One of the first and most common question couples have when planning their wedding is around “when to send save-the-dates”.

In this post, the most common questions related to Save-The-Dates will be answered! Make sure to bookmark for future reference and share this with your engaged friends!

What is the difference between Save-The-Dates and Wedding Invitations?

Save-the-dates and wedding invitations are important to send to your wedding guests to make sure the ones you love show up to your wedding!

Save-the-dates

Save-the-dates tend to go out earlier and are especially useful if you have a lot of guests who will be travelling for your wedding. That way, guests who have strict vacation schedules can take time off in advanced and can also plan their accommodations (like booking flights, hotel, etc.) It’s an early way to let people know they’re invited and so it’s usually best etiquette to only send a save-the-date to people who are being invited to the actual wedding.

Wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are the formal invitations to guests asking them to attend the wedding ceremony and/or reception. Wedding invitations are sent closer to the actual wedding date and contain specific addresses, dress codes, and RSVP information.

What information should be on the Save-The-Dates?

Save-The-Dates do not contain all the details of the wedding such as specific venue addresses, dress codes or RSVP information. They are meant to provide just enough information for guests to reserve the date for the wedding. An easy list of what to include in Save-The-Dates include:

We are getting married

Save the date

Bride & Groom

The date

City, Province/State

Website link

QR Code

Formal Invitations to Follow

Save-The-Dates can also include engagement photos!

Where to order Save-The-Dates and Wedding Invitations?

Here are some ways to order your Save-The-Dates:

By hiring someone to make them: Local stationery vendors, Etsy

By creating your own: Vista Print, Paperless Post, Costco, Canva, Zazzle, Adobe Photoshop

When to send Save-The-Dates?

Save-the-dates are meant to notify your guests to save the date in advance so sending them around a year out works best for most people. Always consider the distance your guests are travelling, as they typically need more preparation time to attend.

International guests: 14-16 months

Out of province guests: 12-14 months

Local guests: 10-12 months

To read more about wedding invitations, follow me on Instagram to know when a complete guide to wedding invitations is created!

Want engagement photos for your Save-The-Date cards?

I’m an engagement photographer based in Calgary, AB and available to travel to you! Leave some of your details below to request availability & additional details!