One of the first big wedding planning questions couples ask is when to send save the dates. Sending them at the right time gives guests plenty of notice to plan ahead, especially for destination weddings, holiday weekends, and celebrations with out-of-town travel.
Most couples send save the dates about 6 to 8 months before the wedding. If you’re planning a destination wedding or getting married during a busy travel season, sending them earlier is usually best.
Below, we’ll break down exactly when to send save the dates based on your wedding plans, plus what to include before they go out.
When Should You Send Save the Dates?
The best time to send save the dates depends on your wedding location, travel expectations, and guest list.
Here’s a quick general timeline:
- Local weddings: 4 to 6 months before the wedding
- Most weddings: 6 to 8 months before the wedding
- Destination weddings: 8 to 12 months before the wedding
- Holiday weekends or international travel: closer to 9 to 12 months ahead
The more travel and coordination your guests need, the earlier you should send your save the dates.
When to Send Save the Dates for Local Weddings
If most of your guests live nearby and won’t need flights or hotel accommodations, sending save the dates about 4 to 6 months before the wedding is usually enough time.
This timeline works well for:
- Hometown weddings
- Local venues
- Smaller guest lists
- Short engagement timelines
Even for local weddings, save the dates are still helpful if you’re getting married during a busy season or on a popular holiday weekend.
When to Send Save the Dates for Destination Weddings
Destination weddings usually require more advance notice since guests may need to request time off work, book flights, reserve hotels, and arrange childcare or travel plans.
For destination weddings, it’s best to send save the dates 8 to 12 months before the wedding date.
This includes:
- Beach weddings
- International weddings
- Mountain or resort weddings
- Weddings that require significant travel for most guests
If you already have hotel block information or a wedding website ready, include it with your save the dates so guests can start planning early.
Should You Send Save the Dates for a Short Engagement?
Yes. Even if your engagement is short, save the dates can still be useful.
If your wedding is only a few months away, send save the dates as soon as your venue and guest list are confirmed. In some cases, couples may skip traditional save the dates and move directly to wedding invitations instead.
A good rule of thumb:
- If invitations are going out within the next couple of months, you may not need separate save the dates.
- If guests still need advance notice to travel or plan ahead, save the dates are still worth sending.
What to Include on a Save the Date
Save the dates do not need every wedding detail finalized yet. Their main purpose is to let guests know the date and location so they can plan ahead.
Most save the dates include:
- The couple’s names
- Wedding date
- City and state
- “Formal invitation to follow”
- Wedding website URL (optional)
For destination weddings, you can also include:
- Resort or hotel information
- Travel recommendations
- Weekend wedding dates for multi-day celebrations
Do Save the Dates Need Photos?
No, but engagement photos are one of the most popular save the date styles.
Some couples choose:
- Full-photo save the dates
- Photo collages
- Minimalist typography designs
- Illustrated or floral designs
- Destination-inspired themes
Your save the dates often give guests their first glimpse of your wedding style, colors, or overall aesthetic.
Can You Send Save the Dates by Text or Email?
Digital save the dates are becoming more common, especially for smaller weddings or shorter engagements.
Printed save the dates are still the more traditional option, but email and text save the dates can work well for:
- Casual weddings
- Smaller guest lists
- Last-minute celebrations
- Tech-forward couples
If you choose digital save the dates, make sure guests can easily save the date, access your wedding website, and find future wedding invitation details later on.
Save the Date FAQs
Do you send save the dates to everyone?
Yes. Everyone who receives a save the date should also receive a wedding invitation later on. Only send save the dates to guests you are definitely planning to invite.
Is 3 months too early to send save the dates?
Three months is usually considered late rather than early. Most couples send them at least 4 to 6 months before the wedding.
Can you send save the dates before booking everything?
Yes. You typically only need:
- Your wedding date
- Your venue or city
- Your guest list
Many couples send save the dates before finalizing invitations, timelines, menus, or décor details.
Do save the dates need envelopes?
Yes. Traditional printed save the dates are mailed in envelopes, including save the date magnets.
Custom envelopes, recipient addressing, and coordinated wedding stationery can also help create a more polished presentation.
Start Designing Your Save the Dates
Once your wedding date and location are confirmed, sending save the dates is one of the most exciting early steps in the planning process. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, a backyard celebration, or a formal black-tie event, giving guests advance notice helps everyone prepare for the celebration ahead.
Browse save the date cards, magnets, and photo designs to find a style that matches your wedding vision and gives guests a first look at the celebration to come.
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