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Some people wonder if they should send save the dates and if so, when this should even take place. Save the dates are the first glimpse your guests will get into the excitement of your upcoming celebration. A good save the date will have the following features:
- the wedding date (obviously)
- the location (city and state/country should suffice)
If you want to add more information, I’d include the URL (and password, if necessary) to the wedding website where they can receive more information. Also, the name of the couple getting always helps, too. However, your save the date shouldn’t request for the receiver to confirm or decline their attendance at your wedding. This is merely an announcement they can hold on to or place on their fridge.
Save the dates are great opportunities to allow the people you are inviting to your wedding know that a wedding is coming and they should use this time to prepare to attend, if they can. This also gives guests a heads up that they will be receiving a formal invitation in the future.
But with that aside, choosing the right time to send them is crucial for ensuring that your loved ones can mark their calendars and make necessary arrangements to join in your joyous occasion. We’ll explore the optimal timing for sending save the dates and why it matters.
The general rule of thumb is to send save the dates six to eight months before your wedding date, but generally, no more than twelve months total. This gives guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements, take time off work, and plan for any other expenses associated with attending your wedding. If you’re having a destination wedding or getting married during a holiday weekend, you will usually send your save the dates even earlier to ensure that your guests can make appropriate plans. Those save the dates normally provide more details that allows the guests to begin making financial payments to attend your wedding if you are opting for a resort or hotel route. The following graphic is a good rule-of-thumb you can go off of, though.
It’s important to remember that your save the dates should only be sent to guests that you plan on inviting to your wedding. There are a few exceptions to that rule, however. Etiquette from yesteryear would suggest that once you’ve sent a save the date, it’s considered a formal invitation and you should not rescind the invitation unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Sending save the dates is an exciting step in the wedding or event planning process. By carefully considering the nature of your celebration, the timing of the event, and the preferences of your guests, you can ensure that your save the dates serve their purpose – building anticipation and excitement for the unforgettable day ahead. Remember, a well-timed save the date not only makes your guests feel valued but also sets the tone for a joyous and stress-free celebration. Congratulations!
