The Etiquette of Sending Out Wedding Save-the-Dates
Save-the-dates serve as an initial announcement for a forthcoming event, typically a wedding, but they may also be utilised for other significant occasions such as milestone birthdays, anniversaries or corporate functions. The primary purpose of save-the-dates is to provide guests with advance notice of the event date, allowing them to mark their calendars and make necessary arrangements to attend. This is particularly crucial for events requiring travel or accommodation, as it affords guests ample time to plan and budget accordingly.
Save-the-dates also function as a means to generate excitement and anticipation for the upcoming event, establishing the tone for what guests can expect and enabling them to begin looking forward to the occasion. Furthermore, save-the-dates offer hosts an opportunity to gauge the level of interest and commitment from their invitees. By distributing save-the-dates, hosts can obtain an early indication of potential attendance, which can be beneficial for planning purposes.
Moreover, save-the-dates can help ensure that key guests, such as close family and friends, are able to attend the event by providing them with sufficient notice to clear their schedules. In essence, the purpose of save-the-dates is to furnish guests with essential information about the event and to initiate the excitement and anticipation for the forthcoming celebration.
Summary
- Save-the-dates are used to inform guests about an upcoming event and to ensure they reserve the date in their calendar.
- Save-the-dates should be sent out 6-8 months before the event for a wedding, and 3-4 months before for other events.
- Save-the-dates should be sent to all guests who will be invited to the event, even if the formal invitation will follow later.
- Save-the-dates should include the event date, location, and a brief message, but can also include travel and accommodation information if necessary.
- Save-the-dates should be addressed to the individual or couple invited, using their full names and titles if applicable.
- If there are changes to the event after sending save-the-dates, inform guests as soon as possible and consider sending a follow-up message with the updated information.
- After sending save-the-dates, follow up with formal invitations closer to the event date to provide more details and request RSVPs.
When to Send Out Save-the-Dates
Weddings: A Six to Eight Month Notice
When it comes to weddings, it is customary to send out save-the-dates around six to eight months prior to the big day. This allows guests to mark their calendars and start making any necessary travel arrangements, particularly if the wedding is taking place during a peak travel season or at a destination location.
Other Events: A Three to Four Month Notice
For other events, such as milestone birthdays or corporate events, save-the-dates should be sent out at least three to four months in advance to give guests ample time to plan and RSVP. It’s essential to consider the specific circumstances of the event when determining the timing of sending out save-the-dates.
Special Considerations
For events taking place during a holiday season or peak vacation time, it may be wise to send out save-the-dates even earlier to ensure that guests can secure their travel and accommodation plans. On the other hand, if the event is more local and doesn’t require extensive travel, sending out save-the-dates closer to the event date may be sufficient. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between giving guests enough notice to plan and not sending out save-the-dates so far in advance that they forget about the event.
Who to Send Save-the-Dates to
When deciding who to send save-the-dates to, it’s important to consider the relationship of the guest to the host and the significance of their attendance at the event. For weddings, save-the-dates should be sent to all guests who will be invited to the wedding, including close family members, friends, and any other individuals who are important to the couple. This includes those who will be invited to pre-wedding events such as engagement parties or bridal showers.
It’s also important to send save-the-dates to anyone who will need to make travel arrangements, such as out-of-town guests or those who will need to take time off work to attend. For other events, such as milestone birthdays or corporate events, save-the-dates should be sent to anyone who is considered a key guest or VIP attendee. This may include close family members, friends, colleagues, or clients who are important to the host or guest of honour.
It’s also important to consider any individuals who may need extra time to plan for the event due to travel or other commitments. Ultimately, the decision of who to send save-the-dates to should be based on the significance of their attendance at the event and their relationship to the host or guest of honour.
What Information to Include on Save-the-Dates
Save-the-dates should include essential information about the event that will allow guests to mark their calendars and start making any necessary arrangements. This includes the date of the event, the location (if known), and a brief note indicating that a formal invitation will follow. For weddings, it’s also customary to include the names of the couple getting married and a brief note about the upcoming wedding.
If there are any specific details that guests should be aware of, such as a dress code or special accommodations, this information can also be included on the save-the-date. It’s important to keep save-the-dates simple and concise, as they are meant to serve as a preliminary announcement rather than a detailed invitation. Including too much information can overwhelm guests and detract from the main purpose of the save-the-date, which is to give them advance notice of the event date.
