Save-The-Dates: Timing For A September Wedding

Save-the-date cards are a fun and practical way to tell your friends and family about your wedding plans and that they are invited. They are typically sent out 6 to 12 months before the wedding, with some sources recommending sending them 8 to 10 months in advance. For a destination wedding or a wedding during a busy holiday season, it is recommended to send save-the-dates 9 to 12 months prior to allow guests enough time to plan their travel and accommodations. It is important to note that save-the-dates should only be sent to guests you definitely want to invite to the wedding, as they cannot be revoked.

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

Sending out save-the-dates for your wedding is an exciting task, but it's important to get the timing right. Here's a detailed guide to help you plan when to send them if you're having a September wedding.

If you're planning to tie the knot in September, you should ideally send out your save-the-dates between March and the following February. This gives your guests ample time to plan and ensures a smooth guest experience, especially for those travelling from out of town. It's a good idea to finalise your guest list and addresses during this period and get those save-the-dates ordered, designed, and sent out.

Giving your guests a year or more to plan will generate excitement and ensure they can make the necessary arrangements. Some guests may need to request time off work, arrange childcare, or make travel plans. Sending out save-the-dates early also helps you get "first dibs" on your chosen date, especially if your wedding is during a busy season like summer.

What to Include in Save-the-Dates

Your save-the-date should include the following key information:

• The date of the wedding or the weekend of the celebration.
• The city of the event.
• The name of the couple.

You can also include the following optional but helpful information:

• A note that a formal invitation will follow.
• Your wedding website.
• Hotel information, especially if you've reserved a block of rooms with a discount rate.

Other Considerations

While it's exciting to send out save-the-dates as soon as possible, there are a few reasons to hold off:

• It may be too early for guests to plan properly, such as requesting time off work or coordinating with their academic schedule.
• People may forget about the save-the-date if it's sent too early, especially if it's sent more than a year in advance.
• Your wedding plans may change, including the date or location, so it's best to finalise these details before sending save-the-dates.
• Guest lists can change, and it can be awkward to send a save-the-date to someone who may not make the final guest list.

In summary, sending out save-the-dates 6-12 months before your September wedding is a great way to give your guests a heads-up and ensure they can join you on your special day.

Send 9-12 months in advance for a destination wedding

Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but it requires a lot of planning—both for you and your guests. Giving your guests ample notice is key to ensuring they have enough time to plan and save for the trip. So, when is the best time to send out your save-the-dates for a destination wedding?

The general rule of thumb is to send out save-the-dates for a destination wedding between 8 and 12 months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to book flights and accommodation, as well as save up for any travel expenses. Sending your save-the-dates sooner rather than later is advisable, especially if your wedding is abroad or your guests will need to travel internationally.

If your wedding is in September, sending out your save-the-dates 9-12 months in advance means mailing them between December of the previous year and January of that year. This timing may seem early, but it will give your guests plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements, such as requesting time off work and making travel plans. It also ensures that your wedding date gets marked on your guests' calendars, avoiding any double-booking.

To make your save-the-dates even more effective, consider including the following information:

• Your names: Include both of your full names on the save-the-date, so that guests know exactly who is getting married.
• The date of the wedding: This is essential information, as it lets people know when to celebrate with you.
• The wedding location: Include the city and state, or country if abroad, to give your guests an idea of the travel required.
• Your wedding website: If you have a wedding website, include the URL so that guests can find more information and stay updated.
• A picture of you and your partner: This is optional but adds a personal touch.
• An indication that a formal invitation will follow: This confirms to guests that more details will be provided closer to the wedding.

Sending out your save-the-dates for your destination wedding 9-12 months in advance gives your guests the time they need to plan and ensures that your special day is well-attended.

Include the date, names, and location

Save-the-date cards are a fun and practical way to tell your friends and family they're invited to your wedding. They are usually sent out 6 to 12 months before the wedding, with invites sent out later. This gives your guests ample time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or save money. It's also a good idea to have your wedding website up and running before sending out save-the-date cards, so guests can find out more information if they need to.

