When to Send Out Save the Dates and Invites

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement and tasks, and one of the crucial steps is figuring out when to send out save the dates and wedding invites. Proper timing ensures your guests can mark their calendars and make the necessary arrangements to join in your celebration. Let’s dive into the best practices for sending these important notices.

Save the Dates

Save the dates are your first formal communication with your guests about your wedding. They give your guests a heads-up to reserve the date, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or your wedding date falls during a busy holiday season.

When to Send Them:

• Destination Weddings: 8-12 months in advance.
• Local Weddings: 6-8 months in advance.

Sending save the dates early is particularly important for destination weddings. Guests will need ample time to arrange travel, accommodation, and possibly time off work. For local weddings, while the logistics are simpler, giving your guests a heads-up well in advance is still considerate.

What to Include:

• Your names
• Wedding date
• Location (city and state is fine for now)
• A note that a formal invitation will follow

Make sure to include a way for guests to find more information, such as a wedding website. This is also a good time to let them know about any accommodations or travel information they might need to consider.

Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations provide the detailed information your guests need to join you on your big day. This includes the venue address, dress code, RSVP instructions, and other pertinent details.

When to Send Them:

• Destination Weddings: 6-8 months in advance.
• Local Weddings: 10-12 weeks in advance.

Destination weddings require more advanced notice due to the travel involved. For local weddings, 6-8 weeks is typically sufficient. However, if your wedding date is during a busy season or if many of your guests are traveling from out of town, consider sending them a bit earlier.

What to Include:

• Your names
• Wedding date and time
• Ceremony and reception locations
• Dress code (if any)
• RSVP instructions and deadline
• Additional details like accommodations, transportation, or a wedding website link

Be clear and concise with the information to avoid any confusion. An RSVP deadline of about 3-4 weeks before the wedding gives you enough time to finalize numbers with your vendors.

Tips for Smooth Sailing

1. Gather Addresses Early: Start collecting addresses as soon as you can. This will save you a lot of stress when it’s time to send out your save the dates and invitations.
2. Consider a “Save the Date” Magnet: A fun and practical option that ensures your guests keep the date visible.
3. Track RSVPs Efficiently: Use online tools or a wedding website to keep track of RSVPs. This makes managing your guest list much easier.
4. Double-Check Everything: Ensure all the details on your save the dates and invitations are correct before sending them out. A small typo can cause significant confusion.
5. Order Extras: Always order a few extra save the dates and invitations. This helps in case of last-minute guest additions or if any get lost in the mail.

FAQs

Q: Can I send save the dates via email? A: While traditional mail is preferred, especially for formal weddings, email save the dates can be acceptable for less formal events or if you’re on a tight timeline.

Q: What if we’re having a small, intimate wedding? A: Even for small weddings, sending save the dates is a good practice. It ensures everyone important to you can make the necessary arrangements to attend.

Q: What if I’m planning a last-minute wedding? A: For last-minute weddings, send out save the dates and invitations as soon as possible. Use email or digital methods to expedite the process.

Final Thoughts

Timing is everything when it comes to wedding planning. By sending your save the dates and invitations at the right time, you’ll help ensure your guests can celebrate with you without any hiccups. Start early, stay organized, and enjoy the excitement of sharing your big day with your loved ones!

Looking for the perfect stationery to create your wedding invites? Check out our Stationery category in our wedding directory, where you’ll find amazing vendors ready to help you design beautiful and memorable invitations.