Wedding invitation timeline: when to send everything
Enter your wedding date and get the dates to send save-the-dates and invitations, set the reply deadline and give your caterer a headcount. Free, no sign-up.
How the dates are chosen
There is no single rule, and etiquette guides differ a little. The tool uses common lead times and shows the usual range next to each date, so you can move a date if your situation calls for it.
| Plan | Save-the-dates | Invitations | Replies due | Final headcount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most weddings | 6 to 8 months before | 6 to 10 weeks before | 3 to 4 weeks before | 7 to 14 days before |
| Destination or a holiday weekend | 8 to 12 months before | 10 to 16 weeks before | 5 to 8 weeks before | 7 to 14 days before |
| Small or casual | 3 to 5 months before | 4 to 8 weeks before | 2 to 3 weeks before | About a week before |
The date we show for each step is a sensible point inside that range. The reply deadline always comes before the date you need to give your caterer a headcount, so you have time to chase and to finish the seating plan.
For the thinking behind each step, read when to send wedding invitations and save-the-dates. If you are still deciding what to write, see wedding invitation wording.
Questions
Do I need to send save-the-dates?
They are not required. They help most when guests will travel, when the date falls on a holiday weekend, or when you are inviting a lot of people, because they let guests hold the date long before the invitation arrives.
Does the timeline change for digital invitations?
A digital invitation arrives the moment you send it, so you do not need to allow for the post. Guests still need time to plan, so the ranges in the table stay the same. What changes is how late you can make a correction: you can fix a detail and everyone sees it.
What if my wedding is less than three weeks away?
Send invitations today by message or email, ask for replies within a few days, and give your caterer your best estimate now. The tool shows a short note when this applies.
Can I move the dates?
Yes. The ranges are there for that. If your guests are mostly local and relaxed, lean towards the later end. If many guests must travel, lean towards the earlier end.