When planning a wedding, every detail counts.
Among these, communication with guests plays a key role.
In the previous article (you can read it here: https://merabilia.it/wedding-stationary-da-cosa-composta/) we analyzed everything that makes up the Wedding Stationary, who acts a bit like he is our ambassador when it comes to communication with our guests.
So you may have noticed that we often talk about participations, invitations e save the date.
But what are the real differences between these three tools? And which ones are best to use or when is it best to use them?
Let's take a look at it together in this article where we will delve into the various differences and suggest what their best use is. Of course, there will be no shortage of practical examples that you can use right away!
What is a wedding invitation?

Let's start right away by analyzing the wedding invitation. Let's take an example:
"Martina and Andrea joyfully announce their wedding to be held on October 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Villa di Corliano, San Giuliano Terme."
How many times have you read a sentence like this! Here, this is the wedding invitation.
To put it in simple terms, it is the official communication Of marriage. It is about theformal announcement in which the basic details of the ceremony are reported, such as:
- Date and time of the function;
- place of the ceremony, whether religious or civil.
However, it does not contain information about the reception, which is specified separately in a second invitation. Invitations are traditionally sent to all guests, even those who will not be attending the reception, as a way to share the joy of the big day.
What is the wedding invitation?
How often, however, have you come across a second "leaflet" inside the participation?
There, that's really thewedding invitation, and it is a complementary element to participation.
It is dedicated to those who will attend not only the ceremony but also the reception and includes details such as:
- Place where the reception will be held;
- Any notes on dress code or type of event.
What is save the date?

Now that you're clear on the differences between wedding invitations and wedding invitations (and I'm sure this will come in handy when you don't know how to avoid the presence of that not-so-nice relative without offending him or her!) let's go look in more detail at what is meant when we talk about save the date.
The save the date is a advance reminder which allows guests to lock the wedding date in the diary. Does not replace invitations or invitations, but it is a useful tool to give initial notice, especially if the wedding is to be held in a particularly busy season or if many guests are coming from afar.
Usually, the save the date is less formal Than participation and includes only:
- the date of the wedding;
- the names of the bride and groom;
- a catchy phrase, such as "Save the Date!" or "Don't make any commitments for June 15, 2024!"
Now that we have clarified the differences, let us then make a brief summary.
La participation Is composed of:
- bride and groom names;
- Date, time and place of the ceremony;
- no indication of receipt.
L'wedding invitation Is composed of:
- Date and time of the reception;
- Place where the reception will be held;
- Any notes on dress code or type of event
Usually the wedding invitation comes with the participation, but if you don't want those who receive it to be invited to the banquet as well, just don't include it!
What is the order in which they should be sent?
The Save the date is to be sent 8-12 months before the wedding, and is perfect for those who want to notify their guests well in advance and in a nice, unformal way.
Le participations should be sent 2-4 months before the date and contain all the final details of the ceremony.
Paper version or digital version?
Let us assume that both can be made in print and digital versions.
La print version is more elegant and traditional and is ideal if you want to give your wedding a more classic feel. La digital version, on the other hand, is certainly very practical, modern and is perfect for saving time and costs of printing and shipping.
So, to give a practical example, if you desire a wedding with a princely and timeless style, it would certainly be more suitable to provide for invitations printed on fine paper. On the other hand, if your wish is for a wedding with a modern and informal flavor, it would definitely be more suitable to use all modern tools (such as email, WhatsApp and various social media) for sending your save the date. Imagine telling all your friends the good news with a nice story on Instagram! The effect would definitely be very modern and social addicted!
Remember, the participations, the invitations and the save the date are not simply practical communications, but represent the first taste of the style and atmosphere of your wedding. Our advice is to invest the right amount of time and care in these details. This way you will create a memorable experience from the very beginning of the journey.
If, on the other hand, you want your wedding communication to be absolutely unique, contact us by clicking on the button below. Our team of experts will be able to guide you in choosing and customizing invitations, invitations and save the dates, for a wedding that will remain in everyone's heart.