Your Save the Date is your first official wedding related communication, so it's important to get it right.

It doesn't matter what kind of save the date you want to send out, but there are some general etiquette guidelines you should follow.

When to send them out

If you are planning a local wedding, it’s best to send out your save the dates at least 8 months prior to your wedding – 10 months is even better.

Asking people to travel for your wedding? To give guests enough time to make travel arrangements and arrange childcare, send your save the dates out 10-12 months before your big day.

Who should receive one?

Ideally, you should finalise your guest list before you send out save the dates. If you plan on having a B-list, who to send a save the date to becomes a little trickier. If someone on the B-list realizes they received a save the date much later, they will know they weren’t on the original list, which could be awkward.

If you want to play it safe, only send a save the date to your closest family and friends and an invitation to them and everyone else. This way, if you have a flexible guest list, nobody feels left out. If you do this, be prepared for a smaller turnout as not everyone will have set the date aside.

Above all else, make sure that anyone who receives a save the date also receives an invitation.

What to include

Your save the date does not need to be complicated or overly detailed. At a minimum, you should include your names, a date, and where you plan to get married. These basic details are enough for people to set the date aside and make the necessary arrangements ahead of time. You may also indicate that a formal invitation will be sent out in the next few months.

If you have had an engagement photo session, your photographer should be able to use your gorgeous photos to create you an extra special personalised card.

If you would like an engagement photo session to create beautiful memories, and also to have wonderful images to use for your save the date cards and guest signing book for your wedding reception, find out more at Engagement Photo Sessions

Enjoy planning your wedding.