When Should You Send Your Save the Date Cards?
When you first begin planning your wedding, it’s easy to feel like you've got all the major tasks under control—finding the cake maker, booking the venue, choosing the photographer, and, of course, picking out your dream dress. But as any bride will tell you, there’s always more to think about. The wedding planning process is full of small yet important details, and one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is when to send out your save the date cards.
At first glance, sending your save the date cards may seem like a simple task, but timing is absolutely crucial. These cards are often the first official announcement of your wedding, and getting them out at the right time can set the tone for the rest of your wedding planning. It’s essential to give your guests enough notice so they can plan accordingly, especially if your wedding involves travel or other significant commitments.
While the exact timing can vary depending on your circumstances, there is one rule of thumb that most wedding planners agree on: the sooner, the better. But why is this so important? Let’s explore the reasons why sending your save the date cards early is beneficial for both you and your guests, and exactly how far in advance you should aim to send them.
Why Send Save the Date Cards?
Save the date cards are more than just a formal notice of your wedding; they’re your guests' first real clue about the big day. They give your loved ones the opportunity to mark their calendars and start planning, especially if your wedding requires travel or accommodations.
Here are just a few reasons why sending your save the date cards early can benefit both you and your guests:
Allows Guests to Make Travel Arrangements: If your wedding is in another city, country, or is a destination wedding, your guests will need time to book flights and accommodation. The more notice they have, the easier it will be for them to make plans to attend.
Helps Guests Plan Time Off: Weddings often require guests to take time off work, particularly if they need to travel long distances. Sending save the dates well in advance gives them ample time to ask for time off or make any necessary adjustments to their schedules.
Childcare Considerations: If your wedding is an adult-only affair, sending save the dates early gives guests time to find childcare for their little ones. This will reduce the stress on both you and your guests when it comes to wedding day arrangements.
Gives Your Guests Peace of Mind: Especially for out-of-town or overseas guests, receiving a save the date card helps them secure travel plans and accommodation sooner rather than later. It also shows that you value their presence and want them to be part of your celebration.
When Should You Send Save the Date Cards?
So, when exactly should you send these cards out? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we recommend sending them out at least a year in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements, especially if they’re coming from abroad or need to book accommodation.
Here are a few guidelines to consider when deciding the timing for your save the date cards:
1. Destination Weddings or Out-of-Town Guests
For weddings that involve travel—whether it's a destination wedding or your guests simply have to fly in from different locations—you’ll want to give them as much notice as possible. Sending save the dates 12-18 months in advance ensures your guests have plenty of time to book flights and accommodations, especially if they need to make arrangements for vacation time or childcare.
2. Local Weddings with Guests Traveling
Even if your wedding is closer to home, you may still have family or friends who need to travel. It’s a good idea to send save the dates 8-12 months before the wedding in this case. The more time your guests have, the more likely they’ll be able to attend, and it gives them enough time to make travel arrangements if needed.
3. Weddings Close to Holiday Seasons
If your wedding is scheduled around a busy season, like during the holidays or summer, it’s even more important to send out your save the date cards early. People often have other commitments during these times, so getting your save the dates out 10-12 months in advance will help avoid any scheduling conflicts.
What Should Be Included in Your Save the Date?
Your save the date card is a simple way to notify your guests of your wedding date and location. However, it should still be informative enough for guests to start making their plans. Here’s what should be included:
- The date of your wedding: Clearly state the exact date.
- Location of the wedding: This doesn’t have to be super detailed, but a general idea of where the wedding will be held (e.g. city or venue name) will help guests begin thinking about travel.
- Your names: Your save the date is the first announcement of your union, so don’t forget to include your full names!
- Optional details: Depending on your wedding style and needs, you can include information like the wedding website (if you have one), hotel recommendations, or a note saying more details are to come.
Make It Memorable with Save the Date Magnets
If you want to take your save the date to the next level, consider sending save the date magnets instead of traditional cards. Magnets serve as a functional and memorable keepsake that your guests can stick to their fridge as a constant reminder of your special day.
Not only will it stand out from the usual save the dates, but it will also keep your wedding date visible in your guests' homes, making it hard for them to forget!
Don't Wait—Send Your Save the Dates Early
Sending your save the date cards well in advance helps your guests make the necessary arrangements to attend your wedding. Whether you’re hosting a destination wedding or a local celebration, giving your guests plenty of time to plan ahead shows that you care about their presence and want them to be there for your special day. So, don’t wait until the last minute, start planning your save the dates now, and get them out early for the best results.
If you’re looking for stylish, customised save the date cards or magnets, we offer a wide selection to suit your wedding theme. Let us help you take the first step in wedding planning and get your save the dates sent out with ease!
