When to Send Save the Dates for Your Wedding

Hey there, lovebirds! Ready to start spreading the news about your big day? Let’s talk about save the dates – those fun little announcements that get your guests excited about your wedding. As a wedding planner with 20 years under my belt, I’ve seen it all when it comes to save the dates. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of bubbly!), and let’s dive in.

What Are Save the Dates?

Think of save the dates as a sneak peek of your wedding. They’re not as formal as invitations, but they’re just as important. These little cards (or emails, or magnets – we’ll get to that later) let your guests know when and where you’re tying the knot.

Save the dates are like a heads-up to your loved ones. They say, “Hey, we’re getting married! Mark your calendars!” It’s a way to make sure your favorite people can be there on your big day.

But here’s the thing – save the dates aren’t just for your guests. They’re for you too! Sending them out is often the first time you’re telling the world about your wedding. It makes everything feel real and kicks off the countdown to your “I do’s”.

So, what makes a good save the date? Well, it should reflect your personality as a couple. Are you fun and quirky? Elegant and classic? Your save the dates can show that off. They’re a chance to set the tone for your whole wedding vibe.

Remember, save the dates are different from invitations. They’re more casual and don’t need all the nitty-gritty details. Think of them as a movie trailer – they give just enough info to get people excited, but leave them wanting more.

Why Send Save the Dates?

Now, you might be thinking, “Do I really need to send save the dates?” The short answer? Yes! And here’s why.

First off, save the dates are a courtesy to your guests. In today’s busy world, people’s calendars fill up fast. By giving them a heads up about your wedding date, you’re helping them plan ahead. It’s like calling dibs on their time before anyone else can.

Save the dates are extra helpful if you’re having a destination wedding or getting hitched on a holiday weekend. These types of weddings often need more planning on the guest’s part, so the earlier they know, the better.

But save the dates aren’t just about convenience. They’re also about building excitement! When your guests get that cute card or email, it starts the wedding buzz. They might start chatting about what to wear, where to stay, or who else is coming. It gets everyone in the wedding spirit long before the big day.

Save the dates can also help you manage your guest list. Once people know about your wedding, they can let you know if they can’t make it. This gives you a rough idea of your final numbers, which can be super helpful for planning.

Plus, save the dates are a chance to share your love story. You can include a sweet photo or tell people how you met. It’s a way to make your guests feel connected to your journey as a couple.

So, while save the dates might seem like just another thing on your wedding to-do list, they’re worth it. They set the stage for your celebration and help ensure your favorite people will be there to see you say “I do”.

The Perfect Timing: When to Mail Your Save the Dates

Alright, so you’re sold on save the dates. But when should you send them? Let’s break it down.

General Rule of Thumb

The sweet spot for sending save the dates is usually 6 to 8 months before your wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan, but it’s not so far out that they forget about it.

Why this timeframe? Well, it’s a balance. You want to give people enough notice to request time off work, save up for travel if needed, and block out the date. But you also don’t want to send them so early that your plans might change.

If you’re super organized and have all your details nailed down early, you could send them up to a year in advance. But for most couples, 6 to 8 months works just fine.

Remember, your formal invitations will go out later – usually about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. So your save the dates are just the first step in your wedding stationery journey.

Destination Weddings: Give Guests Extra Notice

Planning to say “I do” on a tropical beach or in a charming European village? Destination weddings are a blast, but they need extra planning time.

For a destination wedding, aim to send your save the dates 8 to 12 months in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to budget for travel, request time off work, and maybe even plan a little vacation around your big day.

The earlier you send them, the more likely your guests can make it. Plus, it gives them time to look for good deals on flights and accommodations.

Holiday Weddings: Plan Ahead

Getting hitched around a major holiday? You’ll want to send your save the dates on the early side too.

Holiday weekends are popular for weddings, but they can be tricky for guests. People often have standing plans or family traditions around holidays. By sending your save the dates 8 to 12 months in advance, you’re giving them plenty of time to adjust their usual plans.

This is especially important for holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, or Thanksgiving. The more notice you give, the more likely your guests can juggle their commitments to be there for your special day.

Remember, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for your loved ones to celebrate with you. Early save the dates are a big help with that!

