when to send wedding invitations


Wedding invitations should typically be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests enough time to RSVP, make travel arrangements, and plan their schedules. For destination weddings or events during busy holiday seasons, consider sending invitations 8 to 12 weeks in advance to accommodate additional planning needs. If you’re using save-the-date cards, send those out 6 to 12 months ahead, especially for out-of-town guests or weddings on popular dates. Always account for mailing time, especially for international guests, and set an RSVP deadline about 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding to finalize headcounts with vendors. Double-check addresses and postage to avoid delays, and consider a small buffer for any last-minute additions or corrections.





when to send save the dates and invitations


Save the dates and invitations are crucial for ensuring your guests can attend your event, and timing is key to their effectiveness. Save the dates should be sent out 6 to 8 months before the wedding or event, especially if it’s a destination wedding or during a busy season like summer or holidays. This gives guests ample time to mark their calendars, arrange travel, and request time off work. For local or less formal events, 4 to 6 months in advance can suffice.

Invitations, on the other hand, should be sent 6 to 8 weeks before the event. This provides enough time for guests to RSVP and make final arrangements while keeping the event details fresh in their minds. For destination weddings or events requiring significant travel, sending invitations 8 to 12 weeks in advance is ideal to accommodate planning needs. Always include an RSVP deadline on the invitation, typically 2 to 3 weeks before the event, to finalize headcounts with vendors.

If you’re planning a very formal or large-scale event, err on the earlier side for both save the dates and invitations to ensure maximum attendance. Double-check mailing times if sending physical cards, especially for international guests, to account for delivery delays.





when to send out save the dates for destination wedding


For a destination wedding, it’s best to send out save-the-date cards earlier than for a local wedding due to the additional planning and travel arrangements guests will need to make. Ideally, send save-the-dates 8 to 12 months in advance. This gives your guests ample time to arrange time off work, book flights, secure accommodations, and budget for the trip. If your wedding is during a peak travel season or in a popular destination, aim for the earlier end of this timeline (closer to 12 months) to ensure availability and better rates. Include key details like the wedding date, location, and a note that it’s a destination wedding so guests can start planning. If you have a wedding website, include the URL for additional information on travel and lodging.





when do you send out save the dates for a birthday party


Save the dates for a birthday party are typically sent out 4 to 6 weeks before the event, especially for larger or more formal celebrations like milestone birthdays (e.g., 30th, 50th). For smaller or casual gatherings, 2 to 3 weeks in advance is usually sufficient. Sending them early gives guests enough time to mark their calendars and plan accordingly, particularly if the party falls on a busy date or requires travel. Adjust the timing based on the scale of the event and how far in advance you think your guests need to be notified.





when do you send out wedding invitations with rsvp


Wedding invitations with RSVP cards are typically sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests enough time to respond and allows you to finalize your headcount with vendors. For destination weddings or events during busy seasons, consider sending them 8 to 12 weeks in advance to accommodate travel planning. Set the RSVP deadline about 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding to ensure you have final numbers in time for catering and seating arrangements.





do you have to send save the dates


Save the dates are not mandatory, but they are a helpful way to inform guests about your upcoming wedding or event, especially if it’s a destination wedding or during a busy season. They give guests a heads-up to mark their calendars and make travel or scheduling arrangements. However, if your event is local, small, or informal, or if you’re sending invitations well





save the date cards


"Save the date cards" are announcements sent to inform guests about an upcoming event, typically a wedding, engagement party, or other significant celebration. They are sent well in advance of the formal invitation to ensure guests reserve the date on their calendars. These cards usually include essential details such as the event date, location (sometimes just the city or general area), and the names of the hosts or couple. They often state that a formal invitation will follow. Save the date cards can be physical or digital, and their design often reflects the theme or style of the event, giving guests a preview of what to expect. They are especially useful for events requiring travel or during busy seasons to help guests plan accordingly.





save the date ideas


1. **Photo Card**: Create a personalized save-the-date card featuring a favorite photo of you and your partner. Add the date, location, and a simple message like “We’re getting married!” for a heartfelt touch.

2. **Calendar Mark**: Design a save-the-date that looks like a calendar page with your wedding date circled or highlighted. Include a playful note like “Mark your calendar!” to make it memorable.

3. **Destination Theme**: If you’re having a destination wedding, incorporate elements of the location into your save-the-date, like a beach scene for a seaside wedding or a skyline for a city event, along with travel details.

4. **Magnet Design**: Send out save-the-date magnets that guests can stick on their fridge. Include your names, wedding date, and a cute design or photo for a practical keepsake.

5. **Puzzle Piece**: Craft a save-the-date as a small puzzle piece with the wedding details revealed when put together. Mail it with a note saying, “Join us to complete the picture!”

6. **Vintage Postcard**: Use a vintage-style postcard design with a retro font and imagery. Write a short message on the back with your wedding date and location for a nostalgic vibe.

7. **Digital Invite**: Create a digital save-the-date with an animated video or e-card featuring your love story or a countdown to the big day, and send it via email or social media.

8. **Balloon Announcement**: Send a card with a small deflated balloon attached. Include instructions for guests to blow it up to reveal the wedding date printed on the balloon for a fun surprise.

9. **Ticket Stub**: Design your save-the-date to look like a concert or movie ticket, with your names as the “main event” and the wedding date and venue as the details for a creative twist.

10. **Bookmark Style**: Make a save-the-date in the shape of a bookmark with your wedding details printed on it. Add a sweet message like “Save our special chapter!” for a unique and useful idea.