How the timeline is worked out
Every date counts back from your wedding day, using the same windows as our guides to when to send invitations, when to mail save the dates and the full invitation timeline:
| Step | Local wedding | Destination or travel |
|---|---|---|
| Save the dates | 6 to 8 months before | 8 to 12 months before |
| Choose the design, collect addresses | 4 to 5 months before | 5 to 6 months before |
| Proofread, order or print | About 3 months before | About 4 months before |
| Address, assemble, weigh one | About 2 months before | About 3 months before |
| Mail the invitations | 6 to 8 weeks before | 10 to 12 weeks before |
| RSVP deadline | 3 to 4 weeks before | 4 to 6 weeks before |
| Final headcount | 1 to 2 weeks before | 1 to 2 weeks before |
| Thank you cards | Within about 3 months after | Within about 3 months after |
Three options adjust the result. A holiday weekend or peak-season date moves save the dates to 8 to 12 months and invitations to about 8 weeks. A large guest list or a plated multi-course dinner moves the RSVP deadline to 5 to 6 weeks, which gives you room to follow up before the caterer's count. Digital invitations for a local wedding can go out 5 to 6 weeks before, since there is no mail time, and the printing and assembly steps drop out.
Short engagements
If the wedding is less than about four months away, skip the save the date: a save the date that arrives just before the invitation only causes confusion. Send the invitations as soon as they are ready, ideally 8 to 10 weeks before the day, and offer a quick online RSVP. The calculator flags this case automatically and marks any step whose window has already passed.
Why the RSVP deadline matters most
The date that drives everything else is the RSVP deadline, because your caterer and venue need a final headcount about 1 to 2 weeks before the wedding. Setting the deadline 3 to 4 weeks out leaves a week or two to chase the replies that will inevitably be late. The calculator writes a ready-to-print line such as "Kindly reply by August 15" that you can copy onto your RSVP card.
Put the dates in your calendar
Choose Add to calendar to download a standard .ics file with one all-day reminder per step, which opens in Apple Calendar, Google Calendar and Outlook. Print the table to keep it with your planning notes, or share it with whoever is helping you address envelopes. Your venue's or caterer's contract dates take priority if they differ from these general windows.
Frequently asked questions
When should wedding invitations be mailed?
About 6 to 8 weeks before a local wedding, and 10 to 12 weeks before a destination wedding or one where many guests travel. Digital invitations for a local wedding can go out 5 to 6 weeks before.
When should save the dates go out?
About 6 to 8 months before a local wedding, and 8 to 12 months before a destination wedding, a holiday weekend or a peak-season date. Skip them if the wedding is less than about four months away.
What should the RSVP deadline be?
About 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding, or 5 to 6 weeks for a large guest list or a plated dinner. That leaves time to follow up before your caterer needs the final headcount 1 to 2 weeks before the day.
Can I add these dates to my phone calendar?
Yes. Choose Add to calendar to download an .ics file with an all-day reminder for each step. It opens in Apple Calendar, Google Calendar and Outlook.
When should thank you cards be sent?
Within about three months after the wedding. The calculator includes that date at the end of the timeline.