Planning a wedding comes with so many exciting details, but timing can easily become one of the trickiest parts. One of the most common questions couples face is: when should we send out our save the dates and formal invitations? Both play a big role in your wedding communication. Sending them too early might make guests forget the details. Send them too late, and people may have already booked their calendars.
Getting the timing right helps your guests plan, book travel if needed, and feel part of your big day from the start. It also gives you peace of mind as the date gets closer. Whether you’re having a local wedding or a destination event, the right timeline helps everything flow more smoothly.
What You’ll Learn About Timing Your Wedding Invitations
The timing of your save the dates and formal invitations depends on a few key things: how far guests need to travel, the size of the wedding, and how much notice you want to give.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what this post covers:
You’ll get a clear idea of when to send save the dates based on your wedding type
You’ll know how far in advance to send formal invitations
You’ll learn how to balance giving enough notice without overwhelming your guests
This guide helps take the guesswork out of your timeline.
What Save the Dates Are For
Save the dates are like a soft opening. They’re your first chance to share the basics with your guests. You’ll include your names, the wedding date, and the city or venue. You don’t need all the final details yet. This is simply a heads-up so guests can pencil you in and make early travel plans if needed.
They’re especially helpful for destination weddings or dates that fall during busy times of year, like holiday weekends or peak vacation months. If you have guests who’ll be flying in or making big arrangements to attend, save the dates give them time to prepare.
The best part? Save the dates are often the first impression your guests get of your wedding style. Whether you’re planning a black-tie affair or a backyard celebration, you can set the tone right from the start.
When to Send Save the Dates
The sweet spot for save the dates is about six to eight months before the wedding. That gives guests time to book travel, take time off work, or arrange childcare if needed.
If you’re planning a destination wedding or getting married during a popular season, it’s okay to send them even earlier—closer to nine or ten months out. Just make sure you’ve locked in your date and venue before sending anything. You want to avoid any changes after your guests start booking flights.
For local weddings or smaller events, four to six months can be enough notice, especially if most guests won’t need to travel. And don’t forget to make your save the dates clear and simple—include your names, the wedding date, and the location (city and state is usually enough for now). You can hold off on the finer details like venue addresses or timelines until the formal invitation. This first heads-up is all about helping guests plan ahead without overwhelming them with too much information.
What Formal Invitations Should Include
Your formal invitation is where everything comes together. It includes your ceremony time, the exact venue address, reception details, RSVP instructions, dress code, and any other information guests need to know. If you’re including RSVP cards or directing people to a wedding website, this is where it happens.
This is your chance to give guests the full experience. From the wording to the design, it reflects the tone of your big day. Whether it’s classic and elegant or playful and modern, your invitation sets expectations and keeps everyone on the same page.
Some couples also include extras, like accommodation suggestions, maps, or event schedules if there are multiple days of activities.
When to Send Formal Invitations
For most weddings, formal invitations should be sent about six to eight weeks before the big day. This gives guests enough time to reply and make final plans, while also allowing you time to finalize headcounts for catering and seating charts.
If you’re having a destination wedding, you’ll want to send invitations earlier—closer to three months in advance. That way, guests who are traveling long distances won’t feel rushed and can take care of bookings well ahead of time.
No matter what, be sure to include an RSVP deadline that’s about three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you a cushion to chase down any late replies and pass final numbers to your vendors.
Coordinating Both Timelines
It helps to think of your save the date and invitation as part of the same timeline. One leads into the other. Save the dates build anticipation, while invitations give the final details.
Spacing them out properly means your guests feel informed but not overwhelmed. For example, if you send your save the dates eight months ahead, aim to send your invitations around six weeks before the wedding. This rhythm gives people a clear idea of what’s happening and when.
It also helps you stay on top of your planning. Knowing when everything needs to go out gives you more structure and less stress.
Sending out save the dates and invitations at the right time helps your guests feel considered and keeps your wedding plans moving smoothly. Whether your celebration is small or large, near or far, this timing keeps everyone informed and excited. A thoughtful timeline shows your care for the people you love—and sets the tone for a beautiful day ahead.