One of the most important and first steps of planning a wedding is to set a date. Once that is done brides and grooms can send out save the dates and invitations. But what is the right timing for that?

SAVE THE DATES

Some couples choose to send out a card to their guests to make them save the date. It is not necessary to include a venue or any other information about the wedding yet. Generally save the date notes can be send between 3 to 6 months prior to the wedding. This is especially helpful if it is a destination wedding or if guests need to travel. By sending a save the dates guests can prepare and open their schedule for the wedding (make travel arrangements, ask off work, …).

INVITATIONS

The formal invitation should be send out about 1 to 2 months before the wedding. Include the ceremony as well as the reception venue and all the other information for your guests (specific time, hotel information, …). Do not send the invitation earlier than that to avoid that your guests will loose their invitation. 

TIP: Give yourself enough time to order and address all your save the dates and invitations. Depending on your guest list calculate about 1 to 2 weeks for putting the invitations together and addressing them.