Everything You Need to Know About Save the Dates, Invitations and Thank You Cards

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement, but let’s be honest—when it comes to mailing out save the dates and invitations, things can get a little confusing. Too early, and guests forget. Too late, and Aunt Susan can’t book her flight. So, when is the perfect time to send them?

Let’s break it down so you can get those dreamy wedding invitations out right on time.

Step One: The Save the Dates

Think of your save the dates as your wedding’s first big announcement. It’s the teaser trailer before the full-length feature. You’re giving guests a heads-up, so they can mark their calendars and start making plans for travel, accomodations, etc.  

When to Send:

6 to 8 months before the wedding (or 8 to 12 months if it’s a destination wedding).

Why? Because people need time to book flights, request time off work, and arrange accommodations or child-care—especially if they’re traveling from out of town.

What to Include:

  • Your names (obviously!)

  • The wedding date (so they can, you know, save it)

  • The location (city & state is enough for now)

  • A note that a formal invite will follow

Pro Tip: Use Your Engagement Photos

Your save the dates are the perfect way to show off your gorgeous engagement photos. Whether you go for a sleek, modern postcard or a fun magnet, featuring a professional photograph or two of you and your partner makes them extra personal (and great keepsakes for your family too).

This is why booking your wedding photographer a year before your wedding date is a game-changer. Most professional wedding photographers include Engagement Sessions in some of their packages, or at least give you a discount on one.  Not only do you get stunning photos that will be coheisive from Engagement to Wedding, but you also get a chance to work with your wedding photographer - a total game changer when it comes to feeling comfortable in front of the camera on your big day!

Step Two: The Wedding Invitations

Your wedding invitations are where all the details come to life. They set the tone for your big day, whether it’s black-tie elegance or backyard boho vibes.  They're going to present a bit of your theme and colors to your guests and let them know all the details.

When to Send:

6 to 8 weeks before the wedding (or 3 months for a destination wedding).

This gives guests enough time to RSVP, but not so much time that they forget about it.

What to Include:

  • The who, what, when, and where (i.e "you",  your "venue", and the "time")

  • RSVP details (due about 3-4 weeks before the wedding)

  • Any additional details (dress code, accommodation info, wedding registry, etc.)

Bonus: When to Send Thank You Cards

Your wedding may be over, but there’s one last mailing to send: the thank you cards!  Your guests are taking time out of their schedules and bringing you gifts...you really can't get around thanking them formally!

When to Send:

1 to 3 months after the wedding (sooner is always better!).

Use this as a chance to include a beautiful wedding photo to remind guests of the amazing time they had.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding timeline doesn’t have to be stressful—just plan ahead and make use of your wedding photographer’s skills early on to create save the dates and thank you cards that are not only informative but also stunning keepsakes.  Another pro-tip: Make sure to bring a copy of your save the date card and your wedding invitation to your wedding so your photographer can get a stunning story-telling photograph of them!

If you're following this timeline, you should already be thinking about booking your wedding photographer and I would love to chat with you about bringing your unique vision to life.  Contact me today!