How Early To Send Save The Dates? Sending save the dates strategically is a smart way to ensure your loved ones can celebrate with you, and savewhere.net is here to guide you through the timing to ease financial stress. By planning ahead, you can maximize attendance while minimizing financial strain for both you and your guests. Save money and simplify your wedding planning journey by discovering the optimal time to send those important announcements.
1. Understanding the Purpose of Save the Dates
Save the dates are preliminary announcements of your wedding, allowing guests to mark their calendars and make necessary arrangements.
1.1. What is a Save the Date?
A save the date is a pre-invitation card or notice sent to inform potential wedding guests of the upcoming nuptials. It includes essential details like the couple’s names, wedding date, and location. Unlike a formal invitation, it serves as a heads-up, giving invitees ample time to prepare without the pressure of RSVPing immediately.
1.2. Why Send Save the Dates?
Sending save the dates offers numerous advantages:
- Early Notification: It allows guests to plan their schedules well in advance, especially crucial for those traveling from afar.
- Higher Attendance Rate: By providing early notice, you increase the likelihood of guests being able to attend your wedding.
- Destination Weddings: For destination weddings, save the dates are essential to give guests extra time to arrange travel and accommodations.
- Holiday Weekends: If your wedding falls on or near a holiday weekend, sending save the dates early is crucial due to increased travel demands and potential conflicts.
- Guest Preparation: Guests can save money, request time off work, and confirm travel plans, ensuring they can celebrate without added stress.
1.3. Save the Dates vs. Wedding Invitations
Save the dates and wedding invitations serve different purposes and contain distinct information:
| Feature | Save the Date | Wedding Invitation |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Preliminary announcement | Formal invitation |
| Timing | 6-12 months before the wedding | 6-8 weeks before the wedding |
| Information | Couple’s names, wedding date, location (city and state) | Complete wedding details, RSVP information |
| RSVP | Not required | Required |
| Formality | Less formal | More formal |
1.4. Key Elements to Include in a Save the Date
While save the dates are less formal than invitations, they should include essential information:
- Couple’s Names: Clearly state the names of the couple getting married.
- Wedding Date: Provide the exact date of the wedding.
- Location: Include the city and state where the wedding will take place.
- “Formal Invitation to Follow”: This lets guests know that a formal invitation with more details will be sent later.
- Wedding Website (Optional): If you have a wedding website, including the URL can provide guests with additional information.
2. Optimal Timing for Sending Save the Dates
The best time to send save the dates depends on several factors, including the type of wedding, location, and guest demographics.
2.1. General Timeline: 6-12 Months Before the Wedding
As a general rule, sending save the dates 6 to 12 months before your wedding is ideal. This timeline provides guests with ample time to plan without causing undue stress. According to a survey by The Knot, couples typically send save the dates about eight months in advance.
2.2. Destination Weddings: 9-12 Months in Advance
For destination weddings, it’s best to send save the dates 9 to 12 months in advance. This extended timeline allows guests to:
- Plan Travel: Book flights and accommodations, often requiring significant advance planning.
- Save Money: Budget for travel expenses, which can be substantial for international destinations.
- Request Time Off: Secure vacation time from work, which may require early requests.
2.3. Local Weddings: 6-8 Months in Advance
For local weddings where most guests live nearby, sending save the dates 6 to 8 months in advance is usually sufficient. This timeline still provides ample notice without being too far out.
2.4. Holiday Weekends: 9-12 Months in Advance
If your wedding is on or near a holiday weekend, send save the dates 9 to 12 months in advance. Holiday weekends often involve:
- Increased Travel: Higher demand for flights and accommodations.
- Conflicting Plans: Guests may have existing holiday commitments.
- Early Booking: Securing venues and services requires early planning due to high demand.
2.5. Factors Influencing the Timeline
Several factors can influence the optimal timing for sending save the dates:
- Guest Demographics: Consider the age, location, and lifestyle of your guests. If many are older or live far away, an earlier notice is beneficial.
- Wedding Season: Peak wedding seasons (e.g., summer, fall) may require earlier save the dates due to increased demand for travel and accommodations.
- Budget: If guests need to save significantly for travel or accommodations, providing more notice is considerate.
3. Potential Consequences of Sending Save the Dates Too Early or Too Late
Timing is crucial when sending save the dates. Sending them too early or too late can lead to various issues.
3.1. Sending Save the Dates Too Early
While it might seem proactive, sending save the dates too early (more than 12 months in advance) can have drawbacks:
- Guest Forgetfulness: People may forget about the wedding as the date approaches.
- Address Changes: Guests may move, making it difficult to send formal invitations.
- Wedding Details Change: Your wedding plans might evolve, rendering early save the dates inaccurate.