Save-the-dates can also include additional details such as a wedding website URL where guests can find more information about the event, travel accommodations, and any other relevant details. Ultimately, the goal is to provide guests with enough information to mark their calendars and start looking forward to the upcoming celebration.
How to Address Save-the-Dates
When addressing save-the-dates, it’s important to use proper etiquette and address them in a way that reflects the formality of the event. For weddings, save-the-dates should be addressed using formal titles and full names, such as “Mr. John Smith” or “Dr. and Mrs. Jane Doe.” If a guest is allowed to bring a plus one, it’s important to address the save-the-date accordingly, such as “Mr. John Smith and Guest.” For other events, such as milestone birthdays or corporate events, save-the-dates should be addressed based on the formality of the event and the relationship of the guest to the host or guest of honour. It’s also important to ensure that all addresses are accurate and up-to-date when addressing save-the-dates. This can help prevent any issues with undelivered mail or returned save-the-dates. If a guest’s address is unknown or has changed since the last correspondence, it’s important to reach out and confirm their current address before sending out the save-the-date. Ultimately, addressing save-the-dates with proper etiquette and attention to detail can help set the tone for the upcoming event and show guests that their attendance is valued.
Dealing with Changes After Sending Save-the-Dates
Inevitably, there may be changes that occur after sending out save-the-dates, such as a change in venue or date. In these situations, it’s important to communicate any changes promptly and clearly with guests. For weddings, it’s customary to send out formal wedding invitations closer to the event date, which can include any updated information about the wedding.
If there are significant changes that affect guests’ travel plans or accommodations, it may be necessary to follow up with them directly to ensure that they are aware of the changes and can make any necessary adjustments. For other events, such as milestone birthdays or corporate events, it’s important to communicate any changes through email or other forms of communication that reach all guests who received save-the-dates. This can help ensure that everyone is aware of any updates and can make any necessary adjustments to their plans.
It’s also important to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the changes and express gratitude for their understanding and flexibility. Ultimately, dealing with changes after sending save-the-dates requires clear communication and attention to detail in ensuring that all guests are informed of any updates or adjustments to the event plans.
Following Up After Sending Save-the-Dates
Following up after sending save-the-dates is an important step in ensuring that guests have received them and are aware of the upcoming event. This can be done through various means such as email or phone calls for more personal follow-ups. For weddings, it’s also customary for close family members or members of the wedding party to help spread the word about the upcoming wedding and ensure that all key guests have received their save-the-dates.
Following up can also provide an opportunity for hosts to answer any questions that guests may have about the event or provide additional information that was not included on the save-the-date. This can help ensure that guests have all the information they need to start planning for the event and can help build excitement and anticipation for the upcoming celebration. Overall, following up after sending save-the-dates is an important step in ensuring that guests are aware of the upcoming event and have all the information they need to plan for it effectively.
It also provides an opportunity for hosts to connect with their guests and build excitement for what promises to be a memorable occasion.
When planning your wedding, one of the initial steps is sending out save-the-dates to ensure your guests can mark their calendars well in advance. For more detailed guidance on the etiquette of this process, it’s beneficial to explore related resources that offer comprehensive advice. A particularly useful article can be found on the World Bridal Event website, which provides a wealth of information on wedding planning and related activities. You can read more about this topic and other wedding planning tips by visiting World Bridal Event. This site is an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand the nuances of wedding preparations and etiquette.
FAQs
What is the purpose of sending out wedding save-the-dates?
Save-the-dates are sent out to inform guests of the date of the wedding well in advance, allowing them to mark their calendars and make any necessary arrangements to attend the event.
When should wedding save-the-dates be sent out?
It is recommended to send out save-the-dates around 6-8 months before the wedding date, or even earlier if the wedding is taking place during a busy time of year or at a destination.
Who should receive a wedding save-the-date?
Save-the-dates should be sent to anyone who will be invited to the wedding, including close family members, friends, and any other important guests.
Do save-the-dates need to include all the wedding details?
Save-the-dates should include the date of the wedding and the location, but they do not need to include all the specific details of the event. This information can be provided in the formal wedding invitation.
Is it necessary to send save-the-dates if having a small, intimate wedding?
Even for a small, intimate wedding, it is still a good idea to send out save-the-dates to ensure that all desired guests are aware of the date and can make arrangements to attend.
What is the proper way to address wedding save-the-dates?
Save-the-dates should be addressed to the specific individuals who will be invited to the wedding, using their full names and any appropriate titles. If the guest is allowed a plus one, this should be indicated on the save-the-date.
