Timing your wedding invitations is one of those details that seems simple until you realize how many variables are involved. Standard wedding or destination? Did you send save the dates? What about guests flying in from overseas? Get the timing wrong and guests scramble for flights, caterers get inaccurate headcounts, and your stress levels spike right when you need them to drop.

If you have not sent yours yet, start with the upstream piece: our guide on when to send save the dates covers the 6 to 8 month rule and destination exceptions, which set the cadence for the invitation send.

This complete guide covers every scenario so you know exactly when to mail what, and how to work backwards from your wedding date to make sure everything lands in mailboxes at the right time.

The Complete Wedding Invitation Timeline at a Glance

When to Send Save the Dates

Save the date cards should go out 6-8 months before your wedding. For destination weddings, bump that to 10-12 months. The hard minimum for a local wedding is 4 months, but earlier is nearly always better.

Why do save the dates matter so much? Because they give guests the runway to block out their calendar, request time off work, and sort out travel and accommodation before everything books up. A save the date is not a formal invitation: it does not need to include every detail. It just needs to confirm the date, the general location, and where guests can find more information (your wedding website, for example).

For your save the date wording, keep it simple. Date, city, and a note that a formal invitation will follow. That is all guests need at this stage.

If you are skipping save the dates entirely, jump ahead to the section on what to do when you have not sent them. Your invitation timeline shifts significantly.

When to Send Standard Wedding Invitations

For most weddings where the majority of guests are local or within easy driving distance, mail your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This window gives guests enough time to RSVP, make any remaining travel arrangements, and sort out childcare or time-off requests, without so much lead time that the invitation ends up buried under a pile of mail.

Six weeks is the practical minimum for a local wedding. Eight weeks is a safer buffer if you have a significant number of out-of-town guests, a holiday weekend wedding, or a weekday ceremony where guests will need to request leave from work.

Once you have finalized your invitation wording, double-check every detail before you send to print. Correcting a typo after your invitations have shipped is an expensive headache.

When Should You Send Out Wedding Invitations?

For most US weddings, send invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the date. Destination or international weddings require 3 months. If you skipped save the dates, add 4 to 6 extra weeks to whichever window applies.

When Should You Send Wedding Invites Out?

For a standard US wedding with mostly local guests, send invites out 6 weeks before the date. Eight weeks is the safer margin if your guest list includes a significant number of out-of-town guests, a holiday or long weekend where travel books up early, or a weekday ceremony where guests need to request time off work.

The short answer is 6 to 8 weeks, and if you have any doubt about which end to use, choose 8. If you skipped save the dates entirely, shift the whole window out: send invites 10 to 12 weeks before instead, since invitations now carry the first advance notice your guests have received.

When to Mail Out Wedding Invitations

Mail wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the ceremony for a local US wedding. For destination or international events, mail them 3 months out. The word “mail” matters here: USPS First-Class delivery takes 1 to 5 business days domestically, so your post office drop date should fall at least 5 to 7 days before you want invitations to arrive in hand, and at least 3 weeks before your RSVP deadline closes.

For foil-printed, letterpress, or square-envelope suites, there are extra mailing steps worth planning in advance. The full checklist on postage rates, non-machineable surcharges, and hand-cancellation is in the postage and mailing section below. For help addressing envelopes to couples, families, and guests with plus-ones, see our how to address wedding invitations guide.

When to Send Invitations for a Destination Wedding

Destination wedding invitations need to be mailed 3 months before the wedding date, full stop. Your guests need that lead time to research flights, compare hotel options, arrange accommodations, and in some cases check passport or visa requirements. Setting your RSVP deadline at 6-8 weeks before the wedding (rather than the standard 3-4) also gives you more room to finalize headcounts with venue and catering coordinators at a destination that may operate differently from a local vendor.

• Mail date: 3 months (approximately 12 weeks) before the wedding
• RSVP deadline: 6-8 weeks before the wedding
• What to include: accommodation block details, airport information, and a link to your wedding website where guests can find all travel logistics in one place
• Visa note: if any guests need a visa to attend, remind them to check processing times early; a direct message before invitations even go out is a thoughtful heads-up

When to Send Invitations If You Did Not Send Save the Dates

Skipping save the dates shifts your entire invitation calendar earlier, because invitations now have to do double duty. Instead of the standard 6-8 week window, plan to mail out 10-12 weeks before the wedding for a local ceremony. For a destination event without save the dates, push that out to 4-5 months. The extra weeks compensate for the early notice your guests did not receive and give them a realistic window to make travel arrangements, request time off work, and commit to attending.

• Local wedding, no save the dates: mail invitations 10-12 weeks before
• Destination wedding, no save the dates: mail invitations 4-5 months before
• On the invitation itself: make the RSVP deadline and any travel details prominent, since guests are seeing this information for the first time
• Consider a direct heads-up: a text or call to key guests letting them know invitations are on the way is especially helpful when no save the date was sent

When to Send Invitations on Short Notice

Short timelines happen. If your wedding is fewer than 6 weeks out and invitations have not gone out yet, send them immediately and tighten your RSVP deadline to 7-10 days. For very compressed timelines of 4 weeks or under, combine a direct call or text to each must-attend guest with a printed or digital invitation sent the same day. The verbal heads-up ensures no one misses it; the printed piece makes the occasion official. Expect a lower RSVP response rate than a well-planned timeline would produce, and build in extra follow-up time.

• Under 6 weeks: send invitations immediately on finalizing your venue and guest list
• RSVP deadline: 7-10 days from the date invitations land
• Under 4 weeks: direct call or message to each guest, followed immediately by a printed or digital invite
• Postage tip: for urgent mail, USPS First-Class mail typically delivers within 1-5 business days domestically; verify current rates at USPS PostalPro before mailing

When to Send Invitations for Destination and International Weddings

Destination weddings follow a different calendar entirely. If your wedding requires guests to book flights, arrange accommodation, or sort out a passport, give them 3 months of notice minimum. For international guests attending a local wedding, the same rule applies: 3 months lets them find reasonable airfares, secure accommodation, and apply for any necessary visas.

Here is the timeline that works for most destination weddings:

• Save the dates: 10-12 months before the wedding
• Formal invitations: 3 months before the wedding
• RSVP deadline: 6-8 weeks before the wedding (you need more lead time for catering and event planning at a destination)

One practical tip: include accommodation and travel information with your destination invitation. An information card is a clean way to bundle hotel blocks, airport details, and travel notes in a separate insert without overcrowding the main invite. Or direct guests to a wedding website where they can find all logistics in one place. The more you make it easy for guests to say yes, the higher your attendance rate will be.

What to Do If You Have a Short Engagement (Under 6 Months)

Short engagements are more common than people think, and the timeline is absolutely manageable with a bit of compression. If your engagement is under 6 months, here is how to adapt:

• Skip save the dates and go straight to invitations (send them 10-12 weeks out)
• Or send save the dates digitally as soon as the date is confirmed, then follow up with printed invitations 8 weeks out
• Prioritize getting your design finalized quickly: order a sample, approve it fast, and submit your full order as soon as possible
• Consider all-in-one invitations, which combine the invitation, RSVP card, and details card into a single piece, reducing design time and production complexity

For a short engagement with a destination element, communication becomes even more critical. Consider a direct phone call or message to your most important guests before the formal invitation arrives, so they can start planning immediately.

