The Difference Between a Wedding Save the Date and a Wedding Invitation
Introduction
Planning a wedding involves countless details, and one of the most important aspects is your wedding stationery. From announcing your big day to providing crucial details for your guests, wedding stationery plays a key role in setting the tone for your celebration. Two essential pieces of wedding stationery are the save the date and the wedding invitation. While they may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes. Understanding the differences between them can help you plan your wedding timeline and create a cohesive look for your stationery.
As a wedding stationer, I often get asked about the difference between these two and whether save the dates are truly necessary. I always tell my clients that while save the dates are optional, they can be incredibly useful, especially for destination weddings or guests traveling from out of town. In this guide, I’ll share my expertise, including tips and real-life examples from my work at Announcements by Adrienne, to help you navigate your wedding stationery planning with ease.
What's the Difference Between the Two?
A save the date is an early announcement letting guests know the wedding date and location so they can plan accordingly. It’s a pre-invitation notice that helps ensure your loved ones have plenty of time to make travel arrangements. A wedding invitation, on the other hand, is the official request for guests to attend the wedding. It is usually accompanied with separate insert cards that provide all the necessary details, including the venue, time, dress code, and RSVP instructions. While save the dates are optional, wedding invitations are essential.
What is a Save the Date?
A save the date is a preliminary wedding announcement sent months before the wedding. It serves as an early heads-up to guests, especially those who may need to travel. Save the dates are typically less formal than wedding invitations and can be designed in a way that reflects your wedding style.
I’ve worked on save the dates that range from classic and elegant designs with letterpress printing to fun, modern styles featuring engagement photos. One of my favorite projects was for a couple having a vineyard wedding in Paso Robles. We created a minimalist yet romantic design that perfectly complemented their rustic-chic theme while keeping it simple and informative.
Are Save the Dates Really Necessary?
While save the dates are not required, they are highly recommended—especially for destination weddings or weddings taking place during busy travel seasons. They help ensure that guests mark their calendars and begin making travel arrangements early. If you have a shorter engagement or a very small guest list, you may be able to skip them.
I often tell my clients that if they have a lot of out-of-town guests or are planning a wedding on a popular holiday weekend, a save the date is a must. Without one, guests may already have other plans by the time they receive their invitation!
When Should You Send Save the Dates?
Save the dates should be sent 8 to 12 months before the wedding. For destination weddings or holiday weekends, sending them closer to the 12-month mark is best to give guests ample time to plan.
I always advise my clients to consider their guest list when deciding on a send date. If you know most of your guests are local, you may be fine sending them closer to the 8-month mark. However, if your wedding is in a remote location or you have many international guests, err on the side of sending them earlier. One couple I worked with had a wedding in South Africa, and they sent their save the dates 12 months in advance so guests could arrange flights and accommodations.
When Should You Send Wedding Invitations?
Wedding invitations should be sent 10-12 weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings, aim for 3 to 4 months in advance to allow guests to book travel accommodations.
If you’re having a formal wedding, sending invitations on the earlier side can ensure guests have plenty of time to secure formal attire and make travel arrangements. For more casual weddings, you may have a little more flexibility. One of my clients planned a small backyard wedding in San Luis Obispo and opted to send her invitations just 8 weeks before the wedding since all her guests were local.
What is Included in a Save the Date?
A save the date should be simple and include only the most essential details:
The couple’s names
Wedding date/weekend
City and state (or country for destination weddings)
A note that a formal invitation will follow
Optional: wedding website URL
Example Wording:
Classic & Formal:
Save the Date
Emma & James
are getting married!
June 10, 2025
San Luis Obispo, CA
Formal invitation to follow.
Casual & Fun:
Mark your calendars!
Emma & James
are tying the knot
06.10.25 – San Luis Obispo, CA
Details at: emmaandjameswedding.com
What is Included on an Invitation?
A wedding invitation includes:
The host line (who is inviting, e.g., the couple or their families)
Couple’s names
Wedding date and time
Venue name and city, state
Reception details (if different from ceremony)
Dress code (if applicable)
Example Wording:
Traditional & Formal:
Mr. and Mrs. William Smith
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emma Grace Smith
to
James Alexander Carter
Saturday, the tenth of June
two thousand twenty-five
at half past four in the afternoon
San Luis Obispo Mission
Reception to follow.
Modern & Minimalist:
Emma & James
invite you to celebrate their wedding
June 10, 2025
at 4:30 PM
San Luis Obispo Mission
Dinner & dancing to follow
You can find examples of wedding invitation wording in my portfolio!
