We have all seen the problem about wedding guests unable to come, haven't we?

Invitations being ignored or forgotten about if sent too early yet your old school friend saying they have previous appointments if left nearer the time. What is the right time interval before the wedding for sending out written invitations?

One of the best compromises involves sending an early Save The Date informal note well before the actual invitation.

This is still a relatively recent trend in which engaged couples send out a notice soon after setting a date for the wedding that lets potential guests know to save the date on their calendar. This is a great idea because it then gives everyone a heads up that you will be requesting the honor of their presence on a certain day in the future without you having to send out formal invitations horribly early.

A save-the-date notice does not request an RSVP, but instead is just a notice of an impending invitation.

If you have guests who will be coming from out of town and will need to make travel arrangements then you should definitely utilize the save-the-date method to let them know that you would like them to attend and they should start looking into different travel options.

Lets face it if they can't make travel plans in time to make your wedding day because you told them too late then it is YOUR fault not theirs.  Save embarrassment all round by letting them know well in advance then sending the invitation much nearer the actual day.