Is 2 Months Too Late for Save the Dates? Here’s What You Need to Know!

ByOMG Hitched Team Reading Time: 7 minutes

Wedding planning can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to timelines. If you’re wondering if sending save the dates two months before your wedding is too late, you’re not alone. Many couples face this dilemma while trying to get their guests organized in time for the big day.

Sending save the dates two months out can be on the late side, but it might still work depending on your circumstances.

A calendar with a circle around a date two months in the past

It’s important to consider your guest list and the nature of your wedding. For local weddings, most experts recommend sending save the dates around 4 to 6 months in advance. However, if your friends and family are close by, they may be able to plan on shorter notice.

Meanwhile, destination weddings typically require more lead time, often suggesting 8 to 12 months ahead. Remember, clear communication is key to any successful wedding planning.

Ultimately, giving your guests enough notice helps them make travel and accommodation arrangements. If you’re left with just two months, be sure to follow up with formal invitations as quickly as possible. The more proactive you are in your wedding planning, the smoother everything will go!

Understanding Save the Dates

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Save the dates are important tools for wedding planning. They notify your guests about your wedding date and help them make arrangements to attend. Different factors like format and timing come into play when deciding how to send them.

Purpose of Save the Dates

The main purpose of save the dates is to inform guests about your upcoming wedding. This gives them time to pencil in the date on their calendars, especially if you have a lot of out-of-town guests.

Sending save the dates can also increase your chances of having a high attendance rate. Guests appreciate having advance notice, which allows them to plan travel and accommodations.

You should send these cards about 6 to 12 months before your wedding, depending on the location. For local weddings, 4 to 6 months ahead is typically enough.

Save the Date vs. Wedding Invitation

While save the dates and wedding invitations serve different purposes, they are both crucial in the wedding planning process.

Save the dates let guests know the date and location early on, while wedding invitations provide detailed information. Invitations include specifics such as the venue, time, and RSVP instructions.

Think of save the dates as the “heads up” to mark your calendars. Invitations come later with all the important details needed for the event.

Digital vs. Paper Save the Dates

You have options when it comes to sending save the dates: digital or paper.

Digital save the dates are quick and often less expensive. You can use email or wedding websites. They are easy to share and perfect for last-minute updates.

On the other hand, paper save the dates offer a more traditional and formal touch. They can be customized and sent through the mail. Many couples enjoy the tangible aspect of receiving something special in the mail.

Choosing the right format depends on your style and timeline. Either way, both methods can effectively communicate your wedding date to your guests.

Timing Your Save the Dates

A calendar with a date two months past, surrounded by scattered confetti and a ticking clock

When planning your wedding, timing is crucial for sending out save the dates. Knowing when to send them can help your guests prepare and ensure they can join your special day. Here’s what you need to consider.

Ideal Timing for Sending Save the Dates

For most weddings, it’s best to send save the dates 6 to 8 months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to make travel arrangements and clear their schedules. If your wedding is local, sending them out at the 6-month mark is often sufficient.

If you anticipate many guests needing to travel, consider sending them closer to the 8-month mark. This extra time allows guests to arrange transportation and accommodations.

Special Considerations for Destination Weddings

Destination weddings require a bit more planning when it comes to save the dates. Since guests may need to book flights and accommodations, give them as much notice as possible. Aim for sending save the dates 8 to 12 months in advance for destination weddings.

This extended timeline allows your guests to plan their travel arrangements well. Plus, many will appreciate early notice to find good deals on flights and hotels. Your guests will be thankful as they make their plans to celebrate with you.

Adjusting for Holiday Weekends and Travel

If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, consider sending your save the dates earlier than usual. People often make travel plans during major holidays, so it’s best to give them more time. Aim for 8 months or even 9 months in advance.

This extra time helps guests plan around their holiday plans. They will be more likely to attend your wedding if they have enough notice. Additionally, ensure your save the dates clearly state the wedding date and location to avoid any confusion. This will make travel arrangements easier for everyone involved.

Guest List and Etiquette

A calendar with a save the date circled and a stack of unopened invitations next to it

Creating your guest list is an important step in planning your wedding. It helps set the tone for the event and ensures that your loved ones can celebrate with you. Understanding wedding etiquette will guide you in making thoughtful decisions about who to invite and how to handle special situations.

Building Your Guest List

Start by making a comprehensive list of everyone you want to invite. Include family, friends, coworkers, and anyone else important to you.

Helpful steps:

  • Divide your list into categories: Immediate family, extended family, friends, and others.
  • Set a number: Determine how many guests your venue can accommodate. This will help you narrow down your list.
  • Communicate with your partner: Make sure to discuss preferences and any must-invite guests with your partner to avoid disagreements later.

Remember to keep wedding etiquette in mind by avoiding hard feelings. Not everyone may get an invite, so prioritize your closest relationships.

Understanding Plus Ones

Deciding whether to offer plus ones can be tricky. Many guests appreciate the option, but it can also inflate your guest count.

Tips for plus ones:

  • Consider your relationship with the guest: If they are in a serious relationship or married, it’s courteous to offer a plus one.
  • Limit plus ones when needed: If your guest list is already large, you might choose to extend them only to those in committed relationships.
  • Be clear in your invitations: Clearly state “plus one” on the Save the Date or invite to avoid confusion.

A thoughtful approach will make your guests feel valued while keeping your wedding manageable.

Children and Childcare Considerations

When planning your guest list, think about whether you want to include children. This decision will affect your wedding atmosphere and guest experience.

Points to consider:

  • Decide if your wedding will be kid-friendly: If you want a more formal or adult atmosphere, consider not inviting children.
  • Create a childcare plan if needed: If you decide to limit guests to adults, recommend local childcare options or hire a sitter to help parents feel comfortable attending.
  • Communicate with guests: If children are not invited, be sure to mention this in your Save the Dates or invitations to avoid misunderstandings.

Being clear about your intentions will help everyone understand your choices and celebrate in the way you envision.

Final Preparations

A calendar with the date two months in the past, surrounded by scattered save the date cards and a look of frustration

As your wedding date approaches, finalizing details becomes crucial. You need to ensure everything is in order, from completing your wedding stationery to managing RSVPs effectively.

Finalizing Your Wedding Details

First, confirm your wedding date and venue, especially if you are planning a local wedding. Double-check that all vendors are booked and confirm details like time and location with your caterer, florist, and photographer.

Make sure your wedding ceremony plan is clear. Decide on the order of events, who will participate, and how long each part will take. This information will help you create a timeline for the day, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Lastly, if you haven’t already sent out save the date cards, do so quickly. This helps guests mark their calendars and plan their trips accordingly.

Sending Out Formal Invitations

Once you’ve finalized all details, it’s time to send out your formal invitations. Aim to send them out about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date.

Include essential information such as the venue, date, and time. If you send save-the-dates late, clarify that they already received notification.

Using beautiful wedding stationery will make a great impression. Opt for designs that match your wedding theme. Don’t forget to provide RSVP options, either through a response card or a designated wedding website.

Managing RSVPs and Last-Minute Changes

Keeping track of RSVPs is vital. You should create a clear system for managing responses, whether through email or a wedding website.

Make it easy for guests to let you know if they can attend or not. Also, set a deadline for RSVPs about two weeks before the wedding.

Be prepared for last-minute changes. Some guests may not be able to attend even after they RSVP. Keep in touch with your vendors about potential changes in headcount. Then, adjust meal counts and seating arrangements as needed. This will ensure a smooth experience for everyone on your special day.