When to Send Your Wedding Save the Date Cards

Save the date cards are becoming more and more popular among modern couples, and for good reason. These little announcements help ensure your guests can be there for your big day by giving them a heads-up long before the formal invitations arrive.

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or a summer celebration during peak travel months, sending a save the date card is a thoughtful and practical way to let friends and family know when to keep their calendars clear.

Weddings often require your guests to make arrangements—sometimes well in advance. From booking flights and accommodation to organising time off work or finding child care (especially if little ones aren’t invited), the earlier you give them notice, the better.

Save the date cards are particularly helpful for weddings planned during busy seasons like summer or Christmas, when people may already have holiday plans in place. They’re also ideal if you’re inviting guests from abroad or hosting your wedding in a remote or in-demand location.

By sending a save the date, you’ll increase the likelihood that your loved ones can attend without stress or scheduling conflicts.

So, when is the right time to send your save the date cards?

Many wedding experts suggest around six months before the big day. This is usually enough time for guests to begin making the necessary preparations—without feeling too far removed from the event itself.

However, you can absolutely send them out earlier if you’re organised and your date is firmly locked in. If you’re planning a destination wedding, we recommend sending them even earlier—up to 9 or even 12 months in advance. This allows for the additional planning guests may need to do, especially for international travel or extended stays.

There’s no hard rule, but being courteous and proactive always goes down well with guests.

Unlike your formal wedding invitation, your save the date doesn’t need to include every single detail. But it should clearly state the following:

• The names of the couple

• The date of the wedding

• The location (just the city or region is fine at this stage)

• A note that a formal invitation will follow

You can also include a wedding website URL if you’ve set one up. This can be helpful for sharing ongoing updates, travel tips, and accommodation suggestions.

Looking for something a little more unique than a standard card? Consider sending save the date magnets instead! These not only serve the same purpose but also offer a fun twist and a more lasting presence in your guests’ homes.

Magnets are perfect for popping onto the fridge, which means your guests will be reminded of your wedding date every time they reach for the milk. They’re easy to personalise with your names, wedding date, and even a photo or themed design that reflects the style of your big day.

Not only are they practical, but they’re also more likely to stick around—literally!

Your save the date cards are the first official announcement of your wedding, so use them to set the tone.

Are you planning a formal black-tie affair, a whimsical woodland ceremony, or a laid-back beach wedding? Reflect that vibe in your design. You might choose elegant script fonts, botanical illustrations, rustic textures, or nautical colours—whatever suits your theme best.

Don’t be afraid to include a splash of personality too. Add a cute engagement photo, a playful message, or even a nod to your shared interests or love story.

Save the date cards are an easy yet impactful way to get your guests excited and prepared for your wedding day. They show consideration for their time and commitments and help build anticipation for the celebration to come.

Whether you choose classic cards or a quirky magnet, what matters most is that you give your guests enough notice and a little taste of what’s to come.

So once you’ve secured your wedding date, don’t wait too long—browse our range of save the date options and let your countdown begin in style!