Save the dates should generally be sent between 6 to 12 months before the wedding. For local weddings, the ideal time to send save the dates is about 6 to 9 months in advance, giving guests ample time to mark their calendars and plan. For destination weddings or weddings requiring significant travel, save the dates should be sent earlier, roughly 9 to 12 months before the event, to allow guests time for travel arrangements such as booking flights, accommodations, and requesting time off work. Sending save the dates too early (more than a year in advance) is generally discouraged because guests might forget the date or plans could change, while sending them later than 4 to 6 months before the wedding might not provide enough notice for guests to prepare. Invitations are typically sent closer to the wedding date, about 2 to 3 months before the event. In summary:
- Local weddings: Send save the dates 6 to 9 months ahead.
- Destination weddings: Send save the dates 9 to 12 months ahead.
- Avoid sending save the dates more than a year early.
- Do not send save the dates less than 4 months before the wedding.
- Invitations are sent about 2-3 months before the wedding.
These guidelines ensure guests have adequate notice to plan and accommodate the wedding in their schedules.
