Is 6 Months Too Late to Send a Save‑the‑Date? What the Timing Really Means

When you start planning a wedding, the first question that pops up is "When should we send the save‑the‑date?" If you’re looking at a 6‑month gap between the card and the ceremony, you might wonder whether that’s cutting it close or simply fine. This guide walks you through the whole timeline, shows where six months lands on the ruler, and gives practical work‑arounds if you’re pressed for time.

What a Save‑the‑Date Actually Is

Save the date is a short, usually postcard‑size announcement sent to guests before the formal wedding invitation. Its sole purpose is to let people block the calendar so they can plan travel, time off work, or other commitments. Unlike the invitation, it doesn’t include RSVP details, menu choices, or dress code. Think of it as a friendly heads‑up rather than a full‑blown invitation.

Typical Timeline for Save‑the‑Dates

Industry norms have settled on a sweet spot: send the save‑the‑date 8‑12 weeks (2‑3 months) before the wedding. That window gives out‑of‑town guests enough time to book flights and hotels without feeling rushed. Here’s a quick visual of the most common schedule:

• 12 weeks before: Save‑the‑date (postcard or digital)
• 10 weeks before: Finalize guest list, confirm venue capacity
• 8 weeks before: Formal invitations go out
• 6 weeks before: RSVP deadline
• 4 weeks before: Final headcount sent to caterer

At first glance, 6 months looks generous-more than double the typical lead‑time. But the real question is how that fits with the rest of your planning milestones.

Is Six Months Really Too Late?

Short answer: No, six months is not "too late" for a save‑the‑date, but it does push some downstream deadlines tighter than usual. Here’s why:

1. Guest travel decisions. Most travelers book flights 2‑3 months in advance. If they receive a save‑the‑date six months out, they might delay booking because the date feels far away, risking higher fares later.
2. Venue hold. Many venues require a deposit at the time you send the save‑the‑date. A six‑month gap means you’ll be paying the deposit almost a year before the ceremony, tying up budget early.
3. Wedding website updates. Couples often launch a wedding website alongside the save‑the‑date. A later send date can delay the site’s release, leaving guests without a central info hub for longer.
4. Timeline compression. All subsequent milestones (invitations, RSVP deadline, final headcount) shift closer to the wedding day, leaving less wiggle room for last‑minute changes.

In short, six months works if you’re comfortable with a compressed planning window after the cards go out. If you prefer a relaxed schedule, aim for the 8‑12‑week window instead.

When Six Months Is Actually a Good Fit

There are scenarios where a six‑month lead‑time is not only acceptable but advantageous:

• Destination weddings. Guests often need to arrange visas, passports, and travel insurance. Giving them six months ensures they can handle bureaucracy without stress.
• Large guest lists. If you have 200+ guests, you’ll need extra time to manage accommodations, transportation, and group rates. A later save‑the‑date forces everyone to decide sooner rather than later.
• Budget planning. Some couples wait to lock in their budget after the engagement period. Sending the save‑the‑date six months out lets them finalize numbers before committing to vendors.

So, the answer depends on the type of wedding and how you handle logistics.

How to Make a Late Save‑the‑Date Work

If you find yourself on the six‑month mark and worry about the tighter timeline, try these proven tactics:

1. Go digital. Email or e‑card saves the postage cost and arrives instantly. That way, guests get the news right away, even if the printed card isn’t mailed for a few weeks.
2. Include a clear RSVP deadline. Mention a firm RSVP date (e.g., "Please respond by [date]") that falls at least six weeks before the wedding. This gives you a reliable headcount early.
3. Provide a wedding website link. A centralized site can host travel suggestions, hotel blocks, and a checklist. Update it immediately after the save‑the‑date goes out.
4. Offer early‑bird travel deals. Partner with a hotel or airline to lock in rates for guests who book within the first month of receiving the card.
5. Communicate proactively. Send a short follow‑up text or email a week after the card, reminding guests to start planning.

Comparison: Ideal vs. Six‑Month Send Time

Notice how the major difference is the compression of the invitation‑RSVP window. If you can handle that pressure, six months is perfectly fine.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Missing the RSVP deadline. Set a calendar reminder for both you and your wedding planner to follow up with guests who haven’t responded.
• Forgetting travel info. Include a quick “Travel Tips” link on the save‑the‑date or in a separate email.
• Design delays. Choose a simple template or hire a designer early; a complex design can push the mailing date past your target.
• Printing bottlenecks. Order prints at least two weeks before you plan to mail them, especially if you’re using a custom design.

Bottom Line: Make the Timing Work for You

Whether six months feels early or late depends on your wedding’s size, location, and the amount of planning you’ve already completed. The save the date timing that works best is the one that aligns with your overall schedule and keeps guests informed without overwhelming you. Use the tips, comparison table, and checklist above to decide if you should stick with six months or shuffle the dates a bit.

Quick Checklist Before You Press Send

1. Confirm final wedding date and venue hold.
2. Finalize guest list and note any out‑of‑town guests.
3. Choose a design (digital or printed) and order proofs.
4. Set up a wedding website and add a link to the save‑the‑date.
5. Write a clear RSVP deadline at least 6 weeks before the ceremony.
6. Mail or email the cards, then follow up with a reminder a week later.