If you’re looking for Save the Date tips including when to send them, where to print them, and what information to include on them, you’re in the right place!!!

When to send Save the Dates 

For local weddings (or weddings that are local to most of the guests) I recommend sending out the save-the-dates about 7-8 months before the wedding. For destinations, sending them out about 9-11 months in advance is best. Also quick tip, if those time frames happen to line up with Christmas, make sure you send them in early November or January otherwise it may get missed amongst all the holiday cards!

Taking engagement photos for your save the dates

Based on that, talk to your wedding photographer about how long their turnaround time is for engagement photos and plan your shoot based on that! Here’s an example:

Wedding in January 2023

Send save the dates May 2022 

(buffer time for designing, printing, collecting addresses, and mailing the save the dates)

(buffer time for photographer to edit and deliver images)

Take engagement photos April 2022

Where to print them

I highly recommend Minted for your Save the Dates!!! Here are just a few reasons:

1. Their designs are created by independent artists and designers!! That means when you purchase through Minted, you’re also supporting a small business on the backend too! 

2. They offer the option to print your invitations on 100% recycled paper! Not only is it from recycled paper, but it’s made from 100% post-consumer waste, FSC-certified, and manufactured using a carbon-neutral process with wind power. Can I get a HECK YES for planning an eco-friendly wedding?!

3. You can build a gorgeous wedding website through Minted and even get save-the-dates and/or wedding invites that match!! I love that this allows you to set the wedding theme throughout the guest experience!!

Click here to create gorgeous save-the-dates through Minted!!

What to information to include on it

Your save the dates set the tone for the wedding- so remember to use language that is as formal or informal as you want your wedding to feel! But here’s the basics of what to include:

Your names

Date

Venue

Wedding website

I don’t recommend sharing more than that! The save the date should be simple! To learn more information, guests should visit the website. Does this mean your website has to be 100% ready when you send out save the dates? Nope!! Just have as much on there as you can and for any section that’s not ready yet, just write on the page for guests to check back for more information on that topic closer to the wedding!!

So there you have it!! The lowdown on Save the Dates!!! I hope this helps you with your planning!! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message!!!

Looking for more wedding tips? Click here for wedding album advice or here for what you should ask your wedding photographer!!

Photos by Rachel Christopherson Photography, Sacramento wedding photographer