When To Send Save The Dates For Your Wedding

It’s happening—your wedding date is set, and the celebration planning begins! Once your guest list is finalized, sending save the date cards lets friends and family know they’re officially invited and gives them a heads-up to reserve the date or weekend. Knowing when to send save the dates helps ensure everyone can plan ahead, while also giving a first glimpse of your wedding’s style and vibe. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get them just right.

Read on or jump to sections with the links below:

• When to Send Save the Dates
• When to Send Save the Dates for Destination Weddings
• When to Send Save the Dates for Local Weddings
• What to Include on a Save the Date Card
• Save the Date Wording Examples
• How to Address Save the Date Cards

 

When to Send Save the Dates: A Complete Timeline

Whether your wedding is a local celebration or a destination affair, sending save the dates at the right time helps your guests plan ahead and builds excitement for your big day. The timing depends on your wedding type, location, and how much notice your guests might need.

General Rule: 6 to 12 Months in Advance

In most cases, you’ll want to send save the dates 6 to 12 months before your wedding. Giving guests a year or more to plan ensures a smooth experience, especially for those traveling from out of town.

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Destination Weddings: 6 to 12 Months Ahead

Planning a destination wedding? These celebrations require extra coordination, so send save the dates 6 to 12 months in advance. Include both the date and location so your loved ones can arrange travel and accommodations—and make sure they don’t miss this special moment.

Local Weddings: 4 to 6 Months Ahead

If your wedding is local and most guests are nearby, 4 to 6 months’ notice is usually enough. Keep in mind major holidays or peak mailing seasons—sending save the dates during busy times like the Christmas season could increase the chance they get lost in the shuffle.

Make It Easy with Shutterfly

Shutterfly can help simplify the process. Use our Address Book and Mail For Me services to have your save the dates addressed, stamped, and mailed for you. Just upload your addresses, select Mail For Me at checkout, and we’ll handle the rest—so you can focus on enjoying the planning.

Save the Date Timeline Cheat Sheet

1. Choose your location and date – an approximate city is fine at first.
2. Take engagement photos – optional, but they add a personal touch to your cards.
3. Design your save the date cards – include photos or custom designs to match your wedding style.
4. Mail your save the dates
   • Destination wedding: 6–12 months in advance
   • Local wedding: 4–6 months in advance
5. Send formal invitations 8–12 weeks before the wedding.

By following this timeline, your guests will have plenty of notice to celebrate with you, and your save the dates can make the first impression of your wedding memorable and stress-free.

What to Include on a Save the Date Card

What should you put on your save the date cards? At a minimum, include three key pieces of information:

1. The date (or weekend) of your wedding
   This is the most important detail—guests need to mark the big day on their calendars. For destination weddings or multi-day celebrations, include the entire weekend so everyone can plan travel and accommodations.
2. The city of the event
   Whether your wedding is local or far away, letting guests know the location helps them prepare. Even local guests may want to reserve a nearby hotel instead of heading home at the end of the night.
3. The couple’s names
   Full names are traditional, but first names are fine for more casual celebrations. Your save the date card may even be the first time some guests learn your fiancé’s name!

You can also include optional details to make your guests’ planning easier:

• Formal invitation to follow
  Some guests may not be familiar with save the dates, so a quick line clarifying that a formal invitation is coming helps avoid confusion.
• Wedding website
  A wedding website is a convenient place to share details about your celebration, from registry info to schedules and dress code. Include the URL to give guests easy access.
  
  
• Hotel and travel information
  For destination weddings or events with many out-of-town guests, include lodging details, travel tips, or a reserved room block with discounted rates.

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Save the Date Wording Examples

Choosing the right wording sets the tone for your wedding and gives your guests a sneak peek at your celebration style. Here are examples for different types of save the date cards. For even more inspiration, check out our full guide on save the date wording.

Casual Save the Date Wording

 

Formal Save the Date Wording

 

Religious Save the Date Wording

 

Funny Save the Date Wording

 

Save the Date with Hotel Information

How to Address Save the Date Cards

Save the date cards should be sent to everyone you plan to invite to your wedding, including family, friends, and members of your wedding party. Here’s how to address them based on different household types:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Resources on When to Send Save the Dates

Your save the dates are more than just a piece of paper (or magnet!) in the mail—they’re the first glimpse your guests get of your wedding and an invitation to start celebrating with you. Sending them at the right time sets the tone for your big day, helps everyone plan ahead, and adds a little extra excitement to the months leading up to your wedding. Once your save the dates are on their way, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most fun parts of planning: imagining all the smiles, cheers, and memories that lie ahead.

Additional Resources:

• Wedding Invitations
• All-In-One Wedding Suites
• Bridal Shower Invites
• Bachelorette Party Invitations
• Rehearsal Dinner Invites
• Day-Of Wedding Stationery and Decor
• Wedding Announcements
• Wedding Thank You Cards
• Save the Date vs Invitation