As soon as you get engaged, your mind may start racing with a million questions, one of the most common being: Who should receive save the dates for my wedding? Sending save the dates is a crucial step in the wedding planning process, as it informs your guests of your upcoming nuptials and ensures that they will be able to attend. While you may want to invite everyone you know, it’s important to be strategic about who receives a save the date. Here are some tips to help you decide:
First and foremost, it’s important to send save the dates to your family and close friends. These are the people who will likely be the most excited for you and who you will want to have by your side on your big day. Sending save the dates to them will give them plenty of time to make arrangements to be there.
Next, consider sending save the dates to out-of-town guests. This gives them plenty of time to make travel arrangements, and ensures that they will be able to attend your wedding without any scheduling conflicts. It’s also a nice gesture to show your appreciation for their extra effort to attend your wedding.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to send save the dates to your wedding party and VIP guests. These are the people who will be involved in your wedding in a more significant way, and sending them save the dates will make them feel valued and appreciated.
These are just a few guidelines to keep in mind when deciding who to send save the dates to for your wedding. Keep reading to learn more about the process, and to ensure that all of your guests receive the information they need to be a part of your special day.
Family and Close Friends
When it comes to planning your wedding, sending out save-the-date cards is one of the first and most important steps you’ll take. One of the biggest questions that arises is who to send them to. The answer to this question is largely dependent on your personal preferences and budget. But in general, it’s a good idea to start with your family and close friends.
Your family members and close friends are likely the people you’re closest to and want to be there to celebrate with you on your special day. This group typically includes parents, siblings, grandparents, and best friends. You may also want to consider sending save-the-dates to your aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives who are particularly important to you.
When it comes to deciding who to include in this group, it’s important to remember that you’ll likely be spending a significant amount of time with them on your wedding day. So, be sure to choose people who are supportive, positive, and will help make your day as stress-free as possible.
If you’re struggling to narrow down your guest list, consider asking yourself who you would be most devastated to not have in attendance. Once you have your list, it’s time to start drafting your save-the-date cards and getting them in the mail to your family and close friends.
Family and Close Friends
Immediate Family Members
Parents: Your parents are the most important people to invite to your wedding. They should be the first to receive save the dates. If they are divorced or separated, make sure to send a separate save the date to each of them, including their new partners if they have any.
Siblings: Your siblings are also part of your immediate family and should be on the top of your save the date list. Even if they already know the date, it’s important to send them a save the date as a formal announcement of your wedding.
Grandparents: If your grandparents are still alive and an important part of your life, you should definitely send them a save the date. They will appreciate being included and it’s a way to show your appreciation for their presence in your life.
Remember, the people on this list are the ones closest to you and most important to invite. Be sure to send your save the dates at least six months in advance so your family can plan accordingly.
Close Friends and Relatives
If you have decided to send save-the-dates to close friends and relatives, then the next step is to figure out who falls under this category. When it comes to close friends, think about those you speak with regularly and who have played a significant role in your life. For relatives, consider family members who you are particularly close to or those who you would be devastated to have missed your wedding day.
Personal connections are a great guide when determining who to send save-the-dates to. For example, you might have a cousin you don’t speak to often, but who has been particularly supportive throughout your life. In this case, it might be worth sending them a save-the-date.
Another way to determine who to send save-the-dates to is to think about future interactions. If there are people who you would like to see at pre-wedding events or spend more time with before your big day, consider sending them a save-the-date to ensure they will be there.
Lastly, balance is key. Try to avoid the temptation to invite everyone you know or to leave anyone out. Instead, focus on those who have had a significant impact on your life and those who you would like to share your special day with.
Out-of-Town Guests
If you have guests who live out of town, it’s a good idea to send them a save the date to give them plenty of time to plan their trip. This is especially important if they’ll need to make travel arrangements, such as booking flights or reserving hotel rooms.
When addressing the save the date, be sure to include their full names and the city and state where they live. This will ensure that the save the date reaches them at the correct address.
You may also want to consider including a list of recommended hotels in the area, as well as information about transportation options from the airport to the wedding venue. This will help make the trip planning process easier for your out-of-town guests.
Finally, consider sending out a welcome packet to your out-of-town guests a few weeks before the wedding. This packet can include information about the area, recommendations for things to do and see, and any additional details about the wedding weekend festivities.
Friends and Family Living Abroad or Out-of-State
If you have friends and family who live abroad or out-of-state, it’s important to send them a save the date well in advance so they can start making travel arrangements. International guests should be given even more notice, as they will need to obtain visas and make other preparations. Consider sending save the dates via email to save on postage costs and to ensure they arrive quickly.
When addressing your save the dates to out-of-town guests, be sure to include their full names and the names of any additional guests, such as spouses or children. It’s also a good idea to provide a list of nearby hotels and other accommodations, as well as transportation options for getting to and from the wedding venue.
If you have a large number of out-of-town guests, you may want to consider hosting a welcome event or rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding to give everyone a chance to meet and mingle before the big day. This is a great way to thank your guests for making the trip and to ensure they feel welcomed and appreciated.
