Should You Send Save the Dates? The Ideal Timeline for Couples

When planning your wedding at Valley Mills Farm in the Shenandoah Valley, one of the first questions couples often ask is whether they should send out a save the date notice. While it isn’t required for every wedding, sending save the dates can make a big difference—especially if you’re inviting out-of-town guests, hosting a destination wedding, or planning during a busy season.

Why Send Save the Dates?

Save the dates serve as a friendly heads-up for your guests, giving them time to:

• Block off their calendars.

• Arrange travel and accommodations.

• Budget for any associated expenses.

They’re especially helpful for weddings held in popular destinations like the Shenandoah Valley, where hotels and rentals may book up quickly during peak seasons.

When to Send Save the Dates

The ideal time to send save the dates is about 6 to 8 months before your wedding day. For destination weddings or events that fall on holiday weekends, consider sending them closer to 9 to 12 months in advance.

This gives your guests plenty of time to plan while ensuring your date is on their calendar well before other commitments pop up.

What to Include in a Save the Date

Keep your save the date simple but informative. It should include:

• Your names.

• The wedding date.

• The city and state (Valley Mills Farm couples can highlight the Shenandoah Valley as the destination).

• A note that a formal invitation will follow.

Many couples also add their wedding website for guests to reference additional details.

Do You Always Need Them?

If your wedding is local, smaller, or planned within just a few months, you may be able to skip save the dates and go straight to invitations. However, for larger celebrations or if you’re hosting guests traveling from afar, they’re a thoughtful gesture that ensures no one misses your big day.

Contact us to learn more about Valley Mills Farm.

We hope to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country such as:  Somos Family NC, Amelia Grove, Sage View Ranch, 22 Acres Farm, Cold Spring Barn.