For all of you newly engaged couples, congratulations! We are so excited for you. The big day is finally upon you. And in order to get the news out (after posting on social media, of course) it is time to get those Save the Dates and invitations going. Timing of when to send out the paper goods can be a common question, and a bit confusing, but don’t fret. We are here to the rescue!

Photo via The Petal Report

Save the Dates aren’t for everyone, although we have found that they are a popular accessory, sending them out as soon as you have your date booked or six months in advance, is plenty of time to spread the word. With the save the dates going out that far in advance, have those invitations ready to go six weeks before the big day so your guests know all of the details. We hope they already have their flights and hotels booked though. If you want to avoid the hassle of getting your save the dates together, then just go ahead and send your invitations 8 weeks beforehand. You’re guests won’t mind! They know it is coming already, right?!

Photo via The Silver Starfish

Whenever you decide to send your invitations, save the date or not, always request for the RSVP’s to be sent back 4 weeks in advance to the wedding. You will need your final guest count for vendors within a couple weeks of your event to finalize meal counts and number of chairs. And as we all know, expect a straggler or two.

We hope you find these wedding invitation rules of thumb helpful when creating your wedding paper. Just remember, don’t stress about the little things, you are getting married! Cheers to forever.

Photo via Green Wedding Shoes