According to various Reddit threads and wedding planning forums, here are some general guidelines on when to send out save-the-dates:
**General consensus:**
* Send save-the-dates 6-12 months before the wedding date (depending on your guest list size and location).
* For a small, intimate gathering or destination wedding, you might get away with sending them 3-6 months in advance.
* For a larger, more formal wedding, or if you're having out-of-town guests, consider sending save-the-dates 9-12 months ahead.
**Some specific Reddit threads:**
* A popular thread on r/WeddingPlanning suggests sending save-the-dates "around 8-10 months before the wedding date."
* Another thread recommends sending them "6-7 months prior to your big day, but it depends on the guest list size and how much time you have for RSVPs."
* Some users share their personal experiences: "We sent ours out 9 months in advance... seemed like a good balance between giving guests plenty of notice and not being too far ahead" or "I sent mine out 6 months prior... it's all about knowing your guest list and planning accordingly."
**Keep in mind:**
* If you're having a destination wedding, consider sending save-the-dates even earlier (12-18 months) to give guests ample time to plan their travel.
* For online-only weddings or small, informal gatherings, you might be able to get away with sending save-the-dates only 3-6 months in advance.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Ultimately, the best approach depends on your specific wedding plans and guest list.
When to send out wedding invitations is a crucial decision that can make or break the guest experience. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:
**Timing:**
* For weekday weddings (Monday to Thursday): Send out invitations 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding date.
* For weekend weddings (Friday to Sunday): Send out invitations 4-6 weeks prior to the wedding date.
**Exceptions:**
* If your wedding is during peak season (June to September), consider sending out invitations 3-4 months in advance, as guests may be booking travel and accommodations well ahead of time.
* If you're having a destination wedding or a smaller, more intimate gathering, you might want to send out invitations 2-3 months in advance.
**Why these timescales?**
* Giving your guests enough notice allows them to make travel arrangements, book accommodations, and adjust their schedules accordingly.
* Sending out invitations too late can result in last-minute RSVPs or even cancellations, which can be stressful for you and your partner.
* On the other hand, sending out invitations too early might lead to forgotten RSVPs or changes in guest lists.
**Additional tips:**
* Make sure to include a clear response deadline on your invitation (e.g., "Please respond by [date]").
* Consider sending out save-the-date cards or digital invitations 12-16 weeks before the wedding date, if you're planning a destination wedding or have a lot of out-of-town guests.
* Keep in mind that some guests might need more time to make travel arrangements, especially if they live far away. Be prepared to accommodate their needs.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between giving your guests enough notice and not overwhelming them with too much information.
Save-the-date notifications are typically used for events that require more planning and preparation, such as weddings, but they can also be useful for milestone birthdays (e.g., 30th, 40th, 50th). The key is to consider the level of formality and complexity you want to convey about the birthday party.
Here are some general guidelines:
1. **Simple birthday celebration**: If it's a casual get-together with close friends and family, you might not need save-the-dates. A simple "Save the date: [Name]'s 30th birthday party on [Date] at [Time]" or "Join us for [Name]'s special day on [Date]!" is sufficient.
2. **More formal celebration**: If you're planning a bigger, more elaborate party with multiple guests, entertainment, and food, consider sending out save-the-dates 2-3 months in advance to give people time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements (if necessary).
3. **Destination or themed party**: If the birthday party is a unique experience, like a weekend getaway or a themed event, you may want to send out save-the-dates even earlier (4-6 months) to ensure guests can plan accordingly.
Remember that save-the-dates are just a courtesy notice, and the actual invitation should include all the essential details (date, time, location, dress code, etc.).
When deciding when to send out save-the-dates for a birthday party:
* Consider the level of planning required from your guests.
* Think about the number of guests you're inviting and whether they'll need more notice than usual.
* Take into account any special requests or considerations (e.g., travel arrangements, accommodations).
Ultimately, use your best judgment based on the type of celebration and the needs of your guests.
