Save the Dates: When to Send Them & What to Include (2026 Rules)

You have the date. You have the venue. Now, shout it from the rooftops! The "Save the Date" is the first official touchpoint your guests will have with your wedding. It’s not just an announcement; it’s a courtesy, allowing your loved ones to book flights, request time off, and budget for your big day.

But timing is tricky. Send it too early, and you might uninvite people later. Send it too late, and they might be busy. Here is the definitive 2026 guide.

1. The Golden Timeline

• Local Weddings: Send 6 to 8 months in advance.

  • Why? It gives guests plenty of notice without being weirdly early.

• Destination Weddings (or Holiday Weekends): Send 9 to 12 months in advance.

  • Why? International travel requires planning. Give them a year.

• The "Don't" Rule: Never send them before you have a signed contract with your venue.

2. What to Include (Keep it Minimal)

Save the Dates are not Invitations. Keep it brief:

• Who: Your names.

• When: The specific date (or weekend).

• Where: The city and state (Venue name is optional at this stage).

• The Website: "Formal invitation to follow" or "Visit our website for details."

3. The Smart Hack: Go Digital

The old way: Texting 150 people asking for their mailing addresses, creating a spreadsheet, and hand-writing envelopes. The Everly Studio way:

• Send a Digital Save the Date via email or text.

• Include a link to a form where guests type in their own mailing addresses.

• Result: You build your master guest list automatically for the formal invitations later. It’s a lifesaver.

(Conclusion) Your Save the Date sets the vibe. Whether it's a moody photo from your engagement shoot or a sleek typography design, make it memorable. And remember: once you send it, there is no turning back on the guest list!

Browse our collection of mobile-optimized Save the Dates that make gathering addresses a breeze.