Save The Date Cards: To Send or Not to Send?

How early do you send wedding invitations? Choosing whether to send Save The Date cards is a personal decision. However, they offer a courtesy to your guests, especially if you have a long engagement, a wedding with many details, or if guests will need to travel. Not only do they help in planning, but they also ensure a better turnout by avoiding potential conflicts with other plans guests might have.

Understanding the Importance of Early Notices

Early notices through Save The Dates have become more important. They are not mandatory, but highly beneficial. Engagements are now longer and weddings more complex. Early notices help your guests to prepare, possibly save money, and secure travel arrangements.

Timeline for Sending Save The Dates

The ideal time to send Save The Dates is 10-12 months before your wedding. This timeline provides ample time for your guests to mark their calendars and make necessary plans. If your engagement is less than six months, you might consider skipping Save The Dates.

Best Practices for Your Save The Date

When you decide to send Save The Dates, follow these best practices:

• Only send them after confirming your wedding date, venue, and guest list.
• Do not send them to B-List guests; it may send mixed messages.
• Ensure all details provided are final to avoid confusion.

Crafting Your Wedding Invitations: A Timeline Guide

Navigating when to start crafting your wedding invitations is crucial for a seamless wedding preparation. It’s never too early to begin the design and ordering process, especially for custom invites. Adhering to a well-planned timeline ensures your invitations reflect the style and elegance of your special day while reaching your guests timely.

When to Start the Design and Ordering Process

Start designing your wedding invitations 6-7 months before your big day. If you plan for custom-made invites, like hand-painted designs or unique craftsmanship, start even earlier. Allow extra time for back-and-forth communication with designers. This ensures you get the perfect invite without a rush.

To ensure all goes smoothly, follow these steps:

• Confirm your wedding style and theme.
• Choose a color scheme that aligns with your wedding palette.
• Decide on the wording for your invitations.
• Select a reputable printer or designer.
• Consider any cultural or religious traditions that may affect the design.

The Importance of Extra Invitations and Envelopes

Always order extra invitations and envelopes — about 15-20% more than your guest count. This covers any mistakes in addressing or last-minute guest additions. Having a few extras also allows for keepsakes that you and your family can cherish. Don’t forget extras for the photographer and for your wedding day keepsake box.

Ordering extra invitations also helps with:

• Addressing errors or postal mishaps.
• Inviting additional guests if declines free up space.
• Staying prepared for unexpected changes in your guest list.
• Having samples for your wedding album or for display at home.

Remember, crafting your wedding invitations sets the tone for your special day and kicks off the excitement for you and your guests. Take the time needed to ensure they’re just right!

Mailing Your Wedding Invitations

The final step in the invitation process is mailing them out to your guests.

The Optimal Time Frame for Mailing Invitations

You should aim to mail your wedding invitations 8-10 weeks before your wedding day. This timeline gives guests enough time to respond and plan their attendance. Remember, wedding invitations hold vital information and set the anticipation for your big day.

Tips Before Sending Out Your Wedding Invitations

Before you send wedding invitations, here are quick tips to ensure a smooth mailing process:

• Assemble a complete invitation suite and take it to the post office for weighing. This ensures you affix the correct postage.
• Verify addresses for clarity. Work with a calligrapher if needed, for an elegant touch.
• Order an additional 15-20% extra envelopes for any addressing errors or last-minute additions.
• Consider clear labels or printing if handwriting is not an option.
• Add a number on the back of RSVP cards to identify guests if the card returns blank.

Following these tips can help avoid delays and ensure your invitations reach your guests effectively. The right timing and proper preparation can make a big difference in smooth invitation management.

Determining Your RSVP Deadline

One of the critical elements of wedding planning is establishing the RSVP deadline. This date is crucial for finalizing arrangements with your caterers, seating plan, and other vendors. Given the importance, you must set a practical RSVP date.

How to Set a Practical RSVP Date

When choosing your RSVP date, aim for 4-5 weeks before your wedding day. This timeframe allows you to gather final numbers and adjust plans accordingly. Consider:

• Venue and caterer deadlines for the guest count.
• Time needed for seating charts and final arrangements.
• Potential delays in receiving responses.

By setting a practical RSVP date, you avoid last-minute stress and ensure your wedding flows smoothly.

Managing RSVPs and Preparing for Unexpected Situations

Dealing with RSVPs can be a complex task. Be prepared to handle it with efficiency:

• Keep a detailed guest list to track responses.
• Follow up with guests who haven’t responded one week after the RSVP deadline.
• Have a plan for unexpected plus-ones or cancellations.

Always expect the unexpected and have a flexible attitude towards RSVP management. This helps maintain order and calm as your wedding day approaches.

Preparing Other Wedding Stationary

While planning your invitations, consider other stationery needs for your wedding. This ensures a cohesive look across all your printed materials. From menus to programs, each piece contributes to the ambiance of your special day.

Additional Stationery to Consider Alongside Invitations

When sending out wedding invitations, it’s crucial to remember other stationery items:

• Rehearsal Dinner Invitations: These should match the style of your wedding invitations for consistency.
• Ceremony Programs: Provide guests with the order of events and participant names for the ceremony.
• Menus: If you’re having a sit-down dinner, printed menus can add an elegant touch to your table settings.
• Escort Cards/Place Cards: These help guests find their seats and are essential for plated dinners.
• Thank You Cards: Order these with your invitations to save time and maintain design unity. It’s polite to send wedding invitations promptly after the wedding.

Remember to weave in keywords related to your wedding theme and color scheme into these additional stationery items. Plan ahead so that you have enough time to design, print, and possibly address these elements before the big day arrives.

Final Considerations Before Your Special Day

As you approach the final stretch before your wedding, it’s critical to have all your invitation details nailed down. Your wedding invitations are not just cards; they’re the heralds of your upcoming celebration, setting the tone for what guests can expect. Here are some final considerations to ensure your invitation process contributes to the perfect day.

Last Minute Tips and Tricks for Invitation Management

1. Double-check all details: Go through your invitations one last time. Check for typos, date accuracy, and clarity of information.
2. Confirm delivery: Make sure all your invitations have been sent. If you haven’t received confirmation from some guests, reach out to ensure they received their invite.
3. Prepare a plan B: Have a backup plan for any last-minute changes, such as unexpected guests or venue adjustments.
4. Communicate with vendors: Keep your vendors informed about the final guest count and any other relevant information that might affect their services.
5. Rest and relax: Once invitations are out and RSVPs are in, take some time to rest. You want to be refreshed and ready for your big day.

By taking these steps, you can rest assured that you’ve done your best to manage your wedding invitations effectively. Now, it’s time to look forward to the joy and celebration that awaits you. Enjoy your special day knowing you’ve paid attention to every detail, including how early you send wedding invitations.