According to various sources, including Reddit and wedding planning experts, here are some general guidelines on when to send out "Save the Dates" (also known as STDs):
**For a Summer or Early Fall Wedding:**
* Send Save the Dates 6-8 months before the wedding date.
* This allows guests ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements.
**For a Winter or Late Fall Wedding:**
* Send Save the Dates 7-9 months before the wedding date.
* With colder weather and holiday seasons, you want to give your guests extra notice to plan accordingly.
**For a Spring Wedding:**
* Send Save the Dates 5-7 months before the wedding date.
* Spring is a popular time for weddings, so you'll want to get the word out early to ensure your loved ones can attend.
Some notable Reddit threads and comments on this topic include:
1. A popular thread from r/weddingplanning: "When do I send out save-the-dates?" suggests 6-8 months before a summer wedding.
2. Another thread, "Save the dates - how far in advance?" recommends sending them 7-9 months prior for winter or late fall weddings.
3. A comment from a seasoned planner on r/weddingplanning: "For spring/summer weddings, send out save-the-dates about 5-6 months before... and for winter/fall weddings, around 7-8 months before."
Remember, these are general guidelines, and you should adjust the timing based on your specific circumstances, such as:
* The size of your guest list: If you have a smaller guest list, you may want to send out save-the-dates closer to the wedding date.
* Your guests' schedules: If many of your guests are busy professionals or have young families, they may appreciate more notice to plan their attendance.
When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and give your loved ones plenty of time to clear their calendars for your special day!
The timing of sending out wedding invitations! It's a crucial part of the wedding planning process. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine when to send your wedding invitations:
**Traditional Timing:**
In the past, it was common to send out wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This allowed guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements.
**Modern Twist:**
With modern technology and social media, many couples are choosing to send out digital invites or paperless invites, which can be sent out even earlier (e.g., 3-4 months in advance). However, it's still a good idea to allow at least 2-3 months for guests to respond.
**Considerations:**
When deciding when to send out your wedding invitations, consider the following factors:
1. **Guest travel:** If you have guests traveling from afar or planning to stay overnight, give them more time to book flights and accommodations.
2. **Weekday vs. Weekend:** Send out invites earlier if your wedding is on a weekday, as guests may need more time to adjust their schedules.
3. **Destination Wedding:** For destination weddings, it's best to send out invitations 4-6 months in advance to give guests ample time to plan travel and accommodations.
4. **RSVP Deadline:** Make sure you allow enough time for guests to respond before your RSVP deadline (usually 2-3 weeks before the wedding).
5. **Timing of Other Events:** If there are other events happening around the same time as your wedding, consider sending out invites a bit earlier to ensure guests can attend both.
**Best Practices:**
1. Send out invitations at least 8 weeks in advance for a traditional formal wedding.
2. For a more casual or weekend wedding, send out invites 6-7 weeks in advance.
3. Make sure you have an RSVP deadline and include it on the invitation.
4. Consider sending out "save-the-date" cards or digital invites earlier (e.g., 12-18 months) to gauge interest and get a headcount.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Ultimately, the timing of your wedding invitations will depend on your specific circumstances, guest list, and preferences.
**Save the Dates:**
1. **12-18 months before the wedding**: For destination weddings or events that require extensive travel planning, consider sending out Save the Dates 12-18 months in advance.
2. **6-12 months before the wedding**: For local events or those with a smaller guest list, you can send Save the Dates 6-12 months prior to the wedding date.
3. **4-6 months before the wedding**: If you're having an intimate gathering (less than 50 guests), you might only need to send Save the Dates 4-6 months in advance.
**Wedding Invitations:**
1. **8-10 weeks before the wedding**: For a traditional wedding, it's common to send out invitations 8-10 weeks prior to the event.
2. **3-5 months before the wedding**: If you're having a destination wedding or an event that requires more planning from your guests (e.g., traveling for multiple days), consider sending invitations 3-5 months in advance.
**Additional Tips:**
* Make sure to give your guests sufficient notice, but not so much that they forget.
