When to Send Save the Dates for Your Wedding (and How Far in Advance Is Too Early)

One of the first real wedding planning questions every couple faces is deceptively simple: when do you send save the dates? It sounds like it should have a quick answer. It doesn't — because the right timing depends on your wedding type, your guest list, and a handful of logistical details most guides skip over.

This post gives you the exact timelines for every scenario, answers all the "how far in advance" variations we get asked constantly, and tells you what actually goes on a save the date so your guests have everything they need from the moment that card hits their mailbox.

The short answer

When do you send save the dates for a wedding?

The standard guidance: send save the dates 6 to 8 months before your wedding date for a local or regional ceremony. That gives guests enough runway to request time off work, book travel within driving distance, and — critically — hold the date before competing commitments fill their calendar.

But 6–8 months is just the baseline. Here's how the timeline shifts depending on your specific situation.

Timing by wedding type

How far in advance to send save the dates — by scenario

Can you send too early?

When is it too early to send save the dates?

Yes — too early is a real thing. Sending save the dates more than 12 months out can actually work against you. Guests who receive them a year or more in advance tend to put them aside mentally ("I'll deal with that later") and then forget entirely. The card loses its urgency.

There's also a practical issue: if anything changes — venue, date, even your plans as a couple — you've already committed those details to print. The sweet spot is close enough that the date feels real and near enough to plan for, but far enough that guests have genuine runway.

What goes on a save the date

What to include — and what to leave off

A save the date is intentionally light on detail. You're not sending the full invitation yet — just enough information for guests to hold the date and start making plans. Here's what belongs on it:

What to leave off: RSVP details, ceremony times, dress code, registry information. All of that belongs on the formal invitation. Putting too much on a save the date muddies its purpose and can overwhelm guests before the planning has even begun.

Cards vs. magnets

Should you send save the date cards or magnets?

Both work beautifully — the right choice depends on your style and how you want guests to interact with the date reminder.

Save the date cards

Traditional 5×7 cards printed on premium cardstock are the classic choice. They photograph beautifully, feel elevated in hand, and can feature engagement photos for a personal touch. Our custom save the date cards are printed on 130lb cardstock with a gloss finish — they're designed to be kept, not tossed.

Save the date magnets

Magnets have one significant advantage: they live on the refrigerator. Every time a guest opens the fridge, they see your date. For destination weddings or couples who want maximum visibility, our personalized save the date magnets are a practical and charming alternative. They're durable, mail-friendly, and guests genuinely keep them.

Practical ordering advice

How many to order and how to avoid the most common mistake

Order by household, not by head count. A couple counts as one household and needs one save the date — not two. Once you have your household count, add 10–15% extra for keepsakes, late additions to the guest list, and the inevitable addressing mistakes. It's always cheaper to over-order upfront than to reprint a small batch later.

And plan for your mail timeline: most custom save the dates take 3–5 business days to produce. If you need them rushed, we offer rush printing options at iCustomLabel. Factor in your addressing and mailing time on top of that — especially for international guests who need extra postage.

When you're ready, browse our full save the dates collection or coordinate your cards with matching wedding invitations for a cohesive stationery suite from start to finish.