When to send wedding invitations?

Introduction 

Hey there, lovebirds. Are you planning your dream wedding but feeling a bit lost about when to send out those all-important invitations? Fear not, because today we’re going to dive into the wonderful world of wedding stationery and help you figure out the perfect timing for sending out those precious little pieces of paper. 

As any wedding planner will tell you, timing is everything when it comes to wedding invitations. After all, they’re the first glimpse your guests will get into your big day, and you want to make sure they have plenty of time to prepare, RSVP, and clear their schedules. So, let’s get started and make sure you send those invitations at the perfect time!

The general rule of thumb for sending wedding invitations

It is important to get the timing right to ensure that your guests have enough notice to make travel arrangements, take time off work, and RSVP. Here are some general rules of thumb for sending wedding invitations in India:

• Send invitations at least 6-8 weeks in advance: In India, it is customary to send out wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to plan their schedules and make any necessary arrangements.
• Consider sending save-the-dates: If you have guests who will need to make travel arrangements, consider sending save-the-date cards 6-12 months in advance. This will give your guests even more notice and increase the likelihood that they will be able to attend.
• Send invitations earlier for destination weddings: If you are having a destination wedding, you should send out invitations at least 3-4 months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to book travel and accommodations.
• Send invitations later for local weddings: If most of your guests are local, you can send out invitations 4-6 weeks in advance. This is because they will not need as much time to make travel arrangements.
• Consider the timing of the wedding: If you are having a wedding during peak season (October to February in India), it is advisable to send out invitations earlier to ensure that your guests have enough notice.
• Factor in holidays and other events: If your wedding is close to a major holiday or other events (such as a major sporting event), it is best to send out invitations earlier to avoid conflicts.

Factors to consider for when to send wedding invitations

In India, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind when deciding on the timing for sending out wedding invitations.

1. The Date of the Wedding

The wedding’s actual date should be taken into account when determining when to send out invites. According to Indian wedding customs sending out invitations at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding date is important.

2. The Type of Wedding

The type of wedding you are planning can also influence when to send out invitations. Sending out invitations at least three to four months in advance is advised, for instance, if you are planning a destination wedding where guests may need to make travel arrangements.

3. The Guest List

The size of your guest list is also important when deciding when to send out invitations. If you are inviting a large number of guests, it may be wise to send out invitations earlier to ensure that everyone receives them in a timely manner.

4. Festive Seasons

Festive seasons in India, such as Diwali, Holi, and Eid, are popular times for weddings, and it is important to consider these holidays when sending out invitations. Guests may have other commitments during these times, so sending out invitations at least 2-3 months in advance is recommended.

5. RSVP Deadline

Including an RSVP deadline on your wedding invitations is important to ensure that you have an accurate count of guests attending the wedding. The RSVP deadline should be set at least 2-3 weeks before the wedding date to allow enough time for final preparations.

How to communicate important details to guests

When communicating important details to guests, it’s essential to ensure that all the relevant information is included in the invitation. This includes the date, time, and location of the wedding and any specific instructions or dress codes. Also, it is customary in India to list the parents of the bride and groom on the invitation.

Here are some important details to include in your wedding invitations in India:

1. Date and time: This is the most important detail to include. Make sure that you include the date and time of the wedding, as well as any other events, such as a sangeet or mehendi ceremony.
2. Location: Make sure to provide the full address of the wedding venue, including any landmarks or important details that will help guests find their way.
3. Dress code: If there is a specific dress code for the wedding, make sure to include this in the invitation. For example, if the wedding is a formal event, guests may be expected to wear traditional attire like sarees or suits.
4. RSVP details: Provide guests with a clear deadline for RSVPing and the contact information they need to respond. This can include an email address, phone number, or website.
5. Accommodation and transportation: If guests are traveling from out of town, provide them with information about local accommodations and transportation options. This might include details about nearby hotels, taxi services, or public transportation.
6. Schedule of events: If there are other events planned around the wedding, such as a pre-wedding party or a post-wedding brunch, include these in the invitation as well.

Dealing with Last-Minute Changes or Delays in Sending Invitations

Delays in sending invitations can cause significant problems. In a poll by WeddingWire India, 35% of couples who had trouble getting guests to show up cited invitation delays as the primary cause of the low turnout.

Another study conducted by Weddingz.in, a popular Indian wedding planning website, found that couples who sent out invitations less than a month before the wedding date had an average attendance rate of just 50%, compared to 80% for couples who sent out invitations two to three months in advance.

Delays in sending invitations can also add unnecessary stress for the couple. Late invitations can result in last-minute changes, such as seating arrangements and catering orders, which can be stressful for the couple and their families.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Now you know exactly when to send out your wedding invitations if you’re planning to tie the knot in India. Remember, sending them out between 8 to 12 weeks before the big day is best, but you can always adjust based on your specific circumstances.

By following this timeline, you’ll give your guests plenty of time to make arrangements and ensure that your special day is one that they won’t want to miss. Happy wedding planning!