Wedding invite timing etiquette

It's interesting:
"For those of you who are attending their first Jewish wedding, there may be some customs you're unfamiliar with. Like when Paul stepped on the glass at the end ..."

When a couple becomes engaged they know they'll wrestle with the guest list and all the other minute decisions that make the day special. What they may not bargain for are all of the etiquette rules that must be considered, especially in regards to wedding invitations. Wedding etiquette dictates everything from the proper way to address the envelope to what information can or cannot be included in the invitation. The etiquette for invitation timing can be one of the most confusing aspects for couples.

1. Mail Deadline

   • Traditionally, a wedding invitation is sent to guests four to six weeks before the wedding. This allows guests plenty of time to plan for the big event, according to The Knot. The early mailing date also allows for the couple to set their RSVP date earlier, allowing plenty of time to get a final head count to wedding coordinators, caterers, etc. Sometimes it is necessary to mail out invitations further in advance, especially when the wedding is scheduled around a holiday or in the case of a destination wedding.

   RSVP Deadline

   • The invitation should include a RSVP deadline of two to three weeks before the wedding. The RSVP is usually included on a separate card sent with the wedding invitation, according to The Emily Post Institute. It is acceptable to include an email or phone number by which guests can RSVP as well. An earlier RSVP date can be presented to guests when special circumstances warrant.

   Follow-Up

   • Once the invitations go out, the only thing the couple should have to do is wait for the RSVPs to come. Unfortunately, manners and rules of etiquette are often left by the wayside and guests do not always send their reply. If guests do not reply by the deadline, then wait a week. The Emily Post Institute declares a bride, groom, parent, friend or wedding coordinator can call invited guests a week after the deadline has passed to personally ask for their reply.

   'Save the Date' Cards

   • According to The Knot, three-day wedding events and destination weddings are on the rise and so is the custom of "Save the Date" cards. These cards are designed to give guests an extended notice of the wedding date to allow proper planning. Whether the wedding is in a far-flung location or during a busy travel time, the advanced notice is a much-appreciated gesture.

     These cards need to be mailed at least six to eight months before the wedding. The Knot stresses eight months if the wedding is far away, allowing for guests to save money, book travel, request time off from work, etc.

   Announcements vs. Invitations

   • A wedding announcement is sent after the wedding, commonly to announce the nuptials to those who were not invited to the event. The invitation website Storkie.com acknowledges it may be difficult for the bride and groom or their parents to get an announcement out immediately, but stresses the announcement should be sent as soon as possible after the wedding.

     A couple cannot send a wedding announcement in advance because they would be announcing something that has yet to take place. The announcement can be used in lieu of an invitation when the couple is not inviting the person to the wedding. Storkie.com also noted that a wedding announcement is not a solicitation for a gift. Recipients may send a gift anyway, but they are not obligated to do so.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: before wedding, wedding announcement, after wedding, bride groom, eight months, Emily Post, Emily Post Institute