What Happens Before You Send Your Wedding Invites?

Planning a wedding is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and plenty of decisions. While sending out wedding invitations is a big milestone, several important steps come before that moment. From sharing the happy news to ensuring your guests have the date marked on their calendars, here’s everything you need to do before sending out your official wedding invites.

Announcing Your Engagement

Before you even think about invitations, it’s time to celebrate your engagement. Whether you prefer an intimate gathering with close family or a grand announcement on social media, letting people know about your big news is a meaningful first step. Sharing your engagement allows loved ones to be part of your joy and start getting excited about the upcoming wedding.

An engagement party is a wonderful way to bring family and friends together to celebrate. It also gives you an early opportunity to introduce key people from both sides of the family. If a party isn’t your style, a simple but heartfelt post on social media or personal phone calls to close friends and family can be just as special. The key is to ensure that the people closest to you hear the news from you before it spreads elsewhere.

Letting People Book the Date

Once the excitement of the engagement settles in, the next step is making sure your guests can attend your big day. That’s where a notification to save the day comes in. This early announcement gives guests a heads-up about your wedding date so they can plan accordingly.

A save the date can be sent in various ways. Traditional printed cards add a personal touch, while digital versions are a quick and convenient option. Some couples opt for creative alternatives like magnets, video messages, or even postcards featuring engagement photos. No matter how you send it, this ensures your guests have enough time to make arrangements, especially if they’ll be traveling.

When deciding who should receive the notification, think about your guest list carefully. Only send them to people you’re certain will be invited to the wedding. Once the save the dates go out, there’s an expectation that an official invitation will follow. 

Sending the Official Wedding Invitations

With the date secured and the excitement building, it’s finally time to send out the actual wedding invitations. Timing is crucial here. Most couples send invitations about six to eight weeks before the wedding, though for destination weddings, it’s best to send them earlier—about three to four months in advance—to give guests ample time to make travel arrangements.

Your wedding invitations do more than just inform guests about the date and venue. They set the tone for the wedding and reflect your personal style. A beautifully designed invite makes a lasting impression, building anticipation for the big day. Choosing luxury invites with foil adds an elegant touch that highlights the significance of the occasion. Metallic foils elevate the design, making your invitations feel special and memorable.

As for the guest list, wedding invitations should go to everyone who received a save the date, plus any additional guests you’ve decided to invite since then. Include all essential details like the ceremony time, location, dress code, and RSVP instructions. Providing a wedding website link can also be helpful for sharing extra information about accommodations, schedules, and registry details.

Taking these steps before sending out wedding invitations ensures a smooth and well-organized planning process. From announcing your engagement to making sure guests have the date marked, each milestone helps set the stage for an unforgettable celebration.