the standard timeline depending on your specific situation.
Time of Year
Seasonal Factors: The time of year is a significant factor to consider when choosing a wedding date and sending invitations. Summer is the most popular wedding season, followed by spring and fall. Winter is generally less popular due to weather conditions, but can be an ideal choice for a cozy and intimate wedding.
Holiday Season: If your wedding falls during a holiday season, you need to consider the timing of sending out invitations. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are busy times for everyone, so it’s best to send out invitations earlier than usual to ensure guests’ availability.
Local Festivals and Events: If you’re planning a wedding in a city with significant events or festivals, you need to consider their impact on your guests’ availability. Plan accordingly and send out invitations earlier than usual, as local hotels and transportation options may book up quickly.
How Early is Too Early to Send Wedding Invitations?
Sending out wedding invitations is a delicate balance. While you don’t want to send them out too late, you also don’t want to send them out too early. But how early is too early?
According to Emily Post’s etiquette guide, sending out invitations more than six months before the wedding is not recommended. This is because guests may forget about the wedding or accidentally misplace the invitation if it is sent out too early.
However, if you have many out-of-town guests who need to make travel arrangements, it’s a good idea to send save-the-date cards as early as possible. These cards can be sent out up to a year in advance of the wedding.
If you’re planning a destination wedding or a wedding during a holiday season, sending out invitations earlier than usual is also acceptable. This gives your guests ample time to plan and make travel arrangements.
Remember that the RSVP deadline should be four to six weeks before the wedding date. This gives you enough time to finalize your guest list, seating arrangements, and catering orders.
In summary, while it’s important not to send out wedding invitations too late, sending them out too early can also be problematic. A good rule of thumb is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding date, with save-the-date cards sent out as early as possible for out-of-town guests.
What to Consider Before Sending Invitations Too Early?
Guests’ schedules: If you send out invitations too early, guests might forget about the wedding or make other plans that conflict with your date.
Venue and vendors: It’s not advisable to send invitations before you’ve secured your wedding venue and vendors. If you send out invitations before doing this, you might have to change the wedding date due to availability issues.
Out-of-town guests: If you have many out-of-town guests, sending invitations too early might make them feel obligated to make travel arrangements before they’re ready.
Personal preferences: Some couples want to wait until they’ve completed other wedding-related tasks before sending out invitations, like creating their wedding website or having their engagement photos taken.
To avoid any potential problems, it’s best to consult with your wedding planner or do some research on the recommended timeline for sending out wedding invitations.
How Late is Too Late to Send Wedding Invitations?
While it is important to avoid sending wedding invitations too early, it is equally important not to send them too late. Typically, invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, but no later than four weeks before the wedding. If invitations are sent out too late, it can create unnecessary stress and confusion for guests.
It’s important to consider the time it takes for guests to make travel arrangements, RSVP, and plan for the event. If invitations are sent out too late, guests may have already made other plans or be unable to attend due to prior engagements or scheduling conflicts.
Additionally, late invitations can cause problems for the couple as well. If the RSVP deadline passes and guests have not responded, it can be challenging to finalize the guest count and make necessary arrangements for the event.
Ultimately, it is essential to prioritize timely communication with guests to ensure they have the information they need to attend the wedding and celebrate with the couple.
How to Handle Late Invitations?
If you have missed the ideal window for sending out invitations, there are still options for letting guests know about the wedding. Here are some suggestions:
- Call or email – If you are only a few days or weeks late, consider reaching out to guests personally to explain the situation.
- Send an electronic invitation – Electronic invitations are a quick and easy way to let guests know about the wedding, even if it’s last minute.
- Use social media – Posting about the wedding on social media can help spread the word quickly. Just be sure to follow up with an official invitation as soon as possible.
Remember, the most important thing is to make sure your guests feel welcomed and included in your special day, regardless of how or when they receive their invitation.
When to Follow Up on Late Invitations?