Why the Wedding Invitation Timeline Matters: What Happens If You Send Too Early or Too Late

The Emily Post Institute and most US wedding etiquette authorities agree on a 6-8 week send window for standard weddings, and the reasoning goes beyond formality. Timing your invitations correctly keeps your RSVP return rate high, your vendor headcounts accurate, and your guests confident they have the information they need. Get outside that window in either direction and real logistical problems follow.

Sent Too Early (12+ Weeks Out for a Standard Wedding)

Mailing formal invitations three or four months out for a local wedding creates a cluster of problems that couples do not anticipate:

• Guests forget. An invitation that arrives 14 weeks before the wedding is filed in a drawer and often not retrieved until the date is imminent, or missed entirely.
• RSVPs trickle rather than cluster. Early mailing means some guests respond promptly and others wait until a few weeks before the wedding, stretching your follow-up window across months.
• Save-the-date confusion. If you already sent save the dates, guests who receive a formal invitation 3+ months later sometimes assume the event was rescheduled or that the invitation is a duplicate mailing.
• Guests’ situations change. An enthusiastic “yes” in January may become a conflict by June. Early RSVPs carry higher cancellation rates.

The exception, of course, is destination weddings, where 3 months is exactly the right lead time and any less creates the problems below.

Sent Too Late (Under 5 Weeks Out)

Late invitations create a cascade that hits your vendors harder than it hits your guests:

• RSVP return rate drops significantly. Guests who receive a last-minute invitation, especially if they need to arrange travel, often decline or simply do not respond in time, leaving you chasing numbers past your venue deadline.
• Final headcounts suffer. Most US venues and caterers require confirmed numbers 10-14 days before the event. An invitation sent 5 weeks out with a 3-week RSVP deadline leaves zero buffer for follow-up before that cutoff.
• Catering attrition clauses trigger. If you committed to a minimum guest count and late RSVPs leave you below it, you may still owe the full minimum, a cost that a well-timed timeline easily avoids.
• Vendors scramble. Florists, photographers, and reception coordinators adjust their staffing and logistics based on your headcount. A late-arriving number forces renegotiation at the worst possible time.

No Save the Date? Send Invitations 10-12 Weeks Out

If you did not send save the dates, your invitations need to do double duty. They are the first formal notification guests receive, which means you need to mail them earlier than the standard 6-8 week window.

The rule of thumb when skipping save the dates is to mail invitations 10-12 weeks before your wedding. For a destination wedding with no prior save the date, push that to 4 months.

The additional lead time compensates for the fact that guests have had no advance warning. It gives them the runway to request time off work, book travel, arrange accommodation, and sort out childcare, all the things save the dates normally prompt people to do months earlier.

If you are in this situation, also consider printing a note inside the invitation acknowledging the shorter lead time: “We know this is short notice and completely understand if you are unable to attend. Your presence in our lives means everything.” A little grace goes a long way.

Setting Your RSVP Deadline

Your RSVP deadline should fall 3-4 weeks before your wedding. That window gives you time to finalize your seating chart, submit a headcount to your caterer and venue, and chase down the inevitable non-responders before final numbers are due.

For destination weddings, set your RSVP deadline 6-8 weeks before the wedding. You will need more lead time to plan any group activities, confirm accommodation blocks, and coordinate with local vendors who may require earlier notice.

When printing your RSVP deadline on the response card, be specific. Instead of “Please respond by [date],” write “Kindly reply by [specific date] so we can finalize arrangements.” Guests respond better to a clear, polite reason for the deadline than a bare date with no context. For wording ideas for every tone and format, see our RSVP card wording guide.

How to Mail Wedding Invitations: Postage, Weight, and Hand-Cancellation

Before you buy your stamps, take one fully assembled invitation suite (inner envelope, outer envelope, RSVP card, RSVP envelope, and any inserts) to a US post office and ask them to weigh it. This single step prevents the most common (and most embarrassing) mailing mistake in wedding planning: under-postage returns.

Here is what to know before you mail:

• Standard postage is rarely enough. A single Forever stamp covers a 1-oz letter. A fully assembled wedding invitation suite typically weighs 2-3 oz, and any suite with foil-stamped cards, thick cardstock, or a wax seal can exceed that easily. Current first-class rates in 2026 make exact postage around $1.20 to $1.85 for most wedding suites; always confirm at the counter rather than guessing.
• Square envelopes require additional postage. USPS charges a non-machineable surcharge for square envelopes (roughly $0.46 extra over the base letter rate as of 2026). If your invitation uses a square format, factor this in before purchasing stamps.
• Ask for hand-cancellation. Machine cancellation runs envelopes through a high-speed roller and stamps a bar code across the face, which can crease, gouge, or smear foil-printed cards and letterpress invitations. Simply ask the postal clerk to hand-cancel your suite at the counter. It takes a few seconds and preserves the presentation your guests will receive. There is no form to fill out; a polite verbal request is sufficient.
• Buy 10% spare stamps. If any RSVP envelopes come back needing re-mailing, or you need to send a second wave to guests who moved, having spare matched stamps saves a trip back to the post office mid-cycle.
• Forever stamps protect against rate changes. US postage rates adjust periodically. If you buy regular-denomination stamps and rates change before you mail, your envelopes go out under-stamped. Forever stamps hold their value regardless of future rate changes.
• Destination guests: consider USPS Priority. For international guests attending a domestic wedding, USPS Priority Mail International or First-Class Mail International ensures faster, trackable delivery. Standard First-Class international mail can take 1-3 weeks with no tracking.

When Guests Do Not Reply: How to Follow Up

Even with a clearly printed RSVP deadline, some guests will not respond. This is one of the most universally experienced frustrations in wedding planning, and it has nothing to do with how well-organized you are.

Here is a practical follow-up approach:

• Wait one week after your RSVP deadline before following up
• Start with a friendly text or phone call rather than email: it is faster, more personal, and harder to ignore
• Keep the message light: “Hey, we are finalizing numbers for the wedding and just wanted to check if you received our invitation. Hope to see you there!”
• If you have not heard back after two follow-ups, make a decision and move on. Count them as not attending for catering purposes, and be pleasantly surprised if they show up

It is also worth noting that some venues and caterers require a firm headcount 7-10 days before the event. Factor that into your RSVP deadline so you have at least a week to follow up after it passes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Wedding Invitations

Most invitation timing problems are preventable. These are the six mistakes that derail couples most often:

• Mailing before your venue headcount is locked. If your guest list is still in flux when invitations go out, you risk over-inviting and hitting venue capacity, or under-inviting and paying for empty seats. Finalize your list with the venue before stamps go on envelopes.
• Forgetting to print the RSVP deadline on the response card. An RSVP card without a clear “Please reply by [date]” line gets filled in whenever the guest gets around to it, which is often too late. Print the date clearly, and explain why it matters: “so we can finalize arrangements.”
• Skipping the postage weigh-in. Square envelopes, thick cardstock, foil printing, and multiple inserts all add weight. A standard Forever stamp may not be enough. Mailing under-stamped invitations means they come back to you, or worse, arrive at the guest’s door with postage due.
• Mailing on a Friday. Cards dropped at the post office on a Friday afternoon sit in postal processing facilities all weekend before moving. Mail on Monday or Tuesday to get your suite into the delivery stream immediately and minimize transit time.
• Using the wrong addressing format for plus-ones and families. Guests assume the invitation scope matches who is named on the outer envelope. “Mr. and Mrs. Johnson” tells them children are not included. “The Johnson Family” tells them the whole household is welcome. Inconsistency here drives more RSVP confusion than almost anything else. Our wedding invitation addressing guide covers every format, from couples and families to single guests with plus-ones.
• Not including a stamped, addressed RSVP envelope. Asking guests to supply their own stamp is the single biggest killer of RSVP return rate. Pre-stamp the response envelope. The $0.73 (or whatever current rate applies) is the best money you spend on your invitation suite.

