You should usually send out save the dates about 6–9 months before your wedding, and closer to 9–12 months ahead if it’s a destination wedding or a busy holiday weekend. This gives guests enough time to book travel, childcare, and time off work without feeling rushed.

Ideal timing

  • For most local weddings, aim to mail save the dates 6–9 months before the big day.
  • For destination weddings or dates near major holidays, send them 9–12 months in advance so guests can plan travel and budgets comfortably.
  • Many modern planners and forums describe a flexible window of 6–12 months , depending on how far guests will travel and how complex logistics are.

How your situation changes the timing

  • Mostly local guests with easy travel: You can stay on the shorter side, around 6 months out.
  • Lots of out‑of‑towners or kids: Consider 8–10 months , since flights, hotels, and childcare book up quickly.
  • International or peak‑season destination: Lean toward 10–12 months , especially if passports, visas, or long‑haul flights are involved.

Simple planning timeline

  • 12–10 months before: Finalize guest list and confirm venue/date so details on the card are accurate.
  • 10–7 months before: Design and order your save the dates (or set up digital ones).
  • 9–6 months before: Send save the dates for most local weddings; send earlier within this window for destination or holiday dates.

What to include on a save the date

  • Names of the couple and the wedding date.
  • City and state (or country) of the wedding, plus a note that a formal invitation will follow.
  • Optional: wedding website link so guests can check travel details, hotels, and FAQs as they plan.

TL;DR: Send save the dates 6–9 months before a typical local wedding, and 9–12 months ahead for destination or holiday‑weekend weddings so guests have plenty of time to plan.

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