diff --git a/submissions/models.py b/submissions/models.py
index 40e541a3f20e91051dc6655f6c5157fa3b6e8363..58acca54932f2fceb81313a167eb661b54918470 100644
--- a/submissions/models.py
+++ b/submissions/models.py
@@ -440,12 +440,13 @@ class EditorialAssignment(SubmissionRelatedObjectMixin, models.Model):
             # Only send if status is appropriate to prevent double sending
             return False
 
-        EditorialAssignment.objects.filter(
-            id=self.id).update(date_invited=timezone.now(), status=STATUS_INVITED)
-
         # Send mail
         mail_sender = DirectMailUtil(mail_code='eic/assignment_request', instance=self)
         mail_sender.send()
+
+        EditorialAssignment.objects.filter(
+            id=self.id).update(date_invited=timezone.now(), status=STATUS_INVITED)
+
         return True