Save the Dates vs. Wedding Invitations: What’s the Difference & When to Send Each
When it comes to wedding stationery, few questions come up as often as this one: Do we really need both save the dates and invitations?
The short answer: not always.
The longer, more helpful answer: it depends on your wedding, your guest list, and your timeline.
If you’re planning a wedding in Toronto, elsewhere in Canada, or hosting guests from afar, understanding the difference between save the dates and wedding invitations will help you plan thoughtfully, avoid last-minute stress, and set the tone for your celebration from the very beginning.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Save the Date?
A save the date is exactly what it sounds like: a heads-up.
It lets your guests know when your wedding will take place so they can mark their calendars early, request time off work, and begin making travel arrangements if needed.
Save the dates are intentionally minimal. They are not meant to share full details, RSVP information, or schedules.
Typically included on a save the date:
Couple’s names
Wedding date
City or general location
A short note such as “Formal invitation to follow”
That’s it. Simple, intentional, and effective.
When Should You Send Save the Dates?
For most weddings, save the dates should be sent 6–8 months before the wedding.
For destination weddings or weddings with a large number of out-of-town guests, 8–12 months is ideal.
This is especially relevant for couples ordering wedding invitations in Toronto or across Canada, where guest lists often span provinces, countries, and time zones.
Save the dates give your guests the courtesy of time, without overwhelming them with details too early.
What Is a Wedding Invitation?
Your wedding invitation is the official, formal announcement.
It provides all the essential information your guests need to attend and respond.
This is where design, paper choice, printing method, and wording truly shine. Your invitation sets expectations for the day ahead and gives guests their first real glimpse into the style of your wedding.
A wedding invitation suite typically includes:
The main invitation card
RSVP card or digital RSVP direction
Details card (accommodations, transportation, dress code)
Envelopes and optional embellishments
For couples investing in custom or luxury wedding invitations, this is where craftsmanship and thoughtful design come together.
When Should You Send Wedding Invitations?
Wedding invitations should be mailed 2-4 months before the wedding.
For destination weddings, 3-6 months is recommended.
Your RSVP deadline is usually set 1 month before the wedding, allowing time to reach out to those you haven’t heard from, finalize seating charts, menus, and day-of stationery.
Sending invitations too early can actually work against you. Guests may forget to RSVP, misplace details, or experience schedule changes. Timing matters.
Do You Need Both?
Not every wedding requires a save the date. Here’s a simple way to decide:
You should send save the dates if:
You’re hosting a destination wedding
Many guests are travelling from out of town
Your wedding falls on a holiday or long weekend
You want guests to commit early
You may skip save the dates if:
Your wedding is local and intimate
Most guests live nearby
Your timeline is shorter
In these cases, invitations alone are perfectly acceptable when sent on time.
A Note on Wedding Websites
Save the dates don’t often include the wedding website URL, but invitations usually do.
Many couples prefer to keep the save the date clean and timeless, directing guests to their website only once the formal invitation arrives.
Final Thoughts
Save the dates and wedding invitations serve two very different purposes, and when used correctly, they work beautifully together. One gives notice. The other gives detail.
Understanding when to send each allows your stationery to feel intentional rather than rushed, and ensures your guests feel informed, not overwhelmed.
At June and Opal, we guide couples across Toronto and Canada through every stage of the stationery process, from timelines to paper choices to etiquette that feels modern and thoughtful.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re always happy to help you plan with clarity, confidence, and a little bit of calm.
