How soon is too soon?

Q. How far in advance should I send out the invitations to my wedding?

A. Depending on how far afield they live allow the guests at least 6 weeks notice to keep the day clear. Closer relatives will know about the date far in advance of that but I often arrange for 'Keep this Date Clear' Cards to be sent out about 6 months in advance. This way they can mark their calendar without the expense and time being spent on invitations straightaway. If you are getting married at the height of summer allow a bit more notice, before holidays are booked. If you have a family of football fans, check the date for big matches. You may have been uncle Gerald's favourite niece once, but expecting him to miss the FA Cup Final may be stretching this too far.

(Answered by Emma-Jane Bennet)