(Newswire.net — November 26, 2020) — When you start planning your wedding, you may be surprised to learn how involved the process can be. Naturally, there’s a great reason why most happy couples need at least a year to prepare for their big day, as venues, wedding planners, caterers, photographers, florists, and other vendors all require advanced notice.
Indeed, establishing a timeline to get all your ducks in a row can be beneficial, and knowing what comes next in the planning process can help to greatly reduce any stress. As a courtesy to your guests, your save-the-dates, invitations, and thank you cards should be sent at specific times.
But when is the right time? Here’s a breakdown about when to send out these announcements.
The Save-the-Dates
It’s no secret save-the-date cards give your friends and family advanced notice of your wedding date. But before you send out these important announcements, make sure you’ve already booked the venue and decided on an overall theme. Couples often keep the theme consistent in all their correspondence and use the same colors for décor. For example, you may opt for elegant black and white, bold red, sophisticated gold, or beachy blue.
Additionally, the timing for sending out a save-the-date can sometimes depend on where your wedding is being held. If you’ve picked out a local venue, giving your guests six to eight months of advanced notice is plenty of time to plan for your big day. For couples interested in an overseas destination wedding, you should give those in your inner circle at least one year to save and prepare.
The Invitations
If you sent someone a save-the-date, you’ll also be obliged to send them a formal invitation that details all the important information they’ll need to attend your wedding. Aim to send your invitations two months before your wedding day, with an RSVP date set one month before. In addition to including the date, time, and location of your big day, be sure to also make mention of your wedding website, dress code, or any other special requests. And, don’t forget to include information about your gift registry and accommodation options. Inside the envelope, it’s traditional to include RSVP cards and a stamped return envelope.
The Thank You Cards
Whether guests decide to buy you something from your gift registry or elsewhere, it’s customary to say “thank you” —and a thank you card is the most appropriate way to do so. While digital versions have become more common, a handwritten thank you card sent in the mail will be more meaningful. You might also want to consider adding one of your favorite wedding photos to the card’s design for your friends and family to display proudly on their refrigerator. So, when should you send them out? Experts suggest no more than three months after your wedding day.
It’s All About Timing!
When planning your wedding, make sure to establish a timeline to stay on track. While not everything will go as planned (hint: it won’t), deciding when to send out your save-the-dates, invitations and thank you cards is totally under your control. Planning a wedding can be hectic and stressful, but giving your guests plenty of heads up about your impending nuptials will ensure they can attend your big day. Just don’t forget to say, “thank you” to your guests in the months following your “I dos.”