When Do Save the Dates Go Out? The Essential Timeline
Getting engaged is a whirlwind of excitement, and before you know it, you're diving into wedding planning. One of the first big steps after setting your date and venue is sending out save the dates. But exactly when do save the dates go out? It's a common question, and getting the timing right is crucial for your guests and your sanity.
This guide will walk you through the ideal timeline, considerations for different wedding types, and key etiquette tips to ensure your save the dates set the perfect tone for your celebration. Ready to start designing? You can design one on InviteDrop and see how easy it is to create something beautiful.
The Standard Save the Date Timeline
For most weddings, the general rule of thumb is to send out save the dates six to eight months before your wedding date. This timeframe offers a sweet spot:
- It's early enough for guests to mark their calendars, request time off work, and start thinking about travel arrangements, especially if they're coming from out of town.
- It's not too early that guests will forget about it or that your plans might still be in flux. You should have your venue and date firmly booked before sending these out.
This timeline works well for local weddings, those with a moderate number of out-of-town guests, and weddings happening during less popular travel seasons.
Special Considerations for Your Timeline
While six to eight months is a good baseline, certain factors might prompt you to send your save the dates even earlier:
Destination Weddings or Weddings with Many Out-of-Town Guests
If you're planning a destination wedding (where most guests will need to travel and stay overnight) or if a significant portion of your guest list lives far away, aim to send save the dates nine to twelve months in advance. This extra lead time is invaluable for:
- Booking flights and accommodations: Prices often increase closer to the date, and popular destinations can book up quickly.
- Arranging passports and visas: For international destination weddings, this is a non-negotiable.
- Saving money: Guests appreciate the opportunity to plan and budget for a trip, rather than being rushed.
Consider including information about hotel blocks or travel agents if you have them arranged at this stage, even if it's just a note to "more details to follow on our wedding website."
Holiday Weekends or Peak Season Weddings
Weddings falling on a major holiday weekend (like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or New Year's Eve) or during peak travel seasons (summer, spring break) also warrant earlier save the dates – ideally nine to twelve months out. Why?
- Increased travel demand: Flights and hotels will be more expensive and harder to secure.
- Conflicting plans: Many people have standing holiday plans or might be invited to multiple events during popular seasons. Giving them ample notice helps ensure your wedding takes priority.
- Limited availability: Venues and vendors are often booked solid during these times, so your guests might face similar challenges.
Local Weddings with Few Out-of-Town Guests
Even for entirely local weddings where almost everyone lives nearby, sticking to the six to eight-month window is generally best. While guests might not need to book flights, they still need to arrange childcare, request time off work, and avoid scheduling conflicts. Sending them too close to the date can feel like an afterthought.
What to Include on Your Save the Date
Keep your save the date concise and clear. The primary goal is to inform guests of the date and location so they can hold it on their calendar. Essential information includes:
- Your names: Clearly state who is getting married!
- The wedding date: Day, month, and year.
- The wedding location: City and state are usually sufficient at this stage. You don't need the exact venue address yet.
- "Formal invitation to follow": This crucial phrase lets guests know they'll receive more detailed information later.
- Your wedding website (optional but recommended): If you have one, include the URL. This is a great place for guests to find preliminary information about accommodations, travel, and your registry.
Resist the urge to include too much detail. Save the dates are not the place for registry information (unless it's linked on your wedding website), dress codes, or specific event times. That all comes with the formal invitation.
Save the Date Etiquette Tips
Only Send to Guests You Plan to Invite to the Wedding
This is perhaps the most critical rule: everyone who receives a save the date must receive a formal wedding invitation. There's no going back once a save the date is sent. If you're unsure about inviting someone, wait until you're finalizing your guest list for the formal invitations.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
Before hitting send or sending to print, double-check all the details: names, date, and location. A typo on a save the date can cause confusion or, worse, lead to guests missing your big day.
Consider Your Design
Your save the date is often the first glimpse guests get of your wedding's style and theme. Choose a design that reflects your personality as a couple and gives a hint of the celebration to come. Digital save the dates, like those you can create on InviteDrop, offer a wide range of designs and the added charm of an animated envelope opening.
Don't Forget About Plus Ones or Children (Yet)
You don't need to explicitly state "and guest" or include children's names on the save the date itself. Address the save the date to the primary invitees (e.g., "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" or "Sarah Johnson and David Lee"). The formal invitation will clarify who exactly is invited.
No RSVP Needed for Save the Dates
Save the dates are purely informational. Guests are not expected to RSVP at this stage. The formal invitation will include all the necessary RSVP details and deadlines.
What if You're Running Behind?
Life happens, and sometimes wedding planning falls behind schedule. If you find yourself past the ideal save the date timeline, don't panic. Here's how to adjust:
- If you're only a little behind (e.g., 5 months out): Send them out as soon as possible. It's better late than never, especially for out-of-town guests.
- If you're significantly behind (e.g., 3-4 months out): You might consider skipping save the dates altogether and sending your formal invitations earlier. In this scenario, aim to send invitations 3-4 months before the wedding, with an RSVP deadline of 4-6 weeks before the date. This provides guests with enough time to plan.
- Communicate informally: If you're very close to the wedding date and haven't sent anything, reach out to your closest friends and family directly via phone or email to give them a heads-up.
Setting the Stage for Your Wedding
Sending out your save the dates is an exciting milestone in your wedding planning journey. It's the first official announcement of your big day, and getting the timing right ensures your guests have ample time to prepare and celebrate with you.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently answer the question "when do save the dates go out?" and set a smooth, stress-free path toward your wedding day. Ready to make your first official wedding announcement? Design your digital save the date on InviteDrop today and enjoy the ease of real RSVP tracking and a beautiful animated open for your guests.
