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.

Seasonal Considerations for Maryland Weddings

Maryland offers four distinct seasons, and that plays a big role in guest availability, travel planning, and venue competition.

Season Wedding Popularity Save the Date Timing Spring (Mar–May) High 8–10 months ahead Summer (Jun–Aug) Very High 10–12 months ahead, especially for coastal weddings Fall (Sep–Nov) Peak Season 9–12 months ahead Winter (Dec–Feb) Moderate 6–8 months ahead

Destination Weddings Within Maryland

Not all destination weddings require crossing state lines. If you're inviting guests from out-of-state to a unique venue like:

• Deep Creek Lake (Western MD)

• Kent Island (Chesapeake Bay region)

• St. Michaels or Oxford (Eastern Shore gems)

• Assateague Island or Ocean City (beach weddings)

You should treat these like destination weddings. That means sending save the dates at least 9 months in advance, and ideally up to a full year ahead.

Why? Out-of-town guests will need time to:

• Book lodging near limited accommodations

• Navigate potential toll routes and bridge traffic (hello, Bay Bridge backups)

• Coordinate vacation time

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 (especially for destination, summer, or fall weddings)

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