When Should We Send Out Our Wedding Invitations

By Charlotte Garcia – Digital Wedding Invitation Expert

Introduction

I remember the moment I sat staring at my wedding guest list with three different pens in my hand, unsure whether I was color-coding RSVPs or just spiraling. One question kept running through my head like a ticker tape: "When should we send out our wedding invitations?"

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. For many couples, sending wedding invitations feels like crossing into the "this is actually happening" part of the journey. And while it should be exciting, let’s be honest—it can also be really, really overwhelming.

There are timelines, etiquette rules, family politics, and that ever-so-fun fear of forgetting someone important. Deep breath. Let’s sort this out together.

A Personal Story: The Emotional Whirlwind of Invites

One of my couples, Emma and Lee, once told me she delayed sending her invitations by two weeks because she couldn't bear to finalize the guest list. She knew it was time, but the thought of possibly offending her mom's cousin or miswording the RSVP card made her freeze. She wasn't procrastinating—she was overwhelmed.

Like many bride, Emma was in that psychological space where joy meets pressure. She wanted her invitations to be perfect, meaningful, and received with excitement—not judgment.

And here’s the thing: Emma wasn’t being difficult. She was being human. The invitation process stirs up a mix of excitement, fear, decision fatigue, and perfectionism. And that’s okay.

The Big Question: When Should We Send Wedding Invitations?

The sweet spot for sending out wedding invitations is typically 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding day. This window gives guests time to plan, RSVP, and make arrangements without the invitation getting lost in the shuffle of everyday life.

If you’re planning a destination wedding or hosting international guests, aim for 12 to 16 weeks in advance. The earlier notice helps with travel logistics and time-off requests.

Now, if you're using digital wedding invitations (yay for instant delivery and easy tracking!), you have a bit more flexibility.

You can send them closer to the 4- to 6-week mark and still keep everything on track. That said, don’t wait too long—you still want to allow for follow-ups and reminders.

And what about RSVPs? Set your RSVP deadline for about 3 to 4 weeks before the big day. That gives you plenty of time to finalize seating, meals, and other details without feeling the crunch.

Let’s Talk About What You’re Really Feeling

If you’re stressing over your invitations, it’s not just about stationery.

It’s about:

• Wondering if you’re doing it "right"

• Feeling judged (hello, social media-worthy expectations)

• Trying to please family and friends

• Fearing that you’ll miss someone important

• Wanting everything to be perfect

  
  

Let’s unpack that a bit.

Perfectionism: The "All or Nothing" Trap

Many couples fall into the mindset that their wedding invitations have to be absolutely flawless. And while there’s nothing wrong with wanting them to be beautiful, chasing perfection can become paralyzing. Minute details like font size or envelope liners suddenly feel monumental.

Here’s your permission slip to let go of that pressure: Done is better than perfect. And the truth? Your guests will remember how your wedding felt, not whether the RSVP card was printed on linen or cotton paper.

Decision Fatigue Is Real

By the time you get to the invitation stage, you’ve probably already made 1,732 decisions. You’re tired. You’re overloaded. You just want someone to tell you what to do. (Hi, that’s me.)

Here’s a simple cheat sheet:

Wedding Type	Send Invitations	RSVP Deadline
Local Wedding	6–8 weeks in advance	3–4 weeks before wedding
Destination Wedding	12–16 weeks in advance	6–8 weeks before wedding
Digital Invitations	4–8 weeks in advance	2–4 weeks before wedding

No need to reinvent the wheel. Just follow the plan and breathe.

Real Talk: What Couples Worry About Most

"What if we forget someone important?"

You probably won’t. But just in case, keep a checklist and build in a buffer for last-minute add-ons. With digital wedding invitations, you can send an extra invite in seconds.

"What if no one RSVPs?"

Some people won’t. It’s not personal. It’s just life. Use a platform that lets you track RSVPs and send automated reminders, like My Wedding Online. Trust me—it saves your sanity.

"What if I make a mistake?"

A typo is not the end of the world. Send a friendly update if needed. Most people will be understanding, and digital invites make edits super easy.

Tips to Make This Whole Thing Easier

Start with Save-the-Dates:

Send them out 6–12 months in advance. They buy you time and give guests a heads-up.

Batch Your Tasks:

Choose your design, gather your guest list, and prep your RSVPs all at once.

Use Templates:

Most digital invitation platforms have pre-designed templates that look gorgeous and professional.

Get Help:

It’s okay to delegate. Your future spouse, your maid of honor, or your best friend can help with address collecting or wording.

Trust Yourself:

You’re doing great. Really. No one has ever said, “That wedding was lovely, but the invitations were a shade too pale."

Conclusion

So, when should you send out your wedding invitations? Six to eight weeks before your big day, with a little extra time if guests are traveling. But more importantly—send them when you’re ready.

Planning a wedding is emotional. It’s beautiful and messy and layered. Your wedding invitations are just one part of it, and they don’t have to be perfect. They just have to be you.

And if you’re using digital wedding invitations (which I totally recommend), you get the bonus of flexibility, less stress, and instant tracking. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and modern—just like you.

You've got this. Now go hit "send."