Working Backwards: The Paperlust Ordering Timeline

One thing most wedding planning guides skip over is the production and shipping time between ordering your invitations and actually mailing them. At Paperlust, here is how the timeline works from order to mailbox:

1. Order a sample first: Start with our $5 sample pack to feel the paper stock and see print quality in person. This step saves regret later and takes 1-2 weeks to arrive.
2. Finalize your design: Once you have chosen your paper and design direction, customize your invitation. Allow yourself a few days to finalize wording and get input from your partner or family.
3. Proof approval: Paperlust sends a digital proof within 1-2 business days of your order. Review it carefully, check every name and date, and approve it promptly to keep production on schedule.
4. Production: 3 to 5 business days for digital print, white ink, and metallic; 7 to 10 business days for flat foil; 20 to 23 business days for letterpress and foil stamp.
5. Shipping: Standard international shipping adds another 5-10 business days. Express options are available if you are working to a tight deadline.

Working backwards from your mail date: if you need invitations in hand by a specific date, allow 2 weeks from order submission to delivery for digital print (3 weeks for flat foil, 6 weeks for letterpress or foil stamp). For letterpress or foil stamp orders, build in 6 to 7 weeks. This means your design should be finalized and ready to submit well before your target mail date.

A practical way to think about it: decide when invitations need to arrive in guests’ mailboxes, then count back 3-4 weeks. That is your order deadline. Count back another 2-3 weeks for design finalization. That is when you should be browsing and sampling.

Custom address labels simplify your mailing. Print return address labels at Paperlust Print Shop, from $0.08 each.

When Is It Too Late to Send Wedding Invitations?

If your wedding is less than four weeks away and invitations have not gone out yet, it is not too late, but you will need to adjust your expectations and your process. Here is how to handle each scenario:

4 Weeks Out

Send printed invitations immediately and pair them with a direct text or call to every guest on your list. Postal mail at this stage typically takes 3-5 business days, so guests will receive paper invitations roughly 3 weeks before the wedding. Tighten your RSVP deadline to 10-14 days from mailing. For any guests you know have travel to arrange, follow up personally the same day invitations drop in the mail.

Electronic invitations are digital files delivered online, while digitally printed wedding invitations are physical paper cards created with printed color. For last minute wedding stationery, review the production and delivery timing before choosing printed cards.

2 Weeks Out

At this point, postal mail for formal paper invitations is not a realistic primary channel; the invitation may arrive the week of the wedding or after. The right approach is digital-first: send a digital invitation to every guest today, and reserve any printed pieces for close family who you want to have a keepsake. Follow up every non-response by phone within 48 hours of sending.

Under 1 Week Out

Skip formal invitations entirely and call each guest directly. A phone call is the only reliable channel at this timeline. A brief, warm text following the call (“So glad you can make it, here are the details: [time, address, dress code]”) serves as the functional invitation. Reserve paper stationery for your thank-you cards after the wedding.

What You Lose With a Late Send

• Postal mail as a practical channel. Standard First-Class mail takes 1-5 business days and is not trackable. Under 2 weeks, it is too unreliable to be the primary notification.
• Formal etiquette. Late invitations read as informal by definition. Accept this gracefully and focus on making guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than formally invited.
• Vendor headcount accuracy. A compressed RSVP window means more guests respond late or not at all, leaving your caterer and venue with uncertain numbers until the last moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should wedding invitations be sent?

For most weddings, 6-8 weeks before the wedding date is the standard. If you did not send save the dates, extend that to 10-12 weeks. For destination weddings, aim for 3 months in advance.

Is 4 weeks too late to send wedding invitations?

Four weeks is very tight and is not recommended for most weddings. If circumstances mean you have no choice, send invitations immediately and consider following up with a direct message to your most important guests so they know the invitation is coming. For local, intimate weddings with no out-of-town guests, 4 weeks can just barely work, but expect a lower RSVP rate and less certainty around attendance.

Do I need to send save the dates if I am sending invitations early?

Not necessarily. If your invitations go out 10-12 weeks before the wedding, a save the date is less critical. Save the dates become essential when guests need significant lead time for travel planning: destination weddings, holidays, or weddings requiring international travel. For local weddings with an early invitation, you can skip the save the date and simply mail invitations earlier than usual.

What is the RSVP etiquette for wedding invitations?

Set your RSVP deadline 3-4 weeks before the wedding. Include a pre-addressed, stamped response card or a clear link to an online RSVP tool. Make it as easy as possible for guests to respond. After the deadline, it is completely acceptable to follow up by phone or text with anyone who has not replied. Most non-responses are not intentional slights: people simply get busy and forget.

Should destination and local guests receive different invitations?

You can send everyone the same invitation, but it is thoughtful to include accommodation and travel inserts specifically for out-of-town guests. Some couples use all-in-one invitations that fold out to reveal travel details, accommodation cards, and RSVP sections in a single piece, which simplifies assembly and reduces postage costs.

How do I handle international guests for a local wedding?

Treat international guests like destination wedding guests: give them 3 months of notice minimum. Send a direct message as soon as you know your date so they can start planning, then follow up with the formal wedding invitations 3 months out. Include accommodation suggestions and any relevant travel information to make the trip as easy to plan as possible.

When do you send out wedding invites?

The standard timing is 6-8 weeks before the wedding date for most US ceremonies. If you did not send save the dates, extend that to 10-12 weeks. For destination weddings or events where guests need to book travel, mail invitations 3 months before. The phrasing does not change the answer: whether you say “send out,” “mail out,” or “send invites for a wedding,” the same calendar applies.

When do you mail out wedding invites?

Mail wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before your wedding date for a standard local ceremony. For destination weddings, mail 3 months out. If a large share of your guest list is traveling from out of state for a local wedding, treat those guests like destination guests and give them the full 3-month notice, even if local guests receive invitations on the standard 6-8 week schedule.

When do you send out invites for a wedding?

For most weddings in the US, invitations go out 6-8 weeks before the date. Skipped save the dates? Add 4-6 weeks. The goal is giving guests enough notice to RSVP, make travel arrangements if needed, and request time off work, while the date still feels close enough that the invitation is top of mind rather than filed away and forgotten.

What if my wedding invitations are late?

If invitations are running behind schedule, send them as soon as they are ready and call or text your most important guests to flag that invitations are on the way. If invitations are more than 2 weeks later than planned, tighten your RSVP deadline slightly to preserve enough time to finalize headcounts with your venue and caterer. For very tight situations, a digital announcement sent the same day as the printed mailing bridges the gap while paper pieces are in transit.

Can you send wedding invites the same week as the wedding?

Technically possible, but not recommended for any gathering where attendance requires planning. Sending invitations the same week or even 1-2 weeks before the wedding can only work for very small, informal gatherings where you have already given each guest a direct verbal heads-up. For any formal ceremony, last-minute invitations will result in low attendance and logistical problems. If your timeline is genuinely compressed, send immediately and follow up directly with key guests.

How far in advance should you mail out wedding invitations?

