Send Invitations – Everything You Need to Know

When you Send Invitations, you’re officially telling guests when and where your big day happens and setting the tone for the celebration. Also called wedding invites, this step links directly to Wedding Invitation Etiquette, the set of traditional rules and modern tweaks that guide wording, name order and handling of same‑sex or multicultural couples, as well as to RSVP Deadline, the final date guests should confirm attendance so you can lock in numbers for catering and seating. It also ties into the Invitation Timeline, the schedule that tells you when to send save‑the‑dates, formal invites and follow‑up reminders, and the Wedding Invitation Design, choices about paper, fonts, colors and digital formats that reflect your style and influence guest response rates. In short, send invitations is the hub that connects timing, etiquette, design and RSVP planning, and each piece shapes the next.

Key Steps for Sending Invitations

First, figure out your invitation timeline. Most UK couples start with a save‑the‑date about 9‑12 months before the wedding, especially if they have out‑of‑town guests. The formal invitation then arrives 6‑8 weeks ahead, giving people enough time to arrange travel but not so much that they forget. This timeline requires a clear RSVP deadline, typically set 2‑3 weeks before the final headcount. By linking the send date to the RSVP deadline, you avoid the classic scramble of late replies and can lock in venue contracts without panic.

Second, pay attention to wedding invitation etiquette. The order of names on the envelope matters: traditionally the bride’s name goes first, followed by the groom’s, unless you flip it for a modern twist or same‑sex wedding. Include both parents if they’re covering costs, and use "&" or "and" based on formality. Don’t forget the “M” on RSVP cards—it indicates the guest is bringing a male companion. Small details like these keep your invites respectful and clear, and they reduce confusion when guests fill out their cards.

Third, think about wedding invitation design. Your choice of paper texture, ink color, and typography sends a visual cue about the vibe—rustic, glam, minimalist or bold. A well‑designed invite can boost response rates because guests feel excited to be part of something special. Keep the design readable; avoid overly fancy fonts that make the address illegible for the post office. If you go digital, make sure the e‑invite platform tracks RSVPs automatically, saving you the hassle of manual tallies.

Finally, package everything with a friendly tone. A short note inside the envelope thanking guests for their love and reminding them of the RSVP deadline makes the process feel personal rather than bureaucratic. When you combine a solid timeline, clear etiquette, thoughtful design, and a polite reminder, your invitation process runs smoothly, and you set the stage for a stress‑free wedding day.

Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into each of these areas—budget‑friendly RSVP tips, wording examples, design inspirations and more. Use them as a toolbox to perfect your invitation strategy and make sure every guest feels welcomed from the moment they get the mail.