The Difference Between Save the Dates and Invitations (And Why You May Want Both)
As a wedding stationer, I’ve noticed a growing trend lately: couples are blurring the lines between Save the Dates and wedding invitations. They’ll add extra details to a Save the Date and treat it as their official invite, when in reality, these two pieces serve very different purposes.
While it’s tempting to simplify your stationery (especially with a tight timeline or budget), it’s important to understand the unique role each piece plays in your overall wedding communication and why skipping one may lead to confusion for your guests.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Save the Date?
A Save the Date is a pre-invitation—a quick heads-up to your guests that says, “Mark your calendar, we’re getting married!”
It typically includes:
Your names
Wedding date
City and state (venue optional)
“Formal invitation to follow”
Optional: wedding website
What it is NOT:
A Save the Date is not a substitute for a wedding invitation. It doesn’t include all the details your guests need to attend your celebration—like exact times, ceremony and reception addresses, RSVP instructions, or dress code.
What Is a Wedding Invitation?
The wedding invitation is the official request to attend your wedding. It tells your guests everything they need to know to show up and celebrate with you.
A standard invitation suite includes:
The invitation card (with full event details)
RSVP card and envelope or online response instructions
Details or accommodations card
Envelopes (often inner + outer)
Optional add-ons: liners, wax seals, vellum wraps, etc.
Wedding invitations are traditionally sent 8+ weeks before the wedding (earlier for destination weddings).
Why Blending the Two Can Cause Confusion
When Save the Dates are overloaded with event info, guests may assume they’ve already received the full invite—and miss important updates or forget to RSVP.
On the other hand, sending your only invitation 8–12 months in advance (like a Save the Date) can lead to:
Guests misplacing or forgetting the invite
Unnecessary early questions
Changes in venue or timeline with no official follow-up
Even in our digital world, timing and clarity still matter.
When Save the Dates Are a Good Idea
Consider sending Save the Dates if:
You have a long engagement (9–12+ months)
You’re planning a destination wedding or holiday weekend
Many guests are traveling or need to plan well in advance
You want to begin building excitement early
When You Can Confidently Skip Them
You can likely skip Save the Dates if:
You’re planning a shorter engagement (under 6 months)
Your guest list is mostly local
You’re managing a tighter budget and want to prioritize your formal invitations
You have a clear communication plan through your website or wedding planner
Pro Tip: Use Each Piece for Its Purpose
Let your Save the Date be a beautiful teaser—simple and early.
Let your invitation provide all the details and set the tone for the big day.
Doing both—strategically and intentionally—helps avoid confusion and enhances your guests’ experience.
Final Thoughts
While Save the Dates and invitations may look similar at first glance, they serve very different purposes in your wedding planning process. Combining the two might seem convenient, but it can create miscommunication or cause guests to miss important info.
At Raspberry Creative, we help couples find the right balance, whether that’s a full suite or a simplified approach. Our goal is always to make your stationery beautiful, thoughtful, and clear.
