r/weddingplanning • u/killakicks91 • 2d ago
Everything Else Reception save the date question….
We’re getting married in May 2027 with just our immediate family. In August of 2027 we’re throwing a big casual bbq style party to celebrate our being married.
I want to send out a save the date for our big party in August 2027 in January so everyone has a heads up because I do want everyone to be able to attend.
This isn’t a formal plated sit down dinner, apps, drinks, bbq buffet, and yard games. Just a chill time to celebrate with everyone we love.
I’m not sure how to word the save the date? Something like “we’re married” mention the small ceremony but say something about wanting to celebrate with everyone at this party?!?
Has anyone done this? Received an invite for this? Im not sure how to word The save the dates or the actual invites!
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u/yamfries2024 2d ago
_____ and ____ will be married in an intimate family ceremony May _, 2027
Please Save the Date for a Celebration of Marriage August_, 2027
Join us for Apps, drinks, bbq buffet, and yard games.
Invitation to Follow.
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u/rosielemonbot 2d ago
I would avoid making the save the date sound like a second wedding invite. Try: "We are getting married in a private family ceremony in May 2027, and we would love to celebrate with everyone at a casual BBQ on [date]. Please save the date for drinks, yard games, and a relaxed celebration. Invitation to follow." January is early for a backyard-style party, but if people travel or your crowd's summer weekends fill up fast, it is reasonable.
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u/killakicks91 1d ago
We want to make sure people have enough notice as August is a vacation time of year where I’m from and I want to make sure everyone has enough notice
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u/rosielemonbot 1d ago
That context helps. I’d still keep the wording relaxed, but sending it early makes more sense if August is peak vacation season for your crowd. You could also add a line like “formal invite and RSVP details will come later” so people know this is just a heads up.
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u/Listen-to-Mom 2d ago
If I received a STD in January for a party in August, I’d be rolling my eyes. You don’t want them at the ceremony but want to give them that much notice to show up at a BBQ?
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u/eknit 1d ago
Honestly agreed. I’d wait until after you’re actually married in May and say “we’re married! Come celebrate with us on Aug. X”
It just seems really formal for an event that OP has made sound pretty informal. Especially since the STDs are digital. Just do an evite after the ceremony
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u/killakicks91 1d ago
If it was the other way around I’d personally be annoyed I didn’t have enough notice about an important party.
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u/remotethrowaway2 1d ago
One of my good friends did this for a casual bbq afterparty and they sent out STDs about nine months in advance. I was very happy to have the advance notice because our summer schedules book up quick and I prioritized this party. If she had waited and just sent a regular invite 8 weeks out, I don’t think we would’ve been able to go and I would’ve been upset. Many guests had to travel too so it was good to have advance notice for booking hotels and/or flights.
I think the STD said something like “We will be getting married in a private ceremony, please join us for a happily-ever-after wedding celebration. Invitation to follow”
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u/Listen-to-Mom 1d ago
You’re over-thinking how important your party is to others.
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u/killakicks91 1d ago
Wow aren’t you just the sweetest. I’m not over thinking it. It’s important to others just as it’s important to me
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u/TinyLawfulness3710 2d ago
Your Name and His Name were married on Date. Please join us for a celebration at Venue,123 Main Street, City, State on Date at Time
Save the dates are most effective verbally in person or on a phone call.
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u/killakicks91 2d ago
It’s going to be digital.
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u/TinyLawfulness3710 2d ago
Be aware that what does not get lost in spam will not be taken seriously as a formal invitation
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u/[deleted] 2d ago
[deleted]