What is the difference between save the date and invitation?
Understand when to send each type of ecard and what to include in them.
Plan requirement: Standard or Pro plan
Short answer: Save the dates announce your date early (6-8 months before); invitations are the formal request to attend (6-8 weeks before).
Save the Date
Purpose: Give guests advance notice to mark their calendars
When to send: 6-8 months before the wedding (earlier for destination)
What to include:
- Your names
- Wedding date
- City/location (general)
- "Invitation to follow"
- Optional: engagement photo
What NOT to include:
- Full venue address
- RSVP information
- Detailed event schedule
Invitation
Purpose: Formally invite guests and collect their RSVP
When to send: 6-8 weeks before the wedding
What to include:
- Your names
- Full date and time
- Venue name and address
- RSVP deadline and link
- Dress code (if any)
- Event schedule details
Who receives each
Save the Date:
- Almost everyone you plan to invite
- Maybe not B-list guests (in case you don't have room)
Invitation:
- Only people you're officially inviting
- Everyone who received a save the date
- Plus any B-list guests you're adding
Tips
Save the date builds excitement, invitation makes it official
Keep designs consistent between the two
Don't include RSVP on save the dates
Invitations should have all logistics guests need
Both can link to your wedding website
Related articles