How long does it take mail to get to Europe?

SCogs18

So I know we won't be sending our invitations for several months, but FI and I are inviting two friends/family in Europe to the wedding, one in Poland and one in Italy.  I am starting to realize that those invitations may take significantly longer to arrive (and then it will take significantly longer for the response cards to get back to us).

Our cake baker/caterer require a final head count much earlier than normal, so our RSVP date is August 11th for a September 22nd wedding (too early, I know, but they didn't give me much of a choice).  I can't change the RSVP date either, the invitations have already been printed/arrived.  When should I send my normal invitations and when should I send my Europe-bound invitations?

wineo929

I've never sent anything to England, but when I Googled it most forums said between 3 days to a week! Not too bad! I'm curious to see what the girls here say, though.

DirtyWater

When FI's mother sends anything to her family in Italy, she sends it 2-3 months earlier.  That just may be because she doesn't want to forget but I know it does take a really long time to get there.

abcollins08

I would send it at least 2 months earlier but, I would also send them an email to be on the lookout for the invitations.  They may respond then letting you know if they will be able to make it or not.

junebug19

I think it takes a few weeks, but it definetly depends on that country's postal system. I was expecting something from Italy, and it ended up getting lost, so the person resent it first class and it still took quite awhile, she says their postal system stinks.
But, I have to send a STD to Portugal tomorrow, I can let you know when it gets there? I sent one there when I sent out all the other ones last month and haven't heard from that person- I can find out if it has gotten there yet too?
Did you try asking at the post office? Usually when you check out, on the screen it will give you a "Estimated date of delivery"- but they say that is an ESTIMATE. 

Smooch711

SCogs18: I work at a post office. I will double check tomorrow at work, but it's roughly 7-10 days, I believe. Each country is different, and the time table that we use doesn't tell us individually, but first class international for a letter should be about 10 days. I'll get back to you tomorrow for sure!

Jewel224

It also depends on the delievery system there too - usually it's about 2 weeks or less to Poland. When my best friend lived there, I sent b-day cards and the like so it varied also depending on the season and holiday - Christmas would take way longer.  I'm not sure about Italy so I can't imagine it'd be any different.

fritz1215

Our save the dates went out last Saturday, we got notice the one to Ireland arrived yesterday (Friday). We'll talk to FI parents tomorrow, and I'm guessing they will say theirs arrived today (Saturday).