When to Send Save the Dates: Your Wedding Timeline Guide

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.

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.

Wedding Save the Date Cards FAQs

When should save the dates be mailed?

Most couples send save the dates six to twelve months before the wedding date. This gives guests time to plan travel, request time off and prepare for the celebration.

Should destination wedding save the dates be sent earlier?

Yes. Destination weddings often require earlier notice, especially if guests need airfare, hotel accommodations or passports.

Do save the dates need RSVP information?

No. Save the dates are meant to announce the wedding date and location. RSVP details are usually included later with the formal wedding invitation suite.

Can save the dates include engagement photos?

Absolutely. Photo save the dates are one of the most popular modern wedding stationery trends and help personalize your announcement.

Should save the dates match wedding invitations?

They don’t need to match exactly, but coordinating colors, typography or overall style creates a cohesive wedding aesthetic.

What information belongs on a save the date?

Most save the dates include:

• couple’s names
• wedding date
• city and state
• wedding website
• a note that the invitation will follow

Should wedding websites be included on save the dates?

Yes. Many couples include their wedding website early so guests can access travel information, hotel blocks and preliminary schedules.

Is it okay to send digital save the dates?

Absolutely. Digital save the dates are increasingly popular for modern weddings and work especially well for long-distance guest lists. But don’t forget to send a paper wedding invitation; it’s one tradition that’ll never be replaced by digital stationery.