When to Send Wedding Invitations & Save the Dates: A Complete Timeline

When to Send Wedding Invitations & Save the Dates: The Ideal Timeline

Planning a wedding involves countless details, and one of the most crucial aspects is making sure your guests have all the information they need well in advance. Sending out your Save the Dates and wedding invitations on time is key to ensuring your loved ones can join you on your special day. Here’s a guide to help you understand the ideal timeline for sending out these important pieces of wedding stationery.

1. Save the Dates: 6-12 Months Before the Wedding

Save the Dates are typically sent out 6 to 12 months before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to mark their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or have many out-of-town guests.

For a local wedding, 6-8 months in advance is usually sufficient. However, if your wedding is during a busy holiday season or a popular wedding month, lean towards the 12-month mark to give your guests ample notice.

What to Include:

Your names
Wedding date
Location (city and state)
“Formal Invitation to Follow” note

Remember, Save the Dates don’t need to include all the wedding details, just the essential information so your guests can start planning.

2. Wedding Invitations: 6-8 Weeks Before the Wedding

Wedding invitations should be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. This allows your guests enough time to RSVP and make any final arrangements. If you’ve sent out Save the Dates, your guests will already be aware of the date and location, so the invitation serves as a formal reminder and provides additional details.

For destination weddings or if many guests are traveling, consider sending invitations 8-10 weeks in advance to give everyone a little extra time to finalize their plans.

What to Include:

Date and time of the ceremony
Venue details
RSVP card or instructions
Dress code, if any
Additional information such as directions or accommodations

3. RSVP Deadline: 3-4 Weeks Before the Wedding

Set your RSVP deadline for 3-4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to finalize your guest list and provide accurate numbers to your caterer and venue. Sending reminders to guests who haven’t responded can also be done within this timeframe.

Final Thoughts

Sticking to these timelines for sending out Save the Dates and wedding invitations will help ensure that your guests are well-prepared for your big day. It also alleviates some of the last-minute stress that comes with planning a wedding. With your invitations sent out on time, you can focus on the fun and exciting parts of planning your celebration!

Looking for more tips on how to plan your wedding day? Check out our complete wedding planning guide to stay on top of your schedule and avoid common mistakes.

FAQs

1. How far in advance should you send wedding invitations?

Wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before your wedding day, with 8-10 weeks for destination weddings to allow extra time for travel planning.

2. Do you send Save the Dates to everyone?

Save the Dates are typically sent to all guests you plan to invite, but it’s especially important to send them to out-of-town guests or those attending destination weddings.

3. What’s the difference between Save the Dates and wedding invitations?

Save the Dates are a preliminary announcement sent months in advance, while wedding invitations provide more detailed information, including RSVP instructions, and are sent closer to the wedding day.

4. Can you send wedding invitations too early?

Yes, sending invitations too early, such as more than 12 weeks before the wedding, can result in guests losing them or forgetting to RSVP in time.

5. Is it okay to email Save the Dates?

While traditional Save the Dates are typically mailed, some couples opt for digital Save the Dates to save on cost. However, mailing is often more formal and appreciated by guests.

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