According to various threads and discussions on Reddit, here are some general guidelines on how early to send out save the dates:
* A popular consensus is that save the dates can be sent 6-12 months before the wedding date. This gives guests a heads-up and allows them to clear their schedules accordingly.
* Some users suggest sending save the dates as soon as you've finalized your wedding plans, including the venue, date, and time. This can help manage expectations and avoid last-minute changes.
* Others recommend waiting until you have a solid headcount on how many guests will be attending before sending out save the dates. This ensures that you're not wasting money or resources on unnecessary invitations.
* Some users also mention that it's generally considered polite to send save the dates after the wedding party has been announced, as this gives them time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements.
Here are some specific Reddit threads that discuss when to send out save the dates:
* r/weddingplanning: "When do you usually send out save the dates?" - Many users suggest 6-12 months in advance.
* r/planning: "How far in advance should I send out my save the dates?" - Some users recommend sending them as soon as the wedding date is set, while others suggest waiting until the RSVP deadline.
* r/wedding: "When to send out save the dates?" - Users share their own experiences and offer tips on how early to send save the dates.
Remember that these are general guidelines, and the best approach ultimately depends on your specific circumstances and wedding plans. It's always a good idea to consult with your partner, wedding planner, or other trusted advisors before deciding when to send out save the dates.
When to Send Wedding Invitations!
Sending out wedding invitations at the right time is crucial. You want to give your guests enough notice, but not so much that they forget or lose interest. Here are some general guidelines:
**For a Spring/Summer Wedding (April-August)**
* Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date.
* For destination weddings or out-of-town events, send invitations 12-14 weeks in advance.
**For an Autumn/Fall Wedding (September-November)**
* Send invitations 5-7 weeks before the wedding date.
* For weekend events, you can send invitations a little closer to the date, around 4-6 weeks ahead.
**For a Winter/Spring Wedding (December-March)**
* Send invitations 8-10 weeks before the wedding date.
* Consider sending save-the-date cards or magnets earlier, around 12-14 weeks in advance, to give guests an early heads-up.
**Other Tips**
1. **Make sure you have an RSVP deadline**: Include a clear RSVP deadline on your invitation (e.g., 3 weeks before the wedding). This will help you plan accordingly and send out reminders.
2. **Plan for response times**: Assume it may take some guests up to 2-3 weeks to respond, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or request accommodations.
3. **Consider a "save-the-date" announcement**: If you're planning a popular wedding date (e.g., summer weekend) or have out-of-town guests, send out save-the-date notifications around 6-12 months in advance to give them ample time to plan.
**When Not to Send**
1. **Don't send invitations too far in advance**: You don't want your guests to forget about the wedding or lose interest.
2. **Avoid sending invitations during peak holiday seasons**: Guests may be busy with their own celebrations and might not respond promptly.
Remember, it's essential to tailor your invitation timeline to your specific situation, considering factors like guest location, event size, and logistical requirements.
Hope this helps!
The timing of sending out save the dates and invitations can be a bit tricky, but here are some general guidelines to help you navigate:
**Save the Dates:**
* Typically sent 6-12 months before the wedding date
* Ideal for destination weddings or large, formal events where guests need to plan ahead
* Can also be used to alert guests of a weekend wedding, as they may need to adjust their plans
* Can be sent digitally (e.g., email) or physically (e.g., postcard)
**Invitations:**
* Typically sent 2-4 months before the wedding date
* For local weddings, you can send out invitations closer to the event (1-3 months)
* Digital invitations can be sent even earlier (1-6 weeks), depending on the level of formality and guest expectation
When deciding when to send out save the dates and invitations, consider the following factors:
* Formality: If your wedding is formal or traditional, you may want to send out save the dates and invitations further in advance.
* Distance: If many guests will be traveling from afar, you'll want to give them ample time to plan their trip.
* Guest expectations: If your wedding is a casual, low-key affair, you might get away with sending out invitations closer to the event.
