Save the dates are one of those things couples either send way too late or stress about way too early. Here's a straightforward guide to timing yours right so your guests have the heads up they need, without you scrambling at the last minute.
For most Australian weddings, send your save the dates 8 to 12 months before your wedding date. That's a wide window, and where you land within it depends on a few key factors.
YOUR WEDDING DATE
Peak dates, think Saturdays in spring and autumn, school holiday weekends, and long weekends, book out fast. If you're marrying on a high-demand date, lean toward the earlier end of that window.
HOW FAR GUESTS ARE TRAVELLING
DETAILS YOU NEED TO FINALISE FIRST
Don't send save the dates until your venue is locked in on your preferred wedding date and be sure to have a final guest list ready. They are the only non-negotiables. Everything else can still be in progress.
Keep it simple. You don't need all the details yet, that's what invitations are for. Just include:
Sending save the dates more than 12 months out is usually unnecessary unless you have a large number of overseas guests or an unusual circumstance. Too early and people file it away and forget.
Six months is really the minimum for a standard local wedding. Any less than that and you risk guests having already made conflicting plans, especially for popular dates. If you're running behind, prioritise getting your save the dates out before anything else. Your invitations can follow closer to the wedding, at approximately 3-4 months before your wedding.
Save the dates go out first. Invitations follow around 3 to 4 months before the wedding. Don't skip save the dates and go straight to invitations, especially if you have guests travelling or a high-demand date. They serve different purposes.
However, if you are within 6 months of your wedding date and you haven't sent out save the date cards, I would get straight to sending out your invitations and skip save the dates altogether, just please be aware that some guests may find conflicts with availability to attend on your wedding date.
At White Cherry Invitations, save the dates are available in a range of shapes and over 40 card stock colours, with free guest name printing and coloured envelopes included. Once your date, venue and guest list are confirmed, you're ready to get started.
Head to the White Cherry Invitations online store to browse designs, or get in touch if you have questions. We're happy to help.
Happy planning and until next time!
Bel đ¤