Mail wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding for most US ceremonies, or 3 months out for destination events. If no save the dates were sent, add 4-6 extra weeks to whichever window applies. Working backwards: decide when you need invitations in guests’ hands, then add 2 weeks for digital print, 3 weeks for flat foil, or 6 weeks for letterpress or foil stamp to find your order deadline at Paperlust.

Can you send wedding invitations too early?

Mailing formal invitations more than 3 months before a standard local wedding is generally too early. Invitations mailed that far out tend to be filed away and forgotten, and guests’ schedules are too unsettled to RSVP reliably. If you want to alert guests early, send save the dates instead and reserve the formal invitation for the 6-8 week window. The exception is destination weddings, where 3 months is the expected and recommended lead time.

What is the difference between a save the date and a wedding invitation?

Save the dates go out first (6-12 months before the wedding) to alert guests that the date is reserved. They do not need to include full details. Formal wedding invitations go out later (6-8 weeks before) and include the complete information: venue, ceremony time, dress code, RSVP instructions, and any enclosure cards. If you send both, invitations can go out on the standard shorter timeline because guests have already blocked the date. If you skip the save the date, invitations need to go out earlier to compensate.

Can I include registry information on the wedding invitation?

Standard US etiquette says no: registry details should not appear on the formal invitation itself. Putting a registry on the invitation reads as a direct request for gifts, which most etiquette authorities consider poor form. Instead, direct guests to your wedding website, where registry information can be listed without it feeling like a transactional request. If guests ask where you are registered, they will find it there; guests who are not planning to give a gift are not confronted with the information.

How do we handle ceremony-only versus full-reception invitations?

The cleanest approach is a separate insert card addressed only to ceremony-only guests that provides the ceremony details and omits any reception information. Alternatively, you can note on the inner envelope or RSVP card which portion of the event the guest is invited to attend. Your wedding website is also useful here: you can use guest-specific RSVP links that surface only the schedule relevant to each guest. In all cases, plus-ones receive the same invitation scope as their primary guest; if the primary guest is ceremony-only, the plus-one is too.

Should we include dietary restriction questions on the RSVP card?

For sit-down dinners with a plated menu, yes: include a simple one-line field for dietary restrictions or allergies:” with a blank line. This information goes directly to your caterer and prevents last-minute surprises. For cocktail parties, buffets, or stations-style receptions where guests self-serve from a varied spread, you can skip it; the format accommodates most restrictions naturally. If you prefer a cleaner RSVP card, dietary questions can also be handled via a short form on your wedding website as part of the RSVP flow.

Can I include our wedding hashtag or social media handles on the invitation?

Generally no; the formal invitation is not the right vehicle for hashtags or social handles. These are better placed on your wedding website, your details insert card, your reception signage, or your save the dates, where the informal tone fits. The formal invitation is one of the few pieces of wedding communication that benefits from restraint: it sets the tone for the occasion, and a social handle beside the ceremony address reads as inconsistent with that formality. If your wedding has an informal feel by design, a details insert card is still the cleaner option than the main invitation card itself.

The post When to Send Wedding Invitations: 6-8 Week US Timeline | Paperlust appeared first on Paperlust.

Pictured above: the Sophia Kaplan save the date with a vellum overlay.

The wording on a save the date card doesn’t need to be complicated. But it does need to feel like you. Whether you’re planning a black-tie ceremony, a relaxed backyard celebration, or heading somewhere tropical with 30 of your closest people, the words you choose set the tone before the formal invitation ever arrives.

This page is a shortcut. Find your vibe, copy what works, and tweak from there.

What Must Appear on Every Save the Date

Before the examples: every save the date should include these essentials.

• Both names (in whatever order feels right to you)
• The date (even an approximate one works if you’re early in planning)
• General location (city and country is enough at this stage; you don’t need the venue name yet)
• “Formal invitation to follow” or a variation (this tells guests they don’t need to RSVP yet)

What you don’t need: venue details, dress code, registry info, or RSVP instructions. All of that lives on the formal invitation.

A note on the “formal invitation to follow” line: do not skip it. Without it, guests may assume the save the date is the only communication they will receive, and they will wait for RSVP instructions that are not there. Common variations: “Invitation to follow,” “Details to follow,” and “Invite coming soon.”

If you have a date but no venue yet: that is completely normal. City and state is sufficient on a save the date. Couples routinely send save the dates before a venue contract is signed. Include a wedding website URL so guests know where to check for venue details once confirmed.

Quick Reference: Wording Length by Wedding Type

• Formal local wedding: 4-6 lines, traditional phrasing, no nicknames
• Casual or backyard wedding: 3-4 lines, conversational, first names only
• Destination wedding: 5-7 lines, include city/country and weather note
• Elopement announcement: 2-3 lines, often past-tense after the fact
• Photo card save the date: 1-2 lines, let the image do the work

Formal and Elegant Save the Date Wording

For traditional ceremonies, black-tie events, and couples who love a timeless look.

Sophia and James
request the pleasure of your company
to celebrate their marriage
on [Month Day], 2027
New York City, New York
Formal invitation to follow

Together with their families
Alexandra and William
invite you to save the date
for their wedding celebration
[Month Day] | London, England
Invitation to follow

Please save the date for the wedding of
Claire and Benjamin
[Month Day], 2027
The Cotswolds, England
Formal invitation forthcoming

Natalie and Edward
are to be married on [Month Day], 2027
Charleston, South Carolina
Kindly save the date. Invitation to follow.

Catherine and Michael
joyfully invite you to save the date
for their wedding ceremony and reception
[Month Day], 2027 | Paris, France
Formal invitation to follow

When Parents Are Hosting

For traditional or formal weddings where parents are the formal hosts, third-person wording on the save the date mirrors what guests will see on the invitation.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hartley
and
Dr. and Mrs. David Chen
are pleased to announce
the forthcoming marriage of their children
Emma and James
[Month Day], 2027
New York City, New York
Formal invitation to follow

Together with their families
Emma Hartley and James Chen
invite you to save the date
for their wedding celebration
Saturday, the eleventh of October
Two thousand and twenty-seven
New York City
Invitation to follow

Modern and Minimal Save the Date Wording

A single statement, a date, a city. Modern save the dates strip everything back to the essentials. White space does the work; the message is direct.

Emma + James
11.10.27
NYC

Save the date.
Emma & James
October 2027, New York

It’s happening.
Emma & James | October 11, 2027
New York City
Invitation to follow

Mark your calendar.
We’re getting married.
Emma & James
October 11, 2027, NYC

Casual and Warm Save the Date Wording

For couples who want something friendly, modern, and approachable.

Hey, we’re getting married!
Save the date for
Maya and Tom’s wedding
[Month Day], 2027 | Austin, Texas
Invite coming soon

Mark your calendars.
Zoe and Luke are tying the knot!
[Month Day], 2027
Napa Valley, California
More details to come

We said yes. Now say you’ll be there.
Priya and Jake
[Month Day], 2027 | Chicago, Illinois
Formal invitation coming your way soon

Save the date!
Ruby and Sam are getting married.
[Month Day], 2027 | Nashville, Tennessee
We’d love for you to celebrate with us. Invite to follow.

It’s happening.
Emma and Liam | [Month Day], 2027
Portland, Oregon
Formal invitation coming soon

Grab your calendar and save this date.
Mia and Noah are getting married!
[Month Day], 2027 | Denver, Colorado
Invitation to follow

Story-Driven Casual Wording

A few extra words about your relationship can make the card feel personal rather than generic. Keep it to one line.

