when to send wedding invitations
Wedding invitations are typically sent 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date to give guests enough time to RSVP and make arrangements. For destination weddings or holidays, 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 help guests plan early. Always confirm RSVPs are due 2 to 3 weeks before the event to finalize your guest list. Factors like the wedding's location, guest travel needs, and any peak seasons may require earlier sending.
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.
do you have to send save the dates
No, you don't have to send save-the-date cards for events like weddings, but they are often recommended if the date is far in advance or guests need time to plan, such as for travel or conflicts. It's a helpful courtesy, not a requirement, and can be skipped to save time or money.
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 timeline allows guests enough time to receive the invitation, make plans, and respond. For the RSVP, set a deadline about 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding to give yourself time to finalize arrangements, such as headcounts for catering. If it's a destination wedding or during a holiday season, consider sending them 8 to 12 weeks in advance to account for travel and potential delays.
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 save the dates for destination wedding
For destination weddings, send save the dates 8 to 12 months in advance to give guests enough time to arrange travel, book accommodations, and request time off work. If the wedding falls during peak travel seasons or holidays, consider sending them as early as 12 to 18 months ahead to accommodate potential visa requirements or high-demand bookings. Always confirm the exact date and include key details like the location to help with planning.
do you send save the dates to evening guests
It depends on your event and guest list, but generally, save-the-date cards are sent to all invited guests to ensure they mark the date. For evening guests, if they are part of the formal invitation, it's courteous to include them so they can plan accordingly. However, some hosts only send save-the-dates to primary (e.g., full-day) guests and handle evening invites separately to manage expectations. Consider your budget, guest relationships, and event size when deciding.
save the date ideas
Save the date ideas include sending personalized postcards with photos and event details, creating custom digital invitations via email or apps like Evite, designing themed graphics for social media posts such as a wedding countdown or birthday milestone, incorporating fun elements like scratch-off cards or mini puzzles that reveal the date, using video messages from the hosts to build excitement, opting for eco-friendly options like seed paper that guests can plant, tying in the event's location with maps or local landmarks, and adding interactive features like polls for preferred activities or dress codes.