One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is sending out the invitations. It’s your chance to share the big news and provide all the important details to your guests.

But figuring out the right timing can feel overwhelming. When should you send your invitations? Do you need to send save-the-dates? What about RSVPs?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about when to send wedding invitations and how to create beautiful designs you’ll be proud to share.

When to send out save-the-date invitations

Let’s start with the save-the-date invitations – when should you send them out?

While there are no strict rules, it’s best to give your guests six to eight months’ notice. This gives them plenty of time to make arrangements, like booking flights or organizing childcare.

For destination weddings or guests traveling from out of town, consider sending save-the-dates even earlier—at least nine months in advance—to allow extra time for planning.

When to send out wedding invitations

The timing of your wedding invitations depends on whether you’ve sent a save-the-date.

  • If you haven’t sent a save-the-date, plan to send your invitations earlier.
  • If you have sent a save-the-date, you have a bit more flexibility and can wait a little longer.

As a general rule, wedding invitations should go out 4 to 6 months in advance. If you’ve already sent save-the-dates, sending invitations around 3 months before the wedding is usually sufficient.

What about destination weddings?

Destination weddings require extra planning, so giving your guests plenty of notice is essential.

At a minimum, send invitations six months in advance, but ideally, aim for at least nine months. This gives guests enough time to book travel, save for expenses, and request time off work if needed. The more notice you provide, the easier it will be for them to attend.

Should you send save the dates to evening guests?

If you are having an evening reception with additional guests, should you send them a save the date?

Probably not. Save the dates are typically reserved for guests who will be attending the entire wedding day, including the ceremony and reception.

However, if you have a close relationship with these evening guests or they will need to travel from out of town, it’s always a nice gesture to send them a save the date as well.

How to design a beautiful wedding invitation

Okay, so you know when to send wedding invitations and save the dates. Now let’s get down to how to design a beautiful wedding invitation.

There are a number of things you need to consider:

Colors and theme

Your wedding invitation should match the overall colors and theme of your wedding. This will help set the tone for your big day and give guests a sneak peek into what they can expect.

Fonts and wording

Choose fonts that are easy to read and complement each other. As for the wording, be sure to include all essential details such as names, date, time, location, dress code (if applicable), RSVP information, and any additional details or requests.

Paper quality

Invest in good quality paper for your invitations. It may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your invitation.

Envelopes

Don’t forget about the envelopes! Choose a color and design that coordinates with your invitation and consider using calligraphy for addresses to add a touch of elegance.\

Additional details

You may also want to include additional details such as accommodation options, directions, transportation information, or registry details. Just be sure not to overcrowd the invitation with too much information.

How to design wedding invitations with Picsart

Picsart makes it very simple to create beautiful wedding invitations that people will admire. 

 

You have the option of starting with FREE wedding invitation maker or you can use one of Picsart’s professionally designed wedding templates.

 

From there you can customize the invitation in just about every way you can imagine. Change the wedding font, mix up the colors, and swap out images. You’re only limited by your imagination. 

 

Using the design tools, you can craft a wedding invitation that beautifully captures the essence of your wedding and gets people’s attention at the same time. 

Conclusion

Knowing when to send wedding invitations is key to making sure your guests have enough time to plan and RSVP. 

 

With Picsart, you can easily design unique wedding invitations that will impress your guests and set the tone for your special day. So why wait? Start designing your perfect wedding invitation right away!