Save the Dates: When to Send Them and What to Include

Save the Dates are one of the first official pieces of wedding stationery you’ll send out, letting guests know when and where your wedding will take place. But with so many details still in progress, couples often wonder: Do we really need to send them? When should they go out? What should they say?

This week on 52 ‘Til I Do, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Save the Dates—from timing and design choices to handling the guest list.

If you’re debating whether Save the Dates are necessary or want to avoid common mistakes, this guide will walk you through the essentials.

Do You Need to Send Save the Dates?

Save the Dates aren’t a requirement, but they are highly recommended if:

• You want to build excitement and make sure guests mark their calendars
• You have a lot of out-of-town guests who need to make travel plans
• Your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or busy season
• You’re having a destination wedding where flights and accommodations should be booked early

While formal invitations provide all the details, Save the Dates ensure your guests don’t accidentally book another event before your wedding date.

When Should You Send Save the Dates?

The timing of your Save the Dates depends on your wedding type:

• Destination Weddings: 8–12 months before
• Local Weddings: 6–8 months before
• Holiday or Peak Season Weddings: At least 9 months before

If you’re working with a shorter engagement, send them as soon as you have a confirmed date and location.

What to Include on a Save the Date

Save the Dates aren’t invitations—they’re a simple announcement. Here’s what they should include:

• Your Names – Keep it clear and simple
• Wedding Date – The main reason for sending them
• Location (City & State) –You don’t have to list the specific venue information, but list the city and state to help guests start planning
• “Formal Invitation to Follow” – A note letting guests know more details are coming

Optional Details

• Wedding Website – A great place to direct guests for travel and event updates
• Accommodation Info – If hotel blocks are already secured, you can mention them
• Engagement Photos – Adds a personal touch but isn’t required

What Not to Include

• RSVP Requests – That happens when invitations go out
• Exact Venue (unless necessary) – This will be on the formal invite
• Registry Info – Keep this for your website, not your Save the Date

Paper vs. Digital Save the Dates

Both printed and digital Save the Dates have benefits. Choosing between them depends on your wedding style, guest list, and budget.

Paper Save the Dates

• Best for: Formal weddings, traditional stationery lovers, and couples who want a keepsake
• Pros: Tangible, visually impactful, sets the tone for the wedding
• Cons: More expensive, requires mailing, can get lost

Digital Save the Dates

• Best for: Budget-conscious couples, tech-savvy guests, and destination weddings
• Pros: Cost-effective, instant delivery, easy to track
• Cons: Some guests may miss the email or prefer a physical reminder

Common Save the Date Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending Before Finalizing Your Guest List – Once a Save the Date is sent, that guest must be invited. Double-check your list first
• Including Too Many Details – Keep it short and to the point. The invitation will have the full itinerary
• Waiting Too Long to Send Them – If guests don’t get enough notice, they may already have travel conflicts
• Forgetting to Consider Printing & Mailing Time – If ordering paper Save the Dates, factor in design, printing, and shipping time
• Not Proofreading – Typos happen. Always triple-check before printing

Final Thoughts

Save the Dates set the stage for your wedding and help guests plan ahead. Whether you choose paper or digital, the key is sending them early and keeping them simple.

For a full breakdown of Save the Date etiquette, timing, and design tips, listen to the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

Have more Save-The-Date-related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!

Photo Credit to JNA Visuals

‍Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.