When to Send Save the Dates: Your Wedding Timeline Guide

Featured Save the Date: Elevated

Your wedding date is set. The venue is booked. The excitement is very real.

Now it’s time to share the news with the people you love — and that’s exactly where save the dates come in. These little announcements are your guests’ first official heads-up that something wonderful is on the calendar.

But when should you send them?

Timing matters more than you might think. Send them too early and people may forget. Send them too late and guests might already have plans. Here’s a simple guide to help you get it just right.

The General Rule for Sending Save the Dates

Most couples send save the dates about 6 to 8 months before the wedding. This gives guests plenty of time to mark their calendars, make travel plans, and start looking forward to your celebration.

Think of it as a friendly early notice — not the full invitation, but a gentle “don’t make plans that weekend” reminder.

Destination Weddings Need Extra Time

If your wedding involves travel for many guests, it’s best to send save the dates earlier.

For destination weddings, plan to send them 9 to 12 months before the wedding.

Travel takes planning. Flights, hotels, time off work — the more notice you give your guests, the easier it will be for them to celebrate with you.

Local Weddings Can Be a Little More Flexible

If most of your guests live nearby and travel isn’t a big factor, your timeline can be a bit shorter.

For local weddings, sending save the dates 4 to 6 months before the wedding is typically enough time for guests to plan.

Still, if your wedding falls on a busy weekend (like a holiday or summer Saturday), sending them earlier can help secure your dream guest list.

Featured Save the Date: All Around

What Should Be Finalized Before Sending Them?

Before your save the dates go in the mail, a few key details should be locked in:

Your wedding date
This one is essential. Guests can’t save a date that might change.

Your venue or location
You don’t need every detail yet, but you should at least know the city and state where the wedding will take place.

Your guest list
Everyone who receives a save the date should ultimately receive a formal invitation later.

Once these details are set, you’re ready to share the news.

What to Include on Your Save the Dates

Save the dates are simple by design. Though there are a number of ways to word your save the dates, and you don’t need to include every wedding detail just yet!

Most save the dates include:

• Your names
  
  
• The wedding date
  
  
• The city and state (or destination)
  
  
• A note that the formal invitation will follow

If you already have a wedding website, this is a great place to include it so guests can explore travel information and other details. 

Make Your Save the Dates Unforgettable

At Pear Tree, we believe save the dates should feel just as special as the day they’re announcing. They’re your first chance to show guests what your wedding style will be like.

Some couples love a classic look. Others lean toward playful designs or modern layouts.

Photo save the dates are especially meaningful because they let guests see the two of you — happy, engaged, and counting down the days. A favorite engagement photo, a candid moment, or even a playful snapshot can instantly make your save the date feel personal.

You can also customize colors, fonts, and wording to match your style. It’s a small detail that makes a big impression.