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Ah, the wedding invitation. That precious piece of paper (or pixel, let's be modern) that announces to the world that you're about to say "I do" for life. It's a bit like the trailer for your big day: it has to inspire dreams, inform, and above all... arrive on time. Because yes, timing is crucial. Too soon, and your guests forget. Too late, and they're already booked. So, when should you send out the wedding invitation? Spoiler: it can't be improvised.
We'll guide you step by step so that your announcements arrive at just the right time, whether it's for Aunt Josette who lives 600 miles away or your Parisian friends who have schedules as tight as their skinny jeans.
You might think that an invitation is just a pretty card with a date, a place, and two names. But no, it's much more than that. It's a bit like the wedding dress : it marks the beginning of the magic. It's the official invitation, the one that makes your wedding real in the eyes of your guests.
Good timing allows your loved ones to:
Get organized : take time off, book a train, buy a dress or a suit that isn't too kitsch.
Get involved : respond on time, participate in the organization, or even prepare a speech (good luck to them).
Just being there . Because a wedding without the people you love is like a cake without cream.
You've probably figured it out: the right time to send out invitations isn't a matter of politeness, it's a matter of logistics. And a little love, too.
Imagine this: You send out your invitations a year in advance. Very forward-thinking, well done. But the result? By April, everyone has forgotten that you're getting married the following January. The invitation ends up under a pile of bills or turned into a bookmark.
Conversely, if you send out your invitations two weeks before the wedding, expect a frenzy of "sorry, we already have brunch that weekend." Your guests have lives, too. You need to give them some leeway.
Okay, let's stop beating around the bush. The perfect time to send out your invitations is...
Between 4 and 6 months before the wedding.
Not three weeks, not a year. 4 to 6 months is the magic window. Not too early, not too late. It's the time when people are starting to plan their summer, planning their weekends, but the wedding is still far enough away that they can get organized—including finding the perfect simple wedding dress —without stress or rushing.
If you're getting married between June and September (the months when everyone is thinking "hey, let's get married"), it's best to send out your invitations 6 months in advance , or even a little more. Diaries are overloaded, train tickets are becoming prohibitively expensive, and accommodations are selling like hotcakes.
If you're aiming for fall, winter, or early spring, you might want to aim for the lower end of the range, 4 months before . People are often more available and weekends are less crowded.
Ah, the famous "Save the Date", that little teaser before the official announcement, a bit like choosing your country wedding dress : not obligatory, but highly recommended if you are getting married far away, at a very popular time, or if you have guests coming from far away (like your cousin from Quebec or your friends living in Berlin).
Between 8 months and 1 year before the wedding. Yes, it's early, but that's the goal. This allows your loved ones to lock in the date without knowing all the details yet. No need for an address, schedule, or menu—just the date, your names, and possibly the city.
Only people you're sure you'll invite. This isn't a popularity poll. This avoids unpleasant surprises like, "Oh, so I'm getting a Save the Date, but not the invitation afterward?"
Not all weddings are the same. Whether it's a small gathering or a huge party, a destination wedding or a ceremony in Grandma's backyard, each type of wedding requires specific planning. And therefore, a tailored wedding invitation.
If you're getting married locally and most of your guests live locally, you can afford to send out your invitations 4 months in advance . No need for major logistical maneuvers.
There's no debate here: give early notice, with a Save the Date at least a year in advance, especially if the lace wedding dress of your dreams requires fittings and adjustments, and send out the invitations 6 to 8 months in advance. Your guests have to book flights, take time off, find accommodation... In short, it's almost an expedition.
The more people there are, the more complex the logistics become. And the earlier you need to send. In this case, 6 months in advance is the golden rule. This also leaves more time to manage responses (and follow-ups, let's face it).
Times have changed. We no longer have to go through the post office (even though it's charming). But each option has its advantages.
Traditional, elegant, timeless. Paper invitations have that special something special. They're worth keeping, touching, and showing off. But be careful, they take time to print, fold, stamp, and send. So plan ahead.
Fast, practical, and often more economical. Digital announcements, whether by email or through a dedicated website, are a good option... if you're sure Grandma has an email address and checks it before Christmas.
Great for follow-ups or reminders (like "Hey, don't forget to reply, it's in two weeks!").
Sending out your invitations is one thing. But you also need to allow time for responses . Otherwise, you'll be chasing everyone around like a bailiff.
Set a deadline 1 to 2 months before the wedding, especially to validate important elements like the long-sleeved wedding dress . This also gives you time to finalize the seating plan, confirm the number of people with the caterer, and avoid last-minute unforeseen events (like that cousin who shows up with an unannounced +1).
Don't feel bad about following up with people. Life moves fast, emails get lost, papers get misplaced. A nice little message, or even a phone call, and hey presto, it's sorted. (Just avoid passive-aggressive, like "If you haven't responded, you're not invited," eh.)
It happens. A printer problem, a change of venue, a last-minute hesitation... and hey presto, you're late. Take a deep breath, all is not lost.
If you're in a pinch, send an email, a message, or create a Facebook event (privately, of course). It's better than nothing and saves you time.
Your close guests? Call them. You can always send them the invitation later as a keepsake. But the important thing is that they get the information as soon as possible.
A well-sent invitation is a wedding well-started. Here are some tips from the pros (or at least, from people who've survived their own weddings):
Before you even order or write anything, have a complete and definitive list. This avoids oversights, duplicates, and "Oh, damn, we forgot the neighbors."
No, really, check. Between moves, postal code errors, and misspelled names, a check is in order. A lost invitation means a guest who might not come.
It sounds silly, but sticking 100 stamps and writing 100 addresses in one evening is enough to put you off marriage before the big day. More info here .
So, when should you send out your wedding invitation? You've probably guessed it: between 4 and 6 months before the big day , with a few adjustments depending on your particular situation. Don't put yourself under pressure, but don't rush it either. The invitation is your first promise of happiness to your guests. It deserves a little attention, a lot of love, and good timing.
And between us... the most important thing is that you say "yes" to the right person. For the rest, we can always send a reminder text.