If you're just beginning to plan your wedding stationery, you may be wondering if you really need both save the dates and wedding invitations. They often contain some of the same information, but they each serve a different purpose and are sent at different points in your planning timeline.
Understanding the role of each piece will help you decide what your guests need to know and when they need to know it!
A save the date is the first announcement of your wedding. Its purpose is simple: let guests know your wedding date so they can reserve it on their calendars.
Because these are mailed well before your invitations, they don't need to include every wedding detail. Instead, they answer the biggest question your guests have early on: When is the wedding?
A typical save the date includes:
That's it. You don't need to include venue information, ceremony time, RSVP cards, dress code, or accommodation details.
Most couples mail save the dates 6 to 8 months before their wedding.
You may want to send them even earlier if:
Sending them early gives guests plenty of time to request time off, book flights, and arrange accommodations if needed.
Your wedding invitation is the official invitation to your celebration. Unlike a save the date, it includes the details guests need to attend your wedding and respond to your invitation.
A wedding invitation suite typically includes:
Depending on your wedding, you may also include weekend itinerary cards, maps, or other enclosure cards.
Wedding invitations are typically mailed 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding.
This timeline gives guests enough time to RSVP while still allowing you to finalize seating charts, catering counts, and other details before the big day.
Not every couple sends save the dates, but many find them helpful.
A save the date is worth considering if:
If your wedding is only a few months away or your guest list is still changing, you may decide to skip save the dates and send invitations instead.
Absolutely. Many couples choose a save the date that introduces the overall style of their wedding while saving the finer details for the invitation suite.
Others prefer a completely different look, using engagement photos on their save the dates before transitioning into a more formal invitation design.
There isn't a right or wrong approach. The decision comes down to the style you're hoping to create and how you want your stationery to evolve throughout the planning process.
Save the dates and wedding invitations work together, but they aren't interchangeable. A save the date gives guests advance notice so they can begin planning, while your invitation provides the information they need to officially celebrate with you.
Understanding the difference makes it easier to plan your stationery timeline and helps ensure your guests have the information they need every step of the way.
At Julia Kay Design, both save the dates and wedding invitations can be designed to coordinate with one another while still serving different purposes. Browse our semi-custom collections to start your stationery journey, or get in touch to begin something completely custom.
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