After getting engaged, part of your wedding planning process may include sending out save the dates to your guests. We get asked frequently about the proper etiquette when it comes to sending out save the dates, whether or not you have to send them out, and when they should be sent out. That's why we wanted to share with you our 6 Tips for Sending Out Save the Dates for Your Wedding.
6 Tips for Sending Out Save the Dates for Your Wedding - Photographer: Nicee Martin
1. Decide Whether You Want To or Not
Traditionally, most couples send out save the dates. However, if you are on the fence about sending save the dates to your wedding guests, the best thing you can do is to decide to send them out or not. The key when making this decision is to stop procrastinating because they should go out in a specific time period. Deciding is first on our 6 Tips for Sending Out Save the Dates for Your Wedding.
2. Sending Out Save the Dates for Local Weddings
Next, on our 6 Tips for Sending Out Save the Dates for Your Wedding is when you should send them out if you are having a local wedding. The best time to send out save the dates for a wedding in your hometown is typically six to eight months before the ceremony date. This gives your guests time to make arrangements for child care or to request time off work for your wedding celebration.
3. Sending Out Save the Dates for Destination Weddings
If you are planning a destination wedding, it is best to send out the save the dates at least eight months to a year in advance. Your guests will appreciate the heads up and, it allows them time to figure out their budget, book a flight, and make hotel accommodations.
4. Electronic vs. Paper Save the Dates
Electronic save the dates are very popular, especially in this day and age. They are convenient and cost-saving. On the other hand, if you appreciate tradition and would rather send out paper save the dates, then you have the option to do so. Keep in mind that paper save the dates has to be ordered, printed, and mailed.
5. Before Sending Out Save the Dates
Make sure your wedding website is in place before sending out save the dates. Some popular wedding websites are Zola and Wedding Wire. Both of these websites let you build your wedding website for free.
6. Who to Send it To
Everyone you plan to invite to your wedding on your "A-list" should receive a save the date, even if you plan on having them as part of the wedding party. The guests on the "B-list" should not get a save the date unless you plan on inviting them to your wedding and you've determined that it's in your budget. Once you send a guest a save the date, they will be expecting an invitation to your wedding.
If you would like to learn more about our 6 Tips for Sending Out Save the Dates for Your Wedding, contact us to speak to one of our wedding planners.