How Early Should You Send Out Save-the-Date Cards?

Deciding when to send out save-the-date cards depends on the location of your wedding.

Destination Wedding

Send out cards eight months in advance for destination weddings.

For destination weddings, send out save-the-date cards to your invited guests eight months before the date of the ceremony. This time frame allows guests to set aside money for the trip, make travel arrangements, file a vacation request at work and make other arrangements, such as child or pet care.

Local Wedding

Allow six months of leeway for sending out save-the-date cards for local or hometown weddings.

If you are planning a wedding that will take place locally, or in one of your hometowns, send out save-the-date cards six months in advance of the date of the ceremony. This courtesy applies if the majority of your guests will be traveling a short distance to the wedding.

Bottom Line

Whether planning for a wedding near or far, send out save-the-date cards at least six months in advance so that guests can mark their calendars and make appropriate arrangements for attending. On the cards, indicate whether children are invited and if dates are welcome. If you are planning a destination wedding, however, send cards out eight months in advance.

References

• The Knot: Wedding Planning: Save-the-Date Etiquette