Timing of the Wedding Invitation by: Miss P Etiquette
Dear Soon to be Bride,
Thanks for this timely question.
Save The Date notices should go out at least 8 months prior to the wedding and only to those guests that will need to make travel accommodations. Send the Save The Date card to those whom you will invite to the wedding AND you want them to come.
Send your actual invitations at least 8 weeks before the wedding. That gives you time to collect your RSVP's for a guest count and avoid last minute stress.
As you can see, the Save The Date cards are not directly related to the timing for sending your wedding invitations.
Another component may be wedding announcements that are sent out AFTER the wedding to those who were not invited, especially if you had a small wedding and want your other friends and family to get the exciting news of your joyous union.