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When to Send Invitations: A Timeline for Every Event

Send too early and guests forget; send too late and they've already made plans. These are the timings most hosts use, plus the RSVP deadline that gives you enough time for the venue and the seating plan.

In short

  • ✓Weddings: save the date 6–8 months ahead, invitations 6–8 weeks ahead (8–12 weeks for destination weddings).
  • ✓Birthdays and parties: 2–4 weeks ahead; kids' parties 2–3 weeks.
  • ✓Baby showers and engagement parties: 4–6 weeks ahead.
  • ✓Set the RSVP deadline 3–4 weeks before the event, and about 2 weeks before for small parties.

Timeline by event

6–8 monthsWedding save the date (up to 12 months for destination weddings or holiday weekends).
8–12 weeksDestination wedding invitations, so guests can book flights and hotels.
6–8 weeksWedding and civil ceremony invitations.
4–6 weeksBaby showers, engagement parties, milestone birthdays, corporate events and retirement parties.
3–4 weeksBaptisms and christenings, anniversaries, reunions.
2–4 weeksBirthdays, dinners, holiday parties and casual get-togethers.
2–3 weeksKids' birthday parties — parents plan weekends a few weeks out.

Setting the RSVP deadline

Work backwards from the date your venue or caterer needs the final headcount — usually 1–2 weeks before the event — and add a week of buffer for late replies.

  • •Weddings: 3–4 weeks before the date.
  • •Parties with catering: 2–3 weeks before.
  • •Casual events: a week before is enough.
  • •Put the deadline in the invitation text and in the RSVP settings, so the form shows it to guests.

Why digital invitations change the timing

A digital invitation arrives the moment you send it — there's no printing or postage time to plan for. That means you can send a little later than paper, edit details if something changes, and send a gentle reminder to guests who haven't replied, without reprinting anything.

How online RSVP works →

A simple plan for a wedding

  1. 16–8 months beforeSend a save the date with the date and city, so guests can block the weekend.
  2. 26–8 weeks beforeSend the full invitation: ceremony, reception, dress code and the RSVP deadline.
  3. 33–4 weeks beforeRSVP deadline. Check the list and message guests who haven't answered yet.
  4. 42 weeks beforeSend the final headcount to the venue and finish the seating plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is it rude to send invitations too early?

Not rude, but invitations sent months ahead are easy to forget. For anything other than a save the date, stick to the windows above and send a reminder closer to the date.

Do I need a save the date if I send invitations 8 weeks ahead?

For weddings with many out-of-town guests, yes — a save the date gives them time to plan travel. For local events it's optional.

How late can I send a digital invitation?

For small parties, even a week ahead works. For weddings and events with catering, keep at least 4–6 weeks so you get replies before the venue needs your numbers.

Keep reading

How online RSVP worksDigital or printed?How to buy an invitation
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