When to Send Save the Date Requests for a Wedding in Maryland: Your Complete Timeline
When to Send Save the Date Requests for a Wedding in Maryland: Your Complete Timeline
Planning a wedding in Maryland? One of the most important (and surprisingly time-sensitive) steps in your wedding planning checklist is knowing when to send out your save the dates. These little cards may seem simple, but they play a huge role in setting the tone and giving your guests the heads-up they need to be there for your big day.
But when is the right time to send save the dates—especially if you're getting married in a high-demand location like Annapolis, Baltimore, or along Maryland’s picturesque Eastern Shore?
In this post, we’ll break down:
The ideal save the date timeline
How Maryland’s seasons and wedding hotspots affect your plans
Key tips for destination weddings, local events, and more
Examples and a downloadable timeline checklist
Let’s make sure your guests have your wedding marked on their calendars with plenty of time to spare.
Why Save the Dates Matter More Than Ever
In the post-COVID wedding boom, demand for venues and vendors has skyrocketed. According to The Knot’s Real Weddings Study, 2024 saw a surge in weddings, with over 2.1 million ceremonies—many of which were rebooked from earlier postponements.
Because of this, guests are now juggling more events, travel plans, and calendar commitments. Save the dates are no longer optional—they’re essential.
When to Send Save the Dates for Maryland Weddings
General Rule of Thumb
Local Maryland Wedding: Send save the dates 6 to 8 months before your wedding date.
Destination or Holiday Weekend Wedding (e.g., Ocean City, Deep Creek Lake, or Fourth of July): Send save the dates 9 to 12 months in advance.
Maryland's compact size can be misleading—while it might be small geographically, its venues are diverse, ranging from beachy retreats to rustic farms and historic urban spots. This can impact guest logistics, and early notice is key.
What to Include in Your Maryland Save the Date
Don’t just drop a date and venue. Make your card a mini info hub. Here’s what to include:
Your full names
Wedding date
City + state (don’t forget "MD"!)
Wedding website (include this early for travel info and hotel blocks)
“Formal invitation to follow” line
Optional: Engagement photo with a scenic Maryland backdrop
Example:
Save the Date
Amanda & Jordan
September 21, 2025
Annapolis, Maryland
Visit our website for more info: amandaandjordan2025.com
Formal invitation to follow
Digital or Paper Save the Dates?
Paper save the dates are still the most popular option, but digital options like Greenvelope or Paperless Post are becoming more common, especially for eco-conscious or last-minute weddings.
Consider your guest demographic:
For older relatives, mailed cards still work best.
Younger guests may appreciate the immediacy of a digital invite.
Timeline Checklist: Maryland Save the Date Schedule
Here’s a quick timeline to keep your planning on track:
12–10 Months Before
Finalize your guest list
Choose a venue and lock in your date
Design and order your save the dates
10–8 Months Before
Send save the dates
6–8 Months Before
Send save the dates for local and winter weddings
Launch your wedding website
Where to Print Save the Dates in Maryland
Looking for local vendors? These Maryland-based stationery experts are worth checking out:
Pretty Peacock Paperie – Annapolis
Just Ink On Paper – Baltimore
Papermoon Baltimore – Custom illustration save the dates
Working with local printers can also speed up the turnaround and reduce shipping delays.
Final Thoughts: Give Guests the Time They Deserve
Whether you’re tying the knot in a vineyard near Frederick or exchanging vows at a bayside venue in St. Michaels, Maryland weddings shine when planned with thought and care.
Sending your save the dates at the right time ensures your guests can make the most of your wedding weekend—without scrambling for hotel rooms or rearranging their lives last minute.
So don’t wait too long. Get those cards (or emails) out, and let the countdown begin!
At Morningside Inn, we’re here to help with every detail—big and small—so your wedding day flows effortlessly. Located on 300 private acres in the scenic hills of Frederick, Maryland, our all-inclusive wedding venue provides everything you need for a beautiful, stress-free celebration.
