Way to go! You’ve chosen your venue and your wedding date! You are now ready to send your save the dates to your guests – or are you?!! (Just kidding – I will make sure you are!)

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of sending out save the dates:

1. Finalize Your Guest List

Before you can send out save the dates, you need to have a finalized guest list. Sit down with your partner and families to decide who will be invited. Remember, everyone who receives a save the date should also receive an invitation – so be REALLY sure you want to invite them.

If you want more guidance on how to design your guest list, check out Step by Step Guide to Create Your Perfect Guest

2. Confirm Your Wedding Date & Venue

This kind of goes without saying, but you must have a date and a venue chosen before you send your Save the Dates. 🙂 Ensure this foundational information is set so your guests can begin planning their travel and accommodations.

3. Set up & Launch Your Wedding Website

While some couples might feel this is optional, I strongly encourage all weddings to have a wedding website. Keep in mind the website does not need to be completed at this stage. It just needs to be launched with basic event information. I suggest the following information be included on your website at the time you send your Save the Dates:

• Your Names (Duh, I know – but I wanted to list it)
• Basic Date/Time/Location of your Ceremony & Wedding Reception
• Basic Travel FAQs:
  • Hotel recommendations
  • Travel Information (what airport to fly into); 
  • Transportation recommendations/requirements

Link to Your Wedding Website – This is KEY. This will direct all your guests to go to the website first with their questions.

4. Select a Design

Choose a design that reflects the style and theme of your wedding. Whether it’s a classic card, a photo magnet, or digital stationery, the design should offer a hint of what’s to come. Consider working with a designer or using an online service to customize the look.

I also love these websites for affordable and well designed Save the Date Templates:

• Minted
• Basic Invite
• Zazzle

5. Collect Addresses

Gather mailing addresses for each of your guests. This process can take time, so start early. Consider using a digital tool to help collect and organize addresses efficiently.

Here are a few good ones to explore:

• Postable
• Mailbook App

6. Draft the Wording

Keep the wording on your save the date simple and clear. 

Include:

• Your names
• The wedding date
• The city and state of the wedding
• A note to “save the date”
• Wedding Website Link OR QR Code

7. Order & Proofread

Once your design and wording are finalized, place an order for your save the dates. Before hitting “print,” carefully proofread everything to catch any errors in names, dates, or locations. It’s often helpful to have a second pair of eyes review it as well.

8. Prepare for Mailing

If you’ve opted for physical save the dates, assemble them and prepare for mailing. Consider using decorative stamps or personalized stickers to add a special touch to your envelopes. 

Also, consider sending electronically. This will save you some money and will still effectively communicate with your guests about the upcoming nuptials. Here are a few companies that specialize in electronic mail save the dates. 

• Bliss & Bone
• Green Envelope
• Paperless Post

9. Send Them Out

Aim to send your save the dates 12-8 months before your wedding. If you’re planning a destination wedding or a date during a busy season, consider sending them even earlier to give your guests ample time to plan.

10. Follow Up & Prepare for Questions

Now that the “save the dates” are out – prepare for friends and family to have questions. Try to use your website as much as you can to help field and streamline your responses. 

But be sure to prepare to follow up with guests who have questions or require additional details, especially those who may be traveling from far away. The website can always answer all the questions. 🙂

Final Thoughts

Way to go! You nailed it! Sending out save the dates is an exciting milestone in your wedding planning journey. By following these steps, you ensure your guests have all the information they need to start planning and that you’ve laid the groundwork for a well-organized celebration.

I hope this guide helps make the process of sending out save the dates smooth and enjoyable!

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Casey Green Weddings, LLC | 2501 S Village Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326