Now that you’ve said “yes,” it’s time to let those important to you know. One of the first very first tasks in the wedding planning process will be to settle on a date for your pending nuptials. It can take some time but once the date is set, be sure to send out those save-the-dates. These pre-invites give the time, date and location of your wedding, and inform guests that they will indeed be invited to the celebration. Below is a simple guide to help you with proper etiquette to ensure your guests do, indeed, save the date!

1. Are save-the-dates necessary?

As your first formal announcement of your big day, your save-the-dates can increase guests’ chances of attending. If having everyone you love there to celebrate your wedding is important to you, or if you are planning a destination wedding, then YES, save-the-dates are necessary.

2. When is the proper time to send save-the-dates?

You will need to send out your save-the-dates six to eight months prior to your wedding. This is so you can provide family and friends ample time to make plans to attend, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding.

3. Whom should they be sent to?

Send save-the-dates only to those you will be inviting to the wedding, even if you’ve already verbally communicated the date. Make sure you have your wedding guest list drafted before you send save-the-dates.

4. What information should be included on them?

You will need to include essential information such as the time, date and location of your wedding, as well as your wedding website (if applicable) so guests can stay informed.

5. Email or traditional mail?

With our increasingly tech-savvy world, it’s become acceptable to send save-the-dates through email. Sending your save-the-dates via email will be a cheaper and faster option for notifying your guests. However, keep in mind that emails can get filtered through spam folders or end up going to email addresses that aren’t checked regularly. There’s also a chance that some guests may not have email accounts. Physical save-the-dates are more likely to be pinned or tacked somewhere to serve as a friendly reminder to guests. These little notecards will also give guests a glimpse of the tone and feel of your wedding. We love snail-mail save-the-dates, followed by an email to your guest list with a link to your wedding website. Done and…DONE!