Wondering when to send Save the Dates? We don’t blame you! It’s tough to keep track of everything there is to do when planning a wedding. We recommend organizing your to-do lists by due date or by task type. For example, you can start one list to track save the date and wedding invitation progress and another list to track other important task types like vendor research. Today, we’ll be sharing some important guidelines to help you start your save the date to-do list!
When to send save the dates:
- Set the Wedding Date: An official wedding date (often driven by venue availability) is a must! Then you can decide when to send save the dates and wedding invitations.
- Schedule Engagement Photos: You can use photos you already have but engagement photos add a fresh and beautiful touch. Schedule them in time to get the photos back before you need to order your save the dates — about a year before the wedding date.
- Send Save the Dates Early: At least 6-8 months before the wedding date. Guests need time to find flights and lodging as well as caretakers for the kids and/or pets.
- Send Earlier for Destination Weddings: Give guests at least 8-12 months to make affordable travel arrangements to your destination-wedding locale.
What your save the dates should say:
- Include at least the city your wedding will take place in so guests can start planning travel
- Obviously, include the date!
- Address save the dates as accurately as possible: if your event is adults only, don’t address save the dates to the “Matthews Family” but rather to “Dave and Julia Matthews.”
- Customize your save the date cards from Invitations by Dawn to reflect your wedding style. From chic to rustic, you can start expressing your wedding theme right away.
Send save the dates to everyone invited to the wedding, even the obvious guests like Mom and Dad. Follow up with wedding invitations at least 8 weeks before the wedding. Save the dates should not be used in place of detailed wedding invitations. Your guests will want to know what kind of event you’re hosting (black tie or beach-y, for example) as well as important details like menu options, directions, contact information, reserved hotel rooms and whether or not they can bring a plus one. The invitation is the best place to fit all of these details and anything else you want guests to know.
