Save The Date: Timing Tips For Wedding Invitations

Save-the-date cards are a crucial part of wedding planning. They are preliminary notifications sent out to guests to inform them about the wedding plans and ensure they reserve the wedding date on their calendars. While they are not mandatory, they are considered essential to give guests a heads-up and increase the likelihood of their attendance. The recommended timeline for sending out save-the-date cards is 6 to 12 months before the wedding, with 8 to 10 months being the ideal range. For destination weddings or weddings during holiday seasons, it is advisable to send them out even earlier, typically 9 to 12 months in advance.

Save-the-date cards should be sent out 8-12 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are an essential part of wedding planning, giving your guests a heads-up about your big day and ensuring they can make the necessary arrangements to be there. While they are not mandatory, they are considered a polite gesture, and a great way to get everyone excited about your wedding.

The general rule of thumb is to send out save-the-date cards about 8-12 months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to book travel and accommodation, save money, request time off work, and make other necessary plans. Sending out save-the-dates early is especially important if you are having a destination wedding or getting married during a busy holiday period. In these cases, it is recommended to send them out 9-12 months in advance.

It is worth noting that you shouldn't send out save-the-dates too early—try to keep it under a year. You want your wedding date to stay on your guests' radars, and you also want to give yourself some leeway in case there are any changes to the date or location.

When it comes to the design and preparation of save-the-date cards, allow yourself enough time to be creative and reflect your style as a couple. Start the process at least a month before you plan to send them out, to account for addressing envelopes and any unexpected delays.

Save-the-date cards are typically smaller in size and much briefer than wedding invitations. They include essential information such as the date, names, and wedding location (city and state). They can also include your wedding website, but this is not necessary. It is important to be clear about who is invited, and to only send save-the-dates to those guests you definitely want to attend your wedding.

Wedding invitations should be sent out 8-12 weeks before the wedding

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the wedding planning process, as they provide guests with essential details such as accommodation booking information, dress code, and whether children are invited. While the excitement of planning a wedding can be overwhelming, it is important to send out invitations with careful consideration and timely execution.

For local weddings, it is recommended to send out invitations eight to twelve weeks before the wedding. This timeline ensures that your guests have ample time to RSVP, plan their travel and accommodation arrangements, and prepare any gifts. Sending out invitations within this timeframe also allows you to receive RSVPs and finalise numbers for your vendors, such as caterers and florists.

However, for destination weddings or weddings during busy holiday seasons, it is courteous to provide guests with even more advanced notice. In these cases, sending out invitations ten to twelve weeks in advance is recommended. This additional time is crucial for guests who need to plan international travel, secure visas, and make more extensive arrangements.

It is important to note that the timing of sending out wedding invitations is influenced by various factors, including the size and nature of the wedding, the number of out-of-town guests, and the complexity of travel plans. For larger, more formal weddings or weddings with a significant number of guests travelling from afar, it may be prudent to send invitations on the earlier side of the eight-to-twelve-week window.

While the recommended timeframe for sending wedding invitations is eight to twelve weeks, under no circumstances should invitations be sent with less than six weeks' notice. Doing so may cause inconvenience for your guests, especially those with extensive travel plans or busy schedules.

Save-the-date cards are not mandatory but are recommended

Save-the-date cards are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended. They serve as a polite and practical way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location. This early notification ensures your loved ones can plan and make arrangements to attend your special day. Without a save-the-date card, there is a risk that guests may double-book with other commitments, such as vacations or even another wedding.

Save-the-date cards are especially important if you are planning a destination wedding or getting married during a busy holiday period. In these cases, sending out your save-the-date cards nine to twelve months in advance is considered courteous. This gives your guests ample time to book travel and accommodation, which is crucial for those travelling from out of town.

The recommended timeline for sending save-the-date cards is six to eight months before the wedding. This strikes a balance between giving your guests enough notice and not being too early, which may cause your event to slip from their minds. It is also important to only send save-the-date cards to those you definitely plan to invite to the entire wedding celebration. This avoids any confusion or misunderstandings.

While not mandatory, save-the-date cards are a great opportunity to get your guests excited about your wedding. They can also be a fun and creative process for you and your partner, reflecting your style as a couple. You can choose to send physical cards or opt for the convenience of digital save-the-date cards, which are often more cost-effective and quicker to distribute.

Send save-the-date cards to everyone on your wedding guest list

Save-the-date cards are an essential part of wedding planning, giving your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location. They are especially important if you're getting married at a far-flung location or during a busy holiday period. This ensures your loved ones can plan their travel, save money, and ask for days off work.

So, who should you send them to? In short, everyone on your wedding guest list. That means one per guest, with the option to send a single card for families living at the same address or couples living together. It's crucial to remember that once you've sent your save-the-date cards, you can't take them back! So only send them to those guests you definitely want to be there on your special day.

The ideal timeline for sending out save-the-date cards is six to eight months before the wedding. If it's a destination wedding, aim for nine to twelve months in advance. This gives your guests ample time to make the necessary arrangements. For a local wedding, send out save-the-date cards six to eight months prior to your wedding, and the wedding invitations eight weeks before.

When it comes to the design of your save-the-date cards, the process should be fun and creative, reflecting your style as a couple. Start preparing at least a month in advance to allow time for addressing envelopes and unexpected delays. Include your wedding website on the card, or even a link to your hotel's website if you've already booked accommodation for your guests.

Include your wedding website on save-the-date cards

Save-the-date cards are a crucial part of wedding planning, giving your guests advanced notice to ensure they are free to attend. They are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding, and it's considered good etiquette to send them out before the official wedding invitations.

Including your wedding website on your save-the-date cards is a great way to offer guests easy access to more in-depth information about your big day. It's a convenient way to share details such as the type of celebration, registry info, and dress code. Here are some tips for including your wedding website on your save-the-date cards:

• Timing: It's recommended to send save-the-date cards 4-6 months before your wedding date. This gives your guests ample time to plan their travel and accommodations, especially if your wedding is at a far-flung location or during a busy holiday period.
• Website Content: While your website doesn't need to be 100% perfect when sending out save-the-dates, it's helpful to have a nice homepage with basic information. Details such as locations, lodging, and travel tips are useful for guests to refer to. You can also include a QR code on your save-the-date cards to direct guests to your website easily.
• Registry Information: In the past, registry information was only shared by word of mouth. Now, it's considered standard to share this information on your wedding website. Including your website URL on the save-the-date cards makes it easy for guests to find your registry.
• RSVP Management: Many couples choose to collect RSVPs online through their wedding website. Including your website on the save-the-date cards allows guests to respond promptly and helps you manage your guest list more efficiently.
• Design and Placement: If you're using a pre-made design for your save-the-date cards, the template will guide you on where to place the website link. Usually, it's listed on the back or at the bottom of the front side. If you're working with a designer or creating your own, the placement is up to your preference.

Frequently asked questions