Finally, be sure to follow up with out-of-town guests a few weeks before the wedding to confirm their attendance and to answer any questions they may have about the event. This will help ensure that everyone arrives on time and that there are no last-minute surprises or confusion.
Guests Who Need to Make Travel Arrangements
If you have out-of-town guests that need to make travel arrangements, it’s important to send them Save the Dates as early as possible. This will give them ample time to prepare for their trip and find the best deals on flights or hotels. In addition to the Save the Dates, consider including a list of recommended accommodations or transportation options in the area to make their planning process easier. It’s also helpful to include any weekend itinerary or activities that you have planned, so guests can decide if they want to extend their stay.
Guests Who Will Need to Take Time off Work
If you’re planning a wedding, there are probably some guests who will need to take time off work to attend. Whether they work a traditional 9-5 job or have more flexible hours, it’s important to keep these guests in mind when choosing a date for your big day.
One group of guests who will likely need to take time off work are those who work in healthcare. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals often work long hours and have busy schedules, so it’s important to give them plenty of notice if you’re planning a wedding on a weekday.
Another group of guests who may need to take time off work are those who work in education. Teachers, professors, and other education professionals may have limited vacation days and may need to plan their time off well in advance. Consider scheduling your wedding during a school break or in the summer to make it easier for these guests to attend.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners are another group of guests who may need to take time off work to attend your wedding. If they have employees, they may need to plan their time off well in advance to ensure that their business can continue to run smoothly in their absence. Consider giving these guests plenty of notice so they can make the necessary arrangements.
- Make sure to send out save-the-dates well in advance
- Consider scheduling your wedding on a weekend or holiday
- Be understanding if some guests are unable to attend due to work obligations
By keeping these guests in mind and being considerate of their schedules, you can help ensure that your wedding is a success and that all of your loved ones are able to attend and celebrate with you.
| Occupation | Challenges | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare workers | Long hours, unpredictable schedules | Consider scheduling your wedding on a weekend or holiday; give plenty of notice |
| Education professionals | Limited vacation days, scheduling constraints | Schedule your wedding during a school break or in the summer; send out save-the-dates well in advance |
| Entrepreneurs and small business owners | Need to plan time off in advance, business obligations | Give plenty of notice so they can make necessary arrangements; be understanding if they are unable to attend |
Wedding Party
Every wedding has a wedding party, and your big day is no exception! The wedding party typically consists of your closest friends and family members who will stand by your side as you exchange your vows. These people play an essential role in making your wedding day special and memorable.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen are usually the core members of the wedding party. They will be your support system throughout the entire wedding planning process and will stand with you at the altar as you say “I do”. The maid of honor and best man have special roles and responsibilities within the wedding party, such as giving speeches and organizing the bachelor/bachelorette parties.
Don’t forget about the flower girl and ring bearer! These adorable members of the wedding party are usually young children who add a touch of cuteness to your wedding day. They are typically responsible for walking down the aisle and scattering flower petals or carrying the rings.
It’s also becoming more common to have non-traditional members of the wedding party, such as bridesmen and groomsmaids. These are close friends or family members who may not fit the traditional gender roles, but still want to be a part of your special day.
Maid of Honor and Best Man
The maid of honor and best man are two of the most important members of your wedding party. They have significant roles and responsibilities to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and that you have the best day possible.
The maid of honor is typically the bride’s closest friend or family member. Her primary responsibility is to support the bride throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day. She is usually in charge of organizing the bridal shower, helping the bride choose her wedding dress, and keeping the bride calm and relaxed on the wedding day.
The best man is typically the groom’s best friend or brother. He has similar responsibilities to the maid of honor, but for the groom. He is responsible for planning the bachelor party, helping the groom choose his wedding attire, and keeping the groom calm and relaxed on the wedding day.
During the wedding ceremony, the maid of honor and best man have specific duties. The maid of honor is usually responsible for holding the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony, adjusting the bride’s dress, and holding onto the groom’s ring. The best man is responsible for holding the bride’s ring, presenting the rings to the couple, and making a toast at the reception.
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
If you’re planning a wedding, you’re probably thinking about who to ask to be part of your wedding party. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen play a big role in the wedding day, from helping the couple get ready to standing by their side during the ceremony. Here are some things to consider when choosing your wedding party:
Relationships: When choosing bridesmaids and groomsmen, it’s important to consider the relationships you have with each person. You want to choose people who are supportive and will help make your wedding day special.
Responsibilities: Bridesmaids and groomsmen have different responsibilities leading up to and on the wedding day. Bridesmaids typically help the bride with wedding planning, attend pre-wedding events, and help the bride get dressed on the wedding day. Groomsmen typically help the groom with planning and attend pre-wedding events as well.
Attire: Bridesmaids and groomsmen will need to wear attire that matches the overall theme and style of the wedding. Couples should choose attire that is comfortable and fits the overall look and feel of the wedding.