Factors That Might Affect Your Timeline

While we’ve covered the general rules for sending save the dates, every wedding is unique. Let’s look at some factors that might change your timeline.

Guest List Considerations

Your guest list can have a big impact on when you send your save the dates. If you’re having a smaller, local wedding with mostly nearby guests, you might be able to send them a bit later – maybe 4 to 6 months out.

But if you’re inviting lots of out-of-town guests, earlier is better. They’ll need more time to plan for travel and accommodations. The same goes if you’re inviting guests from other countries. International travel takes extra planning, so give them as much notice as you can.

Also, think about the makeup of your guest list. Are many of your guests families with kids? They might need more time to arrange childcare or plan around school schedules. Are a lot of your friends young professionals? They might need extra time to request days off work.

Venue Availability

Your venue can also affect your save the date timeline. If you’ve booked a popular venue that fills up fast, you might want to send your save the dates as soon as you’ve locked in the date. This is especially true for venues that book up a year or more in advance.

On the flip side, if you’re having trouble securing your dream venue, you might need to hold off on save the dates until you have a confirmed date and location. It’s better to wait than to send out info you might need to change later.

Budget and Planning Progress

Your budget and how far along you are in the planning process can also impact when you send save the dates. If you’re working with a tight budget, you might need more time to save up for save the dates. In this case, you could opt for digital save the dates, which are often cheaper and can be sent out quickly.

If you’re still in the early stages of planning and aren’t sure about all the details, it’s okay to wait a bit before sending save the dates. They don’t need to include every detail of your wedding, but you should at least be sure of the date and location before sending them out.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for save the dates. Consider your unique situation and what will work best for you and your guests. The most important thing is to give your loved ones enough notice to share in your special day.

Save the Date Designs: Making a Great First Impression

Your save the dates are like a sneak peek of your wedding style. They set the tone for your big day and give guests a taste of what’s to come. So, let’s talk about how to make them shine!

First off, your save the dates don’t have to match your wedding theme exactly. They can be a bit more playful and casual than your formal invitations. This is your chance to show off your personality as a couple.

Popular save the date designs include:

1. Photo cards: These feature a favorite picture of you and your partner. Maybe it’s from your engagement shoot or a fun candid shot.
2. Magnets: These are great because guests can stick them right on their fridge as a reminder.
3. Postcards: Simple, classic, and often cheaper to mail.
4. Themed designs: If you’re having a beach wedding, maybe your save the date features a cute illustration of flip-flops. Getting married in the mountains? How about a design with pine trees?
5. Digital designs: These can be emailed or texted to guests. They’re budget-friendly and eco-friendly too.

When choosing your design, think about what fits your style. Are you more traditional or modern? Romantic or minimalist? Your save the dates can reflect that.

Color is another important factor. You might want to use colors that match your wedding palette, or you could go for something totally different that just catches the eye.

Don’t forget about the practical stuff too. Make sure the text is easy to read and the important info (like the date and location) stands out. You want your guests to be able to get the key details at a glance.

And here’s a pro tip: order a few extra save the dates. You might remember some people you forgot to add to the guest list, or you might need to resend some that get lost in the mail.

Remember, your save the dates are setting the stage for your whole wedding. Have fun with them! This is your chance to get creative and give your guests something they’ll be excited to receive in the mail or their inbox.

Digital vs. Physical Save the Dates: Which to Choose?

In this digital age, you’ve got options when it comes to save the dates. Should you go old school with paper cards, or embrace technology with digital save the dates? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Physical Save the Dates:

Pros:

• They’re tangible keepsakes that guests can hold onto.
• They make a big impact when received in the mail.
• They work well for older guests who might not be tech-savvy.
• They can double as fridge magnets or decorations.

Cons:

• They can be more expensive, especially with postage costs.
• They take longer to design, print, and mail.
• They’re not as environmentally friendly.

Digital Save the Dates:

Pros:

• They’re usually cheaper (or even free).
• They’re quick to create and send.
• They’re eco-friendly.
• They can include clickable links to your wedding website or registry.

Cons:

• They might feel less special or formal to some guests.
• They could get lost in a crowded inbox.
• They might not work for all guests, especially those who aren’t comfortable with technology.

