"How soon to send save the dates" is a popular topic on Reddit's r/WeddingPlanning community!
According to the collective wisdom of Redditors, here are some general guidelines:
1. **12-18 months in advance**: This is the typical timeframe for sending out save-the-dates, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or expecting a lot of out-of-town guests.
2. **9-12 months in advance**: If your guest list is mostly local, you might be able to get away with sending save-the-dates around 9-12 months before the big day.
3. **6-9 months in advance**: For smaller, more intimate weddings or if you're planning a weekday wedding, you might be able to send save-the-dates 6-9 months ahead of time.
Some Redditors also suggested considering the following factors when deciding when to send out save-the-dates:
* Your guests' travel plans: If they need to make significant travel arrangements, give them plenty of notice!
* The complexity of your wedding: If you're having a destination wedding or a multi-day celebration, it's better to give guests more time to plan.
* Your budget: If you're on a tighter budget, you might want to send save-the-dates closer to the event (around 6-9 months in advance).
Remember that these are just general guidelines, and you should adjust your timeline based on your specific situation.
When to send wedding invitations depends on several factors, including the type of wedding, the guest list, and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines:
**Traditional Timeline:**
* For a traditional wedding (morning or afternoon ceremony), send out invitations 8-12 weeks before the big day.
* For an evening wedding, you can send them out 6-10 weeks in advance.
**Destination Wedding:**
* If your wedding is a destination event, consider sending out invitations 3-4 months prior to give guests ample time to plan their trip and travel arrangements.
* Make sure to include accommodations information and transportation options in the invitation.
**Weekday or Weekend:**
* For a weekday wedding, send out invitations 2-3 weeks before the ceremony date.
* For a weekend wedding, you can send them out 1-2 weeks in advance.
**Online vs. Snail Mail:**
* If you're sending digital invitations (e.g., Evite), you can send them out 4-6 weeks prior to the event.
* For traditional paper invitations, stick to the guidelines above.
**Timing for RSVPs and Accommodations:**
* Include a clear RSVP deadline on your invitation (usually 2-3 weeks before the wedding).
* If you're hosting guests from out of town or have a block of hotel rooms reserved, consider sending out accommodations information with the invitations.
**Seasonal Considerations:**
* For summer weddings, send out invitations in late spring to early summer.
* For winter weddings, send them out in late fall to early winter.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Ultimately, the timing of your wedding invitation will depend on your specific circumstances and guest list.
When it comes to sending out save the dates and invitations, there are some general guidelines you can follow. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions, and ultimately, the timing will depend on your specific wedding plans and preferences.
**Save the Dates:**
* Typically sent 6-12 months before the wedding date
* Used for destination weddings or events with a large guest list (over 50 guests)
* Can be used to give guests advance notice of the wedding date and location
* Often include the wedding date, location, and a note that formal invitations will follow
**Invitations:**
* Typically sent 2-4 months before the wedding date for local events or those with a smaller guest list (under 50 guests)
* For destination weddings, send out invitations 3-6 months in advance
* Include all the important details, such as:
+ Date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception
+ Dress code or attire suggestions
+ RSVP information (including deadline and contact method)
+ Accommodations or travel information for out-of-town guests
Some general tips to keep in mind:
* Send out save the dates early if you're having a destination wedding or expecting a large number of guests.
* Make sure to include all the essential details on your invitations, so guests know what to expect.
* Consider sending out "paperless" invitations (e.g., digital invites) for an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
* Be mindful of your guest list's time zone and make sure to send out invitations at a reasonable hour for everyone.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between giving your guests enough notice and not overwhelming them with too much information.
Save the dates are typically used to alert guests of an upcoming event, such as a wedding or milestone birthday (30th, 40th, 50th, etc.), and serve as a courtesy to ensure that important people in your life can clear their schedules to attend. For a birthday party, you may not need save the dates, but it ultimately depends on the type of party, the number of guests, and your personal preference.
Here are some general guidelines:
1. **Intimate gatherings**: If you're planning an intimate gathering with close friends and family (less than 20 people), a simple invitation or text message may suffice.
2. **Large parties**: For bigger celebrations (25-50 guests), you might consider sending out save the dates 6-8 weeks in advance to give your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules.
3. **Major milestones**: If you're celebrating a significant birthday milestone (30th, 40th, 50th, etc.), you may want to send out save the dates 2-3 months in advance to ensure that important people can attend.
When sending out save the dates for a birthday party:
1. Keep it simple: Use a casual tone and design, reflecting the lighthearted nature of a birthday celebration.
2. Include essential details: Provide the date, time, location, and any other relevant information (e.g., dress code, RSVP deadline).
3. Make sure to include an invitation: Send out formal invitations closer to the event date, with all the necessary details.
Example wording for save the dates:
"Save the Date! Join us as we celebrate [Name]'s [Number] birthday on [Date]. We can't wait to mark this special milestone together!"
Remember, save the dates are meant to be a courtesy to your guests. If you're planning an informal gathering or have a smaller guest list, a simple invitation or text message might be sufficient.
When it comes to sending out save-the-dates for a destination wedding, there are a few things to consider:
1. **Timing:** Typically, save-the-dates go out 6-12 months before the wedding date. Since your guests will need time to make travel arrangements and accommodations, you'll want to give them plenty of notice.
2. **Destination-specific considerations:**
* If your destination is a popular spot for weddings or has limited availability (e.g., Napa Valley, Santorini), consider sending out save-the-dates even earlier (12-18 months) to ensure guests can secure travel arrangements and accommodations.
* For destinations that require international travel, you may want to give guests more notice (14-20 months) to accommodate the complexities of traveling abroad.
