when to send wedding invitations
Wedding invitations are typically sent 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date to allow guests enough time to RSVP and make arrangements. For destination weddings, holidays, or events with high travel demands, send them 8 to 12 weeks in advance. If you're using save-the-date cards, these should go out 6 to 8 months ahead to give guests early notice. Always consider factors like guest availability, peak seasons, and any required response deadlines when deciding on the timing.
when to send save the dates and invitations
Save the dates should be sent 6 to 12 months before the event, especially for destination weddings, holidays, or peak travel seasons, to give guests early notice and time to plan.
Invitations should be sent 6 to 8 weeks before the event to allow guests enough time to respond, typically with an RSVP deadline 2 to 3 weeks before the date. Adjust timing based on the event type; for example, send them earlier for international guests or complex events.
when do you send out wedding invitations with rsvp
Wedding invitations with RSVP are typically sent 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. This allows guests enough time to respond, with the RSVP deadline usually set for 2 to 4 weeks before the event to help with final planning. For destination weddings or holidays, send them earlier, around 8 to 12 weeks in advance.
when do you send out save the dates for a birthday party
For a birthday party, save the dates are not as common as for weddings, but if it's a large or special event like a milestone birthday, they can be sent 2 to 4 months in advance to give guests time to plan. For smaller gatherings, invitations alone are usually sufficient.
when to send out save the dates for destination wedding
For destination weddings, send out save the dates 8 to 12 months in advance of the wedding date. This extra lead time allows guests to plan travel, book accommodations, and request time off work, especially if the location is remote or during peak seasons. If the wedding is in a popular destination or high-demand period, aim for the earlier end of that range to avoid conflicts. Always include the date, location, and a note about it being a destination event on the save the date cards.
do you have to send save the dates
No, you don't have to send save the dates, but they're often recommended for weddings or events planned far in advance to help guests reserve the date on their calendars. It's more of a courtesy than a requirement.
what is a save-the-date vs invitation
A save-the-date is a preliminary notice sent to inform guests about the date of an upcoming event, such as a wedding, allowing them to reserve that date in their schedules. It is typically sent 6 to 12 months in advance and includes only basic information like the date and possibly the event type, but not full details.
An invitation is the formal announcement that provides all necessary event details, including the date, time, location, dress code, RSVP instructions, and any other relevant information. It is usually sent 6 to 8 weeks before the event and serves as the official request for attendance.
The key differences lie in timing, purpose, and content: a save-the-date reserves the date early without committing to attendance, while an invitation confirms the event specifics and formally invites guests.
save the date ideas
For save the date ideas, consider customized postcards with photos of the couple, digital e-invitations sent via email or social media, themed designs like beachy graphics for a summer wedding or adventure motifs for an outdoor event, personalized magnets or keychains that people can keep as reminders, creative formats such as scratch-off cards or puzzles revealing the date, incorporating fun elements like quotes or illustrations, timing them 6-8 months in advance for big events, and keeping the wording simple and exciting like "Mark your calendars for [date] – more details to come!".