So, which should you choose? It really depends on your guest list, budget, and personal style.

If most of your guests are young and tech-savvy, digital save the dates could be perfect. They’re also great if you’re working with a tight budget or timeline.

On the other hand, if you have a lot of older guests or you really want to make a splash with your announcement, physical save the dates might be the way to go.

You could even do a mix of both! Send physical cards to older relatives or VIP guests, and digital ones to everyone else.

Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your style and meets your guests’ needs. After all, the most important thing is that your loved ones save the date for your special day!

What to Include on Your Save the Dates

Now that you’ve decided on the format for your save the dates, let’s talk about what info to include. Remember, save the dates are just a heads up, not a full invitation. Here’s what you need:

Must-Have Information

1. Your names: This might seem obvious, but don’t forget to clearly state both your names!
2. The wedding date: This is the star of the show. Make sure it’s easy to read.
3. The location: You don’t need the exact address yet, but at least include the city and state (or country for destination weddings).
4. A note that formal invitations will follow: This lets guests know more details are coming later.

That’s really all you need! Keep it simple and clear. Your guests should be able to glance at the save the date and get the key info right away.

Optional Details to Consider

While you don’t want to overload your save the dates, there are a few extra details you might want to include:

1. Your wedding website: If you have one set up, this is a great place for guests to get more info.
2. Accommodation info: Especially important for destination weddings or if you’ve reserved a hotel block.
3. Travel info: Again, this is mostly for destination weddings. You might mention the nearest airport or if you’re planning group transportation.
4. A photo: Many couples like to include an engagement photo or a cute snapshot.
5. Your hashtag: If you’ve created a wedding hashtag, this is a fun detail to share.
6. A brief note about the vibe: Something like “Join us for a backyard barbecue celebration” can help guests know what to expect.

Remember, you don’t need to include all of these. Pick and choose based on what makes sense for your wedding and what will be most helpful for your guests.

What you don’t need on your save the dates: registry info, exact timeline of events, or meal choices. Save that stuff for your invitations or wedding website.

The key is to give just enough info to get guests excited and help them start planning, without overwhelming them with details. Keep it fun, keep it simple, and most importantly, make sure that date stands out!

Common Save the Date Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few missteps when it comes to save the dates. Let’s talk about some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Sending Too Late (or Too Early!)

We’ve talked about timing, but it’s worth repeating. Sending save the dates too late can leave your guests scrambling to make arrangements. On the flip side, sending them too early (like more than a year in advance) can lead to people forgetting about your wedding or your plans changing.

Stick to the 6-8 month rule for most weddings, 8-12 months for destination or holiday weddings. This gives guests plenty of time to plan without the date falling off their radar.

Forgetting to Update Your Wedding Website

If you include your wedding website on your save the dates (which is a great idea!), make sure it’s ready for visitors. Nothing’s more frustrating for guests than clicking a link that doesn’t work or finding an “under construction” page.

Before you send out those save the dates, double-check that your website is live and has at least some basic info. You can always add more details later, but have the essentials (like date, location, and maybe an “Our Story” section) ready to go.

Other common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Not ordering enough: Always order extra save the dates. You might forget someone, or need to resend a lost one.
2. Sending to people who aren’t invited: Be careful about who gets a save the date. Anyone who receives one should also be invited to the wedding.
3. Not proofreading: Double and triple check all the info before you send them out. A typo in the date or location could cause big problems!
4. Including registry information: Save this for your wedding website or formal invitations. Including it on save the dates can come across as gift-grabby.
5. Making them too complicated: Keep the design clean and the information clear. Overly complex save the dates can confuse guests.
6. Forgetting to include your names: Believe it or not, this happens! Make sure your full names are clearly visible.
7. Not considering your audience: If you have a lot of older guests, a digital-only save the date might not be the best choice.
8. Waiting for everything to be perfect: It’s okay if you don’t have every detail nailed down. Save the dates just need the basics.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to save the date success. Remember, the goal is to give your guests a heads up about your big day. Keep it simple, keep it clear, and most of all, have fun with it!

