Planning & etiquette
When to Send Wedding Invitations in India: A Timeline for Every Ceremony
How early to send wedding invitations in India: save-the-dates, the main invitation, RSVP deadlines and reminders, for local, destination and NRI guests.
The timeline at a glance
| When | What to send | To whom |
|---|---|---|
| As soon as the date and city are fixed (3–6 months ahead; earlier for destination weddings) | Save-the-date | Out-of-town and overseas guests |
| About 2½ months ahead | The invitation (or at least the dates and venues) | Guests travelling by train, so they can book as soon as reservations open |
| 6–8 weeks ahead | The main invitation | Everyone |
| 4–6 weeks ahead | Personal visits or calls, and printed cards | Elders and close family |
| 2–3 weeks ahead | RSVP deadline | Everyone |
| 1 week ahead | Reminder with the full schedule and maps | Everyone who's coming |
| The day before each ceremony | A short note with time and map | Guests for that event |
| After the wedding | A thank-you message | Everyone |
Why timing matters more at Indian weddings
- Several events: a wedding here is often three to five events across two or three days, each with its own timing and venue.
- Guests travel: families travel from other cities and countries.
- Seasons and muhurats: popular wedding seasons and auspicious dates cluster, so hotels, trains and flights fill up early around those dates.
The earlier your guests know the dates, the easier it is for them to say yes.
Save the date: when, and to whom
Send a save-the-date once the date, city and main venue are fixed, typically 3–6 months ahead. It matters most for guests who have to book travel or take leave. Keep it short: names, dates, city, and "formal invitation to follow". A simple image or a link to an early version of your invitation both work.
Train travel: send before bookings open
At the time of writing, Indian Railways opens reservations 60 days before the journey. It was cut from 120 days in November 2024 (report); check IRCTC for the current window. Guests who travel by train need your dates before bookings open, so popular trains don't fill up. In practice, make sure they have the dates about ten weeks before the wedding.
The main invitation: 6–8 weeks before
This is when everyone receives the full invitation: every ceremony, venue, map and the RSVP request. For mostly local guests, four weeks is the latest you should send it. Sooner is kinder.
If you're sending it on WhatsApp, here's how to send it on WhatsApp the right way.
Destination weddings and NRI guests
- Save-the-date: 4–6 months ahead (or more), so guests can arrange leave, flights and stays.
- Invitation: at least 8–10 weeks ahead, with travel and accommodation details.
- Guests who need a visa: these guests need extra time. Ask them early whether they need an invitation letter or documents from you.
- Time zones: state that all times are in IST.
Designs with a sense of place help set expectations: Pushp Mahal's lake-palace scenes suit a waterside venue, and Raj Mahal a palace or heritage hotel.
Personal invitations to elders
Many families still visit elders and close relatives with a card and sweets. Many also offer the first invitation to Lord Ganesha or the family deity before sending any others. Plan these visits for 4–6 weeks before the wedding. Send the digital invitation on the same day, so elders who use WhatsApp have the details at hand.
RSVP deadline and reminders
- RSVP deadline: 2–3 weeks before the first ceremony. Here's how to set your RSVP deadline and follow up.
- One week before: a reminder with the full schedule and maps.
- The day before each ceremony: one line with the time and a map link. We have ready-made reminder messages.
If the date or venue changes
- With a link-based invitation, update the details once and send a short note: "The Sangeet has moved to [Venue]; the invitation link has the new map."
- With printed cards, call the guests who received them.
- Either way, tell people quickly, especially anyone who has already booked travel.
Sample timeline for a wedding on Saturday, 4 December 2027
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| By early August 2027 | Save-the-date to out-of-town and overseas guests |
| By late September 2027 | Dates and venues to train travellers (bookings for 4 December open in early October) |
| 9–23 October 2027 | Main invitation to everyone |
| Late October – early November | Visits and calls to elders |
| 13–20 November 2027 | RSVP deadline |
| 27 November 2027 | One-week reminder with schedule and maps |
| The day before each ceremony | Short reminders |
Keep the link alive for the memories
Guests often revisit the invitation after the wedding to find photos or the venue they loved. On VowStory, invitations stay live for one week, three months or six months after the wedding, depending on the plan. See how long each plan stays live, or read our guide to digital invitations.
Frequently asked questions
How many days before the wedding should invitations be sent?
Six to eight weeks (about 40–60 days) before the first ceremony, and no later than four weeks for local guests. Travelling guests need a save-the-date months earlier.
Is it too early to send invitations three months before?
Not for destination weddings or travelling guests. For local guests, send a save-the-date early and the full invitation 6–8 weeks before.
When should we send a save-the-date?
As soon as your date, city and main venue are fixed, ideally 3–6 months ahead.
Should printed cards and WhatsApp invitations go out at the same time?
Keep them close together. Deliver printed cards to elders first, or on the same day, and send the link alongside so everyone has the same details.
