Whether you’re planning a destination or hometown wedding, your guests need to schedule their time and activities. This could mean canceling plans for a yearly ski trip, or postponing that dream vacation in the Bahama’s. Whatever they may have planned, surely they would rather be around for your big day.

Still, how much notice you can provide depends on when you start planning. That’s where Save the Date cards come in. Save the Date gives you an easy way to let people know about the big day, without actually knowing all the details yourself. You set the date, and that’s your benchmark – time to get busy planning.

When To Order & Send Save the Date Cards

In general, it is best to order and send out save the date cards at least 6 to 12 months in advance of your wedding date.

A traditional wedding invitation suite includes the main invitation, a response card, and at least 1 card for event details. Event details are typically added to a details card. However, depending on the event requirements, the details card can be replaced, or supplemented. A select set of other commonly used ‘details’ cards include the accommodations card, reception card, and a website card. Space on these smaller cards is limited, but you can sometimes mix it up a little by combining small bits of information to just 1 card.

How long before my wedding should I send out invitations?

Wedding invitations should be sent out 2 months prior to your wedding date. In case of a destination wedding, 4 months prior. You should place your order 2 months before then.

Overseas Guests

If you are inviting overseas guests, it’s OK to send their invites at the same time, but it would be a good idea to send them out earlier. If you can’t, you can always send them an email in advance, or just give them a call.

On the day of your wedding, you will need printed cards to assist with the reception of guests and to highlight the services and selections provided for the event. Orders for these stationery should be placed 2 months prior to the wedding day. Below are some of the examples for the Wedding Day Stationery.

Wedding Program/Reception Program
Everyone wants to know about those little details; from when the dinner bell rings to the speeches that will be made, the cutting of the cake and
the first dance. Programs are the itinerary used to inform guests of how your event will unfold.

Table Numbers
Placed on each table, these cards are used to identify the table for your ushers and guests.

Place cards
Place cards are placed on the table, at each seat, to inform your guests where to sit. Add it to a favor and your guests will find a little something extra to preoccupy their minds, or contain their excitement.

Menu
The Menu Card informs the guests of the meal ahead. It can provide a set menu, or meal and order options, or choices for those with dietary restrictions. If you are hosting a buffet, this option is not necessary.