Can You Mix Digital Save the Dates with Physical Wedding Invitations?
Yes! Many couples choose to send digital save the dates via email or a wedding website and follow up with formal printed invitations. This can be a budget-friendly and eco-conscious option. However, if your wedding theme is highly formal or traditional, a printed save the date may be a better fit for a cohesive look.
Tips for Creating Cohesive Wedding Stationery
Creating a cohesive wedding stationery suite ensures that every piece— from your save the dates to your invitations and day-of signage—feels like part of the same story. Here are my top tips for achieving a seamless, beautiful look:
1. Stick to a Consistent Color Palette
Choose 2-4 complementary colors and use them consistently across your stationery. If your wedding has a specific color scheme, incorporate those shades into your designs. Check out this blog post about trending wedding color palettes!
2. Use the Same Fonts & Typography Style
Select a couple of fonts that reflect the overall feel of your wedding (elegant script for a romantic wedding, clean serif for a modern touch) and keep them consistent throughout your save the dates, invitations, and signage.
3. Incorporate a Recurring Motif or Design Element
Whether it’s a floral illustration, a monogram, or a subtle watercolor wash, using a repeated design element ties everything together beautifully.
What Are Common Stationery Mistakes to Avoid?
Even the most beautifully designed wedding stationery can run into issues if certain mistakes aren’t avoided. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Sending Invitations Too Late (or Too Early!)
Timing is key when it comes to wedding stationery. Sending save the dates too late might mean guests can’t attend, while sending invitations too early may lead to guests forgetting to RSVP.
2. Overcrowding the Invitation with Too Much Information
Your wedding invitation should be elegant and concise. Avoid cramming too much information onto the main card. Instead, include a details card or direct guests to your wedding website for additional info.
3. Mismatched Printing & Design Elements
If your save the date has a modern minimalist look but your invitation is ultra-traditional, the disjointed styles can make your suite feel inconsistent. Keep your stationery designs aligned for a polished aesthetic.
4. Not Ordering Extra Invitations
I always tell my clients to order at least 10-15 extra invitations. You may need them for last-minute guest list changes, keepsakes, or if any get lost in the mail.
5. Not Proofreading Carefully
One small typo can be a big headache! Before printing, triple-check all details, including names, dates, addresses, and spellings. Having a second set of eyes (or working with a professional stationer - like me!) can help catch any errors.
Why You Should Work with a Professional Wedding Stationer (Me!)
Working with a professional wedding stationer ensures that your wedding stationery is not only beautiful but also cohesive, well-planned, and stress-free. Here’s why choosing a stationer like me, Announcements by Adrienne, can make all the difference:
1. Custom Designs Tailored to Your Love Story
Your wedding stationery should be as unique as your love story. I specialize in designing custom, romantic, and luxury wedding invitations that reflect your personal style and wedding vision. Whether you want timeless elegance, modern minimalism, or vintage charm, I’ll work with you to create something truly special.
2. Expertise in Printing & Materials
From letterpress to foil stamping, handmade paper to vellum overlays, wedding stationery involves a variety of printing techniques and materials. I guide my clients through these choices to ensure their invitations look stunning and feel luxurious.
3. A Seamless, Stress-Free Experience
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and stationery involves more details than many couples realize—timelines, etiquette, postage, and more. I help my clients navigate every step, from designing the perfect invitation suite to ensuring timely mailing and delivery.
4. Attention to Detail & Professional Proofreading
I always tell my clients that a second (or third!) set of eyes can make all the difference in catching typos and ensuring every detail is correct. As your stationer, I meticulously proofread and double-check every aspect of your design before printing.
5. Cohesive Wedding Branding
Your wedding stationery is the first impression guests have of your wedding, and I help ensure that everything— from save the dates to invitations to wedding-day signage—feels like a harmonious, elegant extension of your special day. My favorite way to do this is to incorporate a custom wedding monogram or crest throughout all the stationery!
6. Personalized Service & Support
Unlike mass-produced online invitations, working with a stationer means getting one-on-one attention and expert guidance. I love building relationships with my couples and helping them bring their vision to life with thoughtful, customized design solutions.
Ready to Design Your Dream Wedding Invitations?
Contact Announcements by Adrienne today to begin your custom wedding stationery journey! I truly cannot wait to meet you and work on your dream wedding stationery together!
xoxo
Adrienne