The timing of sending out save-the-dates and formal invitations can vary depending on your wedding style, guest list size, and personal preferences. Here are some general guidelines:
**Save-the-Dates:**
1. **9-12 months before the wedding**: If you're having a destination wedding or a large guest list (over 100 guests), consider sending out save-the-dates this far in advance.
2. **6-9 months before the wedding**: For smaller weddings (under 50 guests) or more casual affairs, 6-9 months' notice is usually sufficient.
**Formal Invitations:**
1. **3-4 months before the wedding**: For formal, traditional weddings with a larger guest list, send out invitations 3-4 months in advance.
2. **2-3 months before the wedding**: For smaller, more intimate gatherings or casual events, you can get away with sending invitations 2-3 months prior.
**Tips:**
* Consider your guests' schedules and travel plans when determining the timing of your invitations.
* Make sure to include all necessary details, such as date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP information.
* Send out invitations at least 6 weeks before the wedding to allow for adequate response time from your guests.
**Example Timeline:**
Assuming a summer wedding on June 15th:
* Save-the-Dates (September or October): "Save the Date! We're getting married on June 15th, 2024!"
* Formal Invitations (February or March): "You are cordially invited to our wedding celebration on June 15th, 2024. RSVP by May 1st."
Remember to tailor your timing to your unique situation and priorities.
When planning a destination wedding, it's essential to consider when to send out save-the-dates to give your guests ample time to plan and book their travel. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
1. **6-12 months before the wedding**: If you're having a summer or peak season destination wedding (June-August), it's recommended to send out save-the-dates 9-12 months in advance. This allows guests to make travel arrangements and book accommodations well in advance.
2. **3-6 months before the wedding**: For shoulder season weddings (April-May, September-November), you can send out save-the-dates 6-9 months in advance. Guests will still have time to plan their trip, but they won't be rushed to make last-minute decisions.
3. **Consider your guests' schedules and travel habits**: If many of your guests are from out-of-town or have busy work schedules, you may want to give them more notice (12-18 months) to ensure they can clear their calendars and plan accordingly.
4. **Check with your venue or resort**: Your destination wedding venue or resort might have specific guidelines for sending out save-the-dates. Be sure to check with them to ensure you're meeting any necessary deadlines.
5. **Timing of travel alerts and warnings**: If there are potential travel advisories, natural disasters, or other events that could impact your guests' ability to attend, consider sending out a preliminary "Save the Date" announcement 12-18 months in advance to give everyone ample time to plan.
Example Timeline:
* 12-18 months before the wedding: Send out initial "Save the Date" announcements (e.g., a simple email or social media post) with the essential details (date, location, and preliminary plans).
* 9-12 months before the wedding: Send formal save-the-date cards or online invitations to confirm the details and provide more information.
* 3-6 months before the wedding: Send out formal wedding invitations with all the necessary details (time, date, location, dress code, etc.).
Remember to be mindful of your guests' time zones, work schedules, and personal circumstances when planning your destination wedding. With proper planning and communication, you'll set everyone up for a fantastic celebration!
The age-old question of when to send out save-the-dates!
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some general guidelines and considerations to help you decide if 2 years is too early to send out save-the-dates:
**Pros of sending save-the-dates early:**
1. **Early planning**: If you're planning a destination wedding or a large, elaborate event, it's good to give your guests plenty of notice.
2. **Travel and accommodation planning**: Guests who need to book travel and accommodations might appreciate the advance warning.
3. **Special occasions**: If you're having a milestone birthday party or an anniversary celebration that coincides with your wedding date, sending save-the-dates early can help ensure that important dates are marked.
**Cons of sending save-the-dates too early:**
1. **Guests' calendars are already filled**: Two years might be too far in advance for many guests to commit to a specific date.
2. **Changes and updates**: Your wedding plans may change, and you don't want to worry about updating or re-issuing save-the-dates multiple times.
3. **Guest fatigue**: Sending out save-the-dates too early can lead to guest fatigue, making them less excited (and less likely) to attend your special day.
