One of the questions I’m asked most often as a Nashville wedding photographer may surprise you. It isn’t about photography, venues, or even how to choose a wedding date. But simply, ‘When should we send out save the dates and invitations?’ Timing is everything when it comes to giving your guests enough notice to plan, budget, book travel and accommodations, and RSVP. Whether you’re planning a local or destination wedding, here’s a quick guide to help clear the confusion!

Save the Dates – Giving Guests Enough of a Heads-Up

Save the dates. They are the first official notice of your upcoming wedding! These are often exciting for couples when things begin to feel ‘real.’ Knowing the difference between too early and the perfect time to help guests plan and mark their calendars can get tricky. If you’re planning a destination wedding, send your save the dates 9-12 months before your wedding date. This allows guests ample time to make travel arrangements and book hotels for their stay. If you’re staying local, a 6-month notice is enough time for guests who won’t need to book flights or any hotel stays. Save the dates are a fun way to create buzz and get your big day on the calendar. This ensures that the most important people are there to support you!

Invitations – Set the Vibe for Your Wedding

Next, your wedding invitations should include all the necessary details your guests should know—information like location, time, dress code, and how to RSVP. Sending invitations too close to your wedding date may result in lower attendance as guests will be scrambling to respond. On the other hand, sending them too early can result in guests forgetting altogether. For the couples planning a destination celebration, send your wedding invitations 3 months before the wedding (6-9 months after saving the dates). This should give guests the final push needed to book travel. For a local wedding, invitations should be sent 2-3 months in advance (3-4 months after saving the dates). Sending invitations at this point gives guests ample time to RSVP and make any other necessary plans.

When Should Guests RSVP?

Knowing who will be there is crucial throughout your wedding planning and as it gets closer to your wedding date. Having a set list of RSVP-ed guests can help with seating charts, catering, and other final details. Set your RSVP deadline at least 2 weeks before to coordinate with vendors on numbers. If you’ve booked a formal catering team, encourage guests to RSVP 3-4 weeks before the wedding date. This information will help your catering team with their final headcount to prepare for your date.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for invitations, this guide is a good starting point for your wedding planning. Sending out your wedding invitations and saving the dates at the right time ensures guests are well-prepared and excited to celebrate you. Sticking to a timeline will help ease wedding planning stress and keep you on track!

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