When to send wedding invitations (and save-the-dates)
Save-the-dates, invitations and RSVP deadlines: when each should go out for local and destination weddings, and what changes when it's digital.
MyLinx Team · October 22, 2026 · 3 min read
Send save-the-dates 6–8 months before a local wedding and invitations 2–3 months before, with RSVPs due 3–4 weeks out. For a destination wedding, start earlier: 9–12 months, 3–4 months and 6–8 weeks.
The invitation timeline at a glance
| Milestone | Local wedding | Destination wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Save-the-dates | 6–8 months before | 9–12 months before |
| Invitations | 2–3 months before | 3–4 months before |
| RSVP deadline | 3–4 weeks before | 6–8 weeks before |
- Holiday weekends: follow the destination column; plans fill up early.
- Most guests travelling: save-the-dates 8–10 months out, RSVPs 4–6 weeks.
- Small local weddings: save-the-dates are optional.
- Hotel room blocks: share the booking deadline with the save-the-date.
Set the RSVP deadline from your vendors' dates
Work backwards from your caterer and venue, not forwards from the invitation. Ask when they need final numbers, take the earliest date, and set your RSVP deadline one to two weeks before it.
- Get each vendor's final-headcount date in writing.
- Give guests at least 3–4 weeks to reply.
- Name a date: "Please reply by Saturday, 12 April".
- Leave time to chase late replies and finish seating.
Digital invitations save production time, not notice
A digital invitation skips printing, addressing and mailing, and arrives instantly. Guests still need the same notice to book time off and travel, so keep the windows above and use the saved weeks for planning.
- Update a time or venue once; every guest sees it.
- One-tap replies bring RSVPs in sooner.
- Print a few QR keepsake cards for guests who prefer paper.
- See the best ways to collect wedding RSVPs.
Send your A-list first and B-list at least six weeks out
- Send the A-list at the start of your window.
- Send B-list invitations no later than six weeks before.
- Give a second wave a realistic RSVP date of its own.
- Invite friend groups and colleagues together.
- Keep the wave system between you and your families.
Tip · Collect phone numbers with addresses
When gathering guest details, ask for a mobile number and email too. You'll want a fast way to share updates and chase late replies.
Follow up with guests who haven't replied
- Wait a day or two past the deadline, then list non-replies.
- Check who opened the invitation; resend or simply nudge.
- Send a short, friendly personal message.
- Ask family or the wedding party to contact guests they know.
- Before vendors need numbers, count silent guests as not attending.
Before sending, run through the wedding invitation checklist so every version includes the essentials.
Is it too late to send wedding invitations six weeks before?
For a local wedding it's late but workable, especially digitally. Set RSVPs about three weeks out and follow up personally. For destination weddings, six weeks is too short.
Do I need save-the-dates if I'm sending digital invitations?
Yes if guests travel or it's a holiday weekend: digital removes mailing time, not the months guests need to book. Small local weddings can often skip them.
Can I send save-the-dates before finalizing my guest list?
Only to people you're certain to invite. Anyone who gets a save-the-date expects an invitation.
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