3.2. Sending Save the Dates Too Late
Sending save the dates too late (less than 6 months in advance) can create stress for your guests and reduce attendance:
- Scheduling Conflicts: Guests may already have commitments, making it difficult to attend.
- Travel Difficulties: Booking flights and accommodations at the last minute can be expensive and challenging.
- Negative Perception: Guests may feel like an afterthought if they receive a save the date close to the wedding date.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Save the Dates
Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your save the dates are sent effectively and on time.
4.1. Step 1: Finalize Your Guest List
Before sending save the dates, finalize your guest list as much as possible. This prevents the awkward situation of sending a save the date to someone you later can’t invite. Accurately determining who is invited to the wedding is very important. By including the actual names of every intended guest on the envelope, you’re less likely to have any assumed invitees or general confusion.
4.2. Step 2: Determine Your Wedding Date and Location
Confirm your wedding date and general location (city and state). While you don’t need to have every detail finalized, these basics are essential for the save the dates.
4.3. Step 3: Choose a Save the Date Design
Select a design that reflects your wedding style and personality. Options range from classic and elegant to modern and whimsical. Websites like Minted, Shutterfly, and Etsy offer numerous customizable templates.
4.4. Step 4: Gather Addresses
Collect accurate mailing addresses for all guests. This can be done through online tools, questionnaires, or by directly contacting guests.
4.5. Step 5: Order or Create Your Save the Dates
Once you have the design and addresses, order your save the dates from a vendor or create them yourself if you’re crafty. Ensure you proofread everything carefully before printing.
4.6. Step 6: Address and Mail Your Save the Dates
Address the save the dates clearly and accurately. Consider adding a personal touch with handwritten addresses or custom stamps. Mail them according to your chosen timeline.
4.7. Step 7: Track Responses (Optional)
While save the dates don’t require an RSVP, you can track who received them to ensure no one is missed. This can be helpful for planning purposes.
5. Cost-Effective Ways to Send Save the Dates
Weddings can be expensive, so finding cost-effective ways to send save the dates is essential.
5.1. Digital Save the Dates
Consider sending digital save the dates via email or a wedding website. This option saves on printing and postage costs and is environmentally friendly. Services like Paperless Post and Evite offer customizable digital templates.
5.2. DIY Save the Dates
If you’re creative, consider making your own save the dates. This can be a fun and budget-friendly option. Use online tutorials and templates to guide you.
5.3. Print-at-Home Options
If you prefer physical save the dates but want to save money, design them yourself and print them at home. Purchase high-quality paper and use your printer’s best settings for professional-looking results.
5.4. Discounted Printing Services
Look for discounted printing services or promotional offers from online vendors. Many companies offer discounts for bulk orders or during specific times of the year.
5.5. Combining Save the Dates and Wedding Website
Create a wedding website with all the necessary information and use the save the date to direct guests to the site. This reduces the amount of detail needed on the save the date itself, saving on design and printing costs.
6. Addressing Common Save the Date Etiquette Questions
Navigating save the date etiquette can be confusing. Here are answers to common questions:
6.1. Do I Have to Send Save the Dates?
No, save the dates are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended, especially for destination weddings or those with many out-of-town guests.
6.2. Who Should Receive a Save the Date?
Send save the dates to everyone you plan to invite to the wedding. It’s better to send a save the date and then have to cut someone from the invitation list than to exclude someone who expected to be invited.
6.3. What If I Change My Wedding Date or Location?
If you have to change your wedding date or location after sending save the dates, notify guests as soon as possible. Send an update via email, phone, or a new save the date card.
6.4. Should I Include Gift Registry Information?
No, it’s not appropriate to include gift registry information on save the dates. This information should be reserved for the wedding invitation or wedding website.
6.5. What About Plus Ones?
If you know you want a guest to bring a plus one, include this on the save the date. This helps them arrange travel and accommodations early.
6.6. Can I Send Digital Save the Dates?
Yes, digital save the dates are perfectly acceptable and can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.
7. Save the Dates and Your Wedding Website
Your wedding website can complement your save the dates by providing additional information and resources for your guests.
7.1. Creating a Wedding Website
Set up a wedding website to share details such as:
- Wedding Story: How you met and got engaged.
- Travel Information: Hotel recommendations, directions, and transportation options.
- Things to Do: Local attractions and activities for out-of-town guests.
- Registry Information: Links to your gift registries.
- RSVP: Online RSVP options for the wedding invitation.
7.2. Linking Save the Dates to Your Website
Include your wedding website URL on your save the dates. This allows guests to access additional information and stay updated on any changes.
7.3. Utilizing Wedding Website Features
Use your wedding website to:
- Collect Addresses: Easily gather mailing addresses from guests.
