
Do save the date cards have to match invitations?
Your save the date cards should match the wedding invitations as well as your overall theme of the wedding. Since these cards are not your typical wedding invitation cards, you only need to include: Names -Be sure to include your first names. You may also add in both your middle and last names to be less casual.
Do save the dates need to match invitations?
Your save the date invitation doesn’t have to exactly match your colour scheme or wedding theme – you may not even know what it is at this stage. Just make it personal to you and your husband to be to ensure your guests will never forget your chosen date! Perhaps a photobooth picture of you both? Or you with your pets?
Do you put a RSVP on a save the date?
Do you put RSVP on Save the dates? Coming from someone who is planning a wedding right now, etiquette rules state that if you send someone a save the date, you have to send them an invite, even if they already state they can't attend. So, you don't have to do anything, and just RSVP appropriately when you receive the actual formal invitation.
How far in advance should you send an invitation?
Traditionally, it is advised to send out invitations eight weeks before your event. We can hear you screaming "Eight weeks!" We've found while this is a good idea with formal events and weddings...

Can I skip Save the dates?
You can skip save-the-dates… but only in certain situations Only skip the save the dates if: Your wedding is in the next 3 months. You'll need to contact them directly and jump in on invites right away. (If it hasn't happened yet, an engagement party is the perfect way to start.
Does save the date mean you're invited?
A save the date card doesn't necessarily mean that you're invited to the wedding - it simply means that you're on the proposed guest list. The final guest list can be subject to change, for example, if there are unexpected changes with the venue, meaning fewer people can come.
Is it rude to send a save the date and not an invitation?
Sending a Save the Date Card but not an Invitation Think carefully before sending out save the dates because they have to go to people that you are actually inviting to the wedding. You can't send a save a date to someone who you might only invite to the wedding ceremony at a later date.
Is there a difference between save the dates and wedding invitations?
The biggest difference between save-the-date cards and wedding invitations is that the first is meant to put guests on notice, while the second acts as a formal invitation to the event. For that reason, save-the-dates are sent first — often months or even a year before the wedding date.
What can I say instead of Save the Dates?
Simply saying “Save the Date!” is usually hint enough that you're getting married, but you can include an additional phrase like “We're Engaged” or “We're Getting Married!” as well.
What's the point of a save the date?
What Are Save-the-Dates? Save-the-dates serve as an official announcement of your wedding date and location. They also let guests know that they will, in fact, be invited to the celebration.
When to send wedding invites no save the date?
If you're not sending save the dates, the best time to send out wedding invitations is 9 to 10 weeks before the wedding. Just two weeks more gives a little more of an indication.
Is 3 months too early to send out wedding invitations?
The general rule of thumb is to send invitations 8 to 12 weeks before the date (2 to 3 months out). You can set a date on the card for guests to RSVP by so that you can get a headcount, but prepare for some guests to fail to meet that deadline.
How long before the wedding should invitations be sent?
six to eight weeksInvitations should be sent to your guests six to eight weeks in advance of your wedding. Invitations for destination weddings should be sent to your guests three months in advance of your wedding.
Does everyone get a save the date?
Everyone on your "A" guest list-even your maid of honor who found out the second you booked the venue-should receive a save-the-date. (Due to budget and venue restrictions, you may have a "B" guest list-people you would love to have at your wedding but can't invite until regrets come in).
Whose name do you put first on a Save the Date?
the bride's nameTradition dictates that the bride's name always comes first, whether on Save the Date cards, wedding invitations or anything else. This is because the bride's parents are usually the hosts, paying a greater share of the expenses.
When to send a save the date for a party?
The basic rule of thumb is to send save the dates 6 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, it is customary to mail save the dates 8 to 12 months in advance. For a local affair, send save the dates 4 months in advance.
Do you send save the dates to all guests?
You should send your save-the-dates to anyone you want at your wedding. Even if you've already received verbal confirmations from certain guests, you should still send them a save-the-date (members of your wedding party, siblings and parents). Just remember: Only send it to those whom you definitely want to attend.
How do you politely uninvite someone?
Say something like, “I'm really sorry, but I'm just not comfortable with you being here. I think it would be best for everyone if you left.” If you feel comfortable with it, you can also explain to the individual why you want them to leave. Don't be rude, though; be straightforward yet polite.
When to send save the dates for wedding?
Couples typically send out save-the-dates a few months after they've gotten engaged and have decided on a wedding date and venue. But they're hardly mandatory, and for some couples, they might not even be necessary.
Why send save the dates?
One of the benefits of sending save-the-dates is that they alert guests of your official wedding date and location, which is ultra helpful when travel is involved.
Why do you have your wedding day marked on your calendar?
Having your wedding day marked on their future calendars will give your nearest and dearest a chance to make plans around your wedding weekend and ensure they don't accidentally double-book. Plenty of personal and professional events and travel plans are confirmed months in advance—including work trips and conferences and annual family vacations, to name a few. The greater notice you give your guests, the greater likelihood they'll be available to attend.
When do couples send out save the dates?