Here's an example timeline:
* 12 months before the wedding: Send out save the dates for destination weddings or large events
* 6-8 months before the wedding: Send out formal invitations (paper or digital) for local weddings
* 3-4 months before the wedding: Send out more casual invitations (digital) or follow up with formal ones
Remember to also consider your guest list and RSVP timeline when planning your save the dates and invitations.
When it comes to sending out "save the dates" for a birthday party, it ultimately depends on the type of party and the guest list. Here are some general guidelines:
1. **Casual gatherings**: For small, informal parties with close friends and family (e.g., dinner at home, backyard BBQ), you can send out save-the-date notices 2-4 weeks in advance.
2. **Large gatherings or events**: If you're planning a bigger party, such as a milestone birthday celebration, a themed party, or an event that requires more planning (e.g., venue booking, catering), consider sending out save-the-dates 6-8 weeks in advance.
3. **Formal events**: For black-tie parties, galas, or other formal events, send out save-the-dates 12-16 weeks before the party date to give guests ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements (if necessary).
4. **Destination parties**: If you're planning a destination birthday party or a weekend getaway, consider sending out save-the-dates 3-6 months in advance to allow guests to plan their trips.
5. **Special occasions**: For birthdays that fall on significant dates (e.g., New Year's Eve, Christmas), it's a good idea to send out save-the-dates a bit earlier (6-12 weeks) to give guests plenty of notice.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between giving your guests enough time to plan and not overwhelming them with too much advance notice. You can always adjust based on your specific party plans and guest list.
When sending out save-the-dates, be sure to include essential details:
* Date and time of the party
* Location (if it's not at your home)
* A brief description of the event or theme (optional)
* Any dress code or attire guidelines (optional)
Keep in mind that save-the-dates are just a courtesy to let guests know about the upcoming celebration. You can still send formal invitations closer to the party date if you want.
When it comes to sending out "Save the Dates" for a destination wedding, there are a few key factors to consider:
1. **Guests' travel plans**: Since your guests will need to plan their travel and accommodations well in advance, it's best to send out Save the Dates at least 6-9 months before the wedding.
2. **Destination-specific considerations**: If you're having a beach wedding in Hawaii or a city wedding in Paris, for example, you may want to give your guests more notice so they can book their travel and accommodations accordingly.
3. **Wedding party coordination**: Make sure to send out Save the Dates at least 6-9 months before the wedding to give your wedding party (and any vendors) ample time to make travel arrangements.
Here's a general guideline:
* For domestic destination weddings (e.g., within the United States), send out Save the Dates 6-9 months in advance.
* For international destination weddings, send out Save the Dates 9-12 months in advance.
* If you're having a destination wedding during peak travel seasons (e.g., summer or holidays), consider sending out Save the Dates even earlier (10-12 months in advance) to give your guests extra time to plan.
Remember to include essential details on your Save the Date, such as:
* The wedding date and location
* A brief description of the celebration (e.g., "Beachside ceremony followed by a reception at our resort")
* Any specific travel or accommodation recommendations
* A call-to-action (CTA) to stay tuned for more information and formal invitations
By sending out Save the Dates well in advance, you'll ensure that your guests have plenty of time to make travel arrangements, book accommodations, and plan their trip to join you on your special day!
Sending out save-the-dates two years in advance can be a bit unconventional, but it ultimately depends on your wedding plans and the level of organization you want to maintain.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
**Pros:**
1. **Early planning**: If you're planning a destination wedding or a large-scale event, sending out save-the-dates two years in advance can give guests ample time to make travel arrangements and adjust their schedules.
2. **More flexibility**: With a longer timeline, you'll have more flexibility to change your plans if needed (e.g., due to unforeseen circumstances).
3. **Less stress**: Knowing that your dates are set and confirmed well in advance can reduce stress and anxiety.
**Cons:**
1. **Overcommitting**: Sending out save-the-dates two years in advance might lead to overcommitting, as guests may make other plans without realizing they'll be busy with your wedding.
2. **Guest confusion**: Two-year advance notice might confuse or overwhelm guests, especially if they're not used to planning that far ahead.
