[dmg]

Hi,

I'm planning a June 11, 2025 wedding in St. Thomas. I have gotten special rates at the resort but the rooms must be booked by March 6th. I have already sent a save the date card. I also followed up with an informational sheet for the hotel along with a reservations form. My save the date packet also included a postcard that was mailed back to me showing interest. I sent the hotel info only to those who replied Yes, Maybe or from those I didn't hear back from. I also have a wedding web site but only sent the link to the people that responded to the card with their email address. I am not sure when to send out my invites. The cutoff for the hotel is over 3 months prior to my wedding date but I feel that I should send them out before the cutoff in case someone is forgetful.... What do you think? Also, how long should the invites be out there? Meaning, if I sent them out mid February when should I ask people to RSVP by? Thanks for your help!

[Etiquette Now]

Dear When to send,

Typically we would mail the invitations in the same 6-8 weeks (more like 8 weeks) time frame for destination weddings. This usually works just fine because these are usually smaller and everything is already coordinated by this time anyway. However, if you feel that there is no other hotel for your guests to stay if they procrastinate, you may have to mail them at the 3 month date.

Usually we don't like to mail the invitations out that early because the guests could forget about a wedding that is projected out so far. But, I doubt that anyone would forget a wedding that they have to pay money to attend. That should not be your problem.

Give the guests only 2 weeks to respond so you can finalize your plans.

With the typical destination wedding, there are fewer guests that can attend. It won't hurt for you to contact them personally also--you don't have many to call.

Best wishes,

[Nancy Tucker]

Even though the cut off for the rooms is 3 months prior to the date of the wedding, your guests will most likely still get a room but not at the room block rate. Since your wedding will be in their high demand time, that is why the special rate is only offered until March.

With all due respect to Rebecca, I feel as though you've done everything that you can to advise of the cut off for the rooms and would proceed With the invitations in the 8 week time frame With the cut off for rsvp's to you by 3 weeks prior to the wedding.