* Consider the time of year and any holidays or special events that might affect guest attendance. For example, if you're having a winter wedding, send out invites earlier than you would for a summer event.
* Don't forget to include important details like accommodations information (if applicable), dress code, and RSVP deadlines on your invitations.
* Keep in mind the timing of your invitations may vary depending on the type of event, guest list size, or cultural traditions.
**Digital Invitations:**
1. **Same rules apply**: Even with digital invites, follow similar guidelines to ensure guests receive adequate notice.
2. **Add a "Save the Date" component**: For online events, you can send out digital save-the-dates 6-12 months in advance, followed by formal invitations 4-6 weeks prior.
Remember to tailor your timing to your specific wedding and guest list. Prioritize communication with your guests, and always provide a clear RSVP process.
When planning a destination wedding, it's essential to consider when to send out save the dates to ensure your guests have enough time to plan their trip. Here are some guidelines:
1. **6-12 months before the wedding**: For domestic destination weddings (i.e., within the same country), you can start sending out save the dates around 6-9 months in advance. This gives your guests a heads-up on travel arrangements and accommodations.
2. **12-18 months before the wedding**: For international destination weddings, it's recommended to send out save the dates even earlier, ideally 12-18 months in advance. This allows your guests ample time to research travel options, book flights and hotels, and plan their trip.
3. **Consider your guest demographics**: If you have a lot of young couples or families with small children attending, you may want to send out save the dates even earlier (9-12 months) since they may need more time to make travel arrangements.
4. **Time zone differences**: If your destination wedding is in a different time zone from most of your guests, take that into account when sending out save the dates. You may want to give them an extra month or two to adjust their schedules.
When designing your save the dates, include essential details like:
* The date and location of the wedding
* A brief description of the destination wedding (e.g., "Join us in paradise for a beachside celebration!")
* Your registry information (if you have one)
* A call-to-action (CTA) to RSVP or provide contact information
Remember to also include your website or online invitation platform, if applicable, so guests can easily access more information and RSVP.
Example save the date wording:
"Save the dates! Join us in Maui, Hawaii for our destination wedding celebration on [Date]. We're thrilled to share this special day with you in paradise. More details and registry information coming soon!"
By sending out save the dates well in advance, you'll ensure your guests have plenty of time to plan their trip and join you for an unforgettable destination wedding experience!
Sending save-the-dates two years in advance can be a bit aggressive, and it's not a common practice. 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 save-the-dates early can help guests plan ahead.
2. **Unique circumstances:** If you have non-traditional family members or friends who need extra time to make travel arrangements, an early save-the-date might be helpful.
**Cons:**
1. **Overwhelming response:** Sending save-the-dates two years in advance may prompt many people to RSVP "yes" without fully considering their schedule or ability to attend.
2. **Changes and updates:** Two years is a long time, and your wedding plans might change (e.g., venue, date, guest list). This could lead to confusion and frustration for guests who have already committed to attending.
3. **Guest fatigue:** Sending save-the-dates too far in advance can be perceived as overwhelming or even spammy, especially if you're sending updates and reminders over the next two years.
**When it might make sense:**
1. You're planning a wedding during peak travel seasons (e.g., summer or holidays).
2. Your guest list is extremely large or has many out-of-town guests.
3. You have specific accommodations or transportation needs that require early planning (e.g., a cruise ship wedding).
**A more common approach:**
1. **Send save-the-dates 12-18 months in advance:** This allows your guests to plan ahead without feeling overwhelmed, and you can adjust plans if needed.
2. **Use this time for planning and preparation:** Focus on finalizing your guest list, sending out formal invitations (6-8 weeks before the wedding), and preparing for the big day.
Ultimately, it's essential to consider your unique circumstances and communicate effectively with your guests. If you do decide to send save-the-dates two years in advance, make sure to include a clear note about potential changes or updates, and be prepared to accommodate any last-minute adjustments.
Save-the-date weddings! A modern twist on traditional wedding etiquette. Here's what you need to know:
**What is a save-the-date?**
A save-the-date is a notification card or announcement that alerts your guests to mark their calendars for your upcoming wedding, usually 6-12 months in advance.