3. **Destination wedding planning:**
* If your guests will need to book flights, hotels, or rental cars, consider sending out a "save-the-date" with a rough estimate of travel dates and accommodations, rather than a specific date.
* You can also include information on nearby activities, transportation, or recommended accommodations to help guests plan their trip.
4. **Formal invitation:**
* After sending save-the-dates, you'll want to follow up with formal wedding invitations 3-6 months before the big day.
Example timeline for a destination wedding:
* Send out save-the-dates: 12-18 months before the wedding date
* Follow up with formal wedding invitations: 3-6 months before the wedding date
Remember to include essential details on your save-the-date, such as:
* The couple's names and wedding dates
* Destination city and country (if international)
* A brief description of the wedding weekend or activities planned
* Information on travel arrangements, accommodations, or recommendations
Keep in mind that destination weddings often require more planning and coordination than traditional local weddings. Be sure to communicate with your guests regularly and provide them with helpful resources to make their trip planning easier!
Sending out save-the-dates two years in advance is quite ambitious, and it's not a common practice. While it ultimately depends on your personal preference and wedding planning style, here are some pros and cons to consider:
**Pros:**
1. **Early bird gets the worm**: If you're planning a destination wedding or a popular date, sending out save-the-dates early can help ensure that your guests have ample time to make travel arrangements.
2. **More control over RSVPs**: By giving guests plenty of notice, you'll likely receive more accurate RSVPs and have better control over your headcount for the big day.
**Cons:**
1. **Guests might forget**: Two years is a long time, and guests may forget about your wedding or lose track of details.
2. **Changes are possible**: Wedding plans can change, and you never know if you'll need to adjust your date or venue. Sending out save-the-dates too early can make it harder to notify guests of changes.
3. **Guests might not be ready**: Some guests may not be financially prepared for a wedding that's two years away, which could impact their decision to attend.
**When to send save-the-dates:**
In general, it's recommended to send out save-the-dates 6-12 months before your wedding date. This allows your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements without feeling overwhelmed or too far in advance.
If you're concerned about the guest list or RSVPs, consider sending out a "wedding update" or a "save-the-date announcement" around 9-12 months prior to your wedding date. This can help keep guests informed without committing them to attending just yet.
Ultimately, it's up to you and your partner to decide what works best for your wedding planning needs. Just make sure to communicate clearly with your guests and be prepared for any changes that might arise.
Save the Date cards are a wonderful way to let your guests know that you're getting married and start building anticipation for the big day!
A Save the Date card is typically sent out 6-12 months before the wedding date, and it serves as an early announcement of your engagement and upcoming nuptials. Here are some tips to make your Save the Date cards shine:
1. **Keep it simple**: Your Save the Date card should be brief and to the point. Just include the essential details: your names, the wedding date, and a mention that formal invitations will follow.
2. **Choose a design that reflects your style**: Select a design that aligns with your wedding theme or personal taste. You can opt for a classic design, a playful illustration, or even a photo of the two of you.
3. **Include an RSVP deadline (optional)**: If you're planning a destination wedding or want guests to start making travel arrangements, consider including an RSVP deadline on the Save the Date card.
4. **Make it digital-friendly**: Ensure that your design looks great in both physical and digital formats, as some guests might receive their Save the Dates via email or social media.
5. **Don't forget to include a call-to-action**: Encourage guests to mark their calendars or share the news on social media by including a call-to-action (CTA) like "Save the Date" or "Join us for an unforgettable celebration!"
6. **Proofread and double-check details**: Verify that all the information is accurate, including your names, wedding date, and any other relevant details.
Some popular Save the Date card ideas include:
1. A photo of the couple with a caption like, "Save the Date: [Your Names] are getting married!"
2. A beautiful illustration or design featuring the wedding colors or theme.
3. A heartfelt message expressing your excitement for the big day.
4. A playful quote or phrase that sets the tone for your wedding celebration.
Remember to have fun with it! Your Save the Date card is a unique opportunity to share your enthusiasm and build anticipation for your special day.
The age-old question: do I really need to send out save-the-dates?
**In short:** While it's not a requirement, sending out save-the-dates can be beneficial in certain situations. Here are some scenarios where they might come in handy:
1. **Large or destination weddings**: If you're planning a big wedding with many out-of-town guests, send out save-the-dates to give them plenty of time to plan their travel and accommodations.
2. **Weekend or holiday weddings**: When your special day falls on a weekend or a popular holiday, send out save-the-dates to ensure your guests can clear their schedules in advance.
3. **Non-traditional wedding dates**: If you're getting married during an unconventional time (e.g., New Year's Eve, Christmas, or the 4th of July), save-the-dates can help prevent conflicts with other celebrations and events.
4. **Guest list management**: Save-the-dates allow you to gauge interest from your guests before sending out formal invitations. This helps you manage your guest list more effectively.
**When to skip save-the-dates:**
1. **Intimate gatherings**: If you're having a small, low-key wedding with mostly local friends and family, you might not need to send out save-the-dates.
2. **Last-minute or surprise weddings**: If you're planning a surprise wedding or one that's happening very quickly, you won't have time to send out save-the-dates.
**Tips for sending save-the-dates:**
1. Keep it simple: Use a straightforward design and focus on the essential details (date, location, and your names).
2. Send them early: Allow 6-12 months between sending save-the-dates and formal invitations.
3. Be clear about what they are: Make sure guests understand that save-the-dates are not formal invitations but rather a heads-up to mark their calendars.
Ultimately, whether you need to send out save-the-dates depends on your specific situation and guest list. If you're unsure, consider talking to your partner or wedding planner for guidance.