It’s important to follow up on late invitations to ensure that your guests receive them and can make arrangements to attend your wedding. You should follow up with guests who have not RSVPed within two weeks of the RSVP deadline.
If you have not received a response from a guest, it’s appropriate to contact them directly to ask if they will be attending. You can send an email, text message, or make a phone call to inquire about their attendance.
If you are sending invitations internationally, it’s important to allow for extra time for the invitations to arrive. You should follow up with international guests at least four weeks before the wedding date to ensure they have received their invitation and can make travel arrangements.
| When to follow up | Method of follow-up | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Two weeks after the RSVP deadline | Email, text, or phone call | If you have already received a decline from the guest |
| Four weeks before the wedding date for international guests | Email or phone call | N/A |
By following up with guests who have not responded, you can ensure that your guest list is accurate and avoid any last-minute surprises on your wedding day.
What to Do If You Missed the RSVP Deadline?
Missing the RSVP deadline can be stressful, but it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Reach out to the couple and apologize for missing the deadline, explaining any extenuating circumstances that may have caused the delay. Ask if there’s still space available for you to attend and if they can accommodate any dietary restrictions or special needs.
If the couple has already provided a final headcount to their vendors and cannot accommodate any additional guests, be understanding of their decision. Send a thoughtful gift or card to express your congratulations and well wishes for their marriage.
Remember to be proactive in the future and mark important dates and deadlines on your calendar to avoid missing them in the first place. Being responsible and considerate will help ensure a positive experience for both you and the couple on their special day.
When to Send Out Wedding Invitations for Destination Weddings
If you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s important to send out your invitations well in advance. Eight to twelve months before your wedding date is typically recommended to give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements.
It’s also important to consider the time of year when sending out invitations for a destination wedding. If your wedding falls during peak travel season, it’s best to send out invitations closer to the twelve-month mark to ensure that your guests have plenty of time to book flights and accommodations.
In addition to the usual information included in wedding invitations, it’s important to provide your guests with details about the destination. This can include information about the climate, recommended attire, and any activities or events you have planned throughout the weekend.
Another important factor to consider when sending out destination wedding invitations is whether or not you’ll be covering any travel expenses for your guests. If you’re able to provide assistance with travel costs, it’s important to make this clear in your invitations to help your guests plan accordingly.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to send out save-the-dates well in advance of your invitations to give your guests even more notice. This can be especially important for destination weddings, as it allows your guests to start planning and budgeting for the trip.
How Much Notice Should You Give for Destination Weddings?
If you’re planning a destination wedding, one of the most important things to consider is the amount of notice you give your guests. It’s important to give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and take time off work. Typically, couples will send out save-the-dates six to twelve months in advance of the wedding date. This will give your guests a heads up that they will need to make travel arrangements.
Once you have sent out your save-the-dates, you should follow up with formal invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This will give your guests a final reminder of the upcoming wedding and ensure that they have all the necessary details, such as the exact location and time of the ceremony and reception.
Keep in mind that if you are planning a destination wedding during peak travel season or a holiday, you may need to give your guests even more notice. This will give them enough time to make reservations and avoid any last-minute travel headaches. Also, make sure to provide your guests with a list of recommended accommodations and transportation options to make their trip as stress-free as possible.
When to Send Save-the-Dates for Destination Weddings?
When planning a destination wedding, it’s important to send out save-the-dates well in advance of the wedding date. This will give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and take time off work. Typically, couples will send out save-the-dates six to twelve months in advance of the wedding date. This is especially important if your guests will need to travel internationally or if the wedding falls during a busy travel season.
It’s also important to consider the timing of your wedding when sending out save-the-dates. If you’re getting married on a holiday weekend or during peak travel season, you may want to send out save-the-dates even earlier to ensure that your guests can book flights and accommodations at a reasonable price. If your wedding is during the off-season or on a weekday, you can probably send out save-the-dates a little later.
