Planning a wedding involves hundreds of details, and one of the most common questions couples ask is: When should we send our save the dates and wedding invitations? Timing is everything when it comes to keeping your guests informed and your planning on track. In this blog post, we’ll break down the ideal wedding stationery timeline and answer all your pressing questions about when to mail save the dates vs. formal invitations.
What Is a Save the Date and Why Is It Important?
A save the date is a simple but essential heads-up to your guests. It lets them know a wedding is in their future — and gives them plenty of time to make travel plans, request time off work, and block out the date on their calendars.
What to Include on a Save the Date:
- Your names
- Wedding date
- City and state of the event
- “Formal invitation to follow”
Optional: your wedding website or a QR code linking to it.
If there are preferred places you would like guests to stay, you can include that too. One major benefit of having your wedding at Pearl Mansion is that the wedding venue is located in Charlotte, NC, meaning there are plenty of hotel and airbnb accommodations for your guests as they travel into town.
When to Send Save the Dates
The timing of your save the date depends on your guest list and wedding type.
- Destination Weddings: Send 9–12 months in advance
- Local Weddings: Send 6–8 months in advance
This gives guests adequate time to make travel arrangements, especially if they are coming from out of town or if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend.
A and B list?
If you have a large extended guest list. Some couples create a priority list. Whereby, the top group you want in attendance is notified first. Once, it is apparent that some people may not be able to attend you may notify the B list.
What About Wedding Invitations?
Your formal wedding invitation includes all the crucial details: ceremony and reception locations, times, RSVP cards, meal selections, dress code, and more.
What to Include on a Wedding Invitation:
- Couple’s full names
- Date and time
- Venue(s) with full address
- RSVP instructions (card or online)
- Wedding website URL
- Dress code (optional)
- Reception details (indoor, outdoor, etc)
- End time – let people know the time expectation
When to Send Wedding Invitations
Plan to send your wedding invitations 12 weeks before the big day.
- RSVP Deadline: Set for 2 weeks after sending invite. Any longer and people will likely forget to respond and a follow-up will be needed. If you have a strict guest count or waiting to send invites to a B list. It is important let recipience know there is some urgency in responding.
This allows enough time to collect responses, finalize headcounts, and make arrangements.
Tips to Stay Ahead
- Collect addresses early using tools like the planning workbook that Pearl Mansion provides couples
- Order your stationery well in advance to allow for proofing, printing, and mailing.
- Double-check postage rates (especially for oversized or international mail).
- Track RSVPs use the provided planning workbook to track RSVP’s and assign guests to tables.
Final Thoughts
Sending your save the dates and wedding invitations at the right time keeps your guests informed and your stress levels low. By following this simple stationery timeline, you’ll stay organized and ensure everyone arrives on time — and ready to celebrate your big day.
Planning your wedding with ease starts with clear communication, and your save the dates and invitations are your first impression. Make it count!