# When to Send Save-the-Dates (and What to Include) > When to send save-the-dates: most couples send them 6–8 months ahead, or 8–12 months ahead for destination weddings. Here’s what to include and who should get one. Source: https://readytoweddy.com/guides/send-save-the-dates Publisher: ReadyToWeddy (https://readytoweddy.com) · Last updated: 2026-09-17 Send save-the-dates about six to eight months before the wedding, or eight to twelve months ahead for destination weddings or dates near a holiday. They should include your names, the date, the location and [your wedding website](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/create-wedding-website). Here’s how to time them, what to write, and who should receive one. ## When should you send save-the-dates? For most weddings, six to eight months before the date gives guests enough notice without arriving so early they’re forgotten. The right timing depends on how much planning guests need to do. If most people live nearby and the date is an ordinary weekend, the later end of that range works well. Send them earlier when guests need to fly, request extended time off, or [book accommodation in a busy area](https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#reserve-guest-accommodation). Eight to twelve months ahead is common for destination weddings, long weekends and peak holiday periods. - Local wedding, ordinary weekend: about 6–8 months ahead - Holiday weekend or many traveling guests: about 8–12 months ahead - [Destination wedding](https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/destination-wedding): about 8–12 months ahead - Holiday weekend or peak season: toward the earlier end ## Do you need save-the-dates at all? Save-the-dates are helpful but not required. They’re most valuable when guests need to make travel plans, when accommodation is limited, or when your date falls somewhere people often have other commitments. For a small local wedding, a personal message or phone call can do the same job. If you skip them, consider [sending invitations a little earlier](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/send-invitations) than usual so guests still have time to plan. Either way, what matters is that people hear the date with enough notice. ## What to include on a save-the-date A save-the-date is a short note, not a full invitation. Keep it simple and focused on what guests need to hold the date and start planning. Leave out the detailed schedule, which may still change. - Both of your names - The wedding date - The city or region, and the venue if confirmed - Your wedding website address - A line saying a formal invitation will follow - Guest names, clearly addressed, so it’s obvious who is invited ## Who should receive a save-the-date? Only send save-the-dates to people you are certain will be invited. Anyone who receives one will reasonably expect an invitation, and taking that back is uncomfortable for everyone. If [your guest list](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/draft-guest-list) is still uncertain, send save-the-dates only to your definite guests, or wait until the list is settled. Address each one to the specific people invited. If a guest may bring a partner, say so here. If [children aren’t invited](https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/6-to-9-months#decide-on-children), naming only the adults on the envelope or message helps set expectations early. ## Printed or digital save-the-dates? Printed save-the-dates feel more formal and can double as a keepsake, but they take time to design, print and post, and they add to your budget. Digital save-the-dates are faster, cheaper and easy to track, and they let guests click straight through to your website. Many couples mix both: printed cards for older relatives and anyone who would value one, and digital versions for everyone else. Whichever you choose, keep the design and wording consistent with your later invitations. ## Common save-the-date mistakes to avoid Most problems come from sending too soon, before key details are fixed. Make sure your date is confirmed in [a signed venue contract](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/book-venue) and your guest list is final before anything goes out. Proofread names, the date and the website address, and ask someone else to check them too. - Sending before the venue contract is signed - Including guests you’re not sure about - Printing a website address that doesn’t work yet - Unclear addressing about plus-ones or children - Forgetting to track who has received one ## Task checklist ### Send save-the-dates - When: 5–12 months before (6–9 Months Before) - Category: Invitations & Stationery - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/guides/send-save-the-dates Send save-the-dates 6–8 months before the wedding, or 8–12 months ahead for destination or holiday weddings, with your names, date, location and website. **Why it matters:** Save-the-dates give guests an early heads-up so they can keep the date free, request time off and book travel before prices rise. They matter most when guests are traveling, accommodation is limited or the date falls near a holiday. Sending them also commits you to your guest list, so it’s worth being sure about who’s invited first. **Steps:** - [ ] Confirm your guest list, including plus-ones. - [ ] Check names, spellings and addresses are current. - [ ] Choose printed or digital, and check postage. - [ ] Include both names, the date, city and website address. - [ ] Add a note that a formal invitation will follow. - [ ] Proofread carefully, then send. - [ ] Track who you’ve sent them to. **Helpful questions:** - “Are we completely sure about everyone on this list?” - “Do any guests need extra notice because they’re traveling?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often forget that anyone who receives a save-the-date will expect an invitation. - Only send save-the-dates to people you’re certain to invite. **Best done after:** Confirm your date and tell key people; Draft your guest list in three tiers; Collect guest addresses and contact details ## FAQ ### How far in advance should you send save-the-dates? Most couples send save-the-dates six to eight months before the wedding. For destination weddings, holiday weekends or when many guests need to travel, eight to twelve months ahead gives people more time to book flights, accommodation and time off. ### Is it too late to send save-the-dates 4 months before the wedding? It’s later than usual, but you can still send them. At that point, many couples skip save-the-dates and send invitations a little early instead, so guests get all the details in one step with enough time to plan. ### Do you have to invite everyone who gets a save-the-date? Yes. Anyone who receives a save-the-date will expect a formal invitation. That’s why it’s best to send them only once your guest list is settled, and only to people you are certain you’ll invite. ### What should a save-the-date say? A save-the-date should include both of your names, the wedding date, the city or venue, your wedding website address and a note that a formal invitation will follow. Keep it short, and leave detailed timings for the invitation. ### Are digital save-the-dates acceptable? Yes, digital save-the-dates are widely used. They’re quicker, cheaper and easy to track, and guests can click through to your website. Some couples send printed cards to older relatives and digital versions to everyone else.