Save-The-Date Etiquette: Who Gets One And Who Doesn't?

Save-the-date cards are a crucial aspect of wedding planning, alerting guests to the upcoming nuptials and requesting that they reserve the specified date. While they are not mandatory, they serve as a courteous gesture, particularly for destination weddings or events requiring travel arrangements. The timing of sending save-the-dates is essential, typically occurring 6 to 12 months in advance, with formal invitations following later. It's important to send them only to those who will be invited to the entire wedding day, avoiding any confusion or awkwardness. Save-the-dates provide basic information such as the couple's names, wedding date, location, and a note about a future formal invitation. They are often more casual and creative in design, reflecting the wedding's theme or the couple's interests.

Save-the-date cards are optional

The Pros of Sending Save-the-Dates

Giving your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location is one of the benefits of sending save-the-date cards. This is especially helpful when travel is involved, as it allows them to book airfare and accommodations or set up travel alerts for future sales. Even if your guests live nearby, they will appreciate the advance notice and be able to plan their calendars accordingly.

Sending save-the-date cards also allows your guests to say "no" to other commitments and avoid double-booking. Many personal and professional events, such as work trips and conferences, are confirmed months in advance. By giving your guests greater notice, you increase the likelihood that they will be available to attend your wedding.

Additionally, a save-the-date card confirms to your guests that they are indeed on the guest list. Wedding guest lists can be tricky, and sending a save-the-date card removes any uncertainty and allows your guests to start planning accordingly.

The Cons of Sending Save-the-Dates

Creating and sending save-the-date cards can be time-consuming and costly, especially if you have a large number of guests or elaborate designs. There may also be the tedious task of collecting mailing addresses, which can add to the overall expense and effort required.

Even if you opt for digital save-the-date cards to save funds, you will still need to collect email addresses, and there is a risk that important emails might be missed. Sending save-the-date cards also means that you will need to finalize your guest list earlier in the planning process. Once someone receives a save-the-date card, they will assume they are invited to your wedding, so careful consideration is necessary to avoid any guest list drama down the line.

They are sent before formal invitations

Save-the-date cards are sent out before formal wedding invitations. They are an important part of the wedding planning process, giving guests a heads-up about the event and sharing basic information. This includes the date, location, and any associated events, such as a pre-wedding welcome party or post-wedding brunch. Save-the-dates are typically sent out between eight and twelve months before the wedding, especially if the wedding is a destination wedding or requires extensive travel arrangements. This gives guests enough time to book travel and accommodations and request time off work if needed.

Save-the-dates are also a way to ensure that guests know they are invited to the wedding. While friends and family may assume they will be invited, a save-the-date confirms their inclusion on the guest list. It is important to only send save-the-dates to those who will definitely be receiving a formal invitation, as guests will assume they are invited once they receive a save-the-date.

The save-the-date card should include the names of the couple, the wedding date, and the city or state where the wedding will take place. It is also a good idea to include the wedding website URL, where guests can find more detailed information about the wedding, such as registry info and dress code. While not necessary, some couples also include an engagement photo or a fun, personal message.

Save-the-dates can be sent via mail or email, with mail being the more traditional option. If sent by mail, save-the-dates can be in the form of a card, postcard, or magnet. Sending them by email is a more budget-friendly option, but there is a risk of the email being filtered into spam folders.

They give guests a heads-up about the wedding

Save-the-date cards are an essential part of the wedding planning process. They are a way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding plans and to ensure they keep the date free.

The save-the-date is an opportunity to give your guests an early warning about your wedding date and location, especially if travel is involved. This allows them to book travel and accommodation, and to set up travel alerts for future sales. It also gives them a chance to avoid double-booking, as personal and professional events and trips are often confirmed months in advance.

The save-the-date also confirms to your guests that they are, indeed, on the guest list. This is important because wedding guest lists can be tricky and it's not always clear who will be invited. Sending a save-the-date card ensures your guests know they are included and allows them to plan accordingly.

It is generally recommended to send save-the-date cards at least six to twelve months in advance of the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to prepare and generates excitement for your big day.

They allow guests to plan and book travel

Save-the-date cards are an important part of the wedding planning process, as they allow guests to plan and book travel. They are meant to put guests on notice, giving them a heads-up about the event and sharing important details such as the date and location. This is especially helpful when travel is involved, as it allows guests to book airfare and accommodations or set up travel alerts for future sales.

The timing of sending out save-the-date cards is crucial. They are typically sent out six to twelve months before the wedding, with the top end of this range being preferable as it gives guests the most time to prepare and change their plans if necessary. For destination weddings or weddings that require most guests to travel internationally, it is recommended to send save-the-dates nine to twelve months in advance. This allows guests ample time to request time off from work, secure accommodations, and make the necessary travel arrangements.

Save-the-date cards also allow guests to say "no" to other commitments. By having the wedding date marked on their calendars, guests can make plans around the wedding and ensure they don't accidentally double-book. Many personal and professional events, such as work trips and conferences, are confirmed months in advance. Therefore, giving guests greater notice increases the likelihood that they will be available to attend the wedding.

Additionally, save-the-date cards confirm for guests that they are indeed invited to the wedding. While friends and family may assume they will be invited, wedding guest lists can be tricky, and a save-the-date provides clarity and allows them to start planning accordingly.

In conclusion, save-the-date cards are a helpful tool that allows guests to plan and book travel, ensuring that they can attend the wedding and giving the couple peace of mind.

They are sent to all guests invited to the whole wedding day

Save-the-date cards are a great way to let your guests know about your upcoming nuptials and ask them to hold the date in their calendars. They are usually sent out 8 to 12 months before the wedding, giving guests ample time to make travel arrangements and budget accordingly. While they are not mandatory, they are particularly useful if you're planning a destination wedding or getting married during a busy time of year.

When it comes to deciding who to send these save-the-dates to, the general rule of thumb is to only send them to guests who are invited to the whole wedding day. This means that if you have guests who are only invited to the evening reception or a specific part of the day, they would not typically receive a save-the-date card. This is to avoid any confusion or awkwardness, as receiving a save-the-date could imply that they are invited to the entire day's events.

For guests invited to the entire day, sending a save-the-date card is a thoughtful way to give them a heads-up and ensure they don't make other plans. It also confirms their spot on the guest list, which can be helpful for friends and family who may not be sure of their invitation status. It's important to remember that once someone receives a save-the-date, they will assume they are invited to the wedding, so it's crucial to be thoughtful and intentional about who you send them to.

The save-the-date card serves as an early notification and includes basic information such as the couple's names, the wedding date, and the location (city and state). It also lets guests know that a formal invitation with more details will follow at a later date. This early notification is especially helpful for guests who need to plan their travel arrangements or request time off work.

In summary, save-the-date cards are sent to all guests invited to the whole wedding day, giving them a heads-up to mark their calendars and plan accordingly. They are a thoughtful way to show your guests that you value their presence at your upcoming nuptials.

Frequently asked questions