When you start planning your wedding, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is when to send out your Save the Date cards. These cards are a crucial part of the wedding planning process because they let your guests know well in advance to keep your chosen date free. So how far ahead do you need to send them? In this post, we’ll explore the answer to that exact question.
Why Send Save the Date Cards?
Save the Date cards are usually sent out before the formal wedding invitations are even printed. Their primary purpose is to give your guests a heads up to hold that date for your wedding. This advance notice is particularly helpful for guests who may need to book flights, accommodations, or arrange time off work. It’s also polite and considerate to give them plenty of notice so they can make the necessary arrangements to attend your special day.
Another reason to send Save the Date cards is that it helps you plan your wedding more accurately. By getting a rough idea of how many guests are planning to attend, you can make more informed decisions about the venue, catering, and other wedding details. Ultimately, the more accurately you can plan for your guests, the more likely you are to have a smooth and enjoyable wedding day.
When Should You Send Save the Dates?
The short answer is 8-12 months in advance of your wedding date. This gives your guests plenty of notice to make travel arrangements if necessary. However, there are exceptions to this rule, depending on certain factors.
If you’re having a destination wedding or getting married during a popular holiday weekend, it’s best to send the Save the Date cards up to 12-14 months ahead of time. This gives your guests more time to arrange travel, hotels, and other transportation details. Destination weddings also require extra preparation, so you’ll need to give your guests enough time to save up for the trip, take time off work, and make other arrangements.
If you’re having a local wedding, sending Save the Dates 6-8 months ahead of time, is perfectly adequate. This gives your guests sufficient time to RSVP and shop for wedding attire. However, if you’re inviting guests who live out of town, you should still consider sending Save the Dates earlier, even if it’s not a destination wedding.
While we’ve given rough estimates for when to send Save the Dates, what’s most important is to send them as soon as possible once you’ve chosen a date. Remember that your guests may have other events they want to attend or need to plan for, so the more notice, the better.
What Information Should You Include on Your Save the Date?
Your Save the Date cards are not a formal invitation, so they don’t need to include all of the details that your invitation will have. However, they should include the essential information:
– Your Names: Make sure both the bride and groom are named on the card.
– Wedding Date: Be sure to include the day of the week, date, and year.
– Location: Include the state and city where the wedding will take place. If you don’t have a venue yet, you can leave out the address.
– Wedding Website: Include a link to your wedding website where guests can find up-to-date information about your wedding plans.
It’s also a good idea to include a line that says, “Invitation to Follow,” or “Formal Invitation to Come.” This lets your guests know that the Save the Date is not the formal invitation.
Conclusion
Sending Save the Date cards is an important part of your wedding planning process. It gives your guests plenty of time to make arrangements to attend your special day. While 8-12 months is the general guideline for when to send Save the Dates, remember that factors like destination weddings or holiday weekends may require extra notice. Whatever timeline you follow, make sure you include essential information on your Save the Date cards, so your guests know what to expect, and you can plan your wedding with greater accuracy.
FAQ
What date do you put RSVP on?
The RSVP (Répondez s’il vous plaît) is a French expression which means ‘Please respond’. When it comes to wedding invitations, RSVP card is an essential part of the invitation suite. The RSVP card is the most effective way to receive a definitive guest count for your wedding reception. However, choosing the correct RSVP date is crucial to the wedding preparation process.
According to wedding planning etiquette, the respond-by date on your wedding response cards should be 2-4 weeks before the wedding date. This deadline is driven mostly by your venue and caterer – they’ll need a confirmed number of guests about a week before your wedding date. Having a solid headcount of guests in attendance will ensure that there is enough space, food, drink, and other necessities are provided to accommodate your guests.
The RSVP date mentioned on your response card gives your guest a deadline to respond by. If your guests fail to respond by the RSVP date, it is recommended to contact them and politely remind them to respond. You can also follow up with a phone call or a message if you do not get a response before the deadline. It is essential to note that some guests may forget to RSVP due to their busy schedules or logistical issues; therefore, it is always best to follow up with them and ensure an accurate guest count.
Choosing the right RSVP date is a crucial decision when it comes to wedding planning. The deadline set for the RSVP card should be 2-4 weeks before the wedding day, which gives the venue and caterer ample time to prepare. Prompting your guests to RSVP before the deadline is also critical to ensure an accurate guest count, making sure everyone will have an enjoyable experience on your special day.