When is the right time to send out Invitations?

I was chatting to a firend of mine earlier who asked when she should send the invitations out for her wedding.

It got me thinking ..... when is the right time?

I received a 'remember the date' card in a Christmas card last year, for a Wedding I attended in the following October. It was actually really helpful to know in advance .... put it in the diary and have sorted the babysitter well in advance. The Wedding invitation arrived 3 months before the big day, which actually seemed spot on. The hotel rooms were released to book and the gift list was live so I could order straight off of it ... Perfect!

I think it all comes down to how organised you are and the level of attendance you want. Those people that really matter to you will already have the date in their diaries, so really sending the invitation is a formality. I can guarantee that when you ask for RSVP 's by a certain date you will still be chasing the odd few outstanding replies.

I have even known couples send out invites as late as 6 weeks before the wedding to keep the numbers low! They'd already sent save the date cards to the 'important' guests on the list, to make sure they'd attend.

I've also had invitations with reply cards included in the invitation with a pre-stamped addressed envelope. This is a wonderful way to get a flurry of replies within the first few weeks after the invites had been sent out.

You should aim to send invites out 3 - 6 months before the Wedding. I'd suggest the latter if your wedding falls in the summer months as many of your guests will be thinking about booking their summer holidays. If you are keen to get the word out regarding the date you have set, include a note in a christmas card for example. Its a great way to spread the word.

finally, get organised. Make sure you have your gift list cards, maps, hotel information and anything else you want to include with the invitations such as a pre-stamped addressed envelope and reply card - have them all ready to go. This way once you've decided to write and address all the invites they can go out ASAP!

Oh .... one last thing, with all the bits and pieces in the envelope with the invite - pop into the post office and have the weight and size/ width checked so you can put the right stamp or stamps on - otherwise it will cost your guests the missing value of postage plus a £1 admin fee to recieve their invite.

good luck!!!

Elle xxx