Short on Time? How to Combine Digital Save-the-Dates with Traditional Wedding Invitations

You’ve found the love of your life (congrats!), and before you know it, the question has been popped, and you’re deciding to get married in a month. While things are moving at lightning speed, you and your partner have never been happier and are excited to celebrate with loved ones. Having things go at a quick pace may leave you wondering whether or not it’s ok to send digital save-the-dates and rush wedding invitations at the same time.

Short-notice wedding planning can leave you in a blissful whirlwind, and our expert team at Zola is here to say—that’s ok! Modern wedding communication offers many solutions for letting guests know about your big day when you’re wedding planning under pressure. Sure, things may not follow tradition, but your grandparents can adjust and get into the celebratory spirit.

No matter the reason for a time-sensitive wedding—whether you’re moving away or simply can’t wait to start your life together, our team has expert advice and smart solutions to help you every step of the way. The seamless transition from digital to physical with Zola is a breeze. We promise! Here’s all you need to know about invitations and save-the-dates for stress-free wedding planning on short notice.

Understanding Short-Notice Wedding Planning Communication

Some couples take months, even years, to plan their big day, but sometimes that’s impossible. Although it’s perfectly acceptable to elope, celebrating without family and friends isn’t for everyone. If you have a short timeline, here are a few things to consider for time-saving wedding planning.

What is a short-notice wedding timeframe?

Traditionally, couples send out save-the-dates six to eight months before getting married, with invitations arriving six to eight weeks before the special day. Getting married in less than four months generally puts wedding planning into hyperdrive. That means letting folks know your wedding date is of the utmost importance.

Here are a few timeframe terms to be familiar with:

• Express - getting married within 1-4 weeks
• Rushed - having a wedding within 1-2 months
• Expedited - planning your big day within 2-4 months

Can I combine digital and physical invitations?

Combining digital and physical invitations is the ace in your pocket when setting up your guest list for success. You’ll certainly want to call some relatives, such as grandparents who aren’t tech-savvy, and let them know the news. However, combining digital save-the-dates with expedited wedding stationery (hint: Zola can do both!) is the perfect way to do double duty by giving guests a heads-up that a paper invitation is on its way. So, the short answer is—yes, you can use both digital and mailed communication.

What to include on expedited wedding stationery?

Like traditional wedding invitations, you’ll need to add all relevant information. Include details, such as the date, time, and location, along with your wedding website address. Of course, your names should be prominently displayed, but you may also want to add a few words about your quick timeline. Saying, “We know it’s quick, but we’re getting married,” or giving a nod to the timing adds fun to more casual invitations.

What Are Considered Last-minute Wedding Invitations?

For serious planners, the timeline of sending save-the-dates six to eight months before the big day seems late. We get it. However, here’s what is typically acceptable for weddings under specific time constraints.

If you’re getting married in eight months or more:

You’re in luck, as you can stick with a traditional timeline. Send Zola digital save-the-dates six to eight months beforehand, followed by a paper invitation six to ten weeks prior to the big day.

If you’re getting married in six to eight months:

You may still need to consider some time-saving wedding planning methods, but six to eight months is enough to have breathing room. Order your physical save-the-dates and wedding invitations at the same time. Send paper save-the-dates immediately, and mail your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding date.

If you’re getting married in four to six months:

When getting married in less than six months, you still have some wiggle room, but it’s best to get things moving to maximize your guest count. Send digital save-the-dates right away. You can still send paper ones for a keepsake if you’d like, but order and send them immediately if you choose to go that route. Designing and ordering expedited wedding stationery should also be a top priority to allow time for addressing and mailing out to your guests.

If you’re getting married in two to four months:

Wedding planning under pressure may have your head spinning with dreams of floral arrangements, gown fittings, and finalizing menus, so don’t let your stationery fall by the wayside. Your wedding invitation timeline is short. Therefore, combining digital save-the-dates with quick-turnaround wedding stationery is paramount.

If you’re getting married in less than two months:

Fast wedding invitations are your new BFF (although don’t let your maid of honor know that!). Send out digital wedding announcements right after you nail down a date, time, and location. You’ll also need to order rush wedding invitations, which means selecting a template, proofing, and ordering on a tight timeline. All of that is followed by receiving, addressing, and mailing, so block time in your schedule to prioritize the above.

If you’re getting married next week (or in two weeks):

You crazy thing, you—and Zola’s team is here for it! If the adrenaline of deciding to get married and doing it big next week makes your heart sing, go for it. Zola short-notice wedding solutions are ready, although it’s best to skip the save–the–dates and send a digital wedding invitation. You can always print a few paper invitations as keepsakes or send a post-wedding announcement card instead.

Perks of Combining Digital and Physical Invitations

They’re time-effective. When you want your loved ones to know of your plans and be able to save the date before making other plans, a digital save-the-date saves the day.

• You can save money. Wedding budgets often get stressed. So sending Zola digital save-the-dates helps offset printing costs.
• Going digital is sustainable. Many couples decide to forego paper save-the-dates and go digital instead to reduce paper waste.
• Blend formal with casual. The immediate need to send digital data-saving communication is offset by the formality of a traditional paper invitation.
• Communicate more with less. Digital correspondence doesn’t have as many space constraints. Plus, you can automatically direct folks to your website, where they can find more information.

Digital Save-the-Date Best Practices

Design Tips to Keep It Cohesive

When choosing your suite, it’s best to keep your overall wedding tone and theme in mind. Although you may be tempted to (or need to) rush, there are still a few ideas to factor in. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Choose pieces that coordinate with your wedding colors.
• Select designs within a stationery set, meaning your digital save-the-dates, wedding invitations, menus, and post-wedding thank you cards can all match. Yes, Zola can do that!
• Keep the tone the same throughout. If you’re having a formal wedding, keep the voice and wording formal in all communication.

