Sending out your save the dates is an essential step in your wedding planning journey, letting guests know when the big day will take place. But first, you need to know how to mail save the dates. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to create and send these important pre-wedding announcements. And because this is probably the first piece of wedding stationery guests will receive, you’ll want to set the tone just right. Here’s everything you need to know about how and when to send save the dates, including some handy tips and tricks.
Why save the dates matter?
Save the dates are an important piece of wedding stationery and a crucial part of wedding planning, setting the stage and building excitement for your big day. While not absolutely essential for every wedding, save the dates are particularly important for destination weddings and when guests will be traveling from abroad or out of town.
These pre-invitations give your guests advance notice to mark their calendars and make necessary arrangements. You can also provide a URL or QR code on your save the dates directing to your wedding website, where guests can find more information.
When to send save the dates?
Timing is crucial when it comes to when to mail your save the dates. They should go out after you’ve finalized your guest list, secured your venue and set a definite date.
Generally, it’s best to mail save the dates six to eight months before your wedding date. This gives guests ample time to plan and make necessary arrangements. For destination weddings or weddings with international guests, consider sending them even earlier, around eight to twelve months in advance.
How to mail save the dates in five easy steps
Now that you understand the why and when of save the dates, let’s dive into how to send save the date cards.
Step 1: Design your save the dates
The first obvious step in mailing save the dates is creating them. Here are some tips for designing save the date cards:
- Choose a design template that matches your wedding theme and aesthetic.
- Consider how to word your save the dates. Include essential information like your names, wedding date and location (city and state/country).
- Add a line like “Invitation to follow” to clarify that this isn’t the official invitation.
- Include a wedding QR code linking to your wedding website for additional details.
Need some inspiration? Check out our wide range of save the date templates that suit various styles and themes.
Source: Save the date with the addressed envelope in the same theme and style via VistaPrint
Step 2: Choose paper and envelopes
Selecting the right paper and envelopes is important for aesthetic and practical reasons. Consider the following:
- Paper weight: Choose a sturdy paper that can withstand mailing without damage.
- Size: Stick to standard sizes to avoid extra postage costs.
- Finish: Consider different finishes like matte, pearl or glossy to enhance your design.
- Envelopes: Use custom envelopes that complement and protect your save the date cards.
- Stamps and seals: Add a personalized touch with custom stamps and envelope seals with your wedding monogram or logo.
Source: Custom envelope seal for mailing your save the date via VistaPrint
Step 3: Address with style and clarity
Proper wedding envelope addressing is key to ensuring your save the dates reach their intended recipients. Follow these guidelines for a smooth addressing process:
- Collect everyone’s addresses in good time to ensure the envelopes go to the correct address.
- Use clear, legible handwriting or printed mailing labels.
- Include full names and addresses, including apartment numbers if applicable.
- For formal save the dates, use titles like “Mr.” “Mrs.” and “Dr.”
- Double-check all addresses for accuracy. One person should write the addresses, while the other checks them so every envelope gets a fresh pair of eyes.
Source: A custom envelope with address and floral design via VistaPrint
Step 4: Add personal touches
Incorporate personal touches to make your save the dates more memorable:
- Add a personalized note or message.
- Browse our collection of save the date quotes to add a special touch to your announcements.
- Feature a photo of you and your partner.
- Use custom envelopes, stamps and envelope seals in your wedding style.
- Include a save the date magnet.
Additional elements may affect postage costs, so weigh your assembled save the dates before mailing them.
Step 5: Mail your save the dates
When you’re ready to mail your save the dates, follow these steps:
- Weigh a complete save the date package at your local post office to determine the correct postage.
- Apply appropriate postage to each envelope.
- Consider hand-mailing your save the dates at the post office for a more personal touch.
- For peace of mind, track your save the dates to ensure they’re being delivered.
Source: Mailing save the dates via VistaPrint
Mailing tips and tricks
Stick to standard sizes
Sticking to standard sizes can save you money on postage. Standard letter sizes (up to 6⅛” x 11½” and ¼” thick) qualify for regular postage rates, whereas square envelopes and oversized cards may require additional postage.
Special considerations for embellishments
If you’re adding embellishments or extra contents to your save the dates, such as magnets, ribbons or other 3D elements, remember that these may increase postage costs. Ensure any embellishments are securely attached, and consider the overall weight and thickness before mailing.
Use mailing services and tools
Several services and tools can make the mailing process easier:
- Custom envelope addressing tools can help to address your envelopes at no extra cost.
- Online postage services allow you to print postage at home.
- Address verification tools help ensure accuracy.
- Mailing services can handle the entire process, from addressing to mailing.
Source: Wedding invitation set with envelopes, save the date and invite via VistaPrint
Send save the dates digitally
While traditional printed save the dates are still popular, eco-friendly and cost-effective digital options can be easily updated if details change. They can also include clickable links to your wedding website or registry. However, some guests might prefer a physical keepsake and let’s be honest, nothing beats the thrill of receiving a printed save the date in the mail.
Take the time to mail your save the dates
Save the dates set the tone for your wedding celebration, so take the time to create something that reflects your wedding style and provides your guests with the information they need at this stage. For more wedding planning tips, check out our wedding stationery checklist and guide on how to plan a wedding.
FAQs for mailing save the dates
Do I need to send out save the dates?
While not mandatory, they’re helpful for guests, especially when they don’t live locally to the wedding venue and in the case of destination weddings.
What information should be included on a save the date card?
Include your names, wedding date, location (city and state/country) and a note that an invitation will follow.
How to address save the dates when inviting a guest with a plus one?
Include “and Guest” after the invited guest’s name on the envelope.
What size should my save the dates be?
Standard sizes (like 4″ x 6″ or 5″ x 7″) are most common and cost-effective for mailing.
Should I include RSVP information on my save the dates?
Generally, no. RSVP cards usually accompany the formal invitation.
What if your wedding date changes after sending save the dates?
Contact your guests as soon as possible with the new details. An email or phone call followed by a written update is best. If you have a wedding website, be sure to update it with the new wedding date.
Can I personalize each save the date or should they all be the same?
While the core information and style should be consistent, you can add personal touches to individual save the dates if you wish. However, factor in the size of your guest list and how much time this will take.
Who should receive a save the date?
Everyone you plan to invite to the wedding should receive a save the date, even if they already know when the big day will be.
How far in advance should I mail save the dates?
Typically, 6-8 months before the wedding or 8-12 months before a destination wedding.