After five years, four cities, and one very persistent dog,
we finally said yes.
Emma & James | [Month Day], 2027 | Portland, Oregon
Formal invite incoming

Big news: we’re getting married!
Emma & James
[Month Day], 2027 | Portland, OR
More details on the way

Romantic and Heartfelt Save the Date Wording

For couples who want something poetic, sentimental, or beautifully understated.

Two hearts, one beautiful day.
Isabelle and Finn
[Month Day], 2027 | Santorini, Greece
Invitation to follow

From this day forward, forever.
Please save the date for the wedding of
Amara and Sebastian
[Month Day], 2027 | Florence, Italy
Formal invitation to follow

They found their forever in each other.
Now they want to celebrate with you.
Layla and Connor | [Month Day], 2027
Savannah, Georgia | Invitation to follow

Some dates you just never want to forget.
This is one of them.
Hannah and Oliver
[Month Day], 2027 | Edinburgh, Scotland
Invitation forthcoming

The adventure begins.
Grace and Ethan | [Month Day], 2027
Queenstown, New Zealand
We’d love for you to be part of it. Invite to follow.

Rustic and Barn Wedding Wording

Barn weddings, vineyard ceremonies, and garden events call for wording with texture, something that evokes place and feeling as well as information. Browse rustic save the date cards designed for exactly these settings.

Among the wildflowers
Emma & James
will celebrate their love
September 20, 2027
The Barn at Willow Creek, Vermont
Invitation to follow

Save the date
for a wedding at the vineyard
Emma & James
October 11, 2027
Napa Valley, California
Formal invitation to follow

Emma & James are getting married
October 11, 2027
Asheville, North Carolina
Details to follow

Funny and Punny Save the Date Wording

Because not every wedding has to take itself too seriously.

We’re getting hitched, no glitch!
Save the date for
Chloe and Marcus | [Month Day], 2027
Brooklyn, New York | Invite to follow (pinky promise)

Put a ring on the date.
Jade and Tyler are getting married.
[Month Day], 2027 | Miami, Florida
Formal invite on its way

We finally decided to make it official.
(It only took us a few years.)
Ava and Ryan | [Month Day], 2027
San Diego, California | Invitation to follow

She said yes. He’s still in shock.
Nora and Matt | [Month Day], 2027
Boston, Massachusetts
Formal invitation coming soon

Better save this date before someone else does.
Lily and Jack | [Month Day], 2027
New Orleans, Louisiana | Invite incoming

Block your calendar,
book your babysitter,
dust off your dancing shoes.
Emma & James are getting married!
[Month Day], 2027 | New York City
More details coming soon

Warning: a wedding is coming.
Emma & James
[Month Day], 2027
New York, NY
Clear your schedule. Invitation to follow.

He popped the question.
She said obviously.
Emma & James are getting married
[Month Day], 2027 | New York City
Invitation to follow

Destination Wedding Save the Date Wording

When your guests need extra notice, and possibly a passport.

Start packing your bags.
Stella and Kai are getting married in Tuscany.
[Month Day], 2027
Invitation and travel details to follow

Your presence is requested somewhere beautiful.
Jasmine and Rafael
[Month Day], 2027 | Bali, Indonesia
Formal invitation with travel information to follow

Adventure awaits, and so does a wedding.
Save the date for
Tara and Leo | [Month Day], 2027
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Accommodation details and invitation to follow

Sun, sea, and a wedding.
Please save the date for
Nina and Carlos | [Month Day], 2027
Tulum, Mexico
More details coming soon. Start planning your trip!

We’re taking the party somewhere warm.
Eva and Daniel | [Month Day], 2027
Mykonos, Greece
Formal invitation and travel info to follow

Domestic Destination and Weekend-Away Wording

Not all destination weddings involve international flights. A road trip to a cabin, a weekend at a mountain resort, or a long weekend in a coastal town all deserve a heads-up so guests can plan travel and accommodations.

Road trip, anyone?
Emma & James are celebrating in
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
August 22, 2027
Check [yourwebsite.com] for lodging recommendations
Invitation to follow

Save the weekend
Emma Carter and James Brooke
are getting married in
Sedona, Arizona
Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, 2027
Hotel block and itinerary at [yourwebsite.com]
Formal invitation to follow

Elopement and Intimate Wedding Save the Date Wording

For micro-weddings, small celebrations, and couples keeping it close.

We’re keeping it small and making it beautiful.
Please save the date.
Sophie and James | [Month Day], 2027
[City, State]
Intimate celebration, invitation to follow

A small wedding. A big love.
Mara and Cole | [Month Day], 2027
[Location]
We’re celebrating with our closest people. Details to follow.

We eloped! And we want to celebrate with you.
Join us for an intimate reception.
Leah and Ben | [Month Day], 2027
[City] | Invitation to follow

Just us, a handful of people we love, and a beautiful day.
Save the date.
Isabel and Hugo | [Month Day], 2027
[Location] | Invitation to follow

Post-Wedding Reception Wording

If you eloped privately and are now planning a celebration with a wider group, a save the date still does the job. Lead with the news so guests immediately understand the context.

We did it!
Emma & James got married and now we want to celebrate with you.
Save the date for our wedding reception
[Month Day], 2027 | Portland, Oregon
Invitation to follow

Emma Carter and James Brooke
exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony earlier this year.
They invite you to join their wedding celebration
[Month Day], 2027
Portland, Oregon
Formal invitation to follow

Save the Date Wording for a Second Wedding

Second wedding save the date wording is generally simpler and warmer than first-wedding conventions. Skip the formal parent-hosting lines unless your circumstances specifically call for it. Lead with names and the date. If children or a blended family are part of the celebration, a brief mention can be lovely; otherwise, let the invitation carry those details.

Emma Parker and David Chen
invite you to save the date
for their wedding celebration
[Month Day], 2027
Nashville, Tennessee
Invitation to follow

Emma and David
are getting married.
[Month Day], 2027 | San Francisco, California
We’re celebrating with our families and closest friends.
Invitation to follow

Second chapter, same great cast.
Emma and David | [Month Day], 2027
Austin, Texas | Invite to follow

Small ceremony. Close friends and family.
Emma & David
[Month Day], 2027 | Portland, Oregon
Formal invitation to follow

Photo Card Save the Date Wording

When your engagement photo is doing half the talking, the words just need to do the rest.

[Photo]
We’re engaged, and we’re getting married!
Zara and Finn | [Month Day], 2027
[Location] | Formal invitation to follow

[Photo]
Save the date
Anna and Will | [Month Day], 2027
[City, Country] | Invite coming soon

[Engagement photo]
She said yes. He cried a little.
Maya and Jordan | [Month Day], 2027
[Location] | Invitation to follow

Short Notice and Long Engagement Wording

Not every engagement follows the standard timeline. If you are sending save the dates less than three months out, acknowledge the short notice, it removes awkwardness and helps guests prioritize. If you are announcing very early (18 months or more), a brief note sets expectations and explains the long lead time.

Short Notice (Under 3 Months Out)

We know this is short notice, but we hope you can make it.
Emma & James are getting married
August 2, 2027
Portland, Oregon
Formal invitation to follow, details at [yourwebsite.com]

Surprise! We’re doing this fast.
Emma & James | August 2, 2027 | Portland
We hope you can join us, more details incoming!

