When to Send Save the Dates & Invitations
(Plus, the Smart Way to Track RSVPs)
By Joel Gresham – aka Wedding Guy
Most couples overcomplicate this.
Then fall behind.
Then chase RSVPs.
You don’t need that.
Here’s the simple timeline that works.
When to send Save the Dates
Send 6–12 months before your wedding
Go earlier if:
- You have out-of-town guests
- Destination-style wedding
- Holiday or peak summer date
Purpose: - Lock your date in their calendar
- Give guests time to plan travel
When to send Invitations
Send 6–8 weeks before the wedding
That’s it.
Too early = people forget
Too late = people can’t plan
The game changer: QR codes + online RSVP
This is where smart couples win.
Skip:
- Paper RSVP cards
- Return envelopes
- Spreadsheets
Use:
- QR code on your invite
- Link to your RSVP website
Guests scan. Done.
What your RSVP website should do
At Irish Hills Weddings and the Irish Chapel, we include this free for our couples.
- Guests RSVP in seconds
- Tracks yes/no automatically
- Collects meal choices
- Lets you send updates
- Keeps everything in one place
No chasing people down.
Why this matters
- Saves hours of follow-up
- Reduces errors
- Keeps your guest list organized
- Makes planning easier
And your guests expect it now.
Pro tips
- Put the QR code directly on the invite
- Add a short URL for backup
- Set RSVP deadline 3–4 weeks before wedding
- Send one reminder message after deadline
Real talk
The old way:
- Wait
- Chase people
- Manually track
The new way:
- Scan
- Click
- Done
Choose the system that saves you time.
Bottom line
Send Save the Dates early.
Send invitations on time.
And use tools that make your life easier.
One of the first Wedding venues in Michigan to have such an RSVP system is The Irish Hills Weddings and the Irish Chapel! Setup from the peak venue and Didi from wedding venue owners has made this must have for couples looking to simplify their planning.
Because planning should feel simple.
— Joel “The Wedding Guy”
Locally Owned!
We have been a locally owned Michigan wedding venue since 2008, and the company that started Joel’s passion for weddings “Mid Michigan Entertainment” since 1989 offering the most caring and creative service for all of our couples over the past 35+ years. Special thanks to some of the most amazing locally owned and operated venue owners in the country who continue to inspire and support us daily! Check out our locally owned venue partners…
Lavender on the Lake, Lavender on the Lake Blog, Lavender on the Lake Contact The Admiral Room at The Marin, The Admiral Room Blog, The Admiral Room Contact Willow Sky Ranch, Willow Sky Ranch Blog, Willow Sky Ranch Contact Celebrations Event Center, Celebrations Event Center Blog, Celebrations Event Center Contact Irish Hills Weddings Irish Hills TikTok Irish Hills Facebook
