Send printed wedding invitations about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, and earlier, around 2 to 3 months, for guests who need to travel. Order the cards at least 3 months before the wedding so there is time for design, proofs and printing. Every card should clearly state who is inviting, whose wedding it is, each function with its date, time and venue, and how to RSVP. Below you'll find a timeline, sample wording in English and in simple Hindi, and a checklist to catch mistakes before anything goes to print.

Invitation timeline

  • 4 to 6 months before: send a save-the-date to outstation and overseas guests, usually digitally.
  • About 3 months before: finalise the guest list and the design, and place the print order.
  • 10 to 12 weeks before: approve the final proof. Don't rush this step.
  • 6 to 8 weeks before: hand out or post printed cards; send e-invites to those who won't get a physical card.
  • 2 to 3 weeks before: follow up for RSVPs, especially for functions with limited seating such as the sangeet or a destination stay.
  • A few days before: send a short reminder with venue locations.

In Punjab and across North India, cards are often delivered in person to close relatives, frequently with a box of sweets or dry fruits. Personal delivery takes time, so plan routes by area and start early.

What to include on the card

A typical Punjabi wedding has several functions, and not every guest is invited to all of them. Many families print one main card plus separate inserts for each function, so each guest gets only the inserts that apply.

  • An invocation or religious symbol at the top, if your family follows that custom, such as Ik Onkar or Shri Ganeshaya Namah.
  • The names of the hosts (usually the parents or grandparents) and the couple, with the couple's parents' names.
  • Each function: name, date, day, time and venue, for example the mehendi, sangeet, the Anand Karaj or pheras, and the reception.
  • The full venue address, plus a QR code that opens the map location.
  • Dress code or colour theme, if you have one.
  • RSVP details: one or two names with phone numbers and a reply-by date.
  • Optional lines: "Your blessings are our gift", or a note about children, parking or the timing of the baraat.

Sample wedding invitation wording

Use these as a starting point. The names are only examples; replace them with your own and adjust the tone to your family.

English, formal, hosted by parents:

"With the blessings of the Almighty and our elders, Mr and Mrs Harjeet Singh request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter Simran with Arjun, son of Mr and Mrs Rajiv Malhotra. Anand Karaj on Sunday, 14 February, at 10 am, followed by lunch. Your presence will make the day complete."

English, warm and modern, from the couple:

"We're getting married, and it wouldn't feel right without you. Join Simran and Arjun, along with our families, for three days of food, music and celebration. Full details of each function are inside. Please let us know by 20 January if you can make it."

Simple Hindi in Roman script, traditional:

"Shri Ganeshaya Namah. Prabhu ki kripa aur buzurgon ke aashirwad se, hamari suputri Priya ka shubh vivah Chiranjeev Rohan ke saath hona nishchit hua hai. Aap sapariwar padhaar kar var-vadhu ko apna aashirwad dein. Hamein aapki pratiksha rahegi."

Simple Hindi in Roman script, friendly:

"Khushi ka mauka hai aur aapke bina adhoora hai. Simran aur Arjun ki shaadi mein aap sab zaroor aaiye. Mehendi, sangeet aur shaadi ki poori jaankari andar di gayi hai. Aane ki pushti 20 January tak kar dijiye."

For the RSVP line you can write "Kripya aane ki soochna dein" followed by the names and numbers.

E-invite vs printed card

You don't have to choose one. Most families now use both.

Printed cards still matter for elders, close relatives and anyone you visit in person; in many families a card handed over with mithai is part of the respect shown. They take longer, cost more per guest and can't be changed after printing.

Digital invites are fast, cheap to send and easy to update. A PDF card, an image set or a short WhatsApp video invite with photos, function details and music works well for friends, colleagues and overseas guests. Keep videos short, under a minute is ideal, and make sure the file size is small enough to forward easily. Put the essential details (dates, venues, RSVP) in the text message too, because many people won't watch a video twice to find a time. If you use music, choose a track you have the right to use or royalty-free music.

A practical split: printed cards for family and elders, digital for everyone else, and a single digital "details card" that everyone gets a week before the wedding with timings and locations.

Shagun boxes and gift packing with cards

Invitation boxes have become popular in North India: the card sits in a decorated box with sweets, dry fruits, a small diya or a token gift. If you plan these, keep a few things in mind.

  • Decide the box contents before you finalise quantities, as sweets have a short shelf life and must be ordered close to delivery dates.
  • Make sure the card size fits the box insert; ask the printer and box maker to coordinate.
  • Prepare a few extra boxes for last-minute additions to the list.
  • Label each box with the guest's name before you set off, so nothing gets mixed up on the delivery route.

Proof-check list before printing

Errors on a wedding card are common and embarrassing. Print the final proof on paper and have two family members check it separately.

1. Spelling of every name, including grandparents and the groom's or bride's family.

2. Dates match the days of the week. Check every one against a calendar.

3. Times are clear, with am or pm, and match what the venue has confirmed.

4. Venue names and addresses are complete and correct.

5. Phone numbers for RSVP are correct and belong to people who will answer.

6. Function inserts match the main card.

7. Text in Hindi, Punjabi or any other script has been read by someone fluent in it.

8. Colours and fonts look right on the physical proof, not just on screen.

Frequently asked questions

When should we send wedding invitations in India? Hand out printed cards about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, and send save-the-dates 4 to 6 months ahead to guests who need to travel.

Is it okay to invite only by WhatsApp? For friends, colleagues and distant contacts, yes. For elders and close family, a printed card or a personal call is still expected in most families.

What should an RSVP line say? Give one or two names, phone numbers and a reply-by date, for example "Kindly confirm by 20 January" or "Kripya aane ki soochna dein".

How many extra cards should we print? Print about 10 percent more than your list, because names get added and cards get spoiled.

When you're ready to order, you can compare verified invitation and gifting vendors in your city on Set My Event and ask each for a sample and a proof timeline.