r/budgetweddings

My wife and I got married three weeks ago — backyard wedding, super chill vibe, and people are STILL talking about the food.

Then last Saturday we went to a big high-end wedding, and today was one right in the middle scale-wise.

Honest take: I had the most fun at ours, but I'm obviously biased lol. So I'm curious — for those of you who've been guests at all types, which vibe did you genuinely enjoy more? The laid-back backyard party, the full fancy production, or is the sweet spot somewhere in the middle?

Hi everyone! 😊
We’re getting married in September next year and will have a relatively small wedding, around 45 guests.
I was planning to send our actual wedding invitations around mid to late November this year, but now I’m wondering if that might actually be too late.

My main concern is that people may already start making plans for next year — booking holidays, trips, other weddings, etc. — and I’d really like our guests to know our date before they make those plans.

Would you send a Save the Date earlier, and then the proper invitation in November? Or is sending the actual invitation in November early enough for a September wedding?
I’m also wondering what to do in the meantime. Should we casually spread the word among the people we know we’re inviting, like “we’re getting married next September, keep the date free,” or should we not say anything and let the Save the Date/invitation be the first official announcement?
Since it’s only around 45 guests, most of them are close family and friends.
What would you do? Especially with people potentially planning their holidays for next year quite early?

Edit: Its gonna be a destination wedding