How Far in Advance Do You Send Wedding Invitations for Destination Wedding?

By Robert Palmer

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Whether it’s a beachside ceremony in the Caribbean or an elopement in the mountains of Iceland, getting married away from home can be an unforgettable experience. When planning a destination wedding, one of the most important things to consider is when to send out your wedding invitations.

Most couples send out their wedding invitations 8-12 weeks before their special day. This allows guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements, book time off work, and arrange childcare if necessary. It also allows for enough time for the RSVPs to come back so you can get an accurate guest count for your reception venue and caterers.

When deciding on when to mail out your destination wedding invitations, keep these things in mind:

  • The Lead Time:
  • Most stationery companies require 6-8 weeks lead time on custom orders so make sure you give yourself plenty of time when selecting your invites. If you’re ordering online, be sure to factor in delivery times as well.

  • Destination:
  • Depending on where you’re getting married, international guests may need more notice than domestic ones so that they can apply for visas and book flights with enough time to save money.

  • Accommodations:
  • If your guests need lodging while they’re there, do some research ahead of time and let them know where they will be staying along with instructions on how to book a room.

  • RSVP Deadline:
  • Make sure you include a clear RSVP date on the invitation so that you know who is attending in advance and can make all the necessary arrangements with vendors.

When it comes to destination weddings, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to sending out wedding invitations. Make sure everyone has plenty of notice so they can plan accordingly and join you in celebrating this special day.

Conclusion: How far in advance do you send wedding invitations for a destination wedding? 8-12 weeks before the big day is recommended as it gives guests ample time to arrange travel plans and RSVPs can come back in good time for planning purposes.