Adhere to Digital Save-the-Date Etiquette

Hurriedly short-notice wedding planning? Don’t make a faux pas and toss sensibility out the window. Here’s how to do it right:

• Be sensitive to older generations. While you’re making wedding planning shortcuts, don’t leave grandparents and older relatives in the dark. Most aren’t used to digital communication, let alone trying to navigate your online wedding registry. Give them a call expressing your excitement over getting married while giving them details so they can be there to celebrate.
• Say that a paper invitation is on its way. Although there are a lot of wedding invitation alternatives around, brief your guests that they will receive their last-minute wedding invitations in the mail soon. If you only have time for digital, let them know to check their email for their online invite.
• Be clear about who is invited. Because you’re having them hold the date, let families know whether or not children, spouses, or plus-ones are included with your initial communication. Ambiguity can confuse, and there’s no time for that.
• Word your save-the-dates properly. Typical date savers include the couple’s names and that they’re getting married (the “who” and “what”), but also add the date/time/location and your wedding website information. Acknowledging the timeline is also appropriate.

How to Word Your Communication

Need ideas on how to address your short timeline? Here are tips from Zola’s team of experts:

• Our timeline is short, but our love will last long. Save the date for our celebration (add details). Keep an eye on your mailbox—a paper invitation will come in a few weeks.
• We decided to get married! We’re as shocked and excited about the quickness as you are, but we hope you can join us on (insert details) as we say our vows. Paper invitation to follow.
• We’d love for you to join us on our wedding day in two months. We know the date is approaching quickly, but we hope you can still join us. Your paper invitation will arrive soon.
• (Name) and (Name) are getting married in two weeks. Yes, you read that right! Because of our expedited timeline, consider this the save-the-date and invitation all-in-one. Please join us at the beginning of the reception for a group photo so we can include it in our paper post-wedding announcement. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Create with Zola Digital Save-the-Dates

If you’re looking for an economical, beautiful way to send your modern wedding communication quickly, Zola has options. Plus, it’s all free! What’s better than free save-the-dates? Here’s all you need to do:

• Head to the Zola digital save-the-date section to find and customize your favorite design. You’ll find ones coordinating with our rush wedding invitations, making things even easier.
• Zola will create a unique link to access your digital date-saver.
• Then, copy and paste your link into a message to your invitees via text, email, or DM.
• Zola also has optional features that direct your guests to visit your wedding website and places to put their addresses, making sending paper invitations a breeze.

Planning with Zola Expedited Wedding Invitations

Need a suite of quick-turnaround wedding stationery? Look no further. The seamless transition from digital to physical with Zola has never been easier.

Our team has mastered stress-free wedding planning on short notice, so here are dos and don’ts about rush wedding invitations:

Don’t: Forget to use Zola’s integrated RSVP tracking.

Zola’s integrated systems allow you to keep track of everything in one place—including RSVPs. Whether you’re having a wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, or bridesmaids’ brunch in addition to your wedding reception, Zola can help you seamlessly track who is coming to which events. You can even input your guest list and their contact information so they can receive a nudge if they’ve neglected to RSVP online.

Do: Weigh your shipping options.

With Zola, orders take 3-5 business days to process and print before they can ship. So be sure to factor that in along with the shipping time.

Here are your options when ordering (again, add the processing time):

• Standard orders arrive within five-10 business days.
• Two-day shipping comes within five business days.
• Rush orders for select cards are delivered within three business days.

Don’t: Expect upgraded features on a short timeline.

Looking for letterpress with foil and your photo prominently displayed? Chances are you won’t get it in time. Letterpress, magnets, foil, and double/triple-thick cards are not eligible for rush shipping through Zola. However, there are so many stunning designs available that you won’t miss the upgraded features that take more time to produce.

Do: Customize a preset wedding invitation suite.

Looking for time-saving wedding planning options? Select one of our predesigned suites over a custom invitation. Of course, you can change existing elements, such as font, photos, and color. However, uploading a completely custom design (plus the time it will take to have someone do the custom work) will add to the timeline.

FAQs About Short-Notice Wedding Planning

Is it tacky to send digital save-the-dates?

Given a rushed situation, skipping paper and opting for digital is perfect. Save-the-dates are an optional paper product, so it’s not as much of an issue.

How much time can I save with digital save-the-dates?

How much time do you want to save? Once you have your wedding info settled, you can fill in the blanks and send your save-the-dates immediately. While they can still take the same amount of time to design as paper stationery, you don’t have to wait on the time it takes to print, receive, address, and mail invitations.

What if some guests don’t have email?

If you have older invitees who don’t have email, you could send a text or DM. However, it’s safe to assume they may not have any of those. In that case, give them a call and tell them the details while assuring them that a paper invitation is on its way (or will be soon).

Will guests take my wedding less seriously with digital communications?

Given your timeline, they shouldn’t discount your wedding simply because you’ve gone digital, especially if you give them a reason. Tell them you’re on a tight timeline, strict budget, or eco-friendly kick.

Zola: For Rush Wedding Invitations and Beyond

When you’re in a pinch, Zola is here with expert advice 24/7 (and yes, 365!). Research what to put on your wedding registry, how to propose to your bridesmaids, and where to honeymoon. Zola is also the place to curate your wedding website, plan your wedding registry, and find vendors in your area.

No matter what, you can trust Zola’s team of experts and their decades of experience. Want to get started now? Check out our extensive save-the-date section, where you’ll also find the perfect wedding invitation suite, too.