What to Send in Your Wedding Invitation: The Ultimate Guide for Modern Couples (2025)

Planning a wedding comes with countless decisions—but one of the most important is what to send in your wedding invitation. From timelines to RSVP etiquette and even registry information, your wedding invitation sets the tone for your big day and provides guests with all the essential details they need to celebrate with you.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to include in your wedding invitation suite, when to send it, and how to handle common etiquette questions—especially for international guests and modern wedding customs.

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📩 1. What is a Wedding Invitation?

A wedding invitation is a formal request asking your guests to attend your wedding ceremony and/or reception. Traditionally, it includes key information like the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the event, RSVP instructions, and sometimes the dress code.

In today’s digital and multicultural world, couples also include helpful extras like wedding websites, accommodation details, QR codes, and even interactive RSVPs.

🕰️ 2. When Should You Send Out Wedding Invitations?

The ideal time to send wedding invitations is 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules, arrange transportation, and RSVP.

For destination weddings, it’s best to send invites at least 3 to 4 months in advance.

To give guests a heads-up even earlier, consider sending Save-the-Dates (more on that below).

📅 3. How Long Before Should the RSVP Date Be?

The RSVP deadline should be 3 to 4 weeks before your wedding day. This gives you ample time to:

• Finalize your seating chart

• Confirm headcounts with caterers and vendors

• Follow up with guests who haven’t responded

✅ Pro Tip: Include both RSVP deadline and how to respond (e.g., reply card, wedding website, QR code).

🌍 4. Wedding Invitations for International Guests

If you’re inviting friends or family from abroad, send their invitations 12 to 16 weeks before your wedding. International guests need extra time for travel planning, visa applications, and accommodation.

Be sure to include:

• Venue location with postal code (for travel planning)

• A note about travel guidelines or visa requirements (especially post-pandemic)

• Suggestions for nearby hotels or accommodations

• Your wedding website link for additional info

👥 5. Should Guests Bring a Plus-One?

If your guest is not in a long-term relationship, it’s entirely up to you whether to allow a plus-one.

To avoid confusion:

• Clearly state the invited guest’s name on the envelope

• Use phrasing like “& Guest” only if a plus-one is allowed

• Clarify on the RSVP card with options like “Accepts / Declines” and space for a second guest (if permitted)

👗 6. How to Inform Guests About Dress Code?

Always mention the dress code on your wedding invitation or a separate Details Card. Common dress code options include:

• Formal / Black Tie

• Cocktail Attire

• Garden Chic / Casual

• Traditional Cultural Attire

💡 You can also include the dress code on your wedding website or use a QR code linking directly to visual outfit inspiration!

🕒 7. What Time to Put on Wedding Invitations?

List the actual start time of your ceremony—but be mindful that guests may arrive 15–30 minutes early.

Example:

Ceremony begins at 5:00 PM
Reception to follow at 6:30 PM

Avoid listing “arrival time,” as it may create confusion. Keep the language clear and elegant.

📬 8. What are Save-the-Dates?

Save-the-Dates are pre-invitations that inform guests of your wedding date well in advance. They are typically sent 6 to 12 months before the big day.

They usually include:

• Your names

• Wedding date

• City and country (especially if it’s a destination wedding)

• “Formal invitation to follow”

🔗 Read: Save-the-Date timeline and examples

✉️ 9. Save-the-Date vs Wedding Invitation: What’s the Difference?

Think of Save-the-Dates as a “mark your calendar” notice, while your wedding invitation provides all the final, detailed information.

🎁 10. Should You Include Registry Info on Invites?

Never put registry links directly on your formal wedding invitation.

Instead, share your wedding registry via:

• A separate Registry Card in your invitation suite

• Your wedding website

• A QR code on your Details Card

This is considered proper etiquette and avoids making your wedding feel gift-centric.

💌 11. Other Wedding Invitations to Know

Beyond the wedding day, there are several pre- and post-wedding events you may want to invite guests to:

a) Engagement Party Invitations

Sent 1–2 months in advance. These are casual and usually hosted by the couple or close family.

b) Bridal Shower Invitations

Typically sent 4–6 weeks before. Often includes RSVP info and registry details.

c) Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Invitations

Usually managed by the bridal party or best man/maid of honour. Send details 1–2 months ahead.

d) Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

For your VIPs (family, bridal party, solemniser). Sent 2–3 weeks before the wedding.

🔗 Guide: How to plan a wedding itinerary

🙏 12. Wedding Thank You Cards

After your wedding, send thank you cards within 1 to 3 months to guests who:

• Attended your wedding

• Gave you a gift

• Helped out or supported you in any way

Keep your messages heartfelt and personal. You can include printed photos or handwritten notes for a special touch.

🔗 Read: How to write the best wedding thank you speech

Final Thoughts: What to Send in Your Wedding Invitation

Your wedding invitation suite is more than just paper—it’s the first impression of your big day. By including the right details and sending them out at the right time, you’ll make the planning experience smooth for your guests and stress-free for yourself.

Make your wedding truly one-of-a-kind, and don’t forget to bring the live music — because love deserves a soundtrack.