If you’re recently engaged, congratulations! Once the excitement settles in, you’ll start thinking about how to keep your guests in the loop – starting with stationery. When it comes to save the dates VS invitations, what’s the difference?
Put simply, a save the date is your first heads-up to guests. It doesn’t contain all the nitty-gritty details, but it lets loved ones know the basics: that you’re getting married, where it’ll be, and when to mark their calendars.
Save the dates are especially helpful if you’re planning a destination wedding or marrying during a busy season like summer. With many couples planning weddings over one to two years in advance, giving guests early notice ensures better attendance and fewer scheduling conflicts.
Your save the date should include:
Your wedding date
The general location (city or region is fine)
Exactly who is invited (just the couple, or the whole family?)
Later down the line, your wedding invitation is where all the final, detailed information comes in. Think of it as the official blueprint for your big day.
Your invitation should include:
The wedding date and exact time
The full address of your venue
Reception details (if in a different location)
Dress code expectations
RSVP instructions (how, when, and where)
- A link to your wedding website, for further details
In short: save the dates are a gentle nudge to pencil in your day, while invitations are the formal details that help guests prepare. Both are essential in the planning timeline – and both are great opportunities to show off your wedding style!
