When should I send my Save The Dates & Formal Wedding Invitations?
So you’ve set a date! Congratulations! This is such an exciting time, but you’re probably wondering - when do I start looking at Save The Dates and more importantly, sending them out to your guests?
When should I send my Save the Dates?
The earlier you can send them out - the better! There’s no harm sending out a save the date as soon as you’re 100% happy with your wedding date and your venue booking is confirmed. Make sure you check your wedding venue’s reservation and deposit terms as most venues require a deposit before securing your date.
That being said, most couples choose to send their save the dates 9-12 months before their wedding day to give guests a good amount of time to pencil in your special day and request time off work.
Save the dates are often the first piece of printed stationery your guests will see from your wedding, and it gives you a chance to show off your theme and set the tone for your day.
What should I include on my Save the Date?
Generally your save the date should include the following as a minimum:
The names of the couple
The date
The location (you can include the venue here or be more vague and include the nearest town/city if you prefer)
A note to say that a formal invitation will follow
Wording examples
CASUAL
Save the Date
John & Lisa are getting hitched!
22.04.2023
Invite to follow
FORMAL/TRADITIONAL
Save the Date for the wedding of Melanie Smith & John Pots.
Saturday the six of June twenty twenty three.
Nottingham.
Formal invitation to follow
When should I send my formal wedding invitations?
As you get closer to your wedding day, you’ll want to firm up your guest numbers and if this applies, ask your guests for their meal choices and dietary requirements and collect their rsvp.
You’ll want to send your formal invites 3-6 months before your wedding day to give you enough time to work out your table plan, inform your venue or caterer how many meals you would like to order. And very importantly, this will make sure your guests can confirm their travel plans and book hotels if necessary.
What information should I include on my Formal Wedding Invitation?
Your wedding invitation could include the following - your wedding will be unique to you, so use the following as prompts!
The Main Invite Card
The names of the couple
The date
The time you expect guests to arrive or the ceremony start time
The venue name and location (+ reception venue info if different)
The Details Card
Venue full address
Venue phone number
Accommodation information
Phone numbers for nearby taxi firms
Gift information. Some popular options are a link to a gift list, requesting money contributions to your honeymoon, a charity donation or stating that you would rather no gifts at all are all valid options.
Optional - wedding website URL
The RSVP Card
Space for your guests to write their name
Meal choices
A space for guests to write any other requirements
Pre-addressed envelope to return the RSVP
Optional - a music choice for the dance floor!
How should I address my wedding envelopes?
Single Female
Casual: Melanie Jones
Traditional: Miss Melanie Jones
Single Male
Casual: James Foster
Traditional: Mr James Foster
Unmarried Couple
Casual: Catherine Porter & Freddie Williams
Traditional: Miss Catherine Porter & Mr Freddie Williams
Married Couple with the Same Surname
Casual: Paula & Stuart
Traditional: Mr & Mrs Morris
Married Couple with Different Surnames
Casual: Lily Parker & Max Hawkins
Traditional: Mrs Lily Parker & Mr Max Hawkins
To a Family with Children
Casual: The Harper Family
Traditional: Mr & Mrs Harper & Children or Mr & Mrs Harper, Rosie & Jack