A simple question deserves an easy answer–no, save the dates and wedding invitations are not the same. But it’s easy to see how a couple immersed in all the crazy details of wedding planning can mix them up! In this blog, we’ll clarify the difference, discuss why both are necessary, and go over the whats and whens of each.

Save the dates are simple cards that should be mailed 6-8 months before your wedding date. Their purpose is to give your guests time to plan for this really big day in your life. You want as many of your guests to attend as possible, right? Save the dates announce your date well ahead of time so that your guests can mark the day in their calendar and perhaps not plan a vacation for that weekend. So if you want a good turnout, then save the dates are necessary.

What should save the dates include?

The best thing about save the dates is that they’re simple. The only information they need to provide is: 

• Your names

• Date

• Wedding location (i.e., city & state)

• A note that a formal invitation will follow.

That’s it! As long as you have the above info, you can do whatever you like with your save the dates. For more tips and ideas, check out these two blogs: Why Save the Dates Lead to a Successful Wedding, Part 1 & Part 2.

Wedding invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks before your wedding date. So, this should be easy to remember: one wedding correspondence is sent 6-8 months before, and the other 6-8 weeks before. This timeframe works for the invitation because it gives guests time to make more immediate arrangements and RSVP but isn’t so far ahead that they forget about it. Who’s been guilty of putting things off because “there’s still time”? We’ve all been there, and your guests likely have too. So allows try to hit that sweet spot!

What wedding invitations should include:

Unlike the save the date, the wedding invitation needs to provide all of your wedding details. Time, location, travel/transportation, etc. In short, your main invitation should include the following: 

• Hosts’ names (you, your parents, etc.)

• Your names

• Date & time

• Ceremony venue & address

• Note saying reception to follow.

In addition, almost all invitations will include at least one insert card. The most common inserts are RSVP cards, reception cards, and information cards. To learn more about insert cards, check out the blog What Wedding Invitation Pieces You Really Need–Putting Your Suite Together.

Save the dates and invitations work together as an efficient team to communicate your wedding information to your guests. But knowing the difference is just the beginning. Designing, printing, and mailing these different stationery pieces can be time-consuming in addition to the other planning details that need attention. Hiring a wedding stationer, much like hiring a wedding planner, can make the process easier and reduce stress. We’re now booking 2022 weddings, with limited space for 2021. Let us know how we can help you!