When Should We Send Save-the-Dates?

By Charlotte Garcia – Digital Wedding Invitation Expert

Introduction

The first time I heard the phrase "save-the-dates," I remember thinking: Is that like pre-invites? Do I really need them? Is there a rule? And then I blinked, and suddenly I was knee-deep in a guest list, juggling dates, venues, and worried texts from my mom asking if she could tell her book club the wedding date yet.

If you're in that same spot—somewhere between "just got engaged" and "where did all these spreadsheets come from?"—take a deep breath. You're exactly where you're supposed to be. And yes, we’re going to talk about when to send your save-the-dates. But first, let’s talk about where you are emotionally.

The Emotional Reality of This Phase

Right now, you’re probably excited, overwhelmed, and just starting to see how many moving parts go into planning a wedding. You're not quite in full-blown RSVP-tracking mode yet, but you are trying to pin down your people, your place, and your plan.

You might also be feeling the pressure:

• "We picked a date… should people know?"

• "What if we wait too long and no one can come?"

• "Is it weird to send something before we have all the details?"

Spoiler: it’s not weird. It’s smart. Save-the-dates are like an emotional safety net—for you and your guests.

So, When Should You Actually Send Save-the-Dates?

The short answer:

Local weddings: 6 to 8 months in advance.

Destination weddings or peak seasons (holidays, summer, school terms): 9 to 12 months in advance.

And yes—you can send digital wedding invitations as your save-the-dates. They arrive instantly, save on postage, and are easy to track.

Sending early is not being over-eager. It's being thoughtful. You're giving your favorite people time to:

• Book travel and accommodation

• Secure time off work

• Budget for the celebration

• Feel included, not last-minute

  
  

Especially if your wedding falls on a long weekend, during school holidays, or at a remote location, your guests will genuinely appreciate the heads-up.

A Personal Note on Save-the-Date Anxiety

I once worked with a couple planning a vineyard wedding in Australia during Easter weekend. Gorgeous idea—except they waited too long to send save-the-dates.

Flights went up, accommodations sold out, and they had to spend weeks on the phone helping guests figure out Plan B. (Spoiler: they switched to digital wedding invitations for the actual invites and never looked back.)

The takeaway? Sending save-the-dates isn’t just polite. It’s protective.

What to Include (and What Not to Worry About)

Keep it simple:

• Your names

• The wedding date

• City and state (or country)

• A note that a formal invite will follow

• Optional (but helpful):

• Wedding website (if it’s ready)

• Hotel block info or travel tips

• RSVP hint ("Stay tuned for the official invite!")

• What you don’t need yet:

• Exact venue

• Dress code

• Registry details

• RSVP deadline

  
  

This phase is about planting the seed, not delivering the full menu.

Tips to Keep You Calm (and Guests Informed)

Tip 1: Digital save-the-dates = Instant peace of mind. You can send, track, and update without licking a single stamp.

Tip 2: Use guest list tools. Keep tabs on who you’ve sent to, and build your final invite list from there.

Tip3: Don’t overthink the design. Clean, clear, and cheerful always wins.

Start early, even if you’re not ready to send. Gathering addresses and confirming travel tips now will make your life easier later.

Remember, your guests aren’t expecting perfection. They just want to celebrate with you.

Final Thoughts

Sending save-the-dates isn’t about being fancy or formal. It’s about making space—for your guests to plan, for your mind to relax, and for your wedding to unfold with a little more ease.

You don’t need to have all the answers yet. Just the date, the love, and a little courage to press "send."

Whether you go traditional or choose digital wedding invitations, remember: this is your moment to start including the people you care about. And there’s something really beautiful in that.

So go ahead, give your people the heads-up. The party's coming—and it's going to be amazing.