how soon do you send out save the dates

Save the dates for weddings are typically sent out 6 to 12 months before the big day to give guests ample time to plan, especially for travel or busy schedules.

Standard Timeline

For local weddings, experts recommend mailing save the dates 6-9 months in advance, allowing time for formal invitations 2-3 months later. Destination weddings or holiday weekends push this to 9-12 months or even earlier, as guests need to book flights and accommodations. Post-pandemic trends show couples sending them sooner, sometimes 10-12 months out, once the venue and date are locked in.

Forum Insights

Real brides on Reddit echo this, with one planning an August 2025 wedding mailing theirs 7 months ahead after delays in prep. Another suggests 11 months for optimal notice, highlighting how life gets busy. Discussions emphasize flexibility—don't wait if your date's popular.

Key Exceptions

• Busy seasons : Send 12+ months early for holidays or peak travel.

• International guests : Up to 1-2 years for passports/visas.

• Digital options : Tools like Paperless Post let you send instantly, 6-12 months out.

"Approximately 11 months before the wedding." – Reddit user on r/weddingplanning

TL;DR : Aim for 6-12 months; earlier for destinations. This matches 2025 etiquette trends from recent guides.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.