When to send wedding invitations in India: a week-by-week timeline
Send wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, and a save-the-date 3 to 6 months ahead if guests need to travel. Destination weddings need more notice; small local functions need less.
The short answer
| What | Local wedding | Out-of-town guests | Destination wedding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Save the date | Optional | 3–4 months before | 4–6 months before |
| Invitation | 4–6 weeks before | 6–8 weeks before | 8–12 weeks before |
| RSVP deadline | 2–3 weeks before | 3–4 weeks before | 6–8 weeks before |
| First reminder | 1 week before the RSVP deadline | Same | Same |
| Final details | 2–3 days before | 1 week before | 2 weeks before |
These are common practice rather than rules. Work backwards from the dates your caterer, hotel and venue need final numbers — those deadlines decide your RSVP date, and the RSVP date decides when invitations go out.
Week by week
4–6 months before
- Fix the dates and venues for every function.
- Make the guest list — one list for both families, with who is invited to which function.
- Send save-the-dates to anyone who needs to book travel or leave.
2–3 months before
- Finalise the invitation design and wording, and get both families to check names.
- Collect phone numbers for every guest; this always takes longer than expected.
- Book hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests and note the booking deadline.
6–8 weeks before
- Send the invitations. Call elders first, then send theirs.
- Hand-deliver printed cards, if any, in the same week so nobody hears about it second-hand.
3–4 weeks before
- RSVP deadline. Remind anyone who has not replied.
- Give the caterer and venue a first headcount.
The last week
- Send final details — timings, parking, dress code, live-stream link — to confirmed guests.
- A day-before reminder with the map link saves dozens of “where is it?” calls.
What if the date or venue changes?
Tell guests as soon as it is certain, by message and — for elders — by phone. A printed card cannot change, so you will need to send a correction. An online invitation can simply be updated, and everyone who opens their link sees the new details.
Questions people ask
Can wedding invitations be sent too early?
Yes. More than three months ahead, people forget or lose the card. If you need to give early notice, send a save-the-date first and the full invitation 6–8 weeks before.
Is it rude to invite someone two weeks before?
For a wedding it can feel like an afterthought. If it happens, call them, explain briefly and send the invitation straight after the call.
How do I choose the RSVP date?
Ask your caterer when they need the final count, then set the RSVP date a week or two before that, so you have time to chase late replies.
Ready to make one? See designs and ideas for this occasion, or follow the step-by-step guide.