According to various threads on Reddit, here's when couples typically send out save-the-dates:
1. **6-12 months before the wedding**: This is a common timeframe for sending out save-the-dates, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or having a large guest list.
2. **3-9 months before the wedding**: Some couples prefer to send save-the-dates a bit closer to the actual wedding date, around 3-6 months in advance.
3. **Before engagement photos are shared**: If you plan to release your engagement photos publicly (e.g., on social media), you might want to send out save-the-dates first to give guests an idea of what's coming.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the timing ultimately depends on your personal preference, wedding style, and guest list. Some couples may choose to send save-the-dates earlier or later based on their specific circumstances.
It's also worth noting that some Reddit users suggest sending out save-the-dates as soon as possible (even before engagement photos are shared) if you're having a destination wedding or expect a lot of out-of-town guests.
What do you think? When would you send out your save-the-date, and why?
When to Send Wedding Invitations:
The ideal time to send out wedding invitations depends on the type of wedding, guest list, and personal preferences. Here are some general guidelines:
**Traditional Timing:**
* For a summer or fall wedding (June to November), send out invitations 6-8 weeks in advance.
* For a winter or spring wedding (December to May), send out invitations 8-10 weeks in advance.
**Weekday vs. Weekend Wedding:**
* If you're having a weekday wedding, consider sending invitations 4-6 weeks in advance.
* If your wedding is on a weekend, you can wait until 2-3 weeks before the big day.
**Destination Wedding:**
* For out-of-town guests, send out invitations 12-16 weeks in advance to give them ample time to plan their travel and accommodations.
**Intimate Gathering:**
* If you're having a small, intimate wedding with close friends and family (less than 50 guests), you can send out invitations 2-4 weeks in advance.
**Tips:**
* Make sure to include all the necessary details, such as date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP information.
* Consider sending out "Save the Date" cards or magnets a few months prior to the wedding invitation to give guests an early heads-up.
* If you're having a morning or brunch wedding, consider sending invitations 4-6 weeks in advance.
* Don't forget to include a reply deadline on your invitation and make sure it's clear how guests should RSVP (e.g., online, by mail, or phone).
Remember, the key is to give your guests enough notice without overwhelming them. You want to ensure they have time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary.
Save-the-date cards, also known as save-the-dates or STDs, are a way to inform your friends and family of an upcoming wedding before sending out formal invitations. The timing of when to send out save-the-dates varies depending on several factors, including:
1. **Type of wedding**: If you're having a small, intimate gathering, you might only need to send out formal invitations 4-6 weeks in advance. For larger weddings or destination weddings, it's common to send out save-the-dates 12-18 months prior.
2. **Seasonality**: If you're getting married during peak wedding season (June-August), you may want to send out save-the-dates earlier to give guests ample time to clear their schedules. For off-season weddings (September-May), you can send them out a bit later, around 6-12 months in advance.
3. **Travel considerations**: If your wedding is taking place at an unusual location or requires out-of-town travel, it's essential to give guests plenty of notice so they can make arrangements. In these cases, send out save-the-dates 12-18 months prior.
Here are some general guidelines:
* For local weddings: Send out save-the-dates 3-6 months in advance.
* For destination weddings or larger events: Send out save-the-dates 12-18 months in advance.
* For off-season weddings: Send out save-the-dates 6-12 months in advance.
Remember to include the essential details on your save-the-date card, such as:
1. Your names
2. The wedding date
3. A brief description of the event (e.g., "Join us for a weekend celebration!")
4. A note about formal invitations to follow (if applicable)
Save-the-dates can be sent via:
1. Paper cards and envelopes
2. Digital invites (email or online platforms like Evite)
3. Social media announcements
Ultimately, the timing of your save-the-date depends on your wedding plans, guest list, and personal preference. Just make sure to give your guests enough notice to plan ahead!
Save-the-dates are typically used for weddings, not birthday parties. However, if you're planning a large or milestone birthday celebration (e.g., 30th, 40th, 50th), it's common to send out invitations with a similar tone and style as save-the-dates.
Here are some general guidelines for sending out birthday party invitations:
1. For casual gatherings: Send out invitations 2-4 weeks in advance.
2. For larger or more formal celebrations (e.g., milestone birthdays): Send out invitations 6-8 weeks in advance.
3. If you're having a destination celebration or requesting RSVPs, consider sending out invites 8-12 weeks in advance.
Remember to include the essential details:
* Date and time of the party
* Location
* Purpose of the party (birthday celebration)
* Any dress code or theme information
* Contact information for RSVPs
You can use online invitation platforms like Evite, Canva, or Sendinblue to create and send out digital invitations. For a more personal touch, consider sending paper invitations via mail or email.
Keep in mind that birthday party invitations don't typically require as much lead time as wedding save-the-dates, but it's still important to give your guests sufficient notice to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements (if applicable).
Save-the-date etiquette can vary depending on the couple's preferences, cultural norms, and personal circumstances. However, here are some general guidelines for when to send out save-the-dates in 2021:
1. **Traditional timing:** For a spring or summer wedding, consider sending out save-the-dates around September-November of the previous year. This allows your guests ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements.
2. **Modern approach:** With the rise of social media and digital invites, some couples choose to send out save-the-dates 6-12 months before the wedding date. This can be especially true for a fall or winter wedding.
For 2021, consider the following general guidelines:
* If you're planning a spring wedding (May-June), send out save-the-dates in November-December 2020.
* For summer weddings (July-August), aim to send them out in February-March 2021.
* Fall weddings (September-November) should have save-the-date notifications sent in May-July 2021.
