Save The Date Timing For June Weddings

Sending out save-the-dates for your wedding is an exciting but tricky task. The timing of sending out save-the-dates is crucial, impacting not just your schedule, but also that of your guests. For a June wedding, it is recommended to send out save-the-dates around 6-8 months prior, which means sending them out between December and February. This gives your guests enough time to make travel arrangements, sort out accommodations, and save money. However, if your wedding is a destination wedding, it is best to send out save-the-dates even earlier, around 9-12 months in advance, to allow guests ample time to plan their travels and accommodations. It is important to note that save-the-dates should only be sent to people you are certain will be invited, as it is considered obligatory to send them a wedding invitation afterward.

Send save-the-dates 6-12 months before the wedding

Sending out save-the-dates for your wedding is an important step in the planning process. It is the first announcement that you and your partner are getting married and want your loved ones to be a part of the celebration. The timing of sending out save-the-dates is crucial, as it impacts not just your schedule but also that of your guests.

For a June wedding, it is recommended to send out save-the-dates 6-12 months in advance, which means any time between December and the following May for a wedding in June of that same year. This timeframe is especially important if you are planning a destination wedding or have many out-of-town guests, as it allows them enough time to plan their travel and accommodations.

It is also essential to consider the lead time for planning. Sending out save-the-dates too early may result in guests forgetting about the date, or it may create issues if there are changes to the plan. On the other hand, sending them out too late may not give your guests enough time to make the necessary arrangements, especially if they need to request time off work, plan childcare, or save money for travel expenses.

When sending out save-the-dates, it is important to include key information such as the fact that you are getting married, the date of the wedding, and the location (city and state). It is also crucial to only send them to people you are sure will be invited, as it is considered obligatory to follow up with a wedding invitation.

Save-the-dates are typically smaller in size and much briefer than wedding invitations. They can be in various formats, such as cards, magnets, or postcards, and they set the tone for your wedding, conveying the initial impression of what guests can expect.

Send invitations 6-8 weeks before

Sending out your wedding invitations is an exciting step in your planning journey. It's essential to give your guests plenty of notice, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or take time off work.

The general rule of thumb is to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline is also supported by etiquette expert Elaine Swann, who recommends sending invitations six to eight weeks prior to give your guests ample time to RSVP and make travel arrangements.

However, there are circumstances when you may want to send out your invitations a little earlier. For example, if your wedding is during a busy holiday season or if many of your guests are travelling from out of town, it is courteous to send the invitations 10-12 weeks in advance. This will allow your guests to plan their travel and accommodations without feeling rushed.

On the other hand, if you're having a shorter engagement, the timeline for sending invitations will be slightly different. If you're engaged for only a few months before the wedding, aim to send out invitations two to three months in advance.

It's important to note that sending your invitations too early or too late can have drawbacks. Sending them too early may cause your wedding to slip your guests' minds, while sending them too late may not give your guests enough time to plan.

To ensure your guests can make the necessary arrangements and to reflect your consideration, it's crucial to time your invitations thoughtfully.

Include accommodation details with save-the-dates

For a June wedding, it is generally recommended to send out your save-the-dates around six to eight months in advance, i.e., between October and December of the previous year. If your wedding is a destination wedding, it is advisable to send them out nine to twelve months in advance. Sending them early is crucial, especially if you have many out-of-town guests, to allow them enough time to plan their travel and accommodations.

Now, let's focus on including accommodation details with your save-the-dates:

Including accommodation details with your save-the-dates is not only practical but also considerate of your guests' needs. It can spare them the stress of securing accommodations as your wedding date approaches. This is especially important if your wedding is during a busy season or in a popular destination, as accommodation options may be limited, and guests might miss out on securing a room. By providing this information early, you give your guests a head start in booking their stay, potentially saving them money and ensuring a seamless experience.

• Secured Block of Rooms: If you have secured a block of rooms at a hotel, mention this in your save-the-date. Let your guests know the hotel's name and that it is conveniently located close to the wedding venue. You can also direct them to your wedding website for more information on booking these rooms and exploring additional options.
• Guest's Responsibility: If your guests are responsible for booking their accommodations, provide them with a list of recommended hotels or lodges, especially if your wedding coincides with a busy season. Include a warm message expressing your excitement for their presence and encouraging them to book early to ensure a comfortable stay. Again, your wedding website can be a great resource for accommodation details.
• Group Accommodation: If you are organising group accommodations, let your guests know that their participation in the wedding includes a stay. Provide them with the total cost and payment deadline. Emphasise that their booking is only confirmed upon receipt of their payment by the specified deadline. This ensures that guests understand the importance of timely payment for a seamless experience.

When encouraging early accommodation bookings, keep your message concise and warm. Begin with a friendly tone, expressing your happiness at their potential presence at the wedding. Then, provide practical reasons for booking early, such as guaranteeing a seamless stay and peace of mind. You can also highlight specific benefits, like discounted rates or a wider range of options for early bookers. Remember, your goal is to convey the importance of early booking while making your guests feel valued and excited about attending your special day.

Send save-the-dates to those who are definitely invited

Save-the-dates are typically sent 6-8 months before the wedding, with some sources suggesting a window of 8-10 or 8-12 months. If you're planning a destination wedding, or your wedding is taking place during a busy holiday period, it's a good idea to send them 9-12 months in advance. This gives your guests time to make travel arrangements and save money, as well as giving you first dibs on your chosen date.

It's important to only send save-the-dates to those who are definitely invited. Once someone receives a save-the-date, you are obligated to send them a wedding invitation. Sending a save-the-date to someone and then not inviting them is considered extremely rude.

Save-the-dates are not necessary for every wedding. If you're planning a small wedding with mostly local guests, or your planning timeline is very short, you can skip them and just send out invitations. However, if you're having a destination wedding, or many of your guests will need to travel, it's a good idea to give them more notice.

Save-the-dates should include the fact that you're getting married, and where (city and state). They can also include the names of the couple and a link to your wedding website. They do not need to include details such as start times, dress code, or theme, as these details may change.

Include a wedding website on save-the-dates

Save-the-dates are preliminary notifications sent out to your guests to inform them about your wedding plans and ensure they reserve your wedding day on their calendars. They are usually sent 6-8 months before the wedding, or 9-12 months before if it's a destination wedding.

It is a good idea to include your wedding website on your save-the-dates. This gives your guests a sense of the type of celebration to expect and other pertinent information such as registry info and dress code. It is also a good way to collect RSVPs online and share registry information.

Your wedding website doesn't need to be 100% perfect when you send out your save-the-dates, but it is helpful to have a nice homepage with some basic information that guests can refer back to. You can then add more details later, such as the "How We Met" story or bios of the wedding party.

There are several ways to include your wedding website on your save-the-dates:

• Adding your wedding website URL
• Adding a QR code that links to your website
• Adding a wedding website card to your invitation suite

Frequently asked questions