Planning a wedding means juggling a million tiny decisions, but one question almost every bride asks at some point is this: when should I send everything out? From save the dates to formal invitations and RSVP reminders, your wedding stationery timeline can feel confusing - especially if it’s your first time planning an event this big.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little guidance, you can confidently stay on track and give your guests all the notice they need (without feeling like you're cutting it close).
In this post, we'll break down exactly when to send your save the dates, invitations, and RSVP cards, along with a few helpful tips to make the whole process smoother. Whether you're going full DIY with your stationery or ordering prints from a professional shop, the timing advice here will still apply.
Why Timing Matters for Wedding Stationery
Sending your wedding stationery at the right time isn’t just about etiquette - it helps ensure your guests can actually make it to your big day. When they have enough notice, they’re more likely to arrange travel, secure accommodations, and avoid scheduling conflicts.
On the flip side, sending too early can mean your invitations get lost in the shuffle, and sending too late might leave guests scrambling.
Having a clear timeline in place helps you stay organized and sets a polished tone for your wedding, right from the very first impression.
When to Send Save the Dates
Ideal Timing: 8 to 12 Months Before the Wedding
Save the dates are your guests' first official introduction to your wedding date, and they’re especially helpful if:
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You’re getting married during a busy travel season
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Your wedding falls on a holiday weekend
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You’re planning a destination wedding
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Many guests will be traveling from out of town
A good rule of thumb is to send your save the dates around 8 to 12 months before your wedding day. If you're planning a destination wedding, lean closer to the 12-month mark to give guests time to book flights and accommodations.
What to Include
Your save the date should be simple but informative. It typically includes:
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Your names
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The wedding date
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The city and state (or country)
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A note that the formal invitation will follow
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Your wedding website URL (optional but helpful)
While it doesn’t need to match your full wedding aesthetic exactly, it’s a great opportunity to introduce your theme, tone, or color palette.
When to Send Wedding Invitations
Ideal Timing: 6 to 8 Weeks Before the Wedding
Your formal wedding invitations are where the full details come into play, and this is when you want to give guests all the information they need to attend.
Most couples send their invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. This allows plenty of time for mailing, guest decision-making, and RSVP returns.
If you’re planning a destination wedding or hosting your event during a particularly busy season (like summer or December), consider sending them closer to 10 to 12 weeks in advance.
What to Include
Your invitation suite can be as simple or elaborate as you like, but traditionally includes:
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The invitation card
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A details or information card (with accommodations, dress code, etc.)
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RSVP card and envelope (or instructions for responding online)
Many modern couples are choosing to streamline by using digital RSVPs, which can be faster and easier for guests to respond to—just make sure your instructions are clear.
If you’re editing and printing your own invitations using a Canva template, add a little buffer time so you can proof everything, get them printed, and prepare for mailing. A one to two week cushion is usually plenty.
When to Ask for RSVPs
Ideal Deadline: 3 to 4 Weeks Before the Wedding
Your RSVP deadline should give you time to finalize your headcount, share numbers with your caterer, and complete your seating chart.
Plan to set your RSVP deadline for around three to four weeks before your wedding date. That gives you enough time to:
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Follow up with any late responders
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Share your guest list with your vendors
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Confirm rental quantities (chairs, tables, place settings, etc.)
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Finalize favors and escort cards if needed
If you’re using physical RSVP cards, send them with pre-addressed, stamped envelopes to make things easy for your guests. For online RSVPs, double check that your wedding website is working properly before you mail the invites.
Bonus: When to Send Thank You Cards
We know - thank you notes are probably the last thing on your mind when you’re knee-deep in wedding planning. But it’s helpful to know the etiquette now, so you can prepare ahead of time.
The general rule is to send your thank you cards within two to three months of the wedding. If you received gifts early (like at a bridal shower), you should send a thank you within a few weeks of receiving the gift.
To make this easier on yourself after the wedding, consider creating a spreadsheet or note in your planner to track who gave what, and when. Having a plan in place now will make your post-wedding life a lot more peaceful later.
Quick Recap
Here’s a simplified version of the ideal mailing timeline:
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Save the Dates: 8 to 12 months before the wedding
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Invitations: 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding
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RSVP Deadline: 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding
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Thank You Cards: Within 2 to 3 months after the wedding
Of course, your specific situation may require adjustments, but these general windows work well for most weddings.
Final Thoughts
Sending your wedding stationery on time doesn’t have to be stressful. With a simple plan and a few key dates in mind, you can make sure your guests feel informed and included - without a last-minute scramble.
So take a deep breath, pour yourself a cup of tea (or champagne), and enjoy the process. You’ve got this.
And if you're still on the hunt for elegant, editable wedding invitation templates that fit your aesthetic, feel free to explore our full collection of Canva wedding stationery templates. They’re designed for brides like you: modern, intentional, and beautifully refined.
Happy planning! 💍
Want to Stay on Top of Every Wedding Detail?
If you're ready to get super organized and keep your planning stress-free, we’ve created something just for you.
Our free 70-page wedding planner is a beautiful, comprehensive resource designed for modern DIY brides who want to stay in control of their planning without feeling overwhelmed.
Inside, you’ll find:
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Checklists to track every task and milestone
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Budget planners to keep everything on track
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Guest list organizers
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Stationery planning pages
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Ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, and event planners
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Supplier and contact logs
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Honeymoon planning sheets
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And so much more
This is the planner we wish we had when we were planning our own weddings, and now it’s yours, completely free. Whether you’re months away from sending your save the dates or just now choosing your invitation style, this planner will help you keep everything beautifully organized from start to finish.