When should you send save the dates to out of town guests?

Out of town guests have more to organise than local ones, so the earlier you tell them, the better. Aim for 6 to 12 months before the wedding, especially if your date falls in a busy holiday period or near a school half term. If many guests are travelling from abroad, consider sending them even sooner, as they may need to arrange passports, visas or longer trips.

Once you have confirmed the date and the venue, you can send a save the date. You do not need to have every detail finalised, just the key facts: the date, the town or city, and a note that a formal invitation will follow. This lets guests block out the date and start researching transport and hotels.

If you have guests who are likely to need extra help, such as older relatives or those with limited mobility, you might also mention that you will share accommodation suggestions later. A save the date is not a formal invitation, so it should not ask for a reply. Keep it simple and warm, and follow up with the full invitation once you have your timings and venue details sorted.