Send it When? A Guide to Invites and Save-the-Dates

Once you’ve booked your wedding venue, you suddenly have a million things to do it seems. Don’t forget that so do all your guests! That’s why it is important to get those invitations and save the date cards in the mail at the right time. However, even though you want to get them out quickly, sending them out too early could mean that guests “forget” that about the event altogether. Here are our suggested time frames for sending out save the dates and invites.

Save the Dates

Send the save the date cards approximately six to eight months before the big date. This gives people plenty of time to plan for childcare (if applicable), book travel, purchase clothing and so on. This is a good amount of time for making those big plans.

Invitations

On the other hand, the invitations themselves shouldn’t go out until approximately six WEEKS before your wedding. By waiting til this closer date, you are giving a reminder to guests that the event is close at hand and that last minute plans should be finalized. At this point guests should probably have a good idea whether they will make it or not, but the invitations are a necessary formality.

While these dates are suggestions, they are not set in stone. If, for example, you are hosting a destination wedding you may want to offer longer lead times. Use your best judgement and you’ll usually be successful.