If you’re planning a wedding, you might be wondering when to send out your Save the Date cards. Save the Date cards are a great way to let your guests know about your big day and give them enough time to make arrangements. But when is the best time to send them? There is no definitive answer to this question, as different couples may have different preferences and circumstances. However, you will find some general guidelines below, to help you decide.
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Photo: Funny Save the Date Card by Be Our Guest Designs, Etsy
Start thinking about Your Wedding Theme.
Your Save the Date card are almost like a small teaser for the wedding. You don’t need to worry about any small details yet but by the time you are sending your save the date cards, you should know whether the wedding will be contemporary, classic or have vintage design elements. Ideally, you should also decide on your colour palette. Your wedding theme should reflect your personality. As a couple, are you the eco-friendly time and will go to extra lengths to make everything, including your save the date cards biodegradable? Or are you more into bling and opulent celebrations?
Photo: Luxury Gold Foil card by Made by Mika Ltd, Etsy.
The earlier, the better.
Ideally, you want to send your Save the Date cards as soon as you have confirmed your wedding date and venue. This way, you can secure your guest list and avoid any conflicts or disappointments. Plus, your guests will appreciate having more time to plan their travel, accommodation, outfits and gifts.
Photo: Plantable card with wildflower seeds by Poppy Forest Craft, Etsy.
Consider your wedding season and location.
If you’re having a summer wedding or a destination wedding, you may want to send your Save the Date cards even earlier than usual. This is because these are peak times for travel and tourism, and your guests may need to book their flights and hotels well in advance. A good rule of thumb is to send your Save the Date cards at least 9 to 12 months before your wedding date.
Photo: Sunflower Save the Date card by Pumpkin Wedding Design, Etsy.
Start thinking about your Formal Invitations.
Your Save the Date cards are not a substitute for your formal wedding invitations, which should include more details such as the exact time, location, dress code and RSVP information. You should send your formal invitations about 2 to 3 months before your wedding date, or earlier if you have many international guests.
Photo: Vellum Wedding Invite by Pure Invitation, Etsy
Ensure all details are clear.
Whatever timeline you choose for sending your Save the Date cards and invitations, make sure you stick to it and communicate it clearly to your guests. You don’t want to confuse them with multiple or conflicting messages. Also, make sure you include not just your names and the wedding date, but also the location on your Save the Date cards, and a link to your wedding website if you have one.
Photo: Handmade paper save the date, by Keth Studio, Etsy. https://tidd.ly/44Mrbnx
Sending Save the Date cards is a fun and exciting way to announce your wedding and get your guests excited too. By following these tips, you can ensure that you send them at the right time and make a great impression.
As a wedding guest, I appreciate when given plenty of notice with a save the date card. Between work and other commitments, advance planning is key! Great tips in the post for couples, too!
These are great tips and to be honest for a special event like a wedding, the more notice the better! Not only does it help with the wedding planning but also for the folks that are invited.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
When you invited to something like wedding, I firmly believe in a big heads up in where and when it’s going to be. No matter how far away the date it might be; because you really have to plan ahead with these things! Thanks so much for sharing!
If I remember correctly, we sent out our save-the-dates about a year before our wedding. But, it was in South Florida during spring break time, so we wanted to make sure people had plenty of time to make travel arrangements for those who weren’t local to us. The more time, the better.
This is perfect advice! Thank you so much!
I so much agree with you, when you say that the earlier, the better. That way, we get to know who hasn’t been invited and all those other errors and oversights that were made.
Great tips and lovely advice for those in need. We all need guidance on the do’s and don’t!
I never knew that Save the Date cards and wedding invitations were two separate things. I presumed that they were a more affordable version of a wedding invitation.
As someone who is engaged and planning our wedding, I am overwhelmed with the things I should do and when to do them right. Thank you for your helpful post.
The early the better is the best thing. I will make sure to follow this when we decide our wedding day. Thank you for sharing!
Your article on when to send out save the date cards is incredibly helpful! The information provided is clear and concise, making it easy to understand the appropriate timing for sending these cards. I appreciate your friendly tone and the practical advice given. Thank you for sharing this valuable resource!
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and getting the timing right is crucial. The advice to consider the wedding season and location makes perfect sense, as it allows guests to plan accordingly.