Save The Dates: Sending Off Strategies For Your Wedding

Sending out save-the-date cards is a great way to let guests know about your wedding date in advance so they can plan their attendance. As a general rule, it's best to send them out eight to 12 months before your wedding, and even earlier if it's a destination wedding or a holiday weekend. This gives guests enough time to make travel arrangements, save money, and request time off work. While it's exciting to want to send them out as soon as possible, it's best not to send them more than a year in advance, as your wedding may not stay on your guests' radar and they may not make the appropriate plans.

Send 6-12 months before the wedding

Sending off your save-the-date cards 6-12 months before your wedding is a great way to get your guests excited and ensure they have enough time to plan their attendance. Here are some tips to consider when sending off your save-the-dates within this timeframe:

Finalise Important Details

While you don't need to have every detail confirmed, it's important to have your wedding date and location (city and state) finalised before sending save-the-dates. This is crucial information for your guests and will help them plan their travel arrangements and accommodation. Having your wedding website up and running is also beneficial, as it can provide guests with more information and updates.

Be Clear About the Guest List

It's important to be clear about who is invited to the wedding, even at this early stage. Include the names of every intended guest on the envelope to avoid any confusion. If you know that you want a guest to bring a plus one, add this to your save-the-date card. This will help them make the necessary arrangements, such as hotel bookings and transportation. Being clear about the guest list also gives parents time to plan for childcare if needed.

Send Them Early for a Destination Wedding

If you're planning a destination wedding or getting married during a holiday period, it's a good idea to send your save-the-dates closer to the 12-month mark. This gives your guests ample time to plan their travel, especially if they need to apply for visas or book flights and accommodation. Sending save-the-dates early increases the chances of your guests being able to attend.

Avoid Sending Them Too Early

While it's exciting to want to send off your save-the-dates as soon as possible, doing so more than 12 months in advance can be too early for some guests. They may not be able to plan their time off from work or school, and there's a higher chance of your save-the-date being forgotten or misplaced. It's also beneficial to give yourself some flexibility in case you need to change the date or location.

Don't Include Registry Information

While it's tempting, it's generally considered a no-no on save-the-dates. Guests are not officially invited yet, so it's best to wait until the wedding invitations to provide gift suggestions. Focus on providing the essential details, such as the date, your names, and the wedding location.

Include names, date, location, and optional wedding website

Save-the-date cards are a crucial part of wedding planning as they give guests a heads-up about your upcoming nuptials and let them know that they are invited to the celebration. They are also a great way to get everyone excited about your wedding. While the content of save-the-date cards is flexible and can include whatever you want, there are some key details that you should include to ensure that your guests can plan their attendance effectively.

The first thing to include is the names of the happy couple. This may seem obvious, but more distant relatives and friends may not know your partner's name or full name, and this information will be crucial when it comes to filling out a wedding card or purchasing a monogrammed gift.

Next, you'll want to include the date of your wedding. It's a good idea to have the basic structure of your day nailed down and to have chosen your venue, but if you haven't booked it yet, you can simply include the town or city. The date and location are the most important pieces of information for your guests, as they will need to book travel and accommodation and request time off work.

You may also want to include the time of your wedding, but this is usually provided on the formal invitation. If you are having a destination wedding, it's a good idea to include all the dates that your guests will need to attend, and any other relevant information such as transport options or accommodation suggestions.

Finally, you can include your wedding website, if you have one. This is a great way to provide guests with more in-depth information about your big day, including the type of celebration you'll be having, registry info, and dress code. It's also a good place to share updates and allow guests to RSVP.

In terms of timing, it's best to send out your save-the-date cards four to six months before your wedding, and up to eight to twelve months in advance if you're having a destination wedding. This will give your guests plenty of time to prepare and change their plans if necessary.

