Save The Date: Timing For An April Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that it's a joyous occasion to share your happiness with those closest to you. One of the first steps in the planning process is sending out save the date cards to your guests. This initial communication with your guests is crucial as it sets the tone for your wedding and ensures that your guests can reserve your special day on their calendars. So, when is the best time to send out save the dates for an April wedding?

Save-the-date timelines for local weddings

If you're planning a local wedding, it's a good idea to send out your save-the-dates around six months before the big day. This gives your guests ample time to plan and prepare for your wedding, without being too early that they might forget.

However, if a large number of your guests are travelling to your event or if your wedding is taking place over a holiday weekend, it's best to send out your save-the-dates around eight months in advance. This is to ensure that your guests have enough time to book travel and accommodation.

If most of your guests are local, four to six months ahead of time is generally considered fine. Sending save-the-dates any later than four months in advance may result in guests having conflicts in their calendars.

It's also important to note that your wedding website should be relatively complete by the time your save-the-dates go out. This is because guests will likely refer to your website for more details, such as your registry, travel information, and accommodation.

When it comes to the design of your save-the-dates, reflect the style of your wedding (formal or casual). You can also feature your engagement photo on the cards. Start the designing process at least a month in advance to allow time for addressing envelopes and unexpected delays.

Sending save-the-dates for destination weddings

Planning a destination wedding? You'll want to give your guests a little more notice than you would for a local wedding. It's a good idea to send out your save-the-dates for a destination wedding around nine months to a year in advance. This will give your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and book any necessary travel and accommodations.

It's also a good idea to have your wedding website up and running before sending out your save-the-dates. This will allow your guests to find more information about the location, travel, and accommodations. You may also want to include the URL for your wedding website on your save-the-date cards.

If you're worried about giving guests too much advance notice, don't be! The more time your guests have to plan, the more likely they are to be able to attend your wedding. Plus, it's always exciting to get a save-the-date card in the mail, no matter how far away the wedding is.

• Make sure you've already reserved room blocks and listed this information on your wedding website.
• Include the location of your venue on the save-the-date card. For a destination wedding, it's helpful to include the name of the venue, not just the city and state.
• Note that a formal invitation will follow. You don't want your guests to think the save-the-date is the actual invitation!
• Send your save-the-dates to everyone on your guest list. It's not recommended to create a "B-list" of guests to invite if people on your "A-list" can't make it. This is considered rude and may offend your guests.

What to include on save-the-date cards

Save-the-date cards are the first form of communication couples have with their wedding guests. They are a great way to get everyone excited about your wedding and to give your guests a heads-up so they can plan ahead. Here is what you should include on your save-the-date cards:

The Basics

• Your names: You can go for a casual feeling by using only first names. However, if you are not including a photo of the two of you, it is best to include your full names to avoid any confusion.
• The date: Specify the range of dates or 'The weekend of' if you are throwing events on more than one day.
• Location: You don't need to worry about having a venue booked, but do include the rough location, i.e. the city or region. This is so that guests can plan their travel and accommodation.
• "Invitation to Follow": Let your guests know that their actual invitations with more information are on their way.

Optional

• A photo of you: Using an engagement photograph on your save-the-date cards is a great way to help your guests feel connected to you.
• Your wedding website: If you have a wedding website, it is a good idea to put it on your save-the-date cards so that guests can find more in-depth information about your big day.
• RSVP option: If you want to nail down your guest list early, you can offer an RSVP option on your save-the-date cards. Direct people to your website for digital RSVPs or include a postage-paid return card for their response.

What not to include on save-the-date cards

Save-the-date cards are an exciting part of wedding planning and a great way to give your guests an early heads-up about your big day. For an April wedding, it's best to send out your save-the-dates between six and eight months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to plan without being so early that they forget or misplace the information.

Now, onto what not to include on your save-the-date cards.

Registry Information

While your guests will likely want to know where you're registered, it's considered inappropriate to print this information on your save-the-dates. This information can be included on your wedding website or shared by word of mouth.

Overly Specific Details

The save-the-date card is meant to be a simple announcement, so there's no need to include specific details such as the order of events, exact timing, colour scheme, dress code, or meal information. Stick to the basics, and include any additional details on your wedding website or in the formal invitation.

RSVP Information

Including an RSVP request on your save-the-date is unnecessary and may backfire, as guests might put off replying and then forget altogether. The save-the-date is simply a correspondence to mark the date, and the formal invitation with RSVP details will follow later.

Venue or Timing Information

While it's helpful to include the city or region of your wedding, especially if it's a destination wedding, you don't need to include the specific venue or timing details. These specifics will be included in your formal invitation.

Guest Names

There's no need to include the names of individual guests on the save-the-date cards. The formal invitation will confirm the specifics of who is invited and whether plus ones or children are included.

Remember, the key to a successful save-the-date card is to keep it simple, providing your guests with the essential information they need to mark their calendars and plan their attendance.

Finalising the guest list

Start with a Realistic Budget

The number of guests you invite will have a significant impact on your wedding budget. Take into account the number of people you have to feed, the number of place settings and centrepieces required, and even the type of wedding venue you can consider. Trimming your guest list will help you trim your budget, so set a realistic budget and only invite the number of guests you intend to pay for.

Prioritize Close Loved Ones

Focus on your closest loved ones and immediate family members first. Think about who absolutely must be there, such as parents, siblings, close friends, and grandparents, and build your list from there. If you have a large guest list, keep in mind that you may not get the chance to interact with everyone, so consider whether you want to spend time making small talk or celebrating with a smaller group.

Be Mindful of Travel Requirements

Consider the travel requirements for your guests, especially if you're having a destination wedding. Make sure to give them enough notice to arrange travel plans, and keep in mind any visa rules or convenient flight options to your wedding location.

Set a Policy for Plus-Ones

Decide early on how you'll handle plus-ones. You may want to allow plus-ones for your wedding party, engaged couples, or those who live together. Alternatively, you may choose not to allow any plus-ones at all.

Work with Your Venue and Caterers

Once your guest list is finalised, send it to your venue and caterers so they can prepare accordingly. Provide them with the final numbers for the ceremony and reception, the number of guests having a meal, any dietary requirements, access needs, and the number of children and babies attending.

Don't Rush the Process

Creating the perfect guest list takes time, so don't rush the process. The guest list impacts many other wedding elements, so take your time to ensure you're happy with the list.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you should do what feels best for you and your partner. Finalising the guest list is a significant step, and by following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable celebration with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions