What's the Difference Between Wedding Invitations and Save the Date Cards?

Wedding invitations and save the date cards serve two different purposes in the wedding planning process but where do they come in to play? It's important to understand the difference between the two so you can properly plan for your big day.

Wedding Invitations

​Wedding invitations are the formal announcement of your wedding that provides all the important details of the ceremony and reception. This includes the date, time, location, and dress code of the wedding. Wedding invitations are typically sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding and are addressed to each guest individually.

Save the Dates

​Save the date cards, on the other hand, are a less formal announcement that gives your guests advance notice of your wedding. They are usually sent out 6-12 months before the wedding and include the date and location of the wedding. Save the date cards are not addressed to specific guests and are more of a heads-up for your friends and family to mark their calendars and start making travel arrangements.
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It's important to note that save the date cards are not a replacement for wedding invitations. They are simply a way to give your guests a heads up about your upcoming nuptials. Wedding invitations should still be sent out closer to the actual wedding date to provide all the necessary details about the ceremony and reception.

​In summary, wedding invitations are the formal announcement of your wedding that includes all the important details, while save the date cards are a less formal way to give your guests advance notice of your wedding. Both serve important roles in the wedding planning process and should be included in your communication strategy.