Heelllpp !! Timing!

STDs go out 6-8 months before the wedding. Invites 6-8 weeks. (Unless destination.)

RSVP is predicated by when your caterer/venue needs the final headcount (usually about 2 weeks before), which means you want your RSVP date to be about 3-4 weeks before, so you can chase down stragglers.

I found the WW and the Knot timelines on their planning apps to be very helpful! (You can find it under "Planning Tools" above.)

Echoing what Rebecca said send save the dates 6-8 months in advanced. If you are having a destination wedding a send year in advanced.


Guests won’t RSVP with a save the date, you will send a card with your formal invitation (you provide the stamp so guests can mail it back) OR you can make a wedding website and have guests RSVP there.

Also you’ll send out wedding invites 6-8 WEEKS before your wedding, and have guests RSVP’s due 3-4 weeks before so you can get your venue final guest count at 2 weeks

Save the dates are 6-8 months out. Invites are 6-8 weeks out. You can start working on your guests list whenever. I’m getting married in March of 2023, we are done with our preliminary guest list and will take engagement photos next spring to send out save the dates in May of 2022.

View Quoted Comment Thank you Rebecca!!!!

View Quoted Comment Thank you Catherine !

View Quoted Comment Thank you AJ !