Budget-Friendly Save the Date Ideas

Wedding costs can add up fast, but your save the dates don’t have to break the bank. Let’s explore some wallet-friendly options that still pack a punch.

DIY Options for Creative Couples

If you’re the crafty type, DIY save the dates can be a fun and budget-friendly option. Here are some ideas:

1. Handmade postcards: Buy blank postcards and decorate them yourself. You could use stamps, stickers, or even watercolors if you’re artistic.
2. Photo magnets: Print your photos as magnets using an online service. It’s often cheaper than ordering custom save the date magnets.
3. Rubber stamp: Design a custom rubber stamp with your basic info and use it on pretty paper or cards.
4. Origami: If you’re patient, you could fold origami shapes with your info written inside.
5. Seed packets: For a spring or summer wedding, send flower seeds with your info printed on the packet.

Remember, DIY doesn’t always mean cheaper. Factor in the cost of materials and your time. Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to order simple designs from a budget-friendly online retailer.

Digital Alternatives That Won’t Break the Bank

Digital save the dates are often the most budget-friendly option. Here are some ideas:

1. Email services: Sites like Paperless Post or Greenvelope offer beautiful digital designs, often for less than the cost of paper and postage.
2. Video save the dates: Create a fun, short video announcing your date and share it via email or text. You can use free video editing apps on your phone.
3. Social media announcements: While not suitable for everyone, a well-designed social media post can be a free way to spread the word.
4. Custom website: If you’re tech-savvy, you could create a simple, free website with your save the date info.
5. Digital photo collage: Use a free online tool to create a photo collage with your wedding info and send it digitally.

More budget-friendly tips:

1. Keep it simple: The more complex your design, the more it usually costs. A simple, elegant design can be just as effective.
2. Watch for sales: Many online stationary companies have regular sales. Sign up for their emails to catch the best deals.
3. Consider postcards: If you do go the paper route, postcards are often cheaper to mail than traditional cards.
4. Use your own photos: Instead of paying for stock images or illustrations, use your own photos for a personal touch.
5. Skip the extras: Foil printing, letterpress, and other special techniques look great but can dramatically increase the cost.
6. Order early: Rush fees can add a lot to your costs. Give yourself plenty of time to avoid expedited printing or shipping.

Remember, your save the dates don’t need to be elaborate to be effective. The most important thing is that they clearly communicate your wedding date and location. A simple, heartfelt announcement can be just as special as an expensive one.

Your guests will be excited about your wedding no matter what your save the dates look like. So don’t stress if you can’t afford all the bells and whistles. Focus on sharing your joy, and the rest will fall into place!

Etiquette Tips for Save the Dates

Navigating wedding etiquette can feel like walking through a minefield, but don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with some key tips for save the date etiquette.

Who Gets a Save the Date?

This is a big question, and the answer is simple: everyone who will be invited to the wedding should get a save the date. This includes:

• Family members
• Close friends
• Wedding party members
• Plus-ones (if you’re allowing them)

Remember, anyone who gets a save the date must also get a wedding invitation later. So be sure about your guest list before sending them out.

What about B-list guests? It’s best not to send them save the dates. Wait until you know for sure you can invite them before sending anything official.

For destination weddings, you might want to give a heads up to some guests before sending official save the dates. A quick call or text to say, “Hey, we’re thinking about a destination wedding on this date” can help people start planning.

Addressing Save the Dates Correctly

Addressing save the dates is a bit more casual than formal wedding invitations, but there are still some rules to follow:

1. Use full names: “John Smith and Jane Doe,” not “John and Jane.”
2. For married couples, you can use “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith” if you know they prefer that. Otherwise, “John and Jane Smith” is fine.
3. For couples living together but not married, put their names on separate lines: “John Smith Jane Doe”
4. For singles with a plus-one, you can write “John Smith and Guest.”
5. For families, you can write “The Smith Family” or list out the names if you have space.

Remember, how you address the save the date sets the expectation for who’s invited. If you write “The Smith Family,” they’ll assume all family members are invited.

