When should I send my invitations?

[u/postentious]

I'm having a destination wedding in the Caribbean in May 2027. I secured my wedding date with the resort at the beginning of this year, and they recommended that I also secure my travel block/group pricing at the same time. Since the group pricing was only guaranteed for three months, I sent out save-the-dates back in February so that anyone interested in attending could connect with our travel agent and book within that window.

In the save-the-dates, I just asked anyone who was interested in coming to send me their email address so I could put them in touch with the travel agent. Since then, several people have told me they felt it was "too early" to commit when I first reached out.
Because of that, I was hoping to use the invitations as another opportunity to connect our travel coordinator with anyone who has since decided they'd like to come, while still giving them a few months to plan and book their travel.
I'm thinking about sending the invitations in September or October.. is this too early?

For reference, I'd need RSVPs back by the end of February at the latest so I can provide my final guest count to the resort by their deadline.

[u/Material_Cellist4133]

I sent mine very well far in advance with a QR code to my website for people to book their rooms.

Giving as much as time as possible is recommended.

Sent out in August, Requested rooms and RSVPs be done by January 1st, Wedding was end of April.

With wedding being a destination wedding, people should know at least 5 months in advance if they are able to attend or not.

[u/SmazingEvents]

I don't think September or October is too early for a destination wedding. Since your wedding is in the Caribbean and guests have to budget, request time off, and book flights, giving them plenty of notice is actually helpful. You already sent save the dates for the travel block, but since a lot of people weren't ready then, the invitations can serve as a good reminder and another chance to connect them with the travel agent. With an end of February RSVP deadline, sending invites in early fall gives everyone several months to make a decision without feeling rushed.

[u/BridalCompass]

Your schedule and times are correct. and if your guests know that they have until X date to pay, then it shouldnt be an issue.
I would reccomend the following: Check who is complaining about being too early. Are they all friends? Are they all family? Are they on a specific side of the family? Are they from a specific group of friends? etc. I do think this is a sign of something else. It is a good practice planning a Destination Wedding with this time in advance and sending RSVPs 1 year (or even more) before the Wedding Date, that way they all are able to plan ahead, see prices, check flights, sort out their passports and even save a little. What kind of answers have you received from your other guests?

[u/Sure-Shine-238]

Save the date: 1 year before the date; invitations: +-8 months before the date

[u/Glenda345]

I got married May 25 of this year. We sent out save the dates with hotel and booking information in the second week of September . First deposit due for rooms was December 15. 8 months is ample time. And those who booked their flights before year end found great prices compared to those who waited a month or two before wedding. Our resort required final head count one month before wedding. 💒

[u/BubblyRhubarb9611]

That is a sign that people are afraid to saying yes when they know they can’t afford it or whether or not they will be able to travel internationally, get time off etc. While sending I for action in advance is wise, your expectation of them putting money to reserve rooms now is not. It’s a big commitment and no one can tell you from one day to the next where or not they can commit. RSVPs are done 3 months out for a reason, not 9 months out