We’re getting married in 8 weeks!
Emma Carter and James Brooke
August 2, 2027 | Portland, Oregon
If you need to arrange travel, please visit [yourwebsite.com]
Formal invitation to follow shortly

Long Engagement (18 Months or More Out)

We wanted to give you plenty of time to plan!
Emma & James
are getting married on
October 3, 2028
Portland, Oregon
Formal invitation to follow closer to the date

Postponed and Rescheduled Wedding Wording

If your wedding was postponed or rescheduled, a save the date that clearly notes the change prevents confusion. Lead with “Updated Save the Date” so guests immediately understand the context.

Updated Save the Date
Emma & James have rescheduled their wedding to
September 12, 2027
Portland, Oregon
(Previously scheduled for May 3, 2027)
Invitation with full details to follow

Direct the couple to a wedding website for any questions. Keep the tone warm and clear; most guests will be understanding, and a direct card prevents confusion about whether the original date still stands.

Save the Date Wording With a Wedding Website URL

Including your wedding website URL on the save the date is now standard practice. It gives guests a place to find accommodation recommendations, travel logistics, and your story long before the formal invitation arrives. Keep the URL brief and easy to type.

Clean URL Placement (Formal)

Save the Date
Emma Carter and James Brooke
[Month Day], 2027 | Portland, Oregon
emmanandjames.com
Formal invitation to follow

With Website Intro Line (Casual)

Emma & James are getting married!
[Month Day], 2027 | Portland, Oregon
Find us at emmanandjames.com for all the details
Invite coming soon

Website on Its Own Line (Minimalist)

Save our date
[Month Day], 2027
Portland, Oregon
emmanandjames.com
Invitation to follow

Website CTA Format (Modern)

Emma & James | [Month Day], 2027 | Portland
RSVP and travel info at emmanandjames.com
Formal invitation to follow

Formatting tip: Write your website URL in lowercase and without “www” for the cleanest visual result. If your URL is long, consider shortening it with a service like Zola’s free custom URL or a short domain you purchase just for the wedding.

Save the Date Magnets

Save the date magnets use the same wording as card-format save the dates. At Paperlust, any design can be turned into a magnet at checkout: guests choose pre-applied magnetic backing or self-adhesive magnet stickers. Magnets measure approximately 5.5″ x 4.2″ (140mm x 107mm).

Save the Date
Emma & James
[Month Day], 2027 | New York City
Formal invitation to follow

Magnet wording tip: keep it slightly shorter than card wording, since magnets tend to display on fridges rather than being read and put away. Fewer words, bolder design, bigger date. Browse save the date magnets to see the full format range.

Mix and Match Phrases

Not finding exactly what you need? Build your own from these pieces.

Opening lines:

• Save the date
• Please save the date
• Mark your calendars
• We’re getting married!
• It’s official
• The date is set
• We said yes
• An adventure is beginning
• Two become one
• We finally did it

Middle connectors:

• Together with their families
• With joy in their hearts
• With love and excitement
• Along with their families
• Surrounded by those they love most
• In the company of the people who matter most

Location phrasing:

• [City, Country]
• In the heart of [City]
• Somewhere beautiful in [Region]
• Join us in [Destination]
• Celebrating in [Location]

Closing lines:

• Formal invitation to follow
• Invitation forthcoming
• More details to come
• Save the date, details on their way
• Invite coming soon
• We can’t wait to celebrate with you
• Please hold this date, we’ll be in touch
• Details and RSVP info to follow
• Kindly save the date

Save the Date Wording: Tone Comparison Table

Save the Date Templates: How to Use Them

A save the date template is a fixed structure with named wording slots. Every good save the date follows the same five-slot skeleton regardless of tone or format. Templates make the wording problem straightforward: fill in your slots, choose your register, and you have a card.

The Five Wording Slots

Slot 1: Names line. “Emma and James” or “Emma Carter and James Brooke”, first names for casual, full names for formal. For second weddings, first names plus last names is common. Order is your call: alphabetical, by who knows the recipient better, or whichever sounds better out loud.

Slot 2: Date line. Spell out the month for a formal look: “Saturday, the Fourteenth of June, Two Thousand and Twenty-Seven.” Use numeric or abbreviated format for modern styles: “June 14, 2027” or “14.06.27.” Always include the day of the week so guests can immediately assess travel logistics.

Slot 3: Location line. City and state is enough at this stage. You do not need to commit to a venue name if the contract is not signed. “Portland, Oregon” or “Tuscany, Italy” is sufficient. If the venue is confirmed and adds excitement, include it.

Slot 4: Save-the-date call to action. The phrase “save the date” or “save our date” should appear prominently, ideally as a header. For casual cards this becomes a sentence opener: “We’re getting married!”

Slot 5: Invitation-to-follow line. Do not skip this. Without it, guests assume the save the date is the only communication they will receive. “Formal invitation to follow,” “Invitation to follow,” or “Invite coming soon” all work.

A note on downloadable templates: Paperlust does not offer a separate printable or downloadable template file. What we offer is a fully customizable designer-assisted card. Browse the save the date collection, fill in your wording slots directly online, and a designer proofs it before printing. Every design in the collection works as your starting template. Browse wedding invitations at the same time to lock in a cohesive stationery suite from the start.

What to Include on a Save the Date, and What to Leave Out

Save the dates are intentionally lightweight. They hold space on the calendar; the formal invitation does the heavy lifting.

Always include

• Couple’s names: first names are sufficient; full names for formal events
• Wedding date: written out or numeric, your choice
• City and state: full venue address saved for the invitation
• “Formal invitation to follow”: prevents confusion about whether more details are coming

Include for destination weddings

• Wedding website URL with hotel blocks and travel information
• General destination (country, region, or city) so guests can start researching flights

Leave off

• Venue name and full address
• Ceremony time
• RSVP instructions or deadline
• Dress code
• Registry information

Browse wedding invitations at the same time as your save the dates, ordering both from the same collection ensures your stationery suite is cohesive from first impression through the invitation itself. For couples who want to plan the complete post-wedding experience, ordering your wedding thank you cards alongside your save the dates locks in the design consistency before anything changes.

Save the Date vs Formal Invitation: Key Differences

Couples frequently overthink save the date wording because they conflate it with invitation wording conventions. The two serve completely different purposes.

One practical difference the table does not cover: formal wedding invitations traditionally open with a host line (“Together with their families, Emma and James…”). Save the dates do not need a host line. The couple’s names front and center is completely sufficient at this stage.

Addressing tip: send save the dates to specific named guests, not “and Guest,” unless you are certain you will extend that plus-one on the formal invitation. Using “and Guest” on a save the date creates an expectation that is difficult to walk back once you finalize your guest list. Address the envelope to the exact people you know you will invite.

When to Send Your Save the Dates

For most weddings, 6-8 months before the date is the sweet spot. It gives guests enough notice to request time off work, make travel arrangements, and block the date before anything else claims it. For local or low-travel events, you can stretch toward the 6-month end.

For destination weddings or peak-season dates (holiday weekends, summer Saturdays in popular venues), aim for 9-12 months. If you’re asking people to book international flights or commit to a multi-night trip, earlier is always better. The same logic applies to weddings during major holidays, when flights and accommodation fill fast. See the full when to send save the dates guide for month-by-month examples and destination-specific timelines.

Once your wording is ready, the next step is finding cards that do it justice. Browse save the date cards including photo cards, magnets, postcards, and destination styles. Over 500 exclusive designs, free white envelopes with every order, and free DHL express internationally on orders over $350 USD.

Browse save the dates

Photo card save the dates

Save the date magnets

Save the date postcards

Destination save the dates

Custom stickers and labels complete your stationery. Browse custom stickers and custom labels at Paperlust Print Shop, from $0.08 each.