Another factor to consider when sending out save-the-dates for a destination wedding is the formality of your wedding. If you’re having a formal wedding with a black-tie dress code, you’ll want to give your guests more notice than if you’re having a casual beach wedding. Keep in mind that your guests will need time to purchase appropriate attire, so factor this into your timeline.
How to Ensure Guests RSVP on Time for Destination Weddings?
RSVPs are a crucial part of planning a destination wedding, as they will help you determine how many guests to expect and give you time to make any necessary adjustments to your plans. To ensure that your guests RSVP on time, it’s important to make the process as easy as possible. One way to do this is by providing multiple ways for guests to RSVP, such as online or by mail.
It’s also a good idea to set a firm RSVP deadline and follow up with guests who haven’t responded by that date. You may want to consider setting an earlier deadline than you actually need to give yourself some wiggle room in case there are any last-minute cancellations or changes.
Communication is key when it comes to getting guests to RSVP on time for a destination wedding. Be sure to keep your guests informed throughout the planning process, and remind them of the RSVP deadline as it approaches. You may also want to consider sending out a reminder a few weeks before the deadline to give guests a gentle nudge.
When to Send Out Save-the-Dates and Invitations for a Wedding
Save-the-Dates are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding to give guests ample time to make travel arrangements and clear their schedules. However, for destination weddings, it’s a good idea to send out save-the-dates even earlier, up to a year in advance, to allow for more planning and budgeting time.
When it comes to wedding invitations, they should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements, but not so much time that they forget about the wedding or lose their invitations.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, you may want to consider sending out invitations earlier than usual, about three months before the wedding. This will give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements, especially if your wedding is taking place during a busy season or over a holiday weekend.
Destination weddings often involve more travel and logistics than traditional weddings, so it’s important to keep your guests informed throughout the planning process. Consider sending out a wedding website with travel information, accommodation options, and things to do in the area.
Another important thing to keep in mind when sending out save-the-dates and invitations is to make sure your guest list is finalized before you start sending them out. This will help avoid any awkward situations if you need to un-invite someone or add additional guests later on.
How Far in Advance Should You Send Save-the-Dates?
If you’re planning a wedding, save-the-dates are an essential part of your preparation. They inform your guests of the upcoming nuptials and give them ample time to make the necessary arrangements to attend. But how far in advance should you send save-the-dates?
The timing of sending out save-the-dates is crucial. Generally, it’s recommended to send them out six to eight months in advance of the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to arrange their schedules, book flights, and make hotel reservations if they need to travel to attend the wedding.
However, if you’re planning a destination wedding or getting married during a holiday or busy season, you should consider sending save-the-dates even earlier. It’s recommended to send them out nine to twelve months in advance in this case to ensure that your guests can make the necessary arrangements in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about When to Send Out Wedding Invitations Emily Post
Wedding invitations are one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding. They inform your guests of the details of your special day and allow them to make the necessary arrangements. If you’re wondering when to send out your wedding invitations based on Emily Post’s guidelines, check out the following questions:
What is the recommended timeframe for sending out wedding invitations according to Emily Post?
According to Emily Post, wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks in advance of the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to make travel arrangements and RSVP.
Should you send out save-the-dates in addition to wedding invitations according to Emily Post?
Emily Post recommends sending out save-the-dates six to eight months in advance of the wedding date. This is especially important if you’re planning a destination wedding or if many of your guests will need to make travel arrangements.
What information should be included in wedding invitations according to Emily Post?
Emily Post recommends that wedding invitations include the names of the bride and groom, the date and time of the wedding, the location of the ceremony and reception, and dress code if applicable. You may also include information about your gift registry, but it’s considered bad etiquette to include gift requests in the invitation itself.
Is it ever too early or too late to send out wedding invitations according to Emily Post?
Emily Post recommends sending out invitations no earlier than six to eight weeks in advance of the wedding date and no later than four weeks in advance. Sending out invitations too early can cause confusion for guests, while sending them out too late may not give guests enough time to make the necessary arrangements to attend.