Is 7 Months Too Late to Send Save the Date? Tips for Timing Your Wedding Announcement

ByOMG Hitched Team Reading Time: 6 minutes

Sending out save the dates can feel like a big task, especially if you’re worried about timing. If you’re asking, “Is 7 months too late to send save the date?” you’re not alone in your concerns. The good news is, you can generally send save the dates as late as 6 to 7 months before your wedding.

A calendar with the date seven months in the past circled in red

While it’s ideal to send them out earlier, lots of couples find themselves in situations where plans change. If your wedding is approaching and you’re just getting to this step, there are still ways to make it work. Your friends and family will appreciate the heads-up, no matter when they receive it.

Don’t stress too much about timing. Your loved ones will want to celebrate this special moment with you, and giving them enough notice will help ensure everyone can make arrangements to attend.

Understanding Save the Date Etiquette

A calendar with a date seven months in the past circled in red, with a Save the Date card lying nearby

Sending save the dates helps your guests plan ahead for your special day. Knowing the proper timing and factors involved is crucial for a smooth wedding planning process.

Ideal Timing for Sending Save the Dates

Most experts suggest sending save the dates 6 to 7 months before your wedding. This timing gives guests enough advance notice to clear their calendars.

If you are planning a destination wedding, aim for 8 to 12 months in advance. This allows guests to arrange travel and accommodations. For local weddings, you might send them closer to the 6-month mark.

Be mindful of holiday weekends. If your wedding coincides with a holiday, sending save the dates even earlier is wise. This ensures your guests can plan without conflicts.

Factors Affecting Save the Date Timelines

Several factors can influence when you should send your save the dates.

  • Wedding Location: A destination wedding requires more notice than a local one.
  • Guest List: If you have many out-of-town guests, consider sending your save the dates earlier.
  • Time of Year: Busy seasons, like summer or holidays, may demand you send them out sooner.

Designing Your Save the Dates

A calendar with the date 7 months in the past, surrounded by wedding-related items like rings, flowers, and a venue

Creating save the dates is an exciting part of your wedding planning. You want your cards to reflect your style, share important details, and get your guests excited about your big day. Here are some key aspects to consider.

Choosing the Right Save the Date Style

The style of your save the date cards should align with your wedding theme. Think about colors, fonts, and designs that represent both you and your partner.

For example, if you’re having a rustic wedding, consider using kraft paper or a wood texture. If your wedding is more elegant, opt for sleek, modern designs.

You can choose from options like postcards, magnets, or traditional card formats. Make a list of styles that you like and narrow it down based on your preferences and budget. Don’t forget to include your wedding date and location prominently on the front.

Incorporating Engagement Photos

Using your engagement photos on your save the dates can add a personal touch. Choose a high-quality, vibrant photo that captures your personalities. This could be a fun, candid moment or a more romantic pose.

Position your engagement photo on the card so it’s eye-catching but not overpowering. Some couples opt for a full-image card, while others prefer a smaller photo with decorative elements around it. Including your photo can help guests feel connected to your celebration.

Digital Versus Physical Save the Dates

Deciding between digital and physical save the dates is important.

Physical cards can be beautifully designed and give a tangible feel. You can use elegant calligraphy for names and details, adding a touch of sophistication.

On the other hand, digital save the dates are quick and eco-friendly. You can easily share them through email or social media. Plus, they allow for immediate updates if your plans change. Consider your guest list and preferences when making this choice.

Practical Considerations for Guests

A calendar with the date 7 months in the past circled, surrounded by various save the date cards and a concerned expression

When you receive a save the date, it’s essential to think about how it affects your plans. Knowing the wedding date helps you make the necessary arrangements for travel and accommodations. It also allows you to consider any special needs, like plus ones or childcare.

Communicating Important Details

You want to share important details with your friends and family. Make sure to include the wedding date in your conversations.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, let guests know how far in advance they should book their travel.

A wedding website can be very helpful. It can include registry information, event details, and even suggestions for nearby accommodations. This will keep everyone in the loop and make planning easier.

Planning for Out-of-Town Guests

Out-of-town guests may need extra attention. If you’re one of them, look at possible travel arrangements as soon as you get the save the date.

Check nearby hotels and book accommodations early, especially if the wedding is at a popular venue.

If it’s a destination wedding, you might want to explore group rates or blocks of rooms. This could save money and help guests stay close to each other. Suggest local attractions so guests can enjoy their time there before or after the wedding.

Addressing Plus Ones and Childcare

When you think about who to bring, know the couple’s policy on plus ones.

Consider if your partner can make it or if a friend should join you for fun. It’s best to communicate this early so the couple can finalize their guest list.

Childcare is another vital aspect. If you have kids, check if the couple will provide childcare services or if there are local options nearby. Knowing these details can help you decide if you’ll attend the wedding solo or bring your family along.

Finalizing and Sending Your Save the Dates

A calendar with the current date crossed off and the date 7 months in the future circled

Once you’ve decided to send save-the-date cards, you’ll want to ensure everything is correctly finalized. This includes gathering guest information, proper addressing, and ensuring you have the right postage. These steps are essential for a smooth process.

Gathering Guest Information

Start by compiling a list of everyone you want to invite. Include family, close friends, and anyone else who is important to you.

It’s helpful to have their full names and email addresses ready. You can create a simple list in a spreadsheet. This makes it easy to keep track of who you need to send save-the-dates to.

Don’t forget to ask for current addresses, especially if you haven’t seen some guests in a while.

Also, consider how formal or casual your wedding will be. This might help you decide who to invite. Remember, sending save-the-dates is about ensuring your guests know about your wedding well in advance, so be thorough with your list.

Ensure Proper Addressing and Postage

Once you complete your guest list, focus on addressing your save-the-dates. Make sure to write names clearly so there’s no confusion. Using full names adds a touch of formality.

Don’t forget to check the addresses. It’s a good idea to confirm them with guests who live far away. This helps avoid any returned mail.

Pay attention to postage as well. Weigh one of your save-the-dates to ensure you have the right postage. If your cards are unique shapes or materials, you might need extra stamps. This will help ensure your cards arrive without issues.