How to Choose Your Save the Date Wording Style

Three factors decide which wording template fits your wedding: the formality of your ceremony, how much guests already know about your plans, and how soon you need to lock the date.

1. Match formality to the venue and dress code

If your wedding is black-tie at a heritage hall, traditional phrasing keeps the tone consistent from save the date to invitation. A backyard or brewery wedding reads more naturally with casual or punny copy. The save the date is the first signal guests get about what kind of event to expect. Make it match. Browse formal save the date designs if you want to see how the layout supports the wording.

2. Decide what guests already know

If you’re inviting close friends and family who already know the city and date, you can keep the card minimal. If you have out-of-town guests or a destination wedding, add weather, airport hint, or a dedicated wedding website URL on the card itself. The fewer questions the card raises, the fewer follow-up texts you’ll get.

3. Lock copy 6-8 months out (8-12 for destination)

Save the dates exist to give guests time to book travel and request leave. Send any later and you defeat the purpose. Set a printing deadline 8 months before the wedding (12 if international guests are involved) and work backwards from there. See the full timing guide for month-by-month examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you write on a save the date?

The essentials: couple’s names, wedding date, city and state, and ‘formal invitation to follow.’ That’s all that’s required. Optionally add a wedding website URL (especially for destination weddings), a short tagline, or a personal line that reflects your relationship. Keep it brief, the invitation is where full details go.

Do save the dates need to include the venue?

Including the venue is optional. Most couples list only the city and the wedding date on the save the date itself, then save the venue address for the formal invitation. This gives you flexibility if the venue changes and keeps the card uncluttered.

When should you send save the dates?

For local weddings: 6-8 months before the wedding date. For destination weddings or holidays when guests need to book travel: 10-12 months. For small or intimate weddings with primarily local guests: 4-6 months. Order your cards 2 to 3 weeks before you plan to mail them (6 weeks if you choose letterpress or foil stamp) to allow for proof review and printing.

Do you have to say ‘formal invitation to follow’ on a save the date?

Yes, some version of this phrase is strongly recommended. Without it, guests may assume the save the date is the only communication they will receive, which leads to confusion about RSVP deadlines and event details. Common variations include ‘Invitation to follow,’ ‘Details to follow,’ and ‘Invite coming soon.’

Can save the date wording be funny or punny?

Yes, humorous wording works well for casual weddings, second weddings, and elopement announcements. Match the punny tone to your invitation suite so guests aren’t surprised when the formal invite arrives. If your wedding ceremony is traditional, keep the save the date warm but understated.

Should both partners’ names appear on the save the date?

Both names should appear unless you have a specific reason otherwise. The traditional order is bride’s name first, but modern couples list names alphabetically, by who knows the recipient better, or simply by sound. There is no etiquette breach in choosing your own order.

Do save the dates replace the formal invitation?

No, save the dates only reserve the date. They do not include RSVP information, venue address, or ceremony time. The formal wedding invitation arrives 6-8 weeks before the wedding with full details. A save the date that promises “invitation to follow” sets the right expectation.

Do save the dates need to match wedding invitations?

They don’t need to match exactly, but they should feel like part of the same visual family. Using the same color palette, font style, or design motifs creates a cohesive stationery experience from first mail to wedding day. Many couples order both from Paperlust at the same time to lock in the design relationship.

Is ‘save the date’ one word or three?

Three words when used as a noun: ‘save the date.’ Hyphenated when used as an adjective: ‘save-the-date card.’ Both are correct. ‘Save the Date’ is the standard heading format on wording copy.

Should you put the wedding website on the save the date?

Recommended for most weddings, essential for destination weddings. A wedding website lets guests find hotel blocks, travel information, and your story before the formal invitation arrives. Place the URL at the bottom of the card in a smaller font size.

Can save the dates be sent digitally?

Yes, digital save the dates are a practical option, especially for large guest lists or destination weddings where you want to reach people quickly. At Paperlust, digital save the date files are available through customer service for $35 flat: you receive a JPEG or PDF of your design to send yourself via email or text. They are not orderable directly at checkout. Many couples send a digital save the date first, followed by a printed formal invitation.

Do you put an RSVP on a save the date?

No. RSVPs come with the formal invitation, not the save the date. The save the date is an advance notice only, guests are not expected to respond to it. If you include your wedding website, some guests may find a contact form there, but a formal RSVP process belongs on the RSVP card sent with the formal invitation.

What is the difference between a save the date and a wedding invitation?

A save the date goes out 6-12 months early with minimal information, just the date, names, and general location. A wedding invitation goes out 6-8 weeks before with all the details: venue address, ceremony time, RSVP deadline, accommodation information, and dress code. They serve different purposes at different stages of wedding planning.

Can I use casual wording on a formal wedding save the date?

Your save the date sets the tone for your stationery suite, so it should loosely match the formality of your wedding. A black-tie event calls for formal wording and traditional formatting. A casual backyard reception can absolutely use conversational wording. That said, the five essential elements (names, date, location, save the date call, invitation to follow) are required regardless of tone.

What do I write on a save the date for a destination wedding?

For a destination wedding save the date, include the country or region rather than just a city, since guests need enough information to research flights and accommodation. Add your wedding website URL so they can find a hotel room block or travel recommendations early. A brief note acknowledging the travel involved helps set expectations warmly, something like “We hope you can join us in Tuscany.”

Can the save the date wording be different from the invitation wording?

Yes. The save the date does not need to mirror your invitation wording exactly. Many couples use first names only on the save the date and full names on the invitation, or a casual tone on the save the date and more formal language on the invitation. Consistency in design ties the suite together even if the wording register shifts.

What should I write on a save the date for a postponed wedding?

If your wedding was postponed, lead with ‘Updated Save the Date’ so guests immediately understand the context. Include the new date, location, and a note about the original date in parentheses. Direct guests to your wedding website for any questions. Keep the tone warm and clear, most guests will be understanding, and a direct card prevents confusion.

Do save the dates need to go to everyone on the guest list?

Yes. Send a save the date to every person you plan to invite to the wedding. Only invite guests for whom you have sent a save the date, since a save the date creates an implicit social commitment. If circumstances change before the formal invitation and you need to trim numbers, navigate that directly rather than by simply not sending an invitation to someone who received a save the date.

How do I word a save the date for an elopement reception?

State upfront that you already got married and are now inviting guests to a celebration or reception. Include the reception date and location. A warm, excited tone works well here since the news is happy even if the context is different from a traditional pre-wedding announcement. Example: “We did it! Join Emma and James for a wedding celebration on [Month Day], 2027 in Portland, Oregon. Invitation to follow.”

The post Save the Date Wording: 30+ Examples for Every Wedding Style | Paperlust appeared first on Paperlust.

Sarah Jellie, Makeup by Sarah

“I love that every face is different.”

Sarah has been a qualified beauty therapist for seven years, and has just kicked off her own business in 2015. Seeing her at work makes it clear that she is capable of putting anybody at ease and making them feel gorgeous. “I love the opportunity I have to be creative and to have fun,” she tells me. “Every face is different and unique, just as every bride is.” Sarah is available for all occasional makeup. Her specialty? The flawless, natural look that accentuates all the bride’s best features.

WebsiteEmail

Lauren McHutchison, Where Love Blooms

“I like to get everything exactly how the bride wants it, instead of handing her a book of options to choose from.”

