Save the dates are usually the first time your guests will hear about your wedding date. It’s a reminder to mark their calendars and start looking at travel plans. There are some people who should know about your wedding date before those save the dates have gone out in the mail — but who? We have the list of VIPs for you right here.

The first people to know about your wedding date are your parents and immediate family members. In fact, you may want to include them in your date selection process, just to make sure the key players are all available on the day you choose! Then, let your extended family (particularly grandparents) know about the date as well so they can be sure to mark their calendars.

Next up is your wedding party. You will most likely be inviting them to be bridesmaids and groomsmen way before the save the dates go out, so let them know about the date when you’re asking them to be a part of the proceedings.

Planning to take any time off? Let your boss know about your chosen date (and submit a vacation request) as soon as the contract has been signed with your venue. This way everyone will be able to plan in advance for your absence — especially if you’re going on your honeymoon the day after you say “I do.”

While it isn’t necessary to give anyone else advanced notice, if you have close friends who won’t be in the wedding party, but who you really want to make sure are at your wedding, give them as much heads-up about the date as possible. This is particularly true if you’re asking them to participate in your wedding in any way, such as reading at your ceremony. This way, by the time your save the date arrives, they’ve already got the weekend blocked off on their calendar!

This article was written by Jaimie Mackey for Brides.com.
Photo: Love Be Photography