When you’re planning a wedding, one of the first logistical questions that pops up is when to send save the dates. You want to give your people enough notice—especially if they’re traveling—but you also don’t want to send them too early or too late. If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Knowing when to send save the dates (and what to include) can take a lot of stress off your plate early on. This guide walks you through the ideal timeline, what to include, common mistakes to avoid, and simple advice that helps you feel clear and confident moving forward.

When to Send Save the Dates

Getting your timing right makes everything easier later. You don’t need to have every detail figured out—but you do need a few key decisions made. For most weddings, sending save the dates 6–8 months before your day is a safe bet. It gives your guests time to plan and mark their calendars. If you’re getting married in Colorado, consider sending them earlier. Many guests travel from out of state, and flights, lodging, and time off work all require more lead time. For destination weddings or high-travel areas like the mountains, shoot for 8–12 months ahead. The earlier notice gives your people the best chance to be there. Don’t wait until everything is perfectly planned. Once your venue is booked and your date is locked in, you’re ready to start.

What Save the Dates Are (and What They Aren’t)

Save the dates are an early heads-up. They let people know when and where to be, even if you’re still working out the details. They’re not meant to include everything. Instead, they give people time to make plans before full logistics are available.

Here’s what they’re great for:

• Helping guests block off your date
• Allowing time for travel planning
• Giving a first glimpse into your wedding style

Save the dates don’t replace other forms of communication—but they’re a solid starting point for setting expectations and building excitement.

Why a Wedding Website Helps

Before you send anything, consider creating a simple wedding website. You don’t need a full design or every page done. A basic page with your date, location, and a note that details are coming soon is more than enough. Guests will have questions. A website gives you one place to direct them, so you’re not fielding texts while juggling everything else. You can even skip save the dates altogether and use your website instead. This works well if you’re simplifying your planning process or keeping your guest list small. Having the website ready before sending anything in the mail helps guests feel informed—and it keeps you from having to repeat yourself.

Finalize Your Guest List First

Your guest list doesn’t need to be perfect—but it should be close. Before ordering save the dates, make sure you know who’s invited. One of the most common mistakes is ordering one card per guest instead of per household. That can double or triple your numbers without meaning to. To avoid that, group guests by household in your spreadsheet. Roommates, couples, and families should only get one card per address. This saves you money, makes mailing easier, and prevents waste. It also helps ensure you’re not scrambling later because you ran out.

What to Include on Your Save the Date

Your save the date doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be thoughtful. The essentials matter.

At minimum, include:

• Your names
• Your wedding date
• The city and state of your wedding
• A simple phrase like “save the date” or “details to follow”
• Your wedding website URL (optional but helpful)

Many couples also include an engagement photo, especially if they’re mailing printed cards. It’s a great way to share your personality and set the tone. Design matters, too. You don’t have to match your full wedding style, but if you already have a vibe in mind, try to reflect it. It’s the first thing your guests will see.

Make It Match (If You Want)

You’re not required to coordinate your save the dates with your wedding colors, but it can be a nice touch. If you already know your floral direction, venue aesthetic, or color palette, letting that show up early creates a sense of cohesion. That said, don’t overthink it. Save the dates are a preview—not a final draft. Choose something that feels like you, and don’t stress if it’s not a perfect match later. Even a small design choice—like a font or color—can help set expectations and make your day feel more personal from the start.

How Many to Order (and Why Extras Matter)

Once you’ve grouped your guest list by household, count how many save the dates you’ll need. Then add about 10 extras. Cards can get lost in the mail. You might add a few guests later. And having a couple of spare cards is always a good idea—for flat lay photos or a keepsake box. Ordering a second round later is usually more expensive. It also adds unnecessary stress. Planning ahead with a buffer gives you peace of mind. Pro tip: when ordering envelopes, add even more. They’re easy to misaddress or tear while stuffing. Having spares never hurts.

Colorado Wedding? Send Early.

In Colorado, out-of-town guests are the norm—not the exception. Whether your wedding is in Denver, a ski town, or a mountain venue, travel is a factor. Hotels and flights fill up fast, especially during tourist seasons. The earlier people can book, the better their experience will be. For Colorado weddings, aim to send your save the dates closer to the 8–12 month range. Your guests will appreciate the extra time to plan. Even for local guests, earlier communication helps with childcare, time off work, and general scheduling.

What to Do If You’re Behind

Life happens. If you’re getting close to the 5- or 6-month mark and still haven’t sent anything, that’s okay. You can:

• Text or email your top guests with a heads-up
• Share your wedding website sooner rather than later
• Skip printed save the dates and go digital

Save the dates are helpful—but not essential. If you’ve already communicated your date with key people, you’re probably doing better than you think. It’s never too late to make a plan and move forward with clarity.

Sending save the dates doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you have your guest list, wedding date, and general location, you’re ready to go. Use them as a way to communicate clearly, reflect your wedding vibe, and keep things simple. Your future self will thank you.

Need help figuring out the next step? Start with your guest list and go from there. A little planning now makes a big difference later.

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