Short answer: Send your main wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding, and set the RSVP deadline for 2-3 weeks before the day. If most of your guests are traveling, or the wedding falls in a holiday or peak season, move those dates earlier and back them up with a save the date. Save the dates go out 6-8 months ahead — up to a year for international guests. Below is a clear timeline for every scenario.
When to send save the dates
A save the date is a “mark your calendar” message; it doesn’t replace the invitation, but it helps guests plan early. It’s a lifesaver when many guests are coming from far away. The general rule:
- Local wedding: 6-8 months before.
- Mostly out-of-town guests: 8-10 months before.
- International guests / destination wedding: 10-12 months before.
We explain what a save the date is and how to make one in our save the date guide.
When to send the main invitation
The main invitation carries all the details (venue, time, RSVP info) and goes out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Too early and it gets forgotten; too late and guests can’t plan. By scenario:
- Standard local wedding: 6-8 weeks before.
- Out-of-town / travel-heavy wedding: 8-10 weeks before.
- Destination or international wedding: 12 weeks (3 months) before.
- Peak periods like summer or holidays: Move 2 weeks earlier than standard.
When should the RSVP deadline be?
You only learn your final head count from RSVPs, and your venue, catering, and seating plan all depend on it. Set the RSVP deadline for 2-3 weeks before the wedding — a few days before the date your caterer needs final numbers.
On average 75-85% of invited guests attend, but that figure only becomes reliable with a clear RSVP deadline and an easy way to respond. Collecting confirmations on paper is hard — which is why most couples now use a QR-code digital invitation to track RSVPs live on one screen.
If you haven’t finalized your guest list yet, our wedding guest list guide — which starts the head count from budget and capacity — will make it easier.
How a digital invitation makes timing easier
With a traditional printed invitation, printing and delivery take weeks, which forces you to pull your send timeline earlier. With a QR-code digital invitation you deliver the invite in one tap, update details anytime, and see RSVPs instantly.
Quick timeline
- 8-12 months before: Save the dates (especially for traveling guests).
- 6-8 weeks before: Main invitation.
- 2-3 weeks before: RSVP deadline.
- 1 week before: Gently follow up with non-responders.
Conclusion
The heart of wedding invitation timing is two dates: send invites 6-8 weeks out and lock RSVPs 2-3 weeks out; for traveling guests, move both earlier and add a save the date. Going digital makes that timeline far more forgiving. If you want the same ease for your wedding-day photos, a single QR code on your tables lets guests upload every shot to one album without downloading an app — see how it works here.