Save The Date And Wedding Invites: What's The Deal?

Save-the-date cards and wedding invitations are two different things and serve different purposes. Save-the-date cards are typically sent out six to 12 months before the wedding day to give guests a heads-up about the event and allow them to plan. They are especially important if your wedding is during a busy time of year or if guests will need to travel. Wedding invitations, on the other hand, are more formal and include many more details of the day, such as the ceremony time and venue address. They are usually sent out at least eight weeks before the wedding.

Save-the-Date and Wedding Invitation Differences

Save-the-date cards and wedding invitations are two different stationery items. They serve different purposes and are sent at different times. Here are the key differences between the two:

Purpose:

Save-the-date cards are preliminary notices sent to guests to mark the wedding date in their calendars. They provide basic information such as the date, location, and a note that a formal invitation will follow. The purpose of these cards is to allow guests to plan in advance, especially if travel is involved. On the other hand, wedding invitations are formal invites that provide more detailed information about the wedding, including venues, times, RSVP details, accommodation information, dress code, and travel arrangements.

Timing:

Save-the-date cards are typically sent out 6 to 12 months before the wedding, with 8 to 12 months being ideal. This early notice ensures that guests can reserve the date, make travel arrangements, and plan their schedules accordingly. Wedding invitations, on the other hand, are sent much later, usually 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings or weddings during busy holiday periods, it is recommended to send invitations 12 weeks in advance or even earlier if possible.

Optional vs Mandatory:

Save-the-date cards are optional, while wedding invitations are mandatory. Once you send out a save-the-date card, you are obligated to follow up with a formal invitation. However, couples may choose to send only wedding invitations, especially for smaller weddings or short engagement periods.

Level of Detail:

Save-the-date cards include straightforward information such as the date, location (state, and postcode), and a request to save the date. They may also include the couple's names and a wedding website if available. Wedding invitations, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive overview of the wedding day, including ceremony times, venue addresses, and other relevant details.

In summary, save-the-date cards and wedding invitations play distinct roles in the wedding planning process. Save-the-date cards provide early notification, allowing guests to plan ahead, while wedding invitations offer a more detailed and formal invitation closer to the wedding date.

When to Send Save-the-Dates

Save-the-date cards are a great way to get your guests excited about your wedding and to give them a heads-up so they can plan their attendance. They are especially useful for destination weddings or weddings during busy travel periods.

As a general rule of thumb, send your save-the-date cards four to eight months before the wedding. For a local wedding, this means sending out save-the-dates six to eight months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to book travel and accommodation and request time off work. It's also enough time for them to make any other necessary arrangements, such as childcare or pet care.

For a destination wedding, it is recommended to send out save-the-dates nine months to a year in advance. This is because destination weddings often require more extensive travel arrangements, such as flights and passport and visa applications. The earlier notice will also give your guests more time to save money, as travelling to a different country can be costly.

If your wedding is taking place during a busy holiday period, such as Christmas, it is also advisable to give your guests extra notice. In this case, aim to send out your save-the-dates around 10 months to a year before the wedding.

While it is a good idea to give your guests plenty of notice, be careful not to send out your save-the-dates too early. Sending them more than a year in advance may be too early for your guests to plan properly, and they may forget about the date altogether. It is also important to remember that your plans may change, and you don't want to have to deal with the hassle of informing your guests of any alterations.

What to Include in Your Save-the-Dates

Save-the-dates should include the following information:

• The fact that you are getting married
• The date of the wedding (you don't need to include the exact times)
• The location of the wedding (city and state will suffice)
• Your wedding website (if you have one)
• A note to let guests know that a formal invitation will follow

You can also include photos and any special requests, such as an adult-only ceremony or cash gifts. However, it is best to leave out details such as the ceremony and reception start times, dress code, and theme, as these are likely to change.

Who to Send Save-the-Dates To

Save-the-dates should only be sent to those on your confirmed guest list. This includes immediate family members, the wedding party, and close friends. Anyone who receives a save-the-date should also receive a formal invitation, so only send them to people you definitely want to attend your wedding.

Who to Send Save-the-Dates To

Save-the-dates are typically sent out six to 12 months before your wedding day. They are sent to all guests who are invited to the whole wedding day. You do not send them to guests who are only invited for the evening reception. Save-the-dates are not sent to guests on your B-list, as once they receive one, you are obligated to send a wedding invitation.

Save-the-dates are a preliminary notice that allows guests to plan their holidays and events around your wedding date. They are especially important if your wedding is during a busy time of year, like peak summer season, or if it is a destination wedding. They are also useful if you are getting married at an age where there are lots of weddings each summer, as you can get your date in your friends' diaries first.

The purpose of a save-the-date is to ensure your guests mark their calendars and give them crucial information, such as whether they can bring a plus one or if it is an adults-only affair. They also let guests know that a formal invitation will be sent at a later date.

Save-the-dates are not mandatory, but they are recommended. They give your guests a heads-up, and they are more likely to be available if they know about your wedding in advance. They are also a great way to get everyone excited about your wedding and get your creativity flowing early in the planning process.

Save-the-Date Content

Save-the-date cards are optional, but they are a good idea if you want to ensure your guests have enough time to prepare and change their plans if necessary. They are especially useful if you are getting married at a busy time of year or if there are lots of weddings each summer.

Save-the-date cards are typically sent out six to 12 months before your wedding day. They should be sent out once you have confirmed your venue and wedding date. They can be sent by post or digitally via email or WhatsApp.

Save-the-date cards include the following information:

• A request to save the date
• The names of the couple getting married
• The wedding date
• The location (state and postcode)
• A note to let them know to expect a formal invitation
• A wedding website, if you have one

Save-the-date cards can also include information about whether plus-ones and children are welcome. However, they should not include gift registry information.

It is important to only send save-the-date cards to guests who are invited to the whole wedding day. They should not be sent to guests who are only invited to the evening reception.

Save-the-Date Design and Format

Save-the-date cards are optional, but they are a good idea if you want to ensure your guests have enough time to prepare for your wedding. They are typically sent out six to 12 months before your wedding day, with eight to 12 months being the ideal timeframe. This is especially important if your wedding is during a busy time of year or if there are lots of weddings each summer.

The design and format of your save-the-date cards can vary, but there are some key elements that should be included. The card should include a request for the guest to save the date, your names, the wedding date, and the location (state and postcode). You can also include a note to let guests know to expect a formal invitation later and provide your wedding website if you have one. The card should be designed to match the style and theme of your wedding, and you can even use the same design as your future invitations.

It's important to note that save-the-date cards are not the same as wedding invitations. Save-the-date cards are typically smaller in size and much briefer, providing only the essential information about the wedding date and location. Wedding invitations, on the other hand, are more detailed and include information such as the ceremony time, venue address, accommodation information, and dress code.

When creating your save-the-date cards, you have the option to send physical cards or digital cards. Physical cards can be printed on paper or magnets, while digital cards can be sent via email or even WhatsApp. Consider your budget and the environmental impact when choosing the format for your save-the-date cards.

Remember, the purpose of save-the-date cards is to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location, so they can plan their attendance accordingly.

Frequently asked questions