When should you send save the dates for a holiday weekend wedding?

Holiday weekend weddings need the earliest possible save the dates. Send them at least 12 months ahead, and if you can manage 14 to 18 months, that is even better. Bank holiday weekends are popular for weddings, but they are also popular for travel, so accommodation, trains and flights get booked up fast.

Guests will need to decide early whether they can attend, because they may have their own traditions or plans for that weekend. Some will want to book time off around the bank holiday, and others may need to arrange childcare or pet care. Sending save the dates early gives everyone the best chance to say yes.

You should also think about guests who may need to travel a long distance. For a bank holiday wedding, they may need to book a hotel for two or three nights, so they need plenty of notice to budget and plan. If your wedding is in a popular tourist area, accommodation can be scarce, so early notice is essential.

Once you have sent save the dates, follow up with formal invitations around 3 to 4 months before the wedding. Remind guests to book their accommodation early, and consider suggesting a few local options.