When to send wedding invitations

Wedding invitations usually go out six to eight weeks before the wedding. For a destination wedding or guests traveling from abroad, send them earlier so people can book travel and a place to stay.

Engagement party and civil ceremony invitations usually go out three to four weeks ahead.

Children's birthday invitations usually go out two to three weeks ahead, baby shower invitations three to four weeks ahead. When a whole school class is invited, two weeks is the shortest notice that lets parents plan.

Set the RSVP deadline a few days before your venue or caterer needs the final number, usually about two weeks before the event. A few days before that, resend the same invitation link with a short reminder to anyone who has not replied.