Guide
When to send invitations: every occasion, with dates
When to send invitations and set the RSVP date for weddings, destination weddings, baby and bridal showers, kids' and adult birthdays and holiday parties, plus a month-by-month wedding chart.
November 9, 2026 · 4 min read
Send invitations six to eight weeks before a wedding, four to six weeks before a shower, three to four weeks before an adult party and two to three weeks before a kid's party. Want your own dates? The free guest calculator takes your day and gives the send date, the reply-by date and a calendar file.
The short answer
| Occasion | Send invitations | RSVP by |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding | 6 to 8 weeks before | 3 to 4 weeks before |
| Destination wedding | 3 months before | 6 to 8 weeks before |
| Engagement party | 4 to 6 weeks before | 2 weeks before |
| Bridal shower | 4 to 6 weeks before | 2 weeks before |
| Bachelorette or bachelor trip | 2 to 3 months before | 6 weeks before |
| Baby shower | 4 to 6 weeks before | 2 weeks before |
| Adult or milestone birthday | 3 to 4 weeks before | 1 week before |
| Kids' birthday party | 2 to 3 weeks before | 1 week before |
| Holiday party | 4 to 6 weeks before | 2 weeks before |
| Housewarming or casual party | 2 to 3 weeks before | 1 week before |
Weddings
- Save the date6 to 8 months before, 9 to 12 for a destination.
- Invitation6 to 8 weeks before, 3 months for a destination.
- RSVP by3 to 4 weeks before the day.
- Final countCaterer and venue usually want it about 2 weeks out.
The reply-by date matters most. It has to leave a week or two to chase late replies before the caterer's deadline, and the seating chart waits on it.
When to send wedding invitations, by month
For a wedding in the middle of the month:
| Wedding | Save the date | Invite | RSVP by |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | May to Jul | Mid Nov | Mid Dec |
| February | Jun to Aug | Mid Dec | Mid Jan |
| March | Jul to Sep | Mid to late Jan | Mid Feb |
| April | Aug to Oct | Mid to late Feb | Mid Mar |
| May | Sep to Nov | Mid to late Mar | Mid Apr |
| June | Oct to Dec | Mid to late Apr | Mid May |
| July | Nov to Jan | Mid to late May | Mid Jun |
| August | Dec to Feb | Mid to late Jun | Mid Jul |
| September | Jan to Mar | Mid to late Jul | Mid Aug |
| October | Feb to Apr | Mid to late Aug | Mid Sep |
| November | Mar to May | Mid to late Sep | Mid Oct |
| December | Apr to Jun | Late Oct | Mid Nov |
Winter weddings go a little earlier so the invitation is not lost in the holiday rush.
Showers and parties
- Baby shower: four to six weeks before, so guests can shop the registry. A surprise shower needs the same lead time and a host other than the parents.
- Bridal shower: four to six weeks before. Everyone on the shower list should also be invited to the wedding.
- Kids' birthday: two to three weeks. Parents' weekends fill fast, and an earlier invite is forgotten.
- Milestone birthday: a 30th, 40th or 50th with travel gets a save the date two to four months out, then the invitation a month before.
- Holiday party: December weekends book up by November, so send by early November for a December party.
Mail or digital?
Paper needs extra time: printing takes one to two weeks and the mail another three to seven days. A digital invitation arrives the minute you send it, so the dates above are the send day, not the order day.
If you are late, send now. Two weeks' notice beats none, and a short "we would love to see you even on short notice" line covers it.
FAQ
Is 5 months too early to send wedding invitations?
Yes, for a local wedding. Guests put it aside and forget. No save the date out yet? Send one now, then the invitation six to eight weeks out. For a destination wedding, three months is right for the invitation.
Can I send invitations before the registry is ready?
Yes. Add the registry to your invitation page later. With a digital invitation, guests see the change on the same link.
How long before the RSVP date should I send a reminder?
About a week. One short, friendly nudge is enough; the RSVP wording guide has lines to copy.
Do I send invitations to the wedding party and parents?
Yes. They know the date, but the invitation is a keepsake and their reply keeps your count honest.