* Winter weddings (December-January) can have save-the-dates go out in September-November 2021.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the right timing for your wedding will depend on various factors, such as:
* Your guest list: If you're having a large wedding or a destination wedding, you may want to send out save-the-dates earlier to give guests ample time to plan.
* Travel requirements: If many of your guests need to travel from afar, consider sending out save-the-dates 6-12 months in advance.
* Unique circumstances: If you're having an unusual wedding date (e.g., a Friday or Sunday wedding), you may want to send out save-the-dates earlier to account for any schedule conflicts.
Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between giving your guests enough time to plan and not overwhelming them with too much information too far in advance.
When it comes to sending out save-the-dates for a destination wedding, you'll want to consider the following:
1. **Timing:** Typically, save-the-dates are sent 6-12 months before the wedding date. For a destination wedding, you may want to send them out even earlier, ideally 9-15 months in advance.
2. **Destination-specific considerations:**
* If your guests will need to travel far or make significant arrangements (e.g., book flights and hotels), give them plenty of notice.
* Consider the time it takes for guests to obtain necessary travel documents (e.g., passports, visas).
3. **Accommodation and travel planning:** Provide an estimate of accommodations and travel costs to help your guests plan accordingly.
4. **RSVP window:** Include a clear RSVP deadline and instructions on how to respond.
Here's a general outline:
* For domestic destination weddings:
+ Send save-the-dates 6-9 months in advance
+ Include hotel and travel information, as well as an estimate of costs
* For international destination weddings:
+ Send save-the-dates 9-12 months in advance
+ Provide detailed travel information, including flights, accommodations, and any necessary visas or travel documents
Example timeline:
* Send out save-the-dates: 10-11 months before the wedding date
* Include estimated costs for accommodations and travel
* RSVP deadline: 8-9 weeks before the wedding date
Remember to also include essential details like:
* Date of the wedding and any pre-wedding events (e.g., welcome party, rehearsal dinner)
* Location(s) where guests will be staying
* Contact information for questions or RSVPs
* A note about travel insurance, if applicable
Keep in mind that you may need to adjust this timeline based on your specific circumstances. Be sure to check with your wedding planner, venue, and vendors (if applicable) to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Save the Date cards are a wonderful way to let your guests know that you're planning a wedding (or other celebration) and to mark their calendars for the big day!
Here are some tips and ideas for creating the perfect Save the Date card:
1. **Send them out early**: Typically, you want to send out Save the Dates 6-12 months before the wedding date.
2. **Keep it simple**: You don't need to include all the details (like dress code or reception location) in a Save the Date card. Just focus on sharing the basics: your names, the date of the wedding, and a hint about the celebration.
3. **Be creative**: Use photos, illustrations, or other design elements that reflect your personalities, interests, or styles.
4. **Make it personal**: Consider adding a special message, inside joke, or meaningful quote to make the card more personal and unique.
5. **Don't forget the important details**: Be sure to include the date of the wedding (and sometimes even the weekend or month) so guests can plan ahead.
Some popular ideas for Save the Date cards:
1. **Photocard**: Use a beautiful photo from your engagement session, a special moment in your relationship, or a stunning landscape that reflects your love story.
2. **Illustrated design**: Commission a custom illustration of the two of you (or a scene that represents your relationship) and add some playful typography to make it more whimsical.
3. **Watercolor**: Create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere with a watercolor-inspired design featuring soft colors and subtle textures.
4. **Typography-focused**: Use bold fonts, contrasting colors, and creative layouts to create a visually striking card that sets the tone for your special day.
Remember, the goal of a Save the Date card is to generate excitement and anticipation for the big day. Keep it simple, keep it personal, and have fun with it!
What's your favorite idea for creating a memorable Save the Date card?
Save the Date magnets are a fantastic option for couples planning a wedding. Here's why:
**Why Save the Date magnets?**
1. **Early notice**: Save the Dates help guests plan ahead, especially if they're traveling from out of town.
2. **Unique and memorable**: Magnets are a fun and functional way to share your special day with friends and family.
3. **Cost-effective**: Compared to traditional paper Save the Dates or formal invitations, magnets are an affordable option.
4. **Easy to customize**: You can add your names, wedding date, location, and even a special message or photo to make it personal.
**Tips for creating effective Save the Date magnets:**
1. **Keep it simple**: Use a clear design with plenty of negative space to ensure your details stand out.
2. **Use high-quality images**: Choose a beautiful photo that reflects your personalities or a special moment from your relationship.
3. **Make sure it's easy to read**: Use a readable font and adequate size for the important details (names, date, location).
4. **Include essential information**: Make sure to include the basics: names, wedding date, location, and any other crucial details.
**Where to find Save the Date magnet templates or designs:**
1. **Online invitation stores**: Websites like Minted, Evite, or Zazzle offer a range of customizable magnet templates.
2. **DIY design tools**: Canva, Adobe Spark, or PicMonkey are great for creating your own magnetic design.
3. **Local printers or designers**: You can also search for local printers or designers who offer custom magnet design services.
**Best practices for sending Save the Date magnets:**
1. **Send them early**: Start with a timeline that's 6-12 months before your wedding date.
2. **Include an RSVP card (optional)**: If you want guests to respond, include a simple RSVP card or instructions on how to reply.
3. **Follow up with formal invitations**: Once your Save the Dates have been sent and RSVPs have been collected, send out formal invitations 2-3 months before the wedding.
Overall, Save the Date magnets are an excellent way to start sharing your special day with loved ones while also being mindful of your guests' time and planning needs.