Couples typically send out save-the-dates a few months after they've gotten engaged and have decided on a wedding date and venue. But they're hardly mandatory, and for some couples, they might not even be necessary.
Do friends and family know when to invite you to a wedding?
You may assume your friends and family know for certain that they're going to be invited to your nuptials, but just because they're close to you doesn’t mean that they're automatically expecting to receive an invitation. Wedding guest lists are tricky things and it can sometimes feel like a bit of a guessing game; a save-the-date confirms for your many circles of friends and immediate and extended family that they are indeed on the guest list and can start planning accordingly.
Do you need to collect email addresses for save the dates?
Even if you opt to send digital save-the-dates to save funds, you'll still need to collect everyone's email addresses (and it's possible that all-important email might get missed).
What is the difference between a save the date and an invitation?
Another key difference between a save-the-date vs. an invitation is that RSVPs are typically requested for invitations and not save-the-dates. This makes total sense given that not all the details may be finalized when the save-the-dates are sent out and it's often tricky for people to know so far in advance if they'll be able to attend.
What is the difference between a wedding invitation and a save the date?
Here's the biggest difference between the two: "Save-the-dates are sent early in the wedding planning process to ask your guests to hold the date in their calendars for your wedding while formal invitations and the details are being finalized, " says Jordan Kentris, founder and creative director of A Good Day, a boutique design firm specializing in event stationery. "A wedding invitation is the piece that contains all the necessary details to invite a guest to attend your wedding."
What is a save the date?
In other words, think of the save-the-date as giving your guests a heads up that they're invited, while the actual invitation formally invites them with all the details.
What should be included in a wedding invitation?
"The invitation should include the couple, date and time, address of the ceremony and reception, and any additional elements a guest should know about [such as] attire or if the event is adults only ," Kentris says.
Can you have all the details of your wedding finalized?
Remember that at this point you likely won't have all the details of your wedding finalized and that's perfectly fine. You just want your guests to know they're invited and when the wedding date is taking place.
Is there a right or wrong answer to wedding invites?
Here's where many couples get tripped up when it comes to wedding invitations: Should you send save-the-date cards or formal invitations? Or both? As with all things weddings, there is no right or wrong answer. It really depends on you, your soon-to-be spouse, when and where your wedding will take place, your guest list, and your preference.
Is it important to include a city in a wedding?
The city is very important to include for destination weddings especially. If you have a wedding website that you plan on updating with more details as the date draws closer, you can also include the link to that as well. This is a good way to keep out-of-town guests in the loop with travel information and accommodations.
How to send save the date cards?
There are some things you should and shouldn’t do when you decide to send save-the-date cards. Here are some guidelines to follow for save-the-date etiquette that will ensure you’re getting the most out of your decision to send these cards: 1 Put enough information on them: Anything you know about the location is important and can prove helpful to your potential guests. 2 Don’t worry about your save-the-dates matching your invitations — be creative! 3 Don’t include anything like glitter or confetti in the envelope. 4 Send save-the-dates only once you’ve nailed down a guest list. 5 Include information for allowing plus-ones and whether children will be welcome to attend. 6 Don’t include gift registry information, but do include your wedding website if you have one.
What to include on a wedding save the date?
On your save-the-date, include your names, any basic information about the location, the date and a little comment to let the recipient know to expect a formal invitation soon. As your wedding date gets closer, you want to start thinking about sending out your actual invitations. The official wedding invitation gives much more detail about your ...
What is a save the date card?
Let’s start with the fact that there is a difference between these two items. Save-the-date cards tells the recipient to do exactly that: save the date. While it does serve to give your invitee some information about your big event, its role relies less on providing details and instead focuses on alerting your possible guest to the possibility of a formal invitation.
What should I not include in my envelope?
Don’t include anything like glitter or confetti in the envelope.
What is the purpose of an official wedding invitation?
The official wedding invitation gives much more detail about your special event. This is where you give the venue information, the date and time of the wedding, and the date and time of the reception. Your invitation should also formally ask your friends and family to come celebrate the union between you and your partner.
Do you include hotel information in a letter?
Include any hotel information when appropriate. Also, you can include directions to the venues or even a map in some cases.
Do you include a gift registry in a wedding?
Don’t include gift registry information, but do include your wedding website if you have one.
How far in advance should I send out wedding save the dates?
We recommend mailing out wedding Save the Dates 6 months prior to the event. For a destination wedding or multi-day affair, you’ll want to send them out 8-10 months in advance to ensure you give traveling guests plenty of time to book their hotel room and airfare.
Can you send out an engagement party invitation?
Your invitations should be sent out as close to your engagement as possible, as you want the news to be fresh and celebratory ( and you want to hold the party before wedding-planning woes kick in). In general, holding an engagement party within 2-3 months of getting engaged and sending out the invitations 3-4 weeks before the event is a good rule to follow.
What is a save the date card?
Your first step is to send a save-the-date card (aka the pre-invitation that officially announces your wedding date and lets your guests know they should clear their calendars). But you have to do it right. Below, find out what mistakes not to make while giving your guests the heads up.
