Why do you need both a save-the-date and an invitation, and what’s the difference between them?
When you're newly engaged, you've probably heard a lot about both "Save the Dates" and "Wedding Invitations." It can be confusing to know the difference, and even more so to understand why you need both. As a wedding invitation designer, I see these as two distinct but equally important parts of your wedding communication. Let's break down exactly what each piece does and why you need them to ensure a smooth planning process.
The Essential Role of the Save the Date
Think of your Save the Date as the exciting prologue to your wedding story. It's the very first official announcement of your upcoming nuptials, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring your loved ones can plan ahead to celebrate with you.
What is a Save the Date?
A Save the Date is a preliminary notice that simply tells your guests the date and location (city/state) of your wedding. It's designed to give your guests ample time to block off your wedding date on their calendars, especially if they'll need to travel or make other arrangements. It's typically a single card, often featuring a photo of the couple or a design that hints at your wedding theme and venue.
When to Send Your Save the Date:
For local weddings, 6-8 months before your wedding date is ideal. If you have many out-of-town guests or are planning a destination wedding, you'll want to send them out even earlier, perhaps 9-12 months in advance. This gives everyone plenty of time to book flights, accommodations, and request any PTO or coverage that they may need.
Why is a Save the Date important?
Guest Convenience: It gives your guests a heads-up, especially those who need to travel or request time off work.
Building Anticipation: It's the first tangible piece of your wedding journey your guests will receive, building excitement for your special day.
Early Guest Count: While not a formal RSVP, it helps you get a preliminary idea of who might be attending, which can be useful for planning estimates with your vendors.
Here's an example of a beautiful Save the Date I designed for a couple with custom artwork and a venue illustration.
I’ll have some more details about the etiquette of Save the Dates below, but first let’s jump into the rold of the wedding invitation for comparison.
The essential role of the Wedding Invitation
If the Save the Date is the prologue, the wedding invitation is the rich, detailed first chapter. It provides all the necessary information your guests need to attend and celebrate your marriage.
What is a Wedding Invitation?
Your wedding invitation suite is a formal request for your guests to attend your wedding ceremony and reception. It typically includes several pieces:
The Main Invitation: This card formally requests your guests' presence and provides the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the ceremony.
RSVP Card: This allows guests to formally accept or decline your invitation and often includes meal choices or other important events in need of headcounts.
Enclosure Cards: These can include details like reception information (if different from the ceremony location), accommodation options, directions, attire, or your wedding website address, to name a few.
Here’s a look at the complete invitation suite that followed the save the date from above, showing how all the pieces come together to provide a comprehensive guide and theme for your guests. The below design even incorporates a digital RSVP option instead of the traditional card and enevelope:
When to Send Your Wedding Invitations:
Generally, invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks before your wedding date. This timeline gives guests enough time to formally RSVP, make final travel plans, and purchase gifts, while also allowing you to finalize your guest count with your caterer and other vendors. For destination weddings, you might send them a bit earlier, around 10-12 weeks out.
Why is the wedding invitation just as important as a save the date?
Formal Request & Details: It's the official request for attendance and provides all the granular details guests need.
RSVP Management: The RSVP card is crucial for managing your guest list and vendor counts.
Sets the Tone: The design of your invitation suite truly sets the tone and theme for your entire wedding, from casual to black-tie elegant.
Cherished Keepsake: Many couples and guests keep the wedding invitation as a beautiful memento of the special day.
Etiquette for Sending and Receiving Wedding Stationery
For the Couple (The Senders):
Guest List Consistency: Only send a Save the Date to guests you are certain you will invite to the wedding. Everyone who receives a save the date should also receive your wedding invitation, regardless of whether you heard from them that they may not be able to attend.
Address Accuracy: Double-check all addresses for both Save the Dates and invitations.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! Before anything goes to print, ensure all names, dates, times, and locations are absolutely correct.
Clear RSVP Deadline: Make sure your RSVP date gives you enough time to get a final headcount to your vendors and reach out to any stragglers before final counts are due.
For the Guests (The Receivers):
Respond Promptly: RSVP by the requested date! This is incredibly important for the couple's planning.
Read Carefully: Pay attention to all the details on the invitation and enclosure cards.
Respect the "Plus One": If your invitation doesn't include a "plus one," assume it's an adults-only event or that only named individuals are invited.
Save the Dates are Not RSVPs: You don't need to respond to a Save the Date. Its purpose is simply to inform you of the date.
Write your name! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from couples that someone forgot to write their name on the RSVP card. Typically, there will be a blank line or a line preceded by an “M” for you to write in your name and any plus one you may have received.
Let’s start your wedding stationery design together!
My goal as a wedding invitation designer is to make this part of your planning enjoyable and stress-free, no matter where you are. From selecting the perfect paper to crafting bespoke designs that reflect your unique love story, I'm here to guide you. Whether you're planning a wedding here in the Tampa Bay area or are tying the knot in a scenic destination wedding, investing in both a Save the Date and a detailed invitation suite is key to ensuring your guests are fully informed and prepared to celebrate with you.
Don't underestimate the power of thoughtful stationery to inform, excite, and honor your guests. If you're a recently engaged couple searching for wedding stationery design that speaks to your style, let's connect! I'd love to help you create pieces that you and your guests will cherish forever.