What is etiquette for sending save the date?

Short answer

Send save the dates six to twelve months before the wedding, especially for destination weddings or busy dates. Only send them to people you are certain will be invited. They should include your names, the date, the location and a note that the invitation follows.

The usual window is six to twelve months ahead. For a wedding abroad, a bank holiday weekend, or a popular date like a summer Saturday, aim for the longer end. For a small local wedding, six months is fine. If you are giving notice of marriage in England or Wales, remember your ceremony must happen within 12 months of giving notice, so your save the date should sit comfortably inside that.

Send save the dates only to guests you are sure will be invited. It is awkward to send one and then not follow with an invitation. If your guest list is not final, wait until it is. You can send save the dates by post or by email, but if you use email, be aware some older guests may prefer paper.

Include your names, the date, the town or region, and a line like "formal invitation to follow". Do not include registry or gift information. If you have a wedding website, you can add the web address, but keep it optional.

If a guest cannot make the date, they should let you know informally, but you do not need to chase replies until the invitation goes out. Save the dates are not legally binding, but they are a promise, so only send them when you are confident.