Answers
When should invitations
be sent?
The short answer, then the table for every occasion type — and the two dates that sit before "send" and get forgotten.
When should invitations be sent?
Six to eight weeks before the event, with the RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the day. Save-the-dates go six to eight months ahead. For a destination event, send invitations three months out and save-the-dates a full year ahead, because guests are booking flights and taking leave.
01
By event type.
| Save-the-date | Invitation | RSVP deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard wedding | 7 months before | 8 weeks before | 4 weeks before |
| Destination wedding | 12 months before | 3 months before | 6 weeks before |
| Small or short-notice | 4 months before | 6 weeks before | 3 weeks before |
| Milestone birthday | 3 months before | 5 weeks before | 2 weeks before |
| Gala or benefit | 4 months before | 6 weeks before | 3 weeks before |
| Corporate event | 2 months before | 4 weeks before | 2 weeks before |
| Dinner party | — | 3 weeks before | 1 week before |
Guests who travel need more notice than guests who drive. If a meaningful share of your list is flying, use the destination row even for a local venue.
02
The two dates before "send".
- Collect addresses — three weeks before the save-the-date, not at invitation time. It is the slowest step and it blocks everything after it.
- Order or finalise — three weeks before you post, minimum, for design, proofing and printing. A commissioned suite needs its own time before that.
03
Common questions
Is it too late to send invitations?
Do I need save-the-dates?
How long should guests get to reply?
Get your exact dates.
Enter your event date and the calculator returns every stationery deadline that follows — addresses, save-the-dates, invitations, replies and final numbers.
Open the timing calculator