Send earlier for destination weddings

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's a good idea to send out your save-the-dates earlier than you would for a local wedding. This is because your guests will need extra time to plan their trip and make the necessary arrangements, such as requesting time off work, securing accommodation, and booking travel.

The recommended timeline for sending out save-the-dates for a destination wedding is nine months to a year in advance. Some sources suggest sending them out as early as possible, especially if your wedding falls on a major holiday. This will give your guests ample time to book flights and accommodation.

It's worth noting that sending save-the-dates too early can also be an issue. People may be more likely to forget about the wedding if they receive the save-the-date too far in advance. A good rule of thumb is to keep it to under a year, as anything longer may be too far away to stay on your guests' radars.

When creating your save-the-dates, be sure to include the following key information: your names, the wedding date(s), and the location (city and state). You may also want to include your wedding website, but this is not necessary.

Don't send to those who are only invited to the evening reception

When it comes to wedding planning, sending out save-the-dates is one of the first tasks you'll face. It's an exciting step that will get your guests excited about your big day and ensure they keep the date free. But what about those who are only invited to the evening reception? Should they receive a save-the-date too?

The general consensus is that save-the-dates should only be sent to guests who are invited to the whole wedding day. Sending a save-the-date to an evening-only guest could cause confusion and even upset. They may assume they are invited to the entire day and be disappointed when they receive their evening-only invitation later on. It could also lead to awkward situations where guests feel obliged to clear their schedules for the whole day, rather than just the evening.

However, some sources suggest that there are benefits to sending save-the-dates to evening-only guests. For example, they will need to know the date of your wedding to ensure they keep the evening free. Sending a save-the-date can also make these guests feel valued and excited to attend. It can also help to manage expectations, so they are not surprised or disappointed when they receive their evening-only invitation.

To avoid any confusion, it is essential to word the save-the-date correctly. Be clear that they are only invited to the evening reception, and provide specific details such as the date, time, and location. This will ensure your guests know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

In conclusion, while it is not necessary to send save-the-dates to evening-only guests, there are valid reasons to consider doing so. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you should choose whatever feels right for your wedding.

Send by post, not by hand

Sending your save-the-dates by post is the traditional and recommended approach. While digital save-the-dates are convenient and cost-effective, there's something special about receiving a physical card in the mail. It adds a touch of excitement and anticipation for your guests and allows them to connect with your wedding on a more personal level.

• Timing is crucial: For local weddings, it is recommended to send out save-the-dates six to eight months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to make necessary arrangements, such as travel plans and accommodations. For destination weddings or weddings during holiday periods, it is advisable to send them out nine months to a year in advance. This ensures your guests have ample time to book flights and accommodations.
• Finalise key details: Before sending your save-the-dates, ensure you have confirmed your wedding date and location. These are essential pieces of information to include on your save-the-dates. You don't need to have finalised every detail, but knowing the date and location will help your guests plan accordingly.
• Include essential information: Your save-the-dates should include your names, wedding date, and location (city and state). You can also include your wedding website URL if it's already set up. This will provide guests with additional information and allow them to stay updated.
• Be clear about the guest list: Save-the-dates are typically sent to those invited to the entire wedding day. Be clear about who is invited and include the names of intended guests on the envelope to avoid any confusion. If you plan to offer plus ones, it's helpful to include that information as well.
• Don't forget the postage details: Take your save-the-date to the post office to get it weighed and sized accurately. This will help you determine the required postage for each card. Consider any additional weight from embellishments or unconventional mailing materials, such as magnets. Hand-cancelling the invitations can add a personal touch and prevent damage from sorting machines.
• Protect your designs: If you have chosen to use wax seals or other delicate design elements, consider placing the save-the-date inside another envelope to protect them during transit. This will ensure your save-the-dates arrive intact and looking their best.

Remember, sending your save-the-dates by post adds a touch of charm and formality to your wedding invitations. It creates a sense of anticipation and excitement for your guests, making them feel valued and included in your special day.

Frequently asked questions