More etiquette tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t include registry information on the save the date. Save that for your wedding website or shower invitations.
2. If you’re having an adults-only wedding, you don’t need to specify that on the save the date. Wait for the formal invitation to make that clear.
3. Be consistent with your level of formality. If you use titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr.) for some guests, use them for all.
4. If you’re sending digital save the dates, still take the time to personalize each one with the correct names and email addresses.
5. For destination weddings, it’s nice to include some basic travel info if you have it, like the nearest airport.
6. If you have a wedding website, include the URL on your save the date. But make sure the site is live before you send them out!
7. Don’t feel pressured to include a photo if you don’t want to. A well-designed text-only save the date can be just as effective.

Remember, save the dates are meant to be a courtesy to your guests, helping them plan ahead for your big day. Keep that goal in mind, and you’ll do great!

How Save the Dates Fit into Your Overall Wedding Timeline

Let’s zoom out for a minute and look at how save the dates fit into your whole wedding planning journey. Understanding this can help you time everything just right.

Here’s a rough timeline:

1. Get engaged! (Yay!)
2. Set a date and book your venue
3. Create your guest list
4. Design and send save the dates (6-8 months before the wedding)
5. Plan other details (attire, vendors, etc.)
6. Send formal invitations (6-8 weeks before the wedding)
7. The big day arrives!

As you can see, save the dates come pretty early in the process. They’re often the first official communication you’ll have with your guests about your wedding.

This means you need to have some key details nailed down before sending save the dates:

• The date (obviously!)
• The location (at least the city and state)
• A rough guest list

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Things like exact ceremony time, meal choices, or what color the bridesmaids will wear can wait for the invitation or even your wedding website.

Speaking of your wedding website, it’s a good idea to have at least a basic version up when you send save the dates. You can add more details as you go along.

Remember, your save the dates set the tone for your wedding. They give guests a first glimpse of your style and what to expect. So while they come early in the process, they’re an important part of your overall wedding vision.

Don’t stress if you don’t have every detail worked out when you send save the dates. The point is to give guests a heads up about the date and location. The rest can come later!

Next Steps After Sending Save the Dates

You’ve designed your save the dates, checked the addresses twice, and sent them out into the world. Great job! But what comes next? Let’s talk about what to do after your save the dates are on their way.

Tracking RSVPs and Guest Responses

Even though save the dates aren’t formal invitations, you’ll likely start hearing from guests. Some might let you know right away if they can’t make it. Others might have questions about travel or accommodations.

Here’s how to handle responses:

1. Set up a system: Create a spreadsheet or use a wedding planning app to track responses.
2. Be prepared for questions: Guests might ask about hotel blocks, travel info, or what to wear. Have some basic answers ready.
3. Don’t expect formal RSVPs yet: Save the dates don’t usually include RSVP cards. That comes with the formal invitation.
4. Update your guest list: If anyone lets you know they can’t attend, make a note of it.
5. Don’t panic about non-responses: Many guests won’t respond to a save the date. That’s normal!

Preparing for Follow-up Questions

After sending save the dates, you might get a flurry of questions from excited guests. Here’s how to handle them:

1. Update your wedding website: Add any info you forgot or new details you’ve nailed down.
2. Prepare a FAQ: If you’re getting the same questions over and over, consider adding a FAQ section to your website.
3. Delegate: If family members offer to help, let them field some questions. Just make sure they have accurate info!
4. Stay organized: Keep track of what info you’ve shared with which guests to avoid confusion.
5. Be patient: Remember, guests are asking because they’re excited about your big day!

Other steps to take after sending save the dates:

1. Start planning your formal invitations: These will need to go out 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
2. Continue with other wedding planning: Don’t let the save the date process slow down your other tasks!
3. Take a breath: You’ve completed a big step in your wedding planning journey. Take a moment to celebrate!
4. Keep guests in the loop: If there are any major changes (like a shift in venue), let guests know. You don’t need to share every little detail, but big changes are important to communicate.
5. Start thinking about your seating chart: It’s early, but having a rough idea can help as you finalize your guest list.

Remember, sending save the dates is just one step in your wedding planning journey. It’s an exciting one because it makes your wedding feel real! But don’t let it distract you from all the other fun planning you have ahead.

Enjoy this time, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your wedding party, family, or a professional planner if you need help managing all the details. Your big day will be here before you know it!

When To Send Save The Dates FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered