Most couples send both a save the date and a wedding invitation. Each one plays a distinct role at different stages in the planning timeline, leading up to the big day.

Send a save the date to guests first. This announces the wedding's date and general location so guests can block their calendars, book travel, and request time off work well in advance. Hosts have not planned the full details of the wedding yet, so no need to include more specifics.

For destination weddings or weddings on holiday weekends, sending a save the date is especially important. This gives guests ample time to book time off, hotels, or flights.

Send your official wedding invitation later, once you finalize more event details. The invitation includes the ceremony time and location, plus details like reception location and dress code. It also informs guests about other wedding weekend events, like a welcome dinner or post-wedding brunch.

Save the dates tend to be less info-heavy and tease what's to come. Wedding invitations carry more weight; they formally set the expectation for the day.

On Evite, both are available in the Wedding Shop. Send wedding save the dates first, then send wedding invitations once you lock more details.

Timing depends on the type of wedding and the guest list, but here are the standard windows for sending online wedding invitations:

• Save the dates: Send six to twelve months before the wedding. For destination weddings or weddings on major holiday weekends, twelve months is not too early. For local weddings with a guest list that lives primarily nearby, six to eight months is standard.
• Wedding invitations: Send them six to eight weeks before the wedding for local celebrations. Send them eight to twelve weeks ahead for destination weddings.
• RSVP deadline: Set it two or three weeks before the wedding day. This gives you time to lock in your final headcount with wedding planners and caterers.

Sending a digital invitation earlier is the right call for destination weddings, summer, and holiday weekend weddings. Popular dates book up fast for everyone, and this gives guests enough time to book flights and budget for the trip.

Once your Evite Wedding Invitation is out, your event dashboard tracks RSVPs in real time.

Evite's Wedding Shop covers the full wedding celebration timeline, not just the wedding day itself. Here's some of what's available:

• Engagement Party Invitations
• Save the Dates
• Wedding Day Invitations
• Bridal Shower Invitations
• Bachelorette Party Invitations
• Bachelor Party Invitations
• Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
• Upload Your Own Design Invitations

All Invitation types include real-time RSVP tracking, automated guest reminders, and guest messaging. Premium designs unlock an engagement photo gallery, custom envelopes and stamps, and animated effects. You can add multiple registry links to any invitation type.

Yes—and for many couples, digital wedding invitations are now the preferred format.

A few reasons couples choose Evite for their wedding invitations:

Practicality. Online invitations arrive instantly; no postal delays, no returned mail from outdated addresses, no waiting. Guests RSVP with a click and the host sees every response in real time.

Cost. Traditional paper invitations, especially for large weddings, can cost a lot even before postage, printing, and addressing. Digital Invitations on Evite are free or Premium. Either way, they cost far less than a similar paper suite.

Design quality. Evite's wedding gallery includes modern, botanical, vintage, rustic, classic, and minimalist styles. Premium designs offer custom envelopes, animated reveals, and effects that paper invitations can't match. Customize every element to match your wedding theme.

Flexibility. With Evite, you can update event details, send corrections to all guests, and add new information, all online. No reprinting needed.

For couples who want both. Some couples send paper invites for the ceremony. Then, they use Evite for extra events like the bridal shower, bachelor and bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. Digital invites are a natural fit for these events.

Planning for a bigger guest list or multiple wedding events? Evite Pro gives you unlimited Premium Invitations for $249.99/yr. For planning ideas, etiquette tips, and more, visit the Evite blog.