Save the Dates for Reception?

abcde2010

I am having a immeidate family-only wedding early in the afternoon of my wedding day, then having a large reception later that evening, probably starting around 6pm. The reception will include cocktail hour and dinner. I am not getting married for over a year. Would it be appropriate to send out STDs for the reception? I want to but do not know if that is only acceptable for invites to both the wedding and reception? If you feel it's appropriate, any wording suggestions? Thanks!

dsouldiva

I think a year is too far out to send STDs unless it's a destination wedding or people would have to travel long distance.  I would keep it to 6 months max.I'm not sure about the etiquette of STDs for reception only, personally I would skip them unless the invitee is long distance in which case I would probably just send a note sayingbride & groom are tying the knot on Date please save the date for the celebration/after party/reception

ffmaid

STD implies invites to the whole event. I would not send them if people are not invited to everything They are never needed

Tequint

A good friend of mine had a family-only ceremony not too long ago. She sent out save the dates about 6 months in advance. Even though we werent' invited to the ceremony, i still appreciated the save the date so we could make plans.

OFF

STDs imply just that saving the date. Even if they are not invited to the ceremony they will still be invited to an event that day. The norm is about 6 months out.

tjett911

I sent out save the dates for my Friday wedding and reception about 4 months out and people really appreciated it.  My wedding is the same way small wedding for family and big reception for family and friends.