When to send save the dates and wedding invitations in the UK

There’s no law of wedding etiquette, but there is a rhythm that works for UK weddings, giving guests enough notice to book time off, travel and childcare without asking them to commit too early. Here’s a simple timeline.

Save the dates: 9–12 months before

Send save the dates once you’ve booked the venue and fixed the date. Nine to twelve months’ notice is typical; allow longer for destination weddings, peak summer Saturdays or bank-holiday weekends, when guests may need to book flights or hotels early.

A save the date only needs your names, the date and the town or venue, plus “formal invitation to follow”. Only send them to people you’re certain to invite: sending a save the date and then no invitation is awkward for everyone.

Invitations: 3–4 months before

Invitations usually go out three to four months before the wedding. That’s early enough for guests to plan, and late enough that your details (timings, menu, accommodation) are settled.

Send day and evening invitations at the same time. Staggering them can make evening guests feel like an afterthought if they hear about the wedding from someone else first.

RSVP deadline: 6–8 weeks before

Your caterer will usually want final numbers and dietary requirements two to four weeks before the day. Work back from that: set your RSVP deadline six to eight weeks before the wedding, giving yourselves a buffer to chase late replies and finalise your seating plan.

Reminders: 2 weeks and a few days before the deadline

Some guests always forget. A gentle reminder about two weeks before the deadline catches most of them, and a final nudge a few days before catches the rest. Keep it light: “we’d love to know if you can make it” works better than “you haven’t replied”.

Final details: 1–2 weeks before

A week or two before, it’s a nice touch to share last-minute practicalities: weather plans, taxi numbers, parking, the order of the day. A wedding website you can update makes this easy - one link, always current.

Thank-you notes: within 3 months after

Traditionally, thank-you notes go out within three months of the wedding. A personal line for each guest, mentioning their gift or a moment you shared on the day, means far more than a long message.

The timeline at a glance

• 9–12 months before: save the dates
• 3–4 months before: invitations (day and evening together)
• 6–8 weeks before: RSVP deadline
• 2 weeks and 3 days before the deadline: reminders
• 2–4 weeks before: final numbers and dietary needs to your caterer
• Within 3 months after: thank-you notes