When to Send Wedding Invitations

9/6/2023

Planning your wedding is a joyous occasion, but it's not without its stressors. Deciding when to send out invitations to family and friends may seem easy, but determining how far in advance you should mail the envelopes requires some thought. Knowing just how much time ahead of the big day to post those invites can help ensure everyone will be able to join in on celebrating your union as you start down this new path together.

The timing of when to send out invitations can significantly impact the number of guests that RSVP, as well as the overall planning process for the wedding. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of when to send wedding invitations in order to ensure that all of your guests have enough time to prepare and make arrangements to attend your special day.

Have You Just Gotten Engaged and Are Starting To Plan Your Big Day?

This is a special moment for couples who want to ensure the wedding planning process is smooth and stress-free. With so much going on, an important factor is when to send out invitations! At Union Bluff, we can help you celebrate the wedding ceremony you will never forget.

As specialists in creating unforgettable wedding and reception experiences, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide beautiful and romantic settings, as well as expertly managing all aspects of the event, down to the smallest details. From the picturesque location to the food and music, we ensure that every aspect is professionally handled to ensure that you and your partner have a celebration that you will be proud of for years to come.

Book your Wedding at Union Bluff today!

Wedding Invitation Etiquette

In the process of planning a wedding, it is essential to consider various factors, both major and minor, that contribute to a successful and memorable event. One of the most critical components of a wedding is the invitation, which serves as an official announcement of the upcoming nuptials and sets the tone for the entire celebration.

Traditionally, wedding invitations were highly formal, reflecting the formal nature of the event. However, in recent times, invitations are now tailored to reflect a more relaxed or casual occasion. Despite this, the fundamental protocol for sending out wedding invitations remains unchanged. This includes guidelines on what information should be included and omitted, proper addressing and delivery etiquette, and other important considerations. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your invitations are both polished and professional.

Formal or Casual: What to Include?

Since a wedding ceremony is a very important event, you and your fiancé must decide together whether to opt for a formal or casual tone.

Determine the Wording and Phrasing of Your Invitation: Decide on the language and tone that you want to use on your wedding invitations. Formal language is suitable for traditional and religious ceremonies with formal receptions, while more informal language is appropriate for less formal events.
Include Basic Information: Regardless of the language used, the invitation should always include the couple's names, the hosts, the date, time, and the location of the wedding. Make sure to include the complete address of the venue.
RSVP: Make sure to include a request for an RSVP, whether that be on the invitation itself or on a separate returnable card with a self-addressed envelope to make responding as simple as possible for your guests.
Be Accurate and Complete: Be sure to include all the necessary details and double-check that the information is accurate and complete before sending out the invitations.

Including More Details in Your Invitation

Although professional wedding planners frequently advise that you incorporate your wedding theme in some way—through colors or design embellishments—the actual style of the invitation is entirely up to you.

The invitation must only provide essential information about the event, per wedding etiquette. The invitation suite, however, may also contain other significant details:

What should attendees wear to the event(s)
A location map for the event
Information on lodging
Any information about wedding-related events

Sending Your Invitation

Congratulations on determining the wording and phrasing for your wedding invitations! The next step is to consider the timing for mailing them out. To ensure that your invitations are received at the appropriate time, here are some fundamental wedding invitation schedule guidelines to follow:

Save-the-Date Notices: To ensure that your guests have ample time to plan and prepare for your wedding, we recommend sending out save-the-date notices up to a year in advance of the event.
Invitations for Traditional Weddings: For traditional weddings, we recommend sending out invitations to your guests six to eight weeks prior to the event. This will provide guests with ample time to RSVP and plan accordingly.
Invitations for Destination Weddings: For destination weddings, we recommend sending out invitations three months in advance of the event. This will allow guests ample time to make travel arrangements and prepare for the celebration.

One of the most exciting aspects of wedding planning might be creating and sending out your invitations. You may encourage your guests' excitement for your big day by adhering to the fundamental guidelines of wedding invitation etiquette.

Benefits of Choosing Union Bluff for Your Wedding.

Choosing Union Bluff Hotel and Meeting House for your wedding is a great choice! Our coastal venue in York, Maine offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and all the amenities you need to make your dream wedding come true.

Here are some of the benefits that make Union Bluff a top choice for weddings:

Professional Planning and Execution: Our experienced staff is dedicated to helping you plan and execute an event that exceeds your expectations. From start to finish, we will work with you to ensure that every detail is taken care of.
Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Union Bluff offers a diverse range of indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for intimate ceremonies or grand receptions. Whether you envision a romantic ceremony on the beach or a lavish reception in one of our elegant ballrooms, we have the perfect space to suit your needs.
World-Class Cuisine: Our world-class chefs have a reputation for preparing the finest food that will delight your guests and make your wedding truly memorable.
Luxury Accommodations: Union Bluff offers luxury accommodations on-site with stunning ocean views, ensuring that you and your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Tips for Saving Money on Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations can be a significant expense, but there are ways to save money if you plan. Here are some tips for saving on your invitation costs:

Order in bulk: Many stores offer discounts when you purchase large quantities of invitations at once.
Choose an online retailer: Online retailers often have lower prices than traditional stationary stores.
Design your invitation card yourself: With the help of digital tools and templates, you can design and print your wedding invites at home.
Shop around: Research different vendors to compare prices before making a decision.

Following these steps makes it possible to find beautiful wedding invitations without breaking the bank!

Frequently Asked Questions About When to Send Wedding Invitations

Q: How much time before the wedding should we send invitations?

A: You should typically send Wedding Invitations 6-8 weeks before your wedding day.

Q: Is there an appropriate amount of time to give guests to RSVP?

A: Yes! Typically, wedding invitations include a request for an RSVP 4-6 weeks before the wedding date. It gives guests enough time to respond and plan accordingly.

Q: Can Wedding Invitations be sent electronically?

A: Yes! Many couples choose to save time and money by sending wedding invitations electronically. However, it is important to remember that traditional wedding etiquette dictates wedding invitations should still be sent on paper.

Final Thoughts

The earlier you send out your wedding invitations, the better! It gives guests a good amount of time to reply and plan their trips if they accept. It would help if you also double-checked with first-generation family members, as some may be more traditional or prefer a formal invitation.

To help make the process easier, why not turn to Union Bluff for all your wedding needs? With quick turnaround times and design options customized specifically for you and your future spouse, Union Bluff can help make sure that all aspects of your wedding are perfect from start to finish. Now that you know when to mail wedding invitations, take the time today to get started and make your special day exceptional!