VIP Guests
Every wedding has a few special guests that are considered “very important.” In this case, it’s the bride and groom’s immediate family, including parents, siblings, and grandparents. These people have likely been an integral part of the couple’s lives and deserve to be recognized on their special day.
Another VIP guest is the officiant. This person will be the one who officially marries the couple and will play a significant role in the wedding ceremony. They may be a religious figure, a family friend, or a professional wedding officiant.
Close friends of the bride and groom who are not in the wedding party are also considered VIP guests. These friends have likely been supportive of the couple throughout their relationship, and their presence at the wedding is a testament to the strength of their friendship. These guests are often seated near the front of the ceremony and are recognized during the reception.
If the couple has any out-of-town guests attending their wedding, these guests should also be considered VIPs. They have likely traveled a long way to be there and may have taken time off work or spent a significant amount of money on travel expenses. Making these guests feel welcome and appreciated is essential to ensuring they have a positive experience.
Finally, any special guests who may have a significant impact on the wedding should also be considered VIPs. This might include a famous family member or friend, a celebrity guest, or a member of the wedding industry who is working at the event. These guests may require special accommodations or security arrangements to ensure their safety and comfort.
Special Guests of the Bride and Groom
If you’re lucky enough to be invited as a special guest to the wedding, it’s important to know what to expect. The bride and groom have carefully curated a list of people who are important to them, so take it as a compliment!
There will likely be some special events planned just for VIP guests, so be sure to check the itinerary. You may also be given a special gift or token of appreciation, so keep an eye out for that.
It’s also important to remember that you are a representation of the bride and groom’s social circle, so be on your best behavior and make sure to socialize with other guests.
Business Associates and Colleagues
If you are inviting business associates and colleagues to your wedding, it’s important to make them feel welcome. Consider sending a personalized invitation to each person to show that you value their attendance.
When it comes to dress code, let your colleagues know what the appropriate attire is for your wedding. This could be anything from formal wear to business casual, depending on the style and theme of your event.
You may also want to consider seating arrangements for your colleagues. If you have a lot of coworkers attending, you can group them together at a few tables to make it easier for them to socialize.
During the reception, take the time to network and socialize with your colleagues. This is a great opportunity to build relationships and strengthen your professional network.
Finally, consider sending a thank-you note to your colleagues after the wedding. This is a simple but thoughtful gesture that can go a long way in maintaining positive working relationships.
Coworkers Who You Have a Close Relationship With
If you work in a professional environment, you likely have coworkers who you see every day and who you have built a strong relationship with. If you want to invite some of your coworkers to your wedding, consider those who you have a close relationship with and who you would like to celebrate with on your special day.
You may also want to consider inviting coworkers who have been particularly supportive during your wedding planning process, such as those who have offered to help with tasks or have given you valuable advice. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to invite all of your coworkers, especially if you have a large team.
When deciding whether to invite coworkers, consider how it may affect your work relationships. If you do choose to invite some coworkers, make sure to discuss any potential conflicts with your boss or HR department to ensure that everything is handled professionally.
Business Associates Who You Consider Friends
If you’re inviting business associates who you consider friends, it’s important to recognize the importance of their presence. These individuals have likely gone above and beyond in their work to earn your respect and friendship. When inviting them to your wedding, be sure to make it clear that they are not just any ordinary guest, but rather someone who you consider a close friend. Consider inviting them to any pre-wedding festivities or hosting a private dinner or gathering for them at the wedding. This will show them that you value their presence and appreciate the relationship you’ve built.
When choosing wedding favors for these special guests, consider something personalized and meaningful that they will cherish for years to come. A thoughtful gift like a personalized photo album or a customized piece of artwork will show them that you truly value their friendship and the bond you’ve created in both your personal and professional lives.
During the wedding reception, consider seating these individuals at a special table or area where they can enjoy the festivities together. This will allow them to mingle with one another and enjoy the celebration in a more intimate setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are save the dates and when should they be sent?
Save the dates are a pre-invitation to a wedding that inform guests of the wedding date, location, and that they will be receiving a formal invitation in the future. They should be sent six to eight months prior to the wedding date.
Who should receive save the dates for a wedding?
All guests who will be invited to the wedding should receive save the dates, including immediate family, close friends, and any out-of-town guests. This helps them plan travel and accommodations ahead of time.
Should save the dates be sent to every guest on the wedding list?
No, save the dates do not need to be sent to every guest on the wedding list. They should only be sent to guests who will be invited to the wedding, so that they can make necessary travel and accommodation arrangements.
What information should be included in save the dates for a wedding?
The save the date should include the wedding date, location, and any other important details, such as the wedding website or travel information. It should also make it clear that a formal invitation will follow at a later date.
Is it okay to send save the dates via email?
Yes, it is okay to send save the dates via email. This can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. However, it is important to ensure that all guests have access to email and that the email is personalized and not a generic mass email.
What should be the design and style of save the dates for a wedding?
The design and style of save the dates for a wedding can vary depending on the couple’s preferences and the overall theme of the wedding. However, it is recommended to keep the design simple and reflective of the couple’s personalities. The save the date should also be easy to read and include all necessary information.