When planning a wedding, one of the most important decisions you will make is deciding on the timing of your Save the Dates and wedding invitations. Guests who are invited to attend your special day will have to make arrangements in their busy schedules in order to be present. Therefore it’s important to get the word out early enough so they have ample time to plan and RSVP.
Save the Dates
Save the Dates are typically sent out to guests 8 to 12 months prior to your wedding day. Giving guests this much notice can greatly increase the chances that they will be able to attend and make any necessary travel arrangements. If you are having a destination wedding or expecting many out-of-town guests, consider sending your Save the Dates on the earlier side, perhaps 10 to 12 months in advance. While the exact timeline may differ according to the specifics of your wedding, providing guests with as much notice as possible will help ensure they can make it to your big day.
Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations should be sent out around 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date. Although there is no one firm rule for when wedding invitations should be sent, this time frame falls within the traditional window for most weddings. If you have already sent Save the Dates, this timeline should be perfect for your guests. Invitations should include an RSVP card with a reply-by date so that you can give your wedding planner and caterer an accurate headcount.
Factors to Consider
There are many factors to consider when it comes to deciding when to send Save the Dates and wedding invitations. One of the most important factors is how many guests you plan on inviting, as well as the location of your wedding. For example, if you’re getting married during peak travel season, you may want to consider sending invitations earlier than usual. On the other hand, if your wedding is a small, intimate gathering, you can probably get away with sending the invitations out on a slightly shorter timeline.
Other Considerations
Remember that no wedding is the same, and your guests and unique circumstances may necessitate a slightly different timeline. Here are some other important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to wedding communications:
1. Don’t forget about the holidays! Weddings held during peak holiday times (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve) should be incorporated into your calculations for timing your wedding invitations.
2. If you’re getting married during a “busy” time (like a holiday week or a big event in your city), keep in mind that your guests will likely have other commitments. Sending invitations and Save the Dates early will be key.
3. Consider using a wedding website to keep guests informed. This can include important updates, travel tips, and a FAQ section.
4. Avoid sending out invitations too early, as guests may forget or lose track of the details
Conclusion
Guests who are invited to your wedding will appreciate receiving their Save the Dates and invitations with plenty of notice. This gives them enough time to make any necessary arrangements and update their calendar. By sending Save the Dates out 8 to 12 months before the big day and wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, you’ll provide an appropriate amount of time for guests to respond and make plans to attend. Take the unique details of your wedding into account and adjust the timeline as necessary – and most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate love!
FAQ
Can you send save-the-dates 2 years in advance?
Save-the-dates are a great way to give your prospective guests a heads-up about your upcoming wedding. They allow your guests ample time to plan their travel arrangements and take time off from work. While the ideal time to send save-the-dates varies based on individual circumstances, it is generally recommended to do so 6 to 8 months prior to the wedding date. However, many people wonder if it’s possible to send the save-the-dates much earlier than that, say 2 years in advance?
The answer is yes, you can send save-the-dates 2 years in advance if you want to. However, we recommend that you only send them out that early in very specific cases. For instance, if you are having a destination wedding in another country or at a location where many guests would need to travel a long distance, then sending your save-the-dates 2 years in advance may be a good idea. This gives your guests ample time to make travel arrangements, especially if they need visas or if language barriers exist.
Another scenario that may warrant sending save-the-dates 2 years in advance is if you have close family or friends who have very busy work schedules or travel frequently. For example, if your brother or sister is a surgeon who often goes on medical missions, sending out save-the-dates early ensures that they can work around their schedule to attend your special day.
The general rule of sending save-the-dates is around 6 to 8 months before the wedding date, but it may be acceptable to send them 2 years in advance in specific circumstances like a destination wedding or where some guests may have busy, unpredictable schedules. It is important to remember that save-the-dates should only be sent to those who will definitely be invited to the wedding and that invitations should still be sent closer to the actual date to provide additional details about the event.
Is 7 months too early to send wedding invites?
When it comes to planning your wedding, there is a lot to consider, and one of the most significant decisions is when to send out your invitations. Some couples may wonder if it’s too early to send invites seven months before the wedding date. While there is no hard and fast rule, generally speaking, it’s a good idea to give your guests as much notice as possible.
Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent 8 to 12 weeks before the big day, but many couples now choose to send them earlier. This is particularly important if you’re getting married during a holiday period or in peak wedding season, as your guests may need to book travel arrangements, accommodation, or take time off work. In these situations, it’s not uncommon to send out “Save the Dates” six to twelve months before the wedding date to give your guests plenty of notice.
Sending out your wedding invites seven months in advance may work for some couples, but it could also have a few drawbacks. For example, some guests may forget about the event or lose the invitation. If you do choose to send them that early, you should also consider sending a reminder closer to the event, so your guests don’t forget. On the other hand, if you send them too late, you may run the risk of your guests already having other plans.
the timing of your wedding invitations will depend on various factors, such as your wedding date, the location of the event, and your guest list. However, as a general guideline, it’s a good idea to send them at least three to four months before the wedding. This will give your guests enough time to book their travel arrangements, purchase gifts, and make any necessary arrangements they may need to attend your wedding.
While there is no set rule on when to send out your wedding invitations, the earlier, the better, within reason. Sending them seven months in advance is not necessarily too early, but you should be mindful of your guest’s schedules and follow up with a reminder closer to the wedding date. Ultimately the best approach will depend on your individual circumstances, so you should speak with your wedding planner or consult with family and friends to determine the best course of action for your wedding.
Is it rude to send a save the date and not an invitation?
The decision to send a save the date card and not an invitation can certainly be a sensitive and tricky one. In general, it is not considered rude to send save the date cards without invitations as long as it is done appropriately. Save the date cards serve as informal invitations that inform your guests of the date and location of your wedding ahead of time. This, in turn, allows them to plan accordingly, especially if they need to make travel arrangements.
It is essential for couples to understand that once the save the date cards are sent out, they must follow through with an invitation for the wedding itself. It may create confusion or hurt feelings if certain guests receive a save the date, but not an invitation. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the guest list and ensure that only people who will be invited to the wedding are sent save the date cards.
It is also important to note that save the date cards should be sent out six to eight months before the wedding day to allow guests ample time to plan. This means that the couple should have a good understanding of their guest list by this point, including whether or not they will need to invite some guests to the ceremony only or the reception only.
Sending out save the date cards without invitations is not necessarily considered rude as long as the guests who receive them are guaranteed an invitation to the wedding itself. It is essential for couples to properly plan their guest list before sending out save the date cards to avoid confusion or hurt feelings. A save the date card is a thoughtful gesture that provides guests with adequate notice to plan accordingly for the wedding.