**When 2 years might be acceptable:**
1. **Large, formal events**: If you're planning a high-profile wedding or a large, multi-day celebration, sending save-the-dates early (even 2-3 years in advance) might be necessary.
2. **Destination weddings**: As mentioned earlier, if you're having a destination wedding, giving guests plenty of notice is crucial for travel and accommodation planning.
**When 2 years is likely too early:**
1. **Intimate gatherings**: If you're planning an intimate gathering with close friends and family, waiting until 12-18 months in advance might be more suitable.
2. **Casual celebrations**: For a casual celebration or a small wedding party, sending save-the-dates 6-12 months ahead of time is likely sufficient.
**Takeaways:**
1. Consider the complexity of your wedding plans and the needs of your guests.
2. Think about your guest list: Are you inviting a large number of people who might need to plan travel and accommodations?
3. Weigh the pros and cons of sending save-the-dates early, taking into account potential changes and updates.
Ultimately, the decision to send out save-the-dates 2 years in advance depends on your specific circumstances and the style of your wedding celebration.
Save the dates are a great way to give your guests a heads up on your upcoming wedding, and they're especially useful if you're planning a destination wedding or a wedding that's happening during peak season (June-August).
Here are some general guidelines on whether you need to send save the dates:
1. **Formal weddings**: If you're having a formal wedding with 100+ guests, it's a good idea to send out save the dates 6-12 months in advance.
2. **Destination weddings**: For destination weddings, send out save the dates at least 9-12 months in advance to give your guests plenty of time to plan travel and accommodations.
3. **Weekend weddings**: If you're having a weekend wedding (Friday-Sunday), send out save the dates 3-6 months in advance.
4. **Non-traditional dates**: If you're getting married on an unusual date (e.g., Christmas Day, New Year's Eve), send out save the dates earlier to give your guests plenty of time to adjust their plans.
When deciding whether to send save the dates, consider the following factors:
* Your guest list size
* The complexity of travel arrangements for your wedding
* Any conflicting events or holidays that might affect attendance
If you're unsure about sending save the dates, ask yourself:
* Will my guests need to make significant travel plans to attend?
* Are there any specific accommodations or reservations they'll need to make?
* Do I want to give my guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make arrangements?
Ultimately, the decision to send save the dates depends on your individual circumstances. If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and send them out earlier rather than later!
The timing of sending out wedding invitations and setting an RSVP deadline can vary depending on the couple's preferences, the type of event, and the guests' travel plans. Here are some general guidelines:
1. **General rule:** Send out invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date.
2. **Weekday vs. Weekend Wedding:** If your wedding is on a weekday (Monday to Thursday), you can send out invitations 4-6 weeks in advance. For weekend weddings, stick to the original 6-8 weeks' notice.
3. **Destination Wedding or Out-of-Town Guests:** Give guests more time to plan their travel and accommodations. Send out invitations 8-12 weeks before the wedding date.
4. **Weekday Morning or Brunch Wedding:** Consider sending out invitations 4-6 weeks in advance, as some guests might need to adjust their schedules.
As for RSVPs:
1. **Traditional Timing:** Set an RSVP deadline 2-3 weeks before the wedding date.
2. **Destination Wedding or Out-of-Town Guests:** Give guests more time to respond, especially if they need to book travel and accommodations. Set an RSVP deadline 4-6 weeks before the wedding date.
3. **Weekday Morning or Brunch Wedding:** Consider setting an RSVP deadline 1-2 weeks in advance, as some guests might not be able to adjust their schedules as easily.
Example Timeline:
* Send out invitations: 6-8 weeks before the wedding date (e.g., if your wedding is on June 15th, send out invitations by May 1st)
* RSVP deadline: 2-3 weeks before the wedding date (in this case, May 22nd)
Remember to include all the necessary details in your invitation, such as:
* Date and time of the wedding
* Location(s) of the wedding and any related events (e.g., rehearsal dinner, after-party)
* RSVP information (email address, phone number, online RSVP link)
* Dress code or other important notes
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Ultimately, the timing of your invitations and RSVP deadline will depend on your specific circumstances and preferences.