Save the Dates: Your Questions, Answered!

Your Wedding is no longer just a dream — it’s a reality. They liked it so they put a ring on it, the date has been set, the venue booked … now what? It’s time to let your family and friends know when the big day is by sending out your Save the Dates! Unsure if you actually need to send them out? Wondering if it’s too far out? Questioning who to send them to? We’ve got you covered. Find out our answers to some commonly asked questions on the who-what-where-when-why of Save the Date etiquette:

Are sending Save the Dates necessary?
As more elaborate Wedding celebrations have become more standard (i.e. two- or three- day celebrations, destination Weddings, etc.), so have Save the Dates. Also, if your Wedding is during a popular time such as a holiday weekend or pretty much any weekend over the summer, sending a Save the Date is an expected courtesy during those high-travel times. Of course, if you really don’t want to send one you don’t have to, but it’s nice to give your guests a heads up. Plus, remember that the sooner your family and friends know about your Wedding, the more likely they are to come!

When do you send Save the Dates?
A good rule of thumb is to send your Save the Dates about six months before your Wedding if it’s local, and eight months before if it’s a destination Wedding. Remember that out of town guests have to book their flight and hotel, and that many guests may have to request time off work. You’ll want to give them plenty of time to make their arrangements! If you send your Save the Date too early, it may get tossed aside. If you send it too late, it may as well be their invitation.

Who should get a Save the Date?
Excellent question. The “who” is simple — anyone you definitely want to come to your Wedding. Don’t forget to send Save the Dates to people like your immediate family and Wedding party, too. Even though you probably already have confirmation from them, the gesture will still be appreciated! Plus, it will help people like your forgetful sister (Who, me?) not double book something on your Wedding day. It’s important to remember that once you send someone a Save the Date, there’s no taking their invitation back!

Are you supposed to add “and Guest” to a Save the Date?
Yes. You want to be as straightforward as possible when it comes to who is invited to your Wedding and who isn’t. This reduces the chance of people assuming they’ll be invited to your Wedding. (Remember what happens when you assume things … ) Being up front will also help guests whose children are not invited arrange for a babysitter, and out-of-town guests to figure out who they can go in on rooms with.

What if something changes after we send our Save the Dates?
Although this is rare, it could happen! Luckily, with technology these days, nothing is a disaster. My best advice is to update your Wedding website (you can make one for free on The Knot or WeddingWire), then start sending out emails and/or making phone calls to spread the word! If you want, you could also send out a postcard explaining the change.

Are you getting ready to send our your Save the Dates? What other questions do you think other bride-to-be’s may have? Share what you’ve learned in the comments below, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

Check out some of our latest custom Save the Date designs on Pinterest!