The save-the-date card should include the date of the wedding, or the weekend of the wedding celebration if it is a destination wedding or a multi-day event. This allows guests to mark the date(s) in their calendar and make any necessary arrangements.

The card should also include the names of the couple. Full names are preferred, but first names are also acceptable, especially for casual and informal weddings.

Finally, the location of the wedding should be included. Even if most of your guests are local, some may want to book a hotel room, so it's helpful to include the city where the wedding will take place.

• Save the Date! Ben and Laura, September 15, 2024, San Francisco, CA
• Ben Smith and Laura White are getting married in San Francisco, September 15, 2024. Formal invitation to follow.
• Save the Date for the wedding of Ben Smith and Laura White, September 15, 2024, San Francisco, CA. "Therefore, what God has joined together let no man separate." Mark 10:9. Formal invitation to follow.

Send to those you definitely want at the wedding

Save the dates are typically sent to those you definitely want at your wedding. They are a preliminary notification to inform guests about your wedding plans and ensure they reserve your wedding day on their calendars. It is important to only send them to those you are actually inviting, as they cannot be revoked.

The timing of sending out save the dates depends on the size and nature of your wedding, as well as the location. For a local wedding, it is recommended to give guests at least four to six months' notice. For a destination wedding, it is customary to send save the dates eight to twelve months in advance. This gives guests enough time to plan their travel and accommodations.

When sending out save the dates, it is essential to include the key details such as the date, names, and wedding location. You may also want to include the wedding website and hotel information, especially for destination weddings.

It is also important to consider the timing of sending out the formal wedding invitations. Traditionally, invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, for destination weddings or weddings during busy holiday seasons, it is recommended to send them out ten to twelve weeks in advance.

Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations is an important step in the wedding planning process. It's essential to give your guests enough notice, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or take time off work. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you navigate this task:

Timing is Key:

It is recommended to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding date. This timeline strikes a balance between giving your guests ample notice and not sending the invitations too early. Sending invitations too early may cause your wedding to slip your guests' minds as the date approaches. On the other hand, sending them too late may not give your guests enough time to plan and make necessary arrangements.

RSVP Management:

By sending out your invitations within this timeframe, you can request RSVPs sooner and manage your guest list effectively. This will help you finalise the headcount, adjust for any last-minute changes, and complete your seating charts before the wedding crunch. It's also a good idea to give your guests a deadline for RSVPs, ideally about a month before the wedding.

Destination Weddings:

If you're planning a destination wedding or have many out-of-town guests, consider sending invitations a little earlier, around eight weeks in advance. This will allow your guests to make the necessary travel plans and accommodations. For international guests, it is recommended to send invitations nine to ten weeks in advance to account for extended shipping times.

Save-the-Dates:

Before sending out your wedding invitations, you may choose to send save-the-date cards, especially if you have a destination wedding or guests who need to make extensive travel plans. Save-the-dates are typically sent four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. This gives your guests a heads-up to mark their calendars and start planning.

B-List Guests:

If you have a B-list of guests, you can send their invitations closer to the wedding date, about four to six weeks in advance. This way, if you receive declines from your initial guest list, you can fill those spots without making it obvious that certain guests were on your B-list.

Custom and Ready-Made Invitations:

The type of invitation you choose may also impact your timeline. Custom, luxury, or bespoke invitations may require more time for design and production, so it's best to start the process earlier. Ready-made invitations can be ordered last minute, up to three months before the wedding, if needed.

Cultural Differences:

It's worth noting that the timing of wedding invitations can vary depending on cultural norms and the location of your wedding. For example, in Sweden, it's customary to send out invitations a year in advance! So, be sure to consider your specific circumstances and cultural context when planning your timeline.

Remember, while these guidelines are helpful, the most important thing is to give your guests enough notice to plan their attendance and ensure your special day is well-attended and memorable!

Frequently asked questions