- Send Updates: Notify guests of any changes or important information.
- Share Photos: Post engagement photos and wedding-related content.
8. Creative and Unique Save the Date Ideas
Make your save the dates memorable with these creative and unique ideas:
8.1. Photo Save the Dates
Use engagement photos or fun snapshots to create personalized save the dates. This adds a personal touch and showcases your personality as a couple.
8.2. Magnet Save the Dates
Create magnet save the dates that guests can display on their refrigerators. This ensures your wedding date stays top of mind.
8.3. Calendar Save the Dates
Design save the dates that resemble mini calendars, highlighting your wedding date. This is a practical and visually appealing option.
8.4. Video Save the Dates
Create a short video announcement and send it to guests via email or social media. This is a modern and engaging way to share your wedding date.
8.5. Destination-Themed Save the Dates
For destination weddings, create save the dates that reflect the location’s theme. This can include postcards, maps, or travel-inspired designs.
9. How to Handle Address Changes After Sending Save the Dates
Address changes can happen, especially when sending save the dates far in advance. Here’s how to handle them:
9.1. Stay Organized
Keep a detailed record of all addresses and any updates you receive. Use a spreadsheet or online tool to track changes.
9.2. Ask for Updates
Periodically ask guests to confirm their addresses. This can be done through your wedding website or via email.
9.3. Use Forwarding Services
If you mail a save the date to an old address, the postal service may forward it to the new address. However, this is not guaranteed, so it’s best to have accurate information.
9.4. Digital Communication
Use email or social media to stay in touch with guests and confirm their addresses. This is a quick and easy way to get updates.
9.5. Update Your Records
As soon as you receive a new address, update your records immediately. This ensures that the formal invitation and other wedding-related communications reach the correct recipients.
10. Save Money with Savewhere.net
Savewhere.net can help you save money on various aspects of your wedding, from save the dates to venue bookings.
10.1. Discovering Discounts and Deals
Explore Savewhere.net for discounts and deals on wedding-related services and products. This can include printing services, stationery, and wedding favors.
10.2. Budgeting Tools and Resources
Utilize Savewhere.net’s budgeting tools and resources to create a wedding budget and track your expenses. This helps you stay on track and avoid overspending.
10.3. Finding Affordable Vendors
Search Savewhere.net for affordable wedding vendors in your area. This can include photographers, florists, and caterers who offer competitive pricing.
10.4. DIY Tips and Ideas
Get inspired by Savewhere.net’s DIY tips and ideas for creating budget-friendly wedding decorations, favors, and save the dates.
10.5. Community Support
Connect with other couples on Savewhere.net’s community forum to share tips, ideas, and advice on saving money for your wedding.
Sending save the dates at the right time is crucial for ensuring your loved ones can celebrate your special day with you. By following these guidelines and utilizing resources like savewhere.net, you can plan your wedding effectively and affordably. Visit savewhere.net today to discover more tips, deals, and community support for your wedding planning journey. Located at 100 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States, or call +1 (404) 656-2000.
FAQ About Sending Save the Dates
1. What is the primary purpose of sending save the dates?
The primary purpose of sending save the dates is to give potential wedding guests advance notice of your wedding date, allowing them to plan their schedules and make necessary arrangements.
2. How far in advance should save the dates be sent for a destination wedding?
For destination weddings, it is recommended to send save the dates 9-12 months in advance to allow guests ample time to plan and budget for travel.
3. What essential information should be included in a save the date?
A save the date should include the couple’s names, wedding date, location (city and state), and a note indicating that a formal invitation will follow.
4. Is it necessary to send save the dates for a local wedding?
While not mandatory, sending save the dates for a local wedding is advisable, ideally 6-8 months in advance, to ensure guests can mark their calendars.
5. What are the potential consequences of sending save the dates too late?
Sending save the dates too late can result in guests having scheduling conflicts, increased travel difficulties, and a potential perception of being an afterthought.
6. Can digital save the dates be sent instead of physical cards?
Yes, digital save the dates are an acceptable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly option for notifying guests of your wedding date.
7. Should gift registry information be included on a save the date?
No, it is not appropriate to include gift registry information on save the dates; this information should be reserved for the wedding invitation or website.
8. How should address changes be handled after save the dates have been sent?
Keep a detailed record of addresses, ask guests for updates, and utilize forwarding services when possible to manage address changes effectively.
9. What role does a wedding website play in conjunction with save the dates?
A wedding website complements save the dates by providing additional details like travel information, registry links, and online RSVP options for the formal invitation.
10. How can Savewhere.net help save money on wedding preparations?
savewhere.net offers discounts on wedding services, budgeting tools, affordable vendor options, DIY tips, and community support to help couples save money during wedding preparations.
