In the UK, most couples send save the dates 6 to 12 months before the wedding, send invitations about 2 to 3 months (8 to 12 weeks) before, and ask for replies 4 to 6 weeks before the day. Those are typical rather than fixed rules: the dates that really matter are your venue's deadlines for final numbers and meal choices, so work backwards from those.
The typical UK timeline
| When | What to send or do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 12 to 6 months before | Save the dates | Gives guests time to book leave, travel and childcare |
| About 4 months before | Finalise wording, guest list and menu | So invitations go out on time |
| 12 to 8 weeks before | Invitations | Late enough that plans are firm, early enough to reply |
| 6 to 4 weeks before | RSVP deadline | Leaves time to chase and confirm numbers |
| 4 to 2 weeks before | Final numbers and meal choices to the venue | Most venues and caterers ask for these in this window |
| 1 to 2 weeks before | Table plan and any last messages to guests | Once replies are complete |
Check your venue contract first. If your venue needs final numbers six weeks before the wedding, your RSVP date has to be earlier than the guidance above.
When to send save the dates
Save the dates are most useful when guests need to plan: summer and bank holiday weddings, weddings far from where most guests live, or anything abroad. Six months is a sensible minimum; nine to twelve months is kinder for destination weddings or if you're marrying in peak season.
Only send a save the date to people you're certain to invite. Once someone has one, they'll expect an invitation.
When to send wedding invitations
For most UK weddings, 8 to 12 weeks before is the sweet spot. Earlier than that and invitations get put on a shelf and forgotten; later and some guests will already have plans. If you didn't send save the dates, aim for the earlier end, around 12 weeks.
Destination and abroad weddings
Guests need to book flights and accommodation, so send save the dates 9 to 12 months ahead and invitations around 3 to 4 months before. Include travel information, or a link to it, with the invitation.
Evening invitations
Send evening invitations at the same time as day invitations. Sending them later can make evening guests feel like an afterthought, and they need the same notice to arrange lifts and babysitters. Here's how to word them.
Choosing your RSVP date
Set your RSVP date at least a week or two before the venue needs your final numbers. That gives you time to chase anyone who hasn't replied, which is always more people than you expect, and to pass on meal choices and dietary needs. Put the RSVP date clearly on the invitation, not hidden at the bottom.
Chasing late replies
- Keep one guest list with every name, and tick people off as they reply.
- A week after the RSVP date, send a friendly message to everyone still outstanding.
- Make replying easy: a link they can answer on their phone gets far quicker responses than a card that needs a stamp.
Digital invitations help most here, because replies arrive straight away and you can see exactly who hasn't answered. Our guide to collecting RSVPs and meal choices covers chasing in more detail.
Can you send invitations digitally?
Yes, and timing is easier when you do: there's no printing or postage to plan around, and if a detail changes after sending, you can update the invitation rather than reprinting. Create your invitations and preview them free whenever you're ready.