When to Post Your Wedding Invitations

Here’s a stress-free wedding stationery timeline to help you stay on track. We work backwards from your wedding day so you know exactly when to send your invitations, when to set your RSVP date, and when to pick up your stationery.

Wedding Day

The big day! Everything works back from here.

RSVP Date

Plan your RSVP date to be 4 to 8 weeks before your wedding.
Here’s how to get the timing right:

  • Check with your venue or caterer – they usually need final guest numbers 2 to 4 weeks before the wedding. Some require numbers earlier, so check.

  • Set your RSVP date at least 2 weeks before their deadline, so you have time to chase any late replies from naughty guests.

Heads up: A couple of Hunter Valley venues ask for numbers 12 weeks before. If that’s your vendor, you’ll need RSVPs back 14 to 16 weeks out.

When to Post Your Wedding Invitations

  • Within Australia: Send your wedding invites 8 weeks before the RSVP date.
    (Don’t cut this short — postage delays are real. We once had invites take 2 weeks just to get from Newcastle to Dubbo!)

  • International guests: Allow at least 12 weeks before your RSVP date.

Giving guests plenty of notice means less stress for you.

When to Pick Up Your Invitations from us

We work with three main invitation styles. Here’s when we recommend picking them up:

  • DIY Invitations:
    Grab these as early as you can before your post-out date. The more time you give yourself to print and create, the less stress.

  • Wedding-in-a-Bag Invitations:
    Aim to pick up 4 to 6 weeks before you post. Assembly is easy, but it’s nice to have wiggle room (especially for the inevitable “Oops, forgot to invite the cousins” moment!).

  • Custom-Made Invitations:
    We’ll have these ready 1 to 2 weeks before your post-out date. That way, you’re ahead of schedule and can relax knowing it’s all sorted.

Start Early (Trust Us on This One)

We recommend starting your wedding invitation planning at least 6 to 8 months before your wedding day. It gives you time to design, approve, print and post – without the stress.

Destination Wedding?

You’ll need to send your invitations between 10 and 12 months before the wedding so guests can book travel and accommodation.

Running Behind?

We know planning a wedding doesn’t always go to plan – life happens! If your wedding is less than 6 months away – don’t panic! Give us a call or email us to and we’ll help you fast-track your invites. 

 

 

For more tips on ceremony timing, reception stationery, and on-the-day signage, check out our other help pages.

Need help or advice?

For no stress, just beautifully done invites…

Email Cath Now