3. **Inconvenience for vendors**: Sending out save-the-dates so early might cause inconvenience for vendors (e.g., photographers, caterers), as they may have other commitments or need more time to prepare.
**Alternatives:**
1. **Send out a placeholder date**: You can send out a placeholder date (e.g., "Summer 2024") instead of a specific date, giving guests an idea of the timeframe but leaving some flexibility.
2. **Focus on the wedding website**: Instead of sending save-the-dates two years in advance, focus on building your wedding website and sharing updates with friends and family as your plans develop.
**General guidelines:**
1. For local weddings, 6-12 months' notice is generally sufficient.
2. For destination weddings or large-scale events, 12-18 months' notice might be more reasonable.
3. If you're planning a small, intimate gathering, you can send out save-the-dates 3-6 months in advance.
Ultimately, whether it's too early to send save-the-dates two years in advance depends on your specific situation and the needs of your guests. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Save-the-dates are a great way to give your guests an early heads up on your wedding date, but they're not always necessary. Here's when you might consider sending them:
**Why send save-the-dates?**
1. **Destination wedding**: If you're having a destination wedding or a long-distance wedding (e.g., in another state or country), it's a good idea to give guests plenty of time to plan their travel and accommodations.
2. **Summer wedding**: Since summer is peak wedding season, sending save-the-dates 6-12 months in advance can help ensure that your guests clear their schedules before you send out formal invitations (also known as "paper" or "paper invites").
3. **Unique venue or special circumstances**: If you're having a non-traditional wedding location, an outdoor ceremony, or a weekend-long celebration, save-the-dates can give your guests advance notice of the unique details.
4. **Large guest list**: If you have a big guest list (e.g., over 100 guests), sending save-the-dates 6-12 months in advance can help gauge interest and response rates.
**When to skip send save-the-dates?**
1. **Intimate gathering**: If you're having an intimate wedding with fewer than 50 guests, you might not need to send save-the-dates.
2. **Weekday or off-season wedding**: Since weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, and the "wedding season" is shorter during colder months, you may not need to send save-the-dates as far in advance.
3. **Last-minute planning**: If you're having a spontaneous or last-minute wedding (e.g., an elopement or surprise ceremony), save-the-dates aren't necessary.
**Tips for sending save-the-dates:**
1. Send them 6-12 months before your wedding date to give guests plenty of time to clear their schedules.
2. Keep it simple and straightforward; include only the essential details (date, location, and your names).
3. Use a digital invitation platform or create a cute paper design with an RSVP deadline (this way, you can still gauge interest without committing to formal invitations just yet).
Remember, save-the-dates are meant to be a courtesy to your guests, giving them advance notice of your special day. If you do decide to send them, make sure to follow up with formal invitations closer to the wedding date.
When it comes to sending save-the-dates to evening guests, the answer largely depends on the type of event and the level of formality.
**Formal Events:**
If you're hosting a formal wedding or gala, it's considered proper etiquette to include all guests (including those arriving in the evening) on your initial guest list. In this case, you would send save-the-dates to all guests, including evening arrivals, around 6-12 months before the event.
**Casual Events:**
For more casual events, like a daytime or afternoon celebration, it's common to only invite those who will be attending for the full duration of the event. In this case, you might not send save-the-dates to guests arriving in the evening.
**Weddings with Evening Receptions:**
If you're having a morning or brunch wedding, followed by an evening reception, you can consider sending separate invitations to those invited only to the evening portion of the celebration. This way, you'll only need to keep track of two guest lists instead of one.
**General Guidelines:**
1. **Formal events:** Include all guests on your initial list and send save-the-dates accordingly.
2. **Casual events:** Only invite those who will be attending for the full duration of the event.
3. **Weddings with evening receptions:** Consider sending separate invitations to those invited only to the evening portion of the celebration.
Remember, save-the-dates are meant to give guests a heads-up on your event's date and time. If you're hosting an evening-only event or a daytime event with no evening component, you can skip sending save-the-dates altogether.
When in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your partner, wedding planner (if you have one), or a trusted friend or family member for guidance.