When should you send wedding invitations in Canada?
The standard timing for invitations, save-the-dates and RSVP deadlines, with a simple countdown to follow.
5 min read · By the Everest team · Updated October 2026
In Canada, wedding invitations are usually sent six to eight weeks before the wedding, with save-the-dates going out six to eight months ahead. If many guests need to travel or cross the border, send invitations closer to 10 to 12 weeks out.
- Save-the-dates: 6 to 8 months before.
- Invitations: 6 to 8 weeks before.
- RSVP deadline: 3 to 4 weeks before.
Who this is for: couples marrying anywhere in Canada, including Ontario weddings with guests coming from Michigan, the GTA or overseas.
What is the wedding invitation timeline?
Work backward from your wedding date. Your venue and caterer’s final guest-count deadline is the date everything else has to fit around.
| When | What to send or do |
|---|---|
| 9 to 12 months before | Finalise the guest list and collect mailing addresses |
| 6 to 8 months before | Send save-the-dates (8 to 12 months for destination weddings) |
| 3 to 4 months before | Order and proof invitations |
| 6 to 8 weeks before | Mail invitations (10 to 12 weeks if many guests travel) |
| 3 to 4 weeks before | RSVP deadline |
| 2 to 3 weeks before | Follow up on missing replies, send final count to venue |
For the bigger planning picture, see our 12-month wedding planning timeline.
When should you send save-the-dates?
Send save-the-dates six to eight months before the wedding. Guests who need flights, time off or childcare appreciate more notice.
Save-the-dates are optional. If your wedding is local and small, an early invitation can do the same job.
When should the RSVP deadline be?
Set the RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the wedding. That leaves time to chase late replies before your caterer needs the final count.
When should you invite out-of-town guests?
For guests who travel, send invitations about 10 to 12 weeks before. Include hotel and travel details on a wedding website or an insert card.
- US guests: remind them to bring a passport or other accepted travel document; see our guide to planning a wedding with guests from Michigan.
- Hotel blocks: many hotels release unbooked rooms 30 days before, so the invitation must arrive well before that.
- Holiday weekends: give even more notice for Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day or Thanksgiving weddings.
What should a wedding invitation include?
A wedding invitation should tell guests who is getting married, when, where, and how to reply. Everything else can live on a wedding website.
- The couple’s names, and the hosts if parents are hosting.
- The date, start time and full address of the ceremony and reception.
- The RSVP deadline and how to reply (card, website or email).
- Who is invited, shown by the names on the envelope, so plus-ones are clear.
- A wedding website address for hotels, dress code and travel details.
Meal choices can go on the RSVP card if your caterer needs them in advance. Registry details are traditionally left off the invitation itself and placed on the website.
How long does mail take in Canada?
Canada Post’s regular Lettermail usually takes a few business days within a province and longer across the country or to the US. Build in an extra week, and weigh one finished invitation at the post office first, since thick or square envelopes can need extra postage.
Quick answers
Is 4 weeks too late to send wedding invitations?
Four weeks is late but not unheard of for a small local wedding. For most weddings, six to eight weeks is the standard, and travelling guests need more.
Do you need save-the-dates in Canada?
No, save-the-dates are optional. They are most useful for destination weddings, holiday weekends and guests who must travel.
When should I send invitations for a destination wedding?
Send save-the-dates 8 to 12 months ahead and invitations about three months ahead. Guests need time to book flights and hotels.
Can I send wedding invitations by email?
Yes. Digital invitations are increasingly common in Canada, and they work well for younger guests. Mail paper invitations to older relatives who may not check email.
When should I send invitations for a winter wedding?
Follow the same six to eight weeks, but avoid having them arrive in the middle of the December holiday mail rush. For a January wedding, mailing in early November is a good idea.
Planning in Chatham-Kent?
Everest’s coordinator shares the final guest-count date early, so your invitation timeline is easy to set. Visit the hall before you print anything.
