When to Send Wedding Invitations

When to Send Wedding Invitations: A Global Wedding Planning Timeline

One of the most crucial aspects of wedding planning is ensuring your guests receive their invitations on time. Whether you are hosting a traditional local wedding, a multicultural ceremony, or a destination wedding abroad, understanding when to send wedding invitations is essential for smooth planning and attendance. At Portal Kahwin, we’ve created a comprehensive timeline to help you send your invitations at just the right moment-no matter where in the world you are.

Why the Timing of Wedding Invitations Matters

Sending wedding invitations at the right time:

Gives guests time to RSVP and make travel arrangements
Helps you finalize your guest list accurately
Supports venue, catering, and seating plans
Sets a professional tone for your event

General Rule: When Should You Send Wedding Invitations?

For most weddings, the standard recommendation is:

Send Save the Dates: 6 to 8 months before the wedding
Send Formal Invitations: 6 to 8 weeks before a local wedding
Request RSVPs: At least 3 to 4 weeks before the event

However, the ideal timeline can vary depending on the type of wedding, location, and guest demographics.

Detailed Wedding Invitation Timelines by Wedding Type

Local Wedding (Same City or Region)

Save the Date: Optional
Formal Invitations: 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding
RSVP Deadline: 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding

✔ Ideal for small to medium-sized weddings where most guests are nearby.

Destination Wedding

Save the Date: 8 to 12 months in advance
Formal Invitations: 3 to 4 months before the wedding
RSVP Deadline: 2 to 3 months before the wedding

✔ Allows guests to book flights, hotels, and take leave from work.

International Wedding (Guests Traveling Overseas)

Save the Date: 9 to 12 months in advance
Formal Invitations: 4 months before the wedding
RSVP Deadline: 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding

✔ Essential for weddings involving cross-border travel, visa applications, or different time zones.

Holiday or Peak Season Wedding

Save the Date: 6 to 10 months ahead
Formal Invitations: 3 months in advance
RSVP Deadline: 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding

✔ Important if your wedding coincides with holidays, school breaks, or festive seasons.

Traditional or Cultural Weddings (e.g., Malay, Indian, Chinese)

Save the Date: Optional but helpful if modern elements are involved
Formal Invitations: 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding
RSVP Deadline: 4 weeks before the event

✔ For weddings with multiple events, clearly indicate dates for each ceremony.

RSVP Management Tips

Use a digital RSVP platform like Portal Kahwin for easy tracking.
Include RSVP deadline and options (attending/not attending) clearly.
For international guests, provide digital alternatives to postal RSVPs.
Follow up with guests who haven’t responded by the deadline.

Paper vs Digital Invitations: Timing Considerations

Type	Recommended Send Time	Notes
Paper Invitations	2+ months before	Include mailing time
E-Invitations	6-8 weeks before	Faster, cost-effective
Digital Save the Dates	6-10 months ahead	Ideal for destination weddings

💡 Tip: Use Portal Kahwin’s Digital Kad Kahwin to send e-invites globally in minutes.

Sample Wedding Invitation Timeline (12-Month Engagement)

Month	Task
12	Finalize guest list and gather addresses
10	Choose invitation design or digital card template
9	Send Save the Dates (especially for destination/international weddings)
5	Finalize wedding details and text for invites
4	Order or finalize digital invitations
3	Send formal invitations
1	Follow up with non-RSVPs and submit final headcount to vendors

Common FAQs

Q1: What if I’m having a short engagement?

Send digital Save the Dates ASAP and follow with formal invites at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding.

Q2: Do I need Save the Dates for every wedding?

Not required, but highly recommended for international or holiday weddings.

Q3: Can I send digital-only invitations?

Yes. Digital wedding cards are accepted globally and are eco-friendly, especially via Portal Kahwin’s Kad Kahwin Digital service.

Q4: What happens if guests RSVP late?

Set a clear deadline and follow up. Add a buffer in your planning to accommodate last-minute changes.

Final Thoughts

Sending wedding invitations at the right time is a key part of successful wedding planning. Whether you’re organizing a grand wedding in your hometown or an intimate beach ceremony overseas, the timelines above will help ensure your guests are well-informed and prepared.

At Portal Kahwin, we support modern, digital, and traditional couples worldwide with tools, services, and insights to make their big day extraordinary.

Explore Digital Wedding Cards on Portal Kahwin

Make your invitation process easier and more elegant with Portal Kahwin’s Digital Kad Kahwin. Customize your wedding invitation card, manage RSVPs, share Google Maps locations, playlists, and much more-all in one digital platform.