When to Send Out Wedding Invitations in the UK

Are you gearing up for the big day and wondering when to send out your wedding invitations in the UK? We’ve got you covered with all the answers you need to ensure your wedding planning goes off without a hitch. From save the dates to postage tips, here’s your comprehensive guide to getting those invitations out in style.

Planning a wedding involves countless details, and sending out invitations is a crucial part of the process. To help you stay on track and ensure your guests have ample time to prepare, we’ve created an easy-to-read chart guide for when to send out your wedding invitations. Whether you’re planning a local wedding or a destination celebration, this guide covers everything you need to know.

The timing of sending out wedding invitations in the UK depends on whether you’ve already sent save the dates or not. Let’s break it down:

No Save the Dates Sent

If you haven’t sent save the dates, you should aim to dispatch your wedding invitations approximately four to six months before your wedding date. This timeline allows your guests ample time to mark their calendars, make travel arrangements, and RSVP.

Save the Dates Have Been Sent

If you’ve already delighted your guests with save the dates, you can wait a bit longer before sending out your wedding invitations. Plan to send them at least eight weeks before your wedding date. For guests who need to travel to your wedding, it’s a good idea to send invites even earlier, allowing them to book leave, accommodation, and transportation comfortably.

Why This Timeline Works:

• Enquiring and Planning (6-8 months): This step allows you to get the wheels in motion, giving you a clear roadmap for your big day.
• Save the Date Cards (6-8 months): These give your guests a heads-up, ensuring they can mark their calendars and make necessary arrangements.
• Wedding Invitations (4-6 months): Sending out invitations within this timeframe ensures your guests have all the details they need in plenty of time.

Before you send off your beautiful wedding invitations, consider these tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

• Weigh and Size Invitations: Assemble one complete invitation with all enclosures and take it to the post office for weighing and sizing. This ensures you know the correct postage for each invitation.
• Wax Seals: While the Royal Mail accepts wax seals, there’s a risk they might break in transit. Consider placing wax-sealed invitations inside another envelope for added protection.
• Cost-Effective Options: To reduce costs, consider using second-class stamps, but keep in mind the longer delivery time. Opt for smaller, simpler designs if they don’t require large letters. Think about using online RSVPs and FAQs on your wedding website instead of response cards and information inserts.

Destination weddings require more planning and preparation, both for you and your guests. Here’s our adjusted timeline for destination weddings:

Why This Timeline Works:

• Enquiring and Planning (10-12 months): Similar to local weddings, starting early helps streamline the process.
• Save the Date Cards (10-12 months): This extended timeframe is crucial for destination weddings, allowing guests to arrange travel and accommodations.
• Wedding Invitations (8-10 months): Sending invitations well in advance ensures guests have all the necessary information to make travel plans and prepare for the event.

Additional Tips for Sending Wedding Invitations

• Keep Track of RSVPs: Use a spreadsheet or wedding planning app to manage RSVPs and dietary preferences.
• Include Essential Details: Ensure your invitations include all necessary information, such as the date, time, venue, dress code, and RSVP instructions.
• Follow Up: A month before the wedding, follow up with guests who haven’t responded to ensure an accurate headcount.

Save the dates are a crucial part of wedding planning, helping your guests mark their calendars and make necessary arrangements. In the UK, save the dates are typically sent out six to 12 months before your wedding day. Sending them closer to the one-year mark gives your guests plenty of time to prepare and prioritise your big day.

If you’re concerned about scheduling conflicts with other weddings, don’t feel guilty about sending save the dates early. This ensures your friends and family have your wedding firmly in their plans.

Remember, save the dates should only go to guests invited to your entire wedding day. Avoid sending them to guests who are only attending the evening reception to avoid confusion.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re well on your way to perfect wedding invitation timing. Keep these tips in mind, and your invitations will set the stage for a beautiful and stress-free wedding day in the UK.

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