What is the wedding planning timeline for sending save the dates?

The exact timing depends on your wedding and your guests. As a general guide, send save the dates 6 to 8 months before the ceremony. This gives guests enough notice to save the date without being too early. If you are marrying abroad, or many guests will travel a long way, send them 9 to 12 months ahead so people can book flights and accommodation. If your wedding falls on a school holiday, a bank holiday, or a popular summer weekend, earlier is better. For a very small wedding with only local guests, 4 months is acceptable. You should send save the dates after you have confirmed your venue and date, but before you finalise the guest list or send invitations. Invitations usually go out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, so save the dates should never be sent at the same time as invitations. If you are giving notice of marriage in England or Wales, remember the legal timeline, but that does not affect save the dates. If you are unsure, it is kinder to send them a little early than too late.