Understanding 'Std' On Wedding Invitations: A Quick Guide

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and confusing time, with many acronyms and abbreviations to get to grips with. One such acronym is 'STD', which in the context of weddings means 'Save the Date'. This is something sent to wedding guests 6-8 months before the wedding, so they can mark it in their calendars. It is not to be confused with the more common meaning of the acronym, 'Sexually Transmitted Disease'.

What does 'STD' stand for?

When it comes to wedding planning, "STD" is a common abbreviation for "Save the Date". These are sent out to guests 6-8 months before the wedding, allowing them to mark their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements. It is important to note that STD recipients should also receive a formal invitation closer to the wedding date, usually 6-8 weeks beforehand.

Save the Dates typically include the couple's names, the wedding date, and the location (city and state). They may also include a phrase such as "formal invitation to follow" or "invitation to follow", especially if they do not include much detail. Many couples also include their wedding website on their Save the Dates, which guests can refer to for additional information and updates.

While it is not necessary, some couples choose to include a photo of themselves on their Save the Dates, and they may opt for decorative elements such as cursive writing or calligraphy. Envelopes are usually included with Save the Dates purchased online, and it is important to ensure that the envelopes are the correct size to avoid additional postage charges.

Some couples choose to hand-write the addresses on their Save the Dates, adding a personal touch, while others may use printed labels or a mail merge to address their envelopes. It is worth noting that return address labels or stamps can be helpful for both Save the Dates and subsequent wedding invitations.

When to send out 'STDs'

"STD" is a common abbreviation for "Save the Date", which is sent before a wedding invitation. Save the Dates are usually sent 6-8 months before the wedding, and the formal invitation is sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Sending Save the Dates too early can cause problems, as people may forget to RSVP or their plans may change. However, if your wedding is a destination wedding or you have a lot of guests travelling from out of town, it is recommended to send Save the Dates 8-12 months in advance to give guests enough time to book travel arrangements.

If you are planning a destination wedding, sending Save the Dates 12 months in advance is a good idea. This will give your guests plenty of time to plan their travels and make any necessary accommodations. For international destinations, flight bookings usually open around 10 months in advance, so sending Save the Dates a year in advance is generally not necessary.

For local weddings, sending Save the Dates 6-8 months in advance is generally a good timeframe. This will give your guests enough time to plan without being too early. If your wedding date is during a popular or busy time, such as near a holiday or during a popular local event, it is a good idea to send Save the Dates a little earlier to ensure your guests have enough time to make travel plans and accommodations.

It is important to note that once a Save the Date is sent, it cannot be revoked. Therefore, it is crucial to finalise your guest list before sending them out. Sending Save the Dates too early can also lead to issues with guests forgetting to RSVP or changing their plans. As a general rule, sending Save the Dates 6-8 months in advance for local weddings and 8-12 months in advance for destination weddings or weddings with a large number of out-of-town guests is recommended.

What to include on 'STDs'

A "Save the Date" (STD) is a card sent to guests before the wedding invitation. It announces the wedding date and location and lets the recipient know they will be invited to the wedding so they can mark their calendars and get excited. Here are some key things to include when sending out your STDs:

Your Names

It is customary to list the bride's name first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples, consider using alphabetical order. It is also nice to include a picture of you as a couple if the design allows for it.

The Date of Your Wedding

This is the most important piece of information to include on your STD. Make sure the date of the wedding day is clearly stated, and if you are having a celebration for the whole weekend, ensure it is clear when the ceremony is.

The Location of Your Wedding

List the city and state (or country) where your wedding will take place. You don't need to include the venue address or name unless you've already chosen it and want to include it.

"Invitation to Follow" Wording

This lets guests know they should expect a wedding invitation in the coming weeks or months. This is an important detail to include to avoid confusion and eliminate questions from those invited.

Your Wedding Website

It is a good idea to include your wedding website on your STD so that guests can get to know you better as a couple and become familiar with the type of wedding you're planning. Make sure your website is up-to-date before sharing the URL.

Travel Information (if Applicable)

If your wedding is in a far-off destination or most of your guests will be travelling, it is helpful to provide travel information such as nearby airports and hotels so that guests can make arrangements early and save on costs.

A Note About Plus-Ones

If you plan to allow plus-ones, it is a good idea to include "and guest" after the invitee's name. This gives time for additional parties who may not otherwise receive the STD to make travel plans.

RSVP Information (if Needed)

If you have an A-list and a B-list of guests, you may want to add RSVP language to your STD. This will allow you to invite people from the second wave if some from the first round can't attend.

When to Send

Typically, STDs are sent out 6-8 months before the wedding. However, if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is a destination wedding, it is advisable to send them out 9 months to a year in advance.

Remember, a STD is meant to be simple, and you don't need to include every detail that will be on your wedding invitation.

Design and printing tips

The abbreviation "STD" in the context of weddings stands for "Save the Date". These are sent out 6-8 months before the wedding date to give guests an advance notice so they can mark their calendars. The following tips can help you design and print your own STDs:

• Design: STDs can be designed using online tools such as Canva, which offers a free premium trial for 30 days. Search for wedding invitation templates, edit with your information, and download the final design as a high-quality image file (JPG/PNG or PDF). Alternatively, you can create your own design from scratch using tools like Photoshop or Illustrator.
• Printing: Once you have your design ready, you can print it at home or use printing services. Home printing is a cost-effective option, especially if you have a good printer and are comfortable with the process. However, for larger quantities, consider using printing services such as Costco, CVS, Walgreens, or online services like Cards & Pockets, Gotprint, Moo Printing, or Vistaprint. These services often offer discounts and deals, so it's worth shopping around.
• Envelopes: The standard size for STDs is 5" x 7", which requires larger envelopes than regular business envelopes. Avoid square envelopes as they may incur additional postage charges. Matching envelopes are often included when you purchase STDs online. You can also buy blank envelopes separately to add a personal touch.
• Addressing: You can handwrite addresses, use printed labels, or print directly on envelopes. If handwriting, consider using nice pens (such as fountain pens) and practising your script beforehand. For printing, you can use mail merge in Word to create address labels or print directly on envelopes. Return address stamps are also a convenient option.
• Website and RSVP information: Including your wedding website on the STD is a great way to provide additional details and allow guests to RSVP electronically. This eliminates the need for physical RSVP cards.
• Timing: Send out your STDs 6-8 months in advance, followed by the formal invitation 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This gives guests ample time to plan their attendance and make any necessary travel arrangements.

Envelope addressing

When it comes to addressing envelopes for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure that you have the correct addresses for all your guests. You can create a spreadsheet or use a website like Postable to collect and organise your guests' addresses. This will make it easier when it comes time to print or write the addresses on the envelopes.

Another option to consider is printing the addresses directly onto the envelopes. This can be done using a template from websites like Canva, Etsy, or Word and then printing them at home or using a printing service. If you prefer handwritten envelopes, you can use your own handwriting or enlist the help of a friend or family member with nice penmanship. It is recommended to use a lined piece of paper inside the envelope or a lightbox to help you write in a straight line. You can also use addressing stencils or a Cricut machine to achieve a neat and consistent look.

The standard size for Save the Date envelopes is 5" x 7", which means they will not fit into a regular business envelope. Be sure to avoid square envelopes as these may incur additional postage charges. It is also a good idea to purchase envelopes that match the size and colour of your invitations and Save the Dates.

Lastly, don't forget to include a return address on the envelopes. You can handwrite this, use clear address labels, or invest in a custom return address stamp to save time and add a personalised touch.

Frequently asked questions