What is the difference between save the dates and invitations

Naturally, you want to give your intended guests as much time as possible to ensure they're able to have the day free to attend. Work and other family commitments can get in the way, so it's the polite thing to do to let people know well in advance of the date you intend to marry.

A wedding invitation, on the other hand, is a formalised notification that the wedding is impending and that you have been invited. An invitation will normally contain more information than a save the date card. A save the date card will generally contain the recipients' names and the date of the wedding.

An invitation can have more details, such as information about the wedding venue, dress code, or details about any gift arrangements. Why not send both? As a guide you want to send them out 8 - 12 months ahead of your wedding, depending on location allow longer for destination weddings. They can then also ask for time off work, confirm travel plans, save money and organise. The timing for the invitations is much later, usually 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.

Also, anything you know about the location is important and can prove helpful to your potential guests. Once your Save the Dates are in the mail, there's no second guessing. So only send them to those guests you definitely want to be with you on your wedding day. These two things should serve different purposes. Utilising each one effectively can positively affect the experience your guests have when they attend your wedding.

While planning your wedding, consider how great of an impact Save the Date cards might have. If you feel your guests can benefit from receiving a Save the Date, then send them out.

However, simpler is sometimes better, especially if your wedding is small or has a short engagement. Download our Save the date wording suggestions Read our Save the Date wording guide Find out more about when to send your stationery, including Save the Dates. Need more tips and or specific advice for your circumstances? Get in touch - we'd love to work with you! Are you a vendor? Start here. Build Your Vendor Team. Wedding Website. Find a Couple's Website. Check Out Top Designs. Save the Dates.

Change the Dates. Invitations Invitations. Thank Yous. Shop by Style Shop by Style. Shop The Knot Invitations. Start a Registry. Add Store Registries. Cash Funds. The Knot Charity Program. Find a Couple's Registry. Kitchen Kitchen. Tabletop Tabletop. Home Home. Lifestyle Lifestyle. Experiences Experiences. Shop Top Collections. Wedding Dresses Wedding Dresses. Bridesmaid Dresses. Mother of the Bride Dresses.

Flower Girl Dresses. Engagement Rings Engagement Rings. Wedding Rings. Wedding Jewelry. Wedding Accessories. Get Fashion Inspiration. Engagement Engagement. Travel Travel. Fashion Fashion. Gifts Gifts.