Save-the-dates essentially alert guests that they are going to be invited to your wedding in the coming months, along with sharing basic date and location information. Couples typically send out save-the-dates a few months after they’ve gotten engaged and have decided on a wedding date and venue.

Whats the difference between save-the-date and invitations?

The biggest difference between save-the-date cards and wedding invitations is that the first is meant to put guests on notice, while the second acts as a formal invitation to the event. For that reason, save-the-dates are sent first — often months or even a year before the wedding date.

How do save-the-dates work?

Mail your save the dates. The basic rule of thumb is to send save the dates 6 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, it is customary to mail save the dates 8 to 12 months in advance. For a local affair, send save the dates 4 months in advance.