Some might argue that etiquette standards have slipped in recent years because people lead busier lives and manners are no longer universally observed as they once were. However, despite a break with tradition, it is still important to be aware of the modern etiquette rules concerning save the date announcements for your wedding. By following the appropriate etiquette, you can avoid alienating potential guests and impress them instead.



Who Should Receive Save the Date Announcements?

Modern etiquette guidelines insist that every person who you want to invite must receive a save the date announcement. It is important to make an exhaustive list (both for you and your fiancé) of potential guests before proceeding to order your save the date announcements. Consult your parents for family or business acquaintances they might feel important to include on the preliminary list.

Often, your first guest list will include a larger number than you or your budget would like, and you will need to start eliminating names. Once you've trimmed the list to everyone's satisfaction, then you can begin the search for save the date announcements. Still order a small surplus, just in case someone is overlooked or added back in at the last minute. You'll also probably want to keep one for yourself as a keepsake.

What Information Should be Included?

Since save the date announcements aren't invitations, you don't need to go into great detail concerning your wedding plans. Basically, they are a courtesy for busy guests who might not be available to attend your wedding once receiving an invitation a month or two prior to the event.

You don't even need to feel pressured to settle on an exact ceremony and reception location, as long as you know what city or town it will take place in (i.e. your hometown). Your save the date announcement should highlight your names, wedding date and general location, followed by the phrase “invitation to follow.” This has become proper wedding etiquette and has proved to be a popular way of securing attendance.

Sending Save the Date Announcements

Your save the date announcements should proceed your wedding by five to six months. This gives enough notice to allow guests to hopefully mark your event on their calendars, yet not so far in advance that they forget or so close to the invitation that the advanced notice becomes moot. The exception to this rule is destination weddings, particularly those taking place outside the US.

Since wedding invitations for destination weddings are typically mailed up to one year in advance, your save the date announcements should be sent about eighteen months in advance. Because more planning goes into destination weddings, you will most likely already have your wedding venue scheduled, so feel free to include the specifics of location so guests can make travel arrangements. Also, if you are planning to mail an information packet with your wedding invitations containing travel and hotel information (such as a discounted rate for wedding guests), etiquette allows you to mention that invitation and travel information to follow.

Following these etiquette guidelines will help more guests attend your wedding and help make it a day you'll never forget.