You're engaged... congratulations! Now put down the champagne for just a second, because knowing when to send out wedding invites is one of the very next things you'll need to consider. Following the right wedding invitation protocol will help you keep your cool, whilst also keeping your guests happy (and organised!). So, let's get the timing just right. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about sending your invitations out in perfect style and on time in 2026.
The wedding plans begin: invitations
For centuries, wedding invitations have stood as iconic symbols of wedding celebrations, announcing a huge milestone in a couples' lives, whilst also honouring one of humanity's most meaningful traditions. They mark a super exciting first step in your wedding journey!
So naturally, one particular question pops up not too long after the ring does:
"When do I send out my wedding invitations and save the dates?"
Although after your engagement, a shiny new rock posted to your Instagram account can help to spread the word, formally getting the message out involves a particular protocol. Millions of couples have followed before you, and so the tried and tested guidelines exist for good reason! Getting your invites out, both in style and on time, is absolutely key.
Why is timing so important? Sending wedding invites out too early can reduce urgency to RSVP, meanwhile, leave it a little too late and you risk unnecessary stress leading up to your big day.
Not to mention, giving yourself enough time to send out your invites gives you time to absolutely perfect them. Your wedding invites set the tone for your entire wedding (we're talking style, tone, colours, brand) and present you and your partner as a couple to your nearest and dearest.
But before we dive into the topic of when to send out wedding invites in 2026, it's important to first understand the differences between save the dates and wedding invitations.
Loving the above invitations? Take a look at our beautiful Balmoral collection.
Save the dates vs wedding invitations
Traditionally, both save the dates and wedding invitations are sent out to guests in the months before a wedding. Both are important, because they are different, and engaged couples typically send out both because they do serve unique purposes.
Save the dates
A save the date tells your guests to do exactly that; to mark on their calendars that they shouldn’t make plans for your wedding date. Perhaps also offering a little information about the location and timings of your wedding, your save the date cards help you ensure that your guests will all be there to celebrate with you. It's that extra little step that helps to make sure everyone you want there, will be there!
Browse save the dates here.
Wedding invitations
Your wedding invitations, on the other hand, are sent to guests to offer details about your event. Formally inviting your friends and family to celebrate your marriage, your wedding invitations provide concise information about your venue and timings, RSVP, accommodation, maps, gifting, directions and anything else you’d like to outline.
By the way, according to The Knot's Global Wedding Report, more than 75% of couples in the US, UK, Canada and Italy used formal wedding invitations. But in 2026, the power of online tools is undeniable. Curious about the use of a wedding website alongside your invitations? Learn a little more about the world wedding websites here.
You can browse wedding invitations here.
So, do I need to send out both save the dates and wedding invites?
It is a good idea to send out both save the dates and wedding invites, and research carried out by The Knot, it was found that 84% of couples do indeed send both. And indeed at Peppermint Press, we have found that those who choose to send both experience a smoother and more organised process overall compared to couples who don't. If your wedding won’t be held locally or will take place overseas, it is even more important to send both.
However, whilst planning your wedding you might decide not to send save the dates (perhaps due to a short engagement, sending wedding invites out far in advance or only holding a small wedding).
The most important thing to know is that wedding invitations are pretty much considered mandatory, according to Emmaline Bride. Guests need the pertinent information available to them, and an invitation is a great way to provide that, whilst also setting the tone and theme for the wedding.
Drawn in by the summer vibes of the Amalfi collection above? Browse more here.
When to send wedding save the dates
In our experience, a save the date card should be sent 8 to 10 months in advance. This is true for local weddings or for a location which is easily reached by most guests. An 8 to 10 month save the date warning allows guests enough time to mark a spot on their calendars and make them aware that a formal invitation is on its way.
For destination weddings, you could consider sending a save the date 12 months in advance. This allows your family and friends to plan their vacations, request time off from work or school and ask questions ahead of formalising their plans. Requiring more planning for guests, destination weddings require more notice.
When to send out wedding invitations
It’s best to send your wedding invitations 4 to 5 months before your big day. At Peppermint Press, we've seen couples send their invites at all different times, but trust us, this timeline works the absolute best.
The ample amount of notice provides out of town guests enough time to plan their trips, whilst allowing for some late RSVPs. Around 4 to 5 months of notice also sets aside enough time for an stress-free planning process once your guest list is finalised.
Sending out your wedding invites earlier than this may cause guests to misplace your invite or simply reduce a sense of urgency to RSVP.
Wedding invitations for out of town guests
When planning your invitations, you should consider out of town guests. Allow enough leeway to mail out their invites and enough time for them to send back their RSVP cards.
Wedding invitations for destination weddings
For destination weddings, it’s not uncommon for couples to send e-invites, but whether you do it online or the traditional way, destination wedding invitations should be sent 6 -10 months ahead of your travel dates. Depending on where you’re getting married, guests (and even you and your partner) may require extra time to gather visas, passports or other travel documents.
Do you like the romantic and classical feel of the invitations above? Take a look at our Amour collection.
When to create your wedding invites and save the dates
Knowing when to send out wedding invites is one thing, but knowing when to start creating them is another, as the process can take a little while. Fortunately, at Peppermint Press, we've worked with thousands of couples on this, and have perfected the timeline!
Considering your save the dates and wedding invites should be sent out at particular time frames, it is key to time the creation of your invites accordingly.
How long does the process take?
At Peppermint Press, our tried and tested wedding invitation process takes about 10-15 days in total, with the help of our expert designers. This includes a number of important stages.
Following your selection of your favourite design on the Peppermint Press website, we will personally be in touch with you for your design consultation. Unlike other companies whereby your order ends at checkout, we work with you to personalise your wedding stationery. The final stage in the design process involves you approving your idea wedding invites.
Depending on how your invites are printed, the design and printing process can take 10 to 15 days. Allow a few extra days for shipping, depending on where you’re located in Australia (and more if located internationally). No need to worry about this though; we can provide a shipping estimate at any time before purchase or during your design consultation.
At Peppermint Press, we also offer envelope and return addressing to save you time on hand printing or writing each envelope or return card yourself. If you decide to order elsewhere, be sure to check whether this detail is included in your order. Otherwise, if you are doing it yourself, give yourself plenty of extra time and order extra stationery to cover for any errors you might make.
Enjoying the natural feel of the invitations above? Browse our Habitat collection.
Save the dates and wedding invitations by Peppermint Press
Kept as memorabilia by loving guests for years to come, your invites should be special and the process stress-free. Leave your wedding stationery needs in the hands of Peppermint Press, and rest assured that your invitations will created with the latest industry standards in mind and in impeccable style.
Knowing when to send out wedding invites is a topic that can cause extra stress during the wedding planning process. Do you have any wedding invitation or save the date questions?
Send us a message. We will be happy to assist you.