Lauren found her beginning as a florist when she did the flowers for her own wedding, and her sister’s wedding. Then, a few years ago, she started working with a friend who is a florist, learning the techniques as she went. In 2015 she branched out, starting ‘Where Love Blooms’.

When I ask Lauren what her favourite thing is about her job, she lights up. “I love chatting with brides, getting to know them and capturing their vision. It’s amazing to translate their dreams into reality. I love to get everything exactly how the bride wants it, unique to her, which is really different from a normal florist where you choose an existing option from a book.”

Her favourite flower? “That’s like asking me to choose a favourite child!” She thinks for a long time. “I love working with sweet pea, for the challenge it presents.”

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Tonia Wilcox, GingerKitchen

“Look, I’ve got goose bumps just talking about it.”

Tonia is the function coordinator at GingerKitchen, a new Warrnambool venue. With an extensive history in hospitality, the team at GingerKitchen have been at the Deakin site since August 2014, when the uni funded a full refurbishment of the space.

“We were so excited to grab this opportunity when it came up,” Tonia tells me. She tells me about the different events they have hosted, and what strikes me is how versatile both the staff and the venue are. GingerKitchen can do anything, from corporate functions to wedding ceremonies or receptions. They can seat anywhere from 50 to 350 people comfortably, and have all the benefits of the campus amenities: heaps of parking, and accommodation on-site from $60 per night. They make all their food in house, from scratch, and their team has decades of industry experience in top local restaurants. Besides all that, it’s just a stunning, classy venue, with great views over the river.

Tonia’s enthusiasm for coordinating events is contagious. “I love helping people see their vision come to reality: The whole process of getting to know the bride and groom: understanding what they want from their day and making it happen. I get goose bumps just thinking about that satisfaction at the end of the day when I’ve seen it all come together perfectly.”

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LizzyWaterson, Elizabeth Jean Weddings & Events

“I love exceeding people’s expectations.”

Lizzy is a wedding and events planner who spent years around weddings working in hospitality before launching her own business in 2014. She is warm, bubbly, and has the most endearing New Zealand accent despite having lived in Australia for almost a decade. I hear a rumour on the day that she once competed in the National Culinary Fare’s competition for front of house staff. She confirms this, but laughs it off.

“I love being the one in the background, seeing everything go to plan. I love exceeding people’s expectations. I’ve always had a tendency to think ‘what if’, and to plan for all possibilities.” That serves her well in her job, where she basically acts as the bride’s PA before and during the wedding, and makes sure any problems on the day are dealt with before the bride notices.

We chatted about DIY weddings. “I love DIY! It’s awesome!” But, she tells me, many people don’t think about the practicalities of bringing it all together. It’s easy to get stuck in the fun creative details and lose sight of both the big picture and the minutiae. Who is going to co ordinate set-up and pack-up on the day? Who will communicate with your vendors? Who will make sure all your beautiful DIY projects are set up properly? That is where Lizzy steps in: a trustworthy coordinator is a must, even for the hands-on bride.

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Chris Allsop, Chris Allsop Photography

“I love to tell the story of a wedding through pictures.”

Chris has been a professional photographer since 2008. He got his start as a kids’ birthday party photographer (yeah, apparently those exist!) before branching out into weddings about five years ago, to challenge himself creatively. Chris is fantastic with people, so it suits him perfectly. He charms his subjects to make them comfortable and bring out their best side. He aims to tell stories with his photography, so that looking through the albums later will bring the whole day rushing back and make people who weren’t there feel like they were.

Chris was instrumental in organising this collaboration, along with Laura Mahony, with the aim of showcasing the “reinvigorated wedding scene in Warrnambool.” With so many young creatives returning to the Southwest after time away learning their craft, there is an exciting influx of talent and experience in the area. All this, combined with the stunning local scenery and coastline, make Warrnambool the perfect wedding location, both for locals and for those planning a destination wedding.

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Laura Mahony, Laura Mahony Photography

“I love the amazing vibe of a wedding day.”

Laura has been photographing people for 15 years, and photographing weddings professionally for 2. After encountering film photography in high school she fell in love, and continued with film photography beyond school. In 2013, Laura went along to a film photography workshop that spent time focusing on weddings, and she fell in love all over again. “It should have been obvious because I’d been buying wedding mags for years purely for the pictures!”

Since then, Laura’s passion has only increased and broadened (including a recent move into digital photography). “I love that I’m there to share one of my clients’ most loving and emotional days of their lives. I love seeing their love for one another and I love the overall amazing vibe of a wedding day.”

Laura photographs weddings, but also offers business, product and fashion photography. “I love the creative and physical freedom my work offers me.”

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Other collaborators on the day were Cathleen Jia (wedding dresses), and Pitstop Menswear (the groom’s outfit). The stunning models are Jessica G. and Mitch from Brazen Models. And of course, we provided the wedding invitations!

See more on Ivory Tribe, or check out Chris’s post for more pics and behind-the-scene details of the day.

https://paperlust.co/blog

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Flag-Themed Save the Dates:

For the full effect, try a flag on one side, and your information on the other. This one is a great and simple way to introduce the guests to the country they’re heading to. Don’t be afraid to splash out on your paper either; think foil stripes and letterpress stars.

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Save the Date Postcards:

On the rare occasion that I’ve received one, I’ve always thought of postcards as really charming. If you’re doing a scout trip to your wedding destination, why not pick up some authentic postcards from the country! It’ll make your save the date that little bit extra special. Imagine the look on your Nana’s face when she gets one of these beauties in the post. You’ll also save with these ones, as you don’t have to worry about envelopes.

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Smelly Save the Dates

Save the date cards with incense sticks. You read that right, incense. We have five senses, after all. There’s no reason why you can’t add the element of smell to your save the date or your invitation. Is your wedding taking place on the luscious beaches of the Barbados? Or maybe inside the ancient palaces of India. Both of these places are beautiful in their own right, and have a distinct smell. I once received a save the date for a Bali wedding that had incense sticks inside. As soon as I opened the box, I was hooked. It was such a lovely surprise. You could include cinnamon sticks, lavender, ginger, rosemary, garam masala or bay leaves just to name a few. Bind them together with a simple piece of string and send them off with your save the dates; and look forward to your friends calling you up to gush over how original you are.

Bilingual Save the Dates

Write the details in English and the native language of your destination in your save the date cards. Again, you’re giving your guests a peek of the culture that they can discover if they decide to join you on your wedding day. For an extra flair, include another card that has a few handy phrases in the other language. This one also gets points for being easy to organise and cost effective.

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Travel-Themed Save the Dates

A passport as a save the date card! If you want to make the message loud and clear that we’re taking flight, send your guest a makeshift passport (completed with a stamp from your destination inside, of course!). If you’re making a custom design, feel free to include some other small details. For the coat of arms on the front of the passport, add an iconic animal from your destination; an elk for Canada, a tiger for Thailand, a bull for Spain and so on. These details are small, but will be appreciated by those with a keen eye. A map also pairs up nicely with the passport theme. Whether that’s a world map or country map is up to you.

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Remember; this is your wedding! You want to get the guests enthusiastic from the start. A clever save the date will have them waiting on your full invitation. We at Paperlust also recommend that whatever theme you go with for your save the date, you carry on through your invitation and onto the day. It’s also great to finish off with thank you cards.

For more on this, check out our article ‘Why Have a Save the Date?’ And don’t forget that we have some great tips on wording your save the dates. We’ve got you covered!

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