Save the Date, wedding website, or invitation: What's the Difference?
As a Wedding Planner, I often get asked by newly engaged couples about the differences between Save the Dates, Wedding Websites, and Invitations. Understanding how each fits into your wedding planning timeline is crucial to creating a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests. Let me guide you through the details so you can confidently tackle this important part of your wedding planning journey.
Save the Date: The “Heads-Up” of your wedding
Purpose: A Save the Date is your first formal communication to your guest list. Think of it as a friendly nudge to mark their calendars for your big day. It’s especially important if you’re planning a destination wedding, a multi-day celebration or a wedding during a peak season.
Timing: Send your Save the Dates <12 months before your wedding or honestly any time you have your date and venue picked. This gives your guests ample time to make travel arrangements and clear their schedules.
Format: Save the Dates can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Whether you go digital or mailed, this is a great opportunity to showcase your engagement photos or hint at your wedding theme.
What to Include
- Your names
- Wedding date
- Location including city and venue(s)
- A link to your wedding website (make sure it’s started!)
Pro Tips
- You will need to collect email addresses for e-save the dates or physical addresses for mailed ones early. This preparation will also help when it’s time to send Thank You cards after the wedding
- Only send Save the Dates to your A-list guests to avoid awkward conversations later
- Explore free and paid options for digital Save the Dates, like With Joy (free) or Greenvelope (small fee).
- If you are doing a mailed option, consider whether you prefer postcards or cards in envelopes for a more formal touch
Wedding Website: Your Wedding Info HQ
Purpose: A wedding website is your go-to hub for sharing all the extra details with your guests. It’s perfect for answering FAQs and keeping everyone updated. You can start this early and keep adding to it as you go too.
Timing: Launch your wedding website alongside your Save the Dates so you can reference this as a link in a e-save the date or if you are doing a card in the mail many of my couple add a QR code with the link address below it.
What to Include
- Venue details and timing for ceremony/reception
- Hotel accommodations including the deadline for your room block if you have one
- Transportation options, e.g. guest shuttle, Uber, walking
- RSVP and meal options (I recommend turning this feature off until you have sent the real invitation or if you’re planning on using traditional RSVP cards)
- Answers to frequently asked questions and lists, such as: Is the wedding kid-friendly? Can I bring a plus-one? What’s the dress code? Registry links and local recommendations for dining and activities while in town
Pro Tips
- Keep the website updated with any changes to the schedule or other important details. Most have a feature to message guests too which is helpful when plans change or to nudge those that haven’t RSVPed yet
- Recommended platforms include With Joy (free), Appy Couple ($$), and Riley & Grey ($$$$). Pick one that matches your style and budget.
Wedding Invitation: The Official Invite
Purpose: Your wedding invitation is the formal part of your wedding communication. The style you choose sets the tone for your celebration—from formal black-tie to casual lakeside vibes.
Timing: Send your invitations 3 months before the wedding. The etiquette used to be 2 months but now we generally do 3 months. For destination weddings, you can send a bit earlier. Don’t forget, no matter where your wedding is, you have already sent a save the date. The invitation is a formality.
What to Include
- Your names, with parents if they are hosting
- The date, time, and full address of your venue(s)
- Dress code (optional)
Then your RSVP card or online option should include
- RSVP deadline
- If you have multiple events guests will attend (or some will attend) have an RSVP for each event. Like a welcome party for all guests or a rehearsal dinner for just the wedding party etc.
- Meal options and a way to list dietary restrictions (if needed)
- If you are needing to track guest shuttle users, add a question about this
- Some couples like to ask fun questions too like “What song will get you on the dance floor?”
Pro Tips
- Set the RSVP deadline for 6 weeks before the wedding. If you have a B-list, make it 8 weeks before so you have time to send out additional invites if needed. B list RSVP date would be 4 weeks before your wedding. Adjust your RSVP date depending on when final numbers are due to your venue.
- Avoid sending invitations too early; guests may forget to respond, leaving you chasing RSVPs. Don’t forget you have sent a save the date
How These Elements Work Together
Your Save the Date, Wedding Website, and Invitation should complement each other seamlessly. Think of them as puzzle pieces that, when combined, provide guests with a complete picture of your wedding day. By spreading out the information, you can avoid overwhelming your guests and ensure they have everything they need to celebrate with you stress-free.
Why should you add a Wedding Planner to your wedding team?
Planning a wedding involves a lot of moving parts, and these communications are just the beginning. As an experienced wedding planner in Ottawa, I specialize in helping couples create unforgettable weddings—from elegant city celebrations to countryside weddings by the water.
When you work with me, I’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring no detail is overlooked. I guide my couples to ensure their guests have all the information they need to enjoy their wedding to the fullest. From choosing the right platforms for your Save the Dates and wedding website to designing invitations that reflect your style, I’ll make the process enjoyable and stress-free. You will have an experienced advisor to help you make all those hard decisions along the way.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding?
If you’re newly engaged and looking for expert guidance, let’s chat! Together, we’ll create a wedding that’s as unique and special as your love story.
Up Next!
Next on my blog I am breaking down the real cost of a Pinterest-worthy wedding in Ottawa! What my 2024 couples had to budget for their gorgeous weddings!
POST INFO AND CREDITS
- Published on March 9th 2025
- Photography by Grace and Gold Studios, GR Studios, Scott H Wilson Photography
- Stationery by Wishtree Design Inc., Empress Stationery, Minted
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