Do save the dates match wedding invitations?
Save-the-dates are much less formal than your wedding invitations and definitely don't have to match them or your theme. This is your opportunity to let your style as a couple really shine, or try out a theme you love but are hesitant to commit to just yet.
Do you need to include a gift on your save the dates?
While your guests will likely want to know where you're registered, it's in bad taste to include this information on your save-the-dates. Gifts, of course, are not required. You can wait to include a link to your wedding website (where your registry information should live) on an invitation insert, and guests will know to ask bridal party attendants or your parents for the scoop if they need to do so.
Do you have to send save the dates?
Yes, this counts as a mistake. Although you don't have to send save-the-dates (if you're having an especially short engagement, it might make more sense to simply send out invitations), you're typically doing yourself a disservice by not sending them. Especially if you're having a destination wedding or a three-day weekend affair—it'll give guests ...
Can you turn back on save the dates?
Once your save-the-dates are in the mail, there's no turning back. So only send them to those guests you definitely want to attend. (Even the ones you've received verbal confirmations from, like your bridesmaids and family members.)
Can you send invitations by snail mail?
Email invitations for informal events like bachelorette parties and postwedding brunches are becoming more popular, and as a result, rewriting the rules of snail mail etiquette. We stand by old-school stationery for the big stuff like formal invitations, but the use of digital is up to your discretion. If you do decide on digital, consider doubling up: Send out an electronic save-the-date to everyone, and send paper correspondence just in case the email goes to spam. Also, odds are, you have older relatives or friends who may want to keep the physical one as a keepsake.
Where should I buy my save-the-dates?
If you’re ready to start browsing save-the-dates, there are a few places to look. Local stationers and stationery designers allow you to see many save-the-date samples in person and you can completely customize your save-the-dates, if desired. However, online stationery retailers like Minted, Shutterfly, and Etsy, have tons of options to choose from and are definitely convenient when it comes to purchasing.
Why do you save the date for a wedding?
save-the-dates will increase the chances that your guests will be able to attend your wedding celebration.
Who receives a save-the-date?
Since save-the-dates are pre-invitations, they should only be sent out to guests who will definitely be receiving a formal invite. If you and your future spouse are unsure about the number of guests you’ll be having, it’s best to hold off on sending save-the-dates. Once they are in the mail, there’s no turning back—and you could find yourself in a save-the-date etiquette fiasco if you have to cut a guest from the list. You’ll also want to send your save-the-dates to everyone invited, even those who you already know will be attending, like your wedding party and immediate family. The card will help make sure they’ve marked that date on your calendar and some of your family members may keep them as keepsakes.
What is proper save-the-date name etiquette?
When it comes to save-the-date name etiquette, it’s really up to you how you want to feature your and your future spouse’s names. For opposite-sex couples, the bride’s name traditionally comes before the groom’s, because the bride’s family is usually the one contributing the most financially to the wedding—but if you’d prefer to switch it up for whatever reason, that's fine too. For same-sex couples, the choice is yours. Couples often choose to list names alphabetically, or if there’s a photo of you and your future spouse featured on the save-the-date, you could list your names in the order in which you appear in the photo. Your call!
How many save-the-dates should I order?
When deciding how many to order, make sure you take that into account. Whatever number you come up with, add approximately 15 to 20, depending on the packages offered. You may realize that there’s someone you left off your initial list or you may make a couple of errors when you’re addressing the envelopes. It will be cheaper and easier to order extras during the initial order than to have to place a second order later on.
What is the purpose of an invitation before the wedding?
This “invitation before the invitation” will announce your wedding date, general location, and let guests know that a formal invitation will follow . Here's everything you need to know about save-the-date etiquette.
What is the save the date?
Once your wedding planning process is underway , it’s time to share the exciting news with your guests. This is where your save-the-date—and knowing save-the-date etiquette—comes in. This “invitation before the invitation” will announce your wedding date, general location, and let guests know that a formal invitation will follow.
What to do with save the dates?
Save the dates are a great way to share your upcoming nuptials with your friends and family and give them a heads up about the big day. If you’re planning a destination wedding or an event where most of your guests will be coming in from out of town, be sure to give them enough time to plan accordingly. Besides having to buy tickets in advance, they’ll need to give notice at work and make plans for the kids. They should include your names, the date and the location (at least the city and the state, the venue is optional) of the wedding.
When to send wedding invites?
About 6-8 weeks before the wedding is an ideal time to send out your invites.
Can you let guests know where you are registered?
It’s just not the place. You can let guests know where you are registered via your wedding website or the bridal shower invite.
Can you send wedding save the dates to people that aren't actually invited?
This should go without saying, but don’t send wedding save the dates to people that aren’t actually invited.
Does Postable help with wedding planning?
Let Postable help make your wedding planning life easier. With all of that said, Postable can help take some of the wedding planning weight off of your shoulders. Gather your guest’s mailing addresses, send out your save the dates and wedding invites — all in a matter of minutes and without ever leaving your couch.
