A "wedding save the date" card is a pre-invitation notification that announces the date and location of an upcoming wedding event. It is usually sent to guests several months in advance to give them ample time to make travel arrangements and prepare for the occasion. The card typically includes the names of the couple getting married, the date and location of the wedding, and sometimes an indication that a formal invitation will follow. They are an essential element of the wedding planning process, as they help to ensure that guests are able to attend the wedding and celebrate with the couple on their special day.

It is recommended to send out wedding save the date cards to your guests six to eight months before your wedding day. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan their schedules, make travel arrangements, and RSVP in advance. If you're planning a destination wedding or a wedding during peak season, it's best to send out save the date cards even earlier, ideally 8 to 12 months before the wedding date, to allow your guests ample time to make travel and accommodation arrangements. It's also a good idea to make sure your guest list is finalized before sending out save the date cards to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.

Save the date cards should be sent to everyone on your guest list whom you intend to invite to the wedding, particularly if you're planning a destination wedding or if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or during peak travel season. Sending a save the date card to everyone on your guest list ensures that your guests have ample time to make travel arrangements and mark their calendars, which can increase the likelihood of their attendance on your wedding day.

However, if you're still in the process of finalizing your guest list and don't want to commit to sending a save the date card to everyone, you can send them to close family members and friends first, or to out-of-town guests who will need to make travel arrangements. Keep in mind that once you send a save the date card to someone, you are essentially inviting them to your wedding, so make sure you're comfortable with your guest list before sending them out.

In addition to the date and location of the wedding, a "save the date" card can include other relevant information to help your guests plan their attendance. Here are some additional details that you may want to consider including:

• Names of the engaged couple

• Wedding website or social media page

• The city and state of the wedding venue

• Metal surfaces such as refrigerators and backsplashes

• An indication of whether a formal invitation will follow

• Travel and accommodation information, including hotel room block details and transportation options

• Your wedding hashtag if you have one

Remember to keep the save the date card simple and straightforward while still providing enough information to help your guests plan accordingly.