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, holidays, or events with many out-of-town guests, it's advisable to send them 8 to 12 weeks in advance. If you're using save-the-date cards, send those 6 to 8 months ahead to help guests plan early. Always consider factors like the RSVP deadline, which should be 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding, and any peak travel seasons that might require earlier notice.
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 if you're hosting a large or special event, it's typically sent 1-3 months in advance to give guests enough time to plan their attendance. The exact timing depends on the party's scale—earlier for destination or holiday events, and closer to the date for smaller gatherings. Always confirm details with a formal invitation later.
when to send save the dates and invitations
Save-the-dates should be sent 6 to 9 months before the event, especially for weddings or large gatherings, to give guests early notice and help them plan around the date. Invitations should be sent 6 to 8 weeks before the event to provide full details and allow time for RSVPs, though for destination events or holidays, send them 2 to 3 months in advance. Always consider factors like guest travel and seasonal timing when deciding.
when do you send out wedding invitations with rsvp
Wedding invitations with RSVP are typically sent 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. The RSVP deadline is usually set for 2 to 4 weeks before the event to allow time for responses and planning. For destination weddings, send them 8 to 12 weeks in advance.
do you have to send save the dates
No, you do not have to send save-the-date notices for events like weddings, but they are often recommended. They help guests plan ahead, especially if the event requires travel or falls on a busy date, by providing early notice—typically 6-8 months in advance. If your guest list is small or the event is local, invitations alone might suffice. Always consider your budget and the event's complexity when deciding.
when to send out save the dates for destination wedding
For destination weddings, it's generally recommended to send out save the dates 8 to 12 months in advance. This allows guests enough time to plan travel, book accommodations, arrange time off work, and handle any visa or passport requirements. If the wedding is in a popular destination, during peak travel seasons, or requires extensive preparation, consider sending them as early as 12 to 18 months ahead to maximize attendance and minimize conflicts.
do you send save the dates to evening guests
Yes, it's common to send save-the-date notices to evening guests as well, especially if they're important to the event. This ensures they can plan around the date, just like full-day guests. However, if the guest list is large or budgets are tight, you might prioritize based on closeness or role in the event. Always check your overall invitation strategy for consistency.
what is a save-the-date vs invitation
A save-the-date is a preliminary notice sent months in advance, typically 6-12 months before an event like a wedding, to alert guests to the date and encourage them to reserve it in their calendars. It usually includes basic information such as the date, event type, and hosts, but not full details like location or RSVP instructions.
An invitation is the formal announcement sent closer to the event, often 6-8 weeks beforehand, providing complete details including the exact time, venue, dress code, guest list specifics, and how to respond. It serves as the official request for attendance and requires an RSVP.
The key differences are that a save-the-date secures the date early without full information or a response required, while an invitation confirms the event details and prompts guests to confirm their attendance.