You have a date! You’re going through your planning and are getting ready to tell the world. It’s time to send out Save the Dates and Wedding Invitations – what an exciting time! When couples get to this point in their planning, this is a question we see A LOT. “When do we send out Wedding Invites and Save the Dates?” We’re here to help you answer that!
What’s the difference between Save the Dates and Wedding invitations?
First, let’s distinguish the differences between Save the Dates and Wedding Invitations. Save the Dates are the first notification of your wedding, the wedding date, and maybe the location. The intent is your guest can block that time off on their calendar. Save the Dates tell everyone an invitation and more details are coming. Wedding Invitations provide your wedding details (or where to find them if you’re using a wedding website). Wedding Invitations typically have an “RSVP by” date attached so guests can communicate to you if they will be attending your wedding. That RSVP can drive your wedding planning.
I’m sending Save the Dates – What does my timeline look like?
When do I send out wedding invites if I’m sending save the dates? The general rule of thumb is if you are sending Save the Dates, you can send out your Wedding Invitations closer to your wedding date. Guests already know to save the date of your wedding!
We always recommend sending your Save the Dates out about 11-12 months before your wedding date. Since most people and families tend to schedule vacations, save up for travel, and plan out any time off from work, it’s best to get your special day on their radar so they can work it into their plans.
Since you are using Save the Dates, you can wait a little longer to send out your wedding invitations. Your Wedding Invitations no longer are letting people know about the event. The Wedding Invitations now share wedding details and collect RSVPs. If you sent Save the Dates, you can send out your Wedding Invitations about 2 months before your “RSVP by” date.
Okay, I’m skipping Save the Dates, what does my timeline look like?
If you are skipping Save the Dates, then you may be asking a different question than “When do I send out wedding invites and save the dates?”. You’ll want to send out your wedding invitations further in advance so people can plan to attend your wedding. There is a sweet spot for sending the information out with enough time for people to plan, but not too early that people forget to RSVP.
Our recommendation if you’re not sending out Save the Dates, is to send Wedding Invitations around 4 months before your “RSVP by” date. Sending Wedding Invitations out any earlier could result in putting out incomplete information. The goal of your Wedding Invitations is to let guests know what they are being invited to, and having them let you know if they will be attending (the RSVP).
So, do I NEED to send Save the Dates?
While there is no “right” answer on whether or not to send Save the Dates, we always recommend making sure there is room in your wedding budget to send them out. We understand this isn’t always in the cards for everyone. However, if you can, these are the reasons we always recommend sending save the dates:
- It gives your guests more time to plan for your special day. By giving them the date and general location about a year in advance, more guests can attend your wedding. This means those that are the most important to you will be there for you!
- If you include a wedding website, you can get information out to everyone as details are updated. We know not everyone will remember the wedding website as a place to look. However, giving that information out with your save the dates does make it easier for guests to keep updated. They can check back every so often for updates to hotel blocks, attire, and venue addresses.
- Show off your beautiful engagement photos! Sometimes, it can be hard to always know what your engagement photos are used for. Save the Dates are one of those places to share those pictures!
- If you have to cut your guest list, and have a “B list”, Save the Dates may give you some clarity on who cannot come way in advance, so you can invite others who may not have been on the “A list”. We know everyone is important, but sometimes budget and venue location have guest count limitations. Even though there’s no RSVP on Save the Dates, some people know they can’t make it and they will let you know. Sending Save the Dates may give you the opportunity to update that “A list” if people let you know they’re already unavailable and won’t be able to attend before your actual invitations are sent.
- It buys you time. Save the Dates allow you to wait a little longer to send out your Wedding Invitations. That time allows you to include more accurate wedding information. It means that there is less opportunity for things to change that require updating all your guests. Make it easier on yourself that close to your wedding!
When is my “RSVP by” date?
We always recommend your “RSVP by” date being at least one month before your wedding. Although, it really depends on when final guest count numbers are due to your various vendors. If your final guest count numbers are due 45 days before your wedding, you’ll want your “RSVP by” date to be 55-60 days before your wedding. This gives you some time to make sure your guest counts are accurate before they are due.
If your guest count isn’t due until 7 days before your wedding, we still recommend no later than one month before your wedding day. You don’t need that extra stress of receiving RSVPs during the final month leading up to your wedding!
In the end, just make sure you’re giving both yourself and your guests enough time to plan for attending your special day! While we always recommend sending out Save the Dates, there is a way to go about sending out your Wedding Invitations without sending Save the Dates! We hope these timeframe tips helped! Contact us for more tips on how to plan your wedding by working with us here! Our packages always include tips and tricks to managing your wedding planning journey with ease.