Is a Save the Date the Same as an Invitation?
“Excuse me, is this wedding invitation for next Saturday?” I asked the receptionist at my office. “Oh no,” she replied, “it’s just a save the date.” I was confused. I had never heard of a save the date card before. As a result, I had no clue what it meant or what to do with it.
A save the date is a notice that is sent out to guests in advance of a wedding invitation. It typically includes the date and location of the wedding, as well as the names of the couple getting married. The purpose of a save the date is to give guests plenty of time to mark their calendars and make travel arrangements.
Save the Date vs. Invitation
Save the dates are not the same as wedding invitations. Invitations are more formal and include more information about the wedding, such as the time, dress code, and RSVP information. Save the dates are typically sent out 6-8 months before the wedding, while invitations are sent out 4-6 weeks before the wedding.
There are a few key differences between save the dates and invitations. First, save the dates are typically less formal than invitations. They may be printed on a postcard or even sent via email, while invitations are usually printed on heavier paper and mailed in an envelope. Second, save the dates do not include all of the information that is included on invitations. Save the dates typically only include the date, location, and names of the couple getting married, while invitations include the time, dress code, and RSVP information. Finally, save the dates are sent out earlier than invitations. Save the dates are typically sent out 6-8 months before the wedding, while invitations are sent out 4-6 weeks before the wedding.
When to Send Save the Dates
The best time to send out save the dates is 6-8 months before the wedding. This gives guests plenty of time to mark their calendars and make travel arrangements. If you are having a destination wedding, you may want to send out save the dates even earlier, such as 9-12 months before the wedding.
What to Include on a Save the Date
When choosing what to put on a save the date, consider the following information:
- The date and location of your wedding
- The names of the couple getting married
- A request for guests to save the date
- Your wedding website (optional)
You can also include other information on your save the date, such as:
- The time of your wedding (optional)
- The dress code (optional)
- A note about whether or not children are invited (optional)
Tips for Sending Save the Dates
Here are a few tips for sending save the dates:
- Send save the dates to all of your guests, even if you are not sure if they will be able to attend.
- Send save the dates early enough to give guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements.
- Include all of the important information on your save the dates, such as the date, location, and names of the couple getting married.
- Make sure your save the dates are easy to read and understand.
- Consider sending save the dates via email or text message to save on postage.
Conclusion
Save the dates are a great way to give your guests plenty of notice about your wedding. By following these tips, you can create save the dates that are informative and stylish.
Are you planning to send out save the dates for your wedding?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a save the date and an invitation?
A: Save the dates are less formal than invitations. Save the dates are typically sent out 6-8 months before the wedding, while invitations are sent out 4-6 weeks before the wedding.
Q: What should I include on a save the date?
A: The date and location of your wedding, the names of the couple getting married, and a request for guests to save the date.
Q: When should I send out save the dates?
A: 6-8 months before the wedding.
Q: Do I need to send save the dates to everyone on my guest list?
A: Yes, even if you are not sure if they will be able to attend.
Q: Can I send save the dates via email or text message?
A: Yes, but make sure to include all of the important information, such as the date, location, and names of the couple getting married.
