When to Send Save the Dates & Invitations: A Definitive Timeline
In the grand symphony of wedding planning, timing is everything. This is especially true when it comes to your wedding stationery. Sending your announcements too early can cause them to be forgotten, while sending them too late can leave your guests scrambling to make arrangements. So, what is the perfect "sweet spot" for mailing your Save the Dates and formal invitations?
Navigating wedding etiquette can be tricky, but this is one area where the rules are refreshingly clear. We've created a definitive, stress-free timeline to ensure your guests have all the information they need, right when they need it. Consider this your official stationery mailing schedule.
Save the Dates: The First Heads-Up
A Save the Date is a pre-invitation that officially announces your wedding date and location, giving guests (especially those who need to travel) ample time to make arrangements. It’s the first official piece of your wedding stationery suite.
When to Send Them:
- For a Local Wedding: Send your Save the Dates **6 to 8 months** before the wedding date.
- For a Destination Wedding or Holiday Weekend Wedding: Send them **9 to 12 months** in advance. This gives guests crucial extra time to book flights, reserve accommodations, and request time off from work.
Who Gets One?
Everyone on your "A-List" guest list should receive a Save the Date. Remember the golden rule: **if someone gets a Save the Date, they MUST receive a wedding invitation.** There are no exceptions. This is why it's so important to have a firm grasp on your guest list before you start mailing.
What to Include:
Keep it simple! A Save the Date only needs four key pieces of information:
- Your names
- The wedding date
- The city and state (you don't need the specific venue yet)
- Your wedding website URL (e.g., "For more details, please visit our website: [YourWebsite.com]")
A short, friendly note like "Formal invitation to follow" is also a nice touch.
The Main Event: Wedding Invitations
The formal wedding invitation is the official request for your guests' presence. It contains all the specific details about your ceremony and reception.
When to Send Them:
The traditional and most recommended time to mail your wedding invitations is **6 to 8 weeks** before the wedding date. This provides a perfect balance: it gives guests enough time to make their final plans and RSVP, but it’s not so far in advance that they set it aside and forget about it.
For a destination wedding where guests have already received a Save the Date, you can push this out slightly to **10 to 12 weeks** before the wedding.
When to Set the RSVP Deadline:
Your "Reply By" date is one of the most important dates on your timeline. Set your RSVP deadline for **3 to 4 weeks before your wedding date.**
Why this timing is crucial:
- It gives you enough time to gently follow up with any guests who haven't responded.
- Most caterers and venues require a final, guaranteed headcount 1-2 weeks before the event. This buffer ensures you can provide that number without stress.
Thank You Cards: The Final Gracious Gesture
The final piece of your stationery suite is the thank you card. Proper etiquette dictates that you send a handwritten thank you note for every single gift you receive.
When to Send Them:
Aim to send your thank you cards **within 3 months** of your wedding date. To make this task less overwhelming, follow this simple system:
- For gifts received before the wedding:** Send a thank you note within two weeks of receiving the gift.
For gifts received on or after the wedding day:** Send a thank you note within the three-month window.
Stay Organized: Keeping track of who gave what is essential. A great wedding planner will have a dedicated gift tracker section, making the thank you card process a breeze.
By following this clear and simple timeline, you ensure a smooth and respectful communication process with your guests, allowing them to share in your excitement every step of the way.