Save the Dates and Invitations: Do you really need both?

When planning your dream wedding at All4One Farms in Jacksonville, FL, you’ll quickly realize there are many details to consider—one of the first being when and how to notify your guests. Two key components of your wedding communication are sending out “Save the Dates” and formal wedding invitations. Both serve important roles, but they’re quite different.  So the answer to the question is YES.  You do need both  “Save the Dates” and formal wedding invitations.  In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences, timing, and why they’re essential for planning a seamless wedding at our farm.

What Are Save the Dates?

Save the Dates are a simple, early heads-up to your guests, letting them know to mark your wedding day on their calendar. These announcements are usually sent well before the formal invitations and provide basic information like your wedding date and location. At All4One Farms, we recommend sending Save the Dates especially if many of your guests are traveling to Jacksonville to join you.

Why Send Save the Dates?

The main reason for sending Save the Dates is to give your guests advance notice, especially if your wedding takes place during a busy season or requires travel. All4One Farms’ outdoor setting is often the backdrop for weddings where guests want extra time to plan their visit, whether it’s booking accommodations or arranging time off.  Protip:  we have accommodation information on our website for your guests to check out.

Save the Dates also help set the tone for your big day. Whether your wedding theme is rustic, elegant, or somewhere in between, your Save the Date can offer a sneak peek of what’s to come at our beautiful venue.

When to Send Save the Dates

We recommend sending your Save the Dates 6 to 8 months before your wedding. If you’re hosting a destination wedding or have a guest list with many out-of-towners, send them even earlier—9 to 12 months in advance. This allows guests enough time to plan their trip and make necessary arrangements.

What to Include on Your Save the Dates

Here are the key details to feature on your Save the Date:

• Names of the Couple: Clearly state who’s getting married.
• Wedding Date: This is the most important detail!
• Location: Include the city (Jacksonville, FL) and mention All4One Farms if you’ve already secured the venue.
• Wedding Website: If you have a website with more details, include the link for guests to reference.

What Are Wedding Invitations?

Your wedding invitations are the formal request for your guests to attend the wedding. They contain all the vital information your guests need, including the schedule, location details, and RSVP instructions. At All4One Farms, your invitations can reflect the outdoor elegance of our farm, setting the tone for a beautiful, countryside celebration.

Why Send Wedding Invitations?

While Save the Dates provide early notice, wedding invitations are the official way to inform your guests of all the details for the big day. These invitations are typically more formal and include specifics like the exact time and location, along with information about the ceremony and reception at All4One Farms.

When to Send Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are usually sent 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. However, if you’re planning a destination wedding or many of your guests are traveling, send them a bit earlier to give ample time for travel arrangements.

What to Include on Wedding Invitations

Your wedding invitations should provide all the information your guests need to attend and enjoy your wedding. Be sure to include:

• Names of the Couple: The names of both partners.
• Wedding Date and Time: Clearly state the day, date, and time.
• Venue: Include “All4One Farms, Jacksonville, FL” along with the full address.
• RSVP Instructions: Let guests know how to respond, whether via mail or through your wedding website.
• Dress Code: If you have a specific dress code for your outdoor wedding at All4One Farms, mention it on the invitation.

Save the Dates vs. Wedding Invitations: Key Differences

To summarize:

• Purpose: Save the Dates announce your wedding date and location, while wedding invitations provide formal details and RSVPs.
• Timing: Save the Dates go out 6 to 12 months in advance; wedding invitations are sent 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.
• Details: Save the Dates include basic information, while invitations provide all the specifics about the ceremony, reception, and dress code.

Whether you’re planning a small, intimate wedding or a larger celebration at All4One Farms, understanding the difference between Save the Dates and wedding invitations will help ensure your guests are prepared for your special day. We’re here to assist you every step of the way, from planning to celebration.

If you’re ready to start planning your wedding at All4One Farms, contact us today for a tour and let’s start creating your perfect day!

“Our Farm, Your Happy Ever After” 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue like:

Or you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.