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 travel arrangements. For destination weddings or events during busy seasons like 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. Consider setting an RSVP deadline 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding to manage your guest list effectively.
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
Save the dates for a birthday party are not as common as for weddings, but they can be useful for larger or more elaborate events. Generally, send them out 2 to 6 months in advance to give guests enough time to mark their calendars, especially if the party involves travel, special arrangements, or conflicts with holidays. For smaller gatherings, a simple invitation sent 4 to 8 weeks ahead might suffice instead.
when to send save the dates
Save the dates are typically sent 6 to 8 months before the event, such as a wedding, to give guests ample time to plan. For destination weddings or events during peak travel seasons, send them 8 to 12 months in advance to accommodate travel arrangements. Always consider factors like holidays or guest availability when deciding the exact timing.
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 time in their schedules. It is typically sent 6-12 months in advance and includes only basic details like the date and possibly a general idea of the event.
An invitation is the formal announcement that provides complete information about the event, including the exact date, time, location, dress code, RSVP details, and any other specifics. It is usually sent 6-8 weeks before the event.
The key differences are that a save-the-date serves to secure the date early with minimal information, while an invitation formally extends the invite and supplies all necessary details for attendance.
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.
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.
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.