**Why do I need a save-the-date?**
Save-the-dates serve several purposes:
1. **Give guests plenty of notice**: With modern lifestyles and busy schedules, it's easy for friends and family to forget or overlook traditional wedding invitations. A save-the-date ensures they have ample time to plan and make travel arrangements.
2. **Prevent overcommitments**: By sending out save-the-dates early, you can avoid double-bookings and ensure your guests don't schedule other events on the same day as your wedding.
3. **Build excitement**: Save-the-dates often include a teaser or a hint about the wedding plans, generating buzz and anticipation among your guests.
**When to send save-the-dates?**
Typically, you'll want to send out save-the-dates 6-12 months before your wedding date. This allows plenty of time for guests to make travel arrangements, apply for vacation days (if needed), and adjust their schedules accordingly.
**What should I include on my save-the-date?**
1. **Wedding details**: Date, location, and a brief description of the event.
2. **A hint about the wedding**: A quote, song title, or image that gives guests an idea of what to expect from your special day.
3. **Contact information**: Your email address or website where guests can RSVP and get more information.
**Digital vs. Physical Save-the-Dates**
In today's digital age, you have options:
1. **Paper save-the-dates**: Send out traditional paper invitations with a save-the-date design and wording.
2. **Digital save-the-dates**: Create an online announcement or email invitation to share your special news.
**Tips and Considerations**
1. **Be mindful of your guest list**: Only send save-the-dates to those you plan to invite to the wedding, as this can create confusion if guests assume they're invited.
2. **Keep it simple**: Don't include too much information on your save-the-date; you want to keep things brief and exciting.
3. **Be prepared for RSVPs**: Make sure you have a system in place to track responses and follow up with guests as needed.
By sending out a thoughtful save-the-date, you'll show your guests that you value their time and consideration, setting the tone for a wonderful wedding celebration!
When to send out wedding invitations and when to set the RSVP deadline are crucial details to get right. Here's a general guideline:
**Timing:**
* For a traditional wedding, it's common to send out invitations 6-8 weeks before the big day.
* For a destination wedding or a more casual affair, you might send them out 3-4 months in advance.
**RSVP Deadline:**
* Set your RSVP deadline for about 2-3 weeks before the wedding date. This allows guests ample time to respond and makes it easier to finalize headcounts with your vendors.
* If you're having a destination wedding or expecting a large number of out-of-town guests, you might want to give them more notice (4-6 weeks).
**Example:**
If your wedding is on June 15th:
* Send out invitations: April 20th
* RSVP deadline: May 29th
**Tips:**
1. Make sure to include the RSVP deadline and a contact method (e.g., phone number, email address, or online RSVP system) on the invitation.
2. Consider sending out "save-the-date" notifications 6-12 months in advance if you're planning a large event or expecting many guests from out of town.
3. Don't forget to include accommodations information for out-of-town guests if you're hosting them at your wedding venue or recommending local hotels.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between giving your guests enough time to respond and not overwhelming them with too much lead time.
Save-the-date notifications are typically used to inform guests of an upcoming event, such as a wedding or formal party, well in advance. Since a birthday party is generally a more casual celebration, save-the-dates might not be necessary.
However, if you're planning a large or themed birthday party that requires RSVPs and has specific details (e.g., dress code, location, timing), it's not uncommon for hosts to send out a "save the date" or a "party invitation" 2-4 weeks prior to the event. This can help guests plan ahead and ensure they're available to attend.
Here are some general guidelines:
1. For small, informal birthday gatherings (e.g., dinner parties, backyard barbecues), you might send out invitations 1-2 weeks in advance.
2. For medium-sized events with specific details or a theme, send out invites 2-4 weeks ahead of time.
3. For larger events or those requiring significant travel or planning (e.g., destination birthday party), consider sending out save-the-dates or formal invitations 6-8 weeks prior to the event.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between giving guests enough notice and not overwhelming them with too much information too early.