When to Send Wedding Invitations: Guide for 2026 Weddings

Planning your wedding involves many moving parts. One of the most important details is your wedding invitations. They set the tone for your celebration and inform your guests of the essential details. Knowing when to send wedding invitations ensures your guests can plan ahead and that your vendors receive the information they need on time.

This guide walks you through the timeline for sending invitations, considering destination weddings, RSVP deadlines, and holidays. Finally, explore details about when you should order your wedding invitations.

When to Send Wedding Invitations for Local Weddings

Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent 3 months before your wedding. This timeline allows guests to:

• Save the date in their calendars
• Arrange travel and accommodations if necessary
• Purchase gifts and attire
• Plan for any pre-wedding events

Timeline: send local wedding invitations 3 months before your wedding

When to Send Wedding Invitations for Destination Weddings

For destination weddings, guests need more notice in order to book their flights and accommodations. 

Sending invitations 10-12 months in advance is ideal. If that’s too early for you, consider sending a save the date with the informational they’ll need in order to book their trip. 

The typical information that guest would need 10-12 months ahead in order to book is:

• your wedding date
• if there are pre or post weddings events (this will determine how long they stay)
• your wedding venue and location
• if you’re organizing room blocks or sending any discounts for accommodations

Timeline: send destination wedding invitations 10-12 months before your wedding

Guide for 2026 Weddings

What If I Want to Send Wedding Invitations Earlier?

Some couples prefer sending invitations earlier than the traditional 3 months. This can be helpful if:

• You have many out-of-town or international guests
• Your wedding falls during a busy season or holiday period
• You want guests to plan travel or accommodations in advance

If you’re eager to send your invitations, don’t send them earlier than 6 months before.

Cons of Sending Invitations too Early

• RSVP delays: Guests may forget to respond if the date is far off
• More pressure to finalize details: Your stationery design and guest list must be ready sooner

RSVP Deadlines and Final Guest Counts

When sending your invitations, make sure your RSVP deadline is set to 5 weeks before your wedding date at the latest. Your vendors, including your planner, caterer, venue, and stationer, need the final guest count a maximum of 4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to track responses and follow up with those who haven’t replied.

If you set your RSVP deadline too early, guests may change their mind closer to the wedding. Set your deadline clearly and strategically.

Holiday Mail Considerations

Avoid mailing invitations during peak holiday periods, especially November and December. Postal services can be delayed, and invitations may arrive late. Plan around holiday mail traffic to keep your wedding timeline on track.

When to Order Your Wedding Invitations

Custom wedding invitations require time for design, printing, and assembly. Start the process at least 5 months before your wedding. For custom designs, my process is a minimum of 1 month for designs and revisions, and 1 month for printing and assembly. For luxury print methods, you’ll need at least 1-2 more months.

Semi-custom wedding invitations can be ready within 1 month. If you’re opting for luxury printing, you’ll still need 1-2 more months. 

Plan accordingly to give yourself enough time without stress and fees for rushed projects.

Conclusion

Knowing when to send wedding invitations keeps your planning on track and ensures your guests are prepared. Send invitations 3 months prior for local weddings and 10-12 months for destination weddings. Keep RSVP and vendor deadlines in mind, and order your invitations ahead of time to avoid stress and rushed fees.

Looking for custom wedding invitations? Read this blog about what you need to prepare for your stationer or inquire to get started.

Like one of my existing designs? Inquire about making it semi-custom.