What is the difference between a save the date and a wedding invitation?

Short answer

A save the date is a brief early announcement that tells guests when and where your wedding will be, while the invitation is the formal request with full details and RSVP. Send the save the date first, then the invitation closer to the day.

A save the date is a short, friendly heads-up. It gives guests the date and location, so they can book time off work, arrange travel and save the date in their calendars. It does not ask for a reply and does not include the full schedule, dress code or menu choices.

The wedding invitation is the official, detailed document. It names the couple, the venue, the ceremony time, the reception details, and how guests should respond. It usually arrives six to eight weeks before the wedding, once you have confirmed numbers with your venue and caterers.

Think of the save the date as a postcard and the invitation as the full letter. You can send a save the date for every guest, or only for those who need extra notice, such as guests travelling from abroad. If your wedding is small and local, you may skip save the dates altogether and just send invitations.

Make sure the save the date and invitation match in style, so guests recognise them as a pair. Keep the save the date simple: names, date, location and a note that the invitation will follow.