Wedding Invitation Etiquette: When to send “save the date” announcement?
Your wedding is on the way. With the list of guests in hand, you are ready to send out the great announcement. Before that, do you know the etiquette behind this Save-the-Date task?
In fact, wedding invitations require a bit of wise-timing and should be sent in a proper manner. And Save-the-Date is a good way to respect the schedule of your dear guests. Let’s see what the recommended wedding timeline is for this wedding stationery.
What Is a Save-the-Date Card?
The task for a Save-the-Date card is to book your guests’ time for your important day. Most of your friends and family might have known about your engagement or have shared your touching proposal moment. Now they are waiting for your next move. It is nice to announce the date and location officially. The Save-the-Date card would give the heads-up for everyone and get ready for the wedding. Moreover, your guests will be greatly appreciated if the reminder comes at the right time.
When to send the Save the Date card?
If it is a destination wedding happening on a major holiday, your guests need extra time to arrange their travel. In this case, it is best to notice your guest six months to a year in advance.For a local wedding, it is recommended to give your guests at least four months to prepare for the ceremony.
The basic timeline
- 1. Determine the location and set the date
- 2. Take engagement photos
- 3. Design and order save the date cards
- 4. Send out save the dates
- 5. Confirm the guest list
- 6. Send official wedding invitation
What to avoid when sending a Save-the-Date card
False timeline
You can’t expect your guests to set up their time just a few weeks in advance. So, no matter how you arrange other tasks, the save date card should come at least 6 months for a destination wedding and 4 months for a local one.
Peak seasons
You don’t want the post office messing up your reminders with other mails. If possible, sending these cards during off season would be the best option. Try to avoid holidays in your hometown, such as New Year, your card might just get lost in the delivery.
No location
If you are planning for a destination wedding, it is important to mention the destination in the card even if you were still hesitating about the venue. Hinting up the crowd about the travel plan is a must.
Save-the-Date is a kind reminder to let your guest get ready for your big day. Except remember to list down the date, destination, and your name, try to be fun and creative. Your party has started from the moment they receive the Save-the-Date card!
References:
how-to-address-and-send-save-the-dates / save-the-dates-facts-wedding-stationery-tips