When to send save the dates
Once you’ve secured your wedding date and booked your venue, we suggest sending out save the date cards as soon as possible. These should ideally be sent around 6-12 months in advance of your wedding date, as this will give your guests plenty of time to plan ahead. If you’re having a destination wedding or your date falls during the busy summer season, you might want to send them out even earlier.
It’s important to remember that save the dates don’t need to include all the little details – just the date and venue will do for now! If you have a wedding website, you could even include a link for your guests to take a look at and bookmark for future reference.
Do you send save the dates to evening guests?
Many couples wonder whether evening guests should receive save the date cards. Save the dates are typically reserved for day guests only, as they need more notice to plan travel and book time off work. Evening guests only attend the evening reception and not the formal sit-down meal, so they don’t need as much advanced notice.
However, if some of your evening guests will be travelling a long distance, or if your reception is on a significant date, you could send a save the date with a clear note that they are only invited to the evening celebrations. A simple text message or a phone call could also work if you want to make it more casual!
When to send out wedding invitations
Formal wedding invitations are usually sent out 8-12 weeks in advance. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements. If your wedding falls on a bank holiday weekend or during peak wedding season, you should err on the side of caution and send your invitations closer to the 12 week mark.
When it comes to destination weddings, we recommend sending out invitations around 3-4 months before the big day. This will give your guests a chance to book their accommodation and travel before things get too expensive.
RSVP deadlines
When sending out your formal invitations, it’s really important to set a clear RSVP deadline. A good rule of thumb is to ask for responses at least six weeks before your wedding. That way, you can see the final numbers well in advance, and make any necessary adjustments to the seating plan or menu.
If you’ve set up a wedding website, you can ask your guests to RSVP digitally. This makes it much easier to track responses and clearly see who you need to send final reminders to – there’s always one or two that forget to respond!
Digital vs. traditional wedding invitations
Many couples are now choosing to send out digital wedding invitations, thanks to their convenience and eco-friendliness. Digital invites also cut out printing and postage costs, making them a great budget-friendly option. Greenvelope and With Joy are two fantastic platforms that allow you to design and send stylish e-vites, and also track your RSVPs.
However, some couples still prefer traditional paper invitations. Receiving physical invitations in the post is an exciting experience, and can help make your guests feel truly special. They also serve as a physical keepsake to help you and your guests remember the big day.
Sending printed invitations to close family members and older guests, while using digital invites for younger friends, can be a good way to achieve the best of both worlds.
Can’t wait to start planning your dream wedding?
Here at Lapstone Barn, we know everything there is to know about wedding planning. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, we’re here to help make the wedding planning process enjoyable and exciting. Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team for more wedding planning tips and inspiration – we can’t wait to be part of your special day!
