The short answer
A digital save the date is an early notice that tells guests the date of your celebration so they can keep it free. Send it four to six months ahead for a local wedding, and eight to twelve months ahead for a destination wedding, then follow with the full invitation.
Why send a save the date?
Guests plan around dates long before they see an invitation. A save the date lets them book leave, arrange travel and avoid clashes. It matters most for weddings with out-of-town guests, holiday weekends and busy seasons.
When to send it
| Situation | Send it about |
|---|---|
| Local wedding | 4 to 6 months before |
| Destination wedding | 8 to 12 months before |
| Holiday weekend or peak season | Toward the earlier end of the range |
These ranges follow guidance from Zola. Some planners go earlier, so treat them as a guide and not a rule. If you are less than four months out, skip the save the date and send the invitation instead.
What to put on a save the date
- Your names
- The date
- The city or region, and the venue if it is confirmed
- A line such as “Invitation to follow”
Keep it light. The formal invitation carries the time, address and the reply details.
How our digital save the dates work
A save the date from us is the same kind of private, animated web page as an invitation, with fewer details on it. The Ivory design shows only what you give it, so a save the date can carry just your names, the date and a short message. Guests tap the link, see it in their browser and need nothing installed.
See how it looks in the live Ivory example, then read the complete guide to digital wedding invitations for the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What is a digital save the date?
A digital save the date is an early notice, sent as a link or a file, that tells guests the date of your celebration so they can keep it free. The formal invitation follows later with the full details.
When should I send a digital save the date?
For a local wedding, most guides suggest four to six months ahead. For a destination wedding, eight to twelve months ahead gives guests time to arrange travel.
What should a save the date include?
The names, the date and the city or region. Add the venue if it is settled, and a line saying that the invitation will follow.
Do I need a save the date as well as an invitation?
It is not required, but it helps most when guests travel or when the date falls on a busy weekend. For a small local celebration you can send the invitation alone, a little earlier.