Congrats! You’re engaged. Now what? Time to get your friends & family in the loop.
First step: Send Save-The-Date cards to your guests. It’s the pre-invite card that announces your wedding date & venue, as well as lets guests know that they’ll be invited to the celebration.
Here’s a simple guide to help you nail save-the-date etiquette, plus check out some of my favorite Save-The-Date designs to inspire you.
Do we have to send out Save-The-Date cards?If you’re having a destination wedding, then sending a Save-The-Date is an expected courtesy, since many of your guests will have to make travel & hotel arrangements. Even if you’re getting married in your home town, Save-The_Dates are a fun way to give your guests a heads up about the wedding. Plus, chances are it’ll increase your guests chances of attending.
When do we send them out?In general, it’s a good idea to mail them 4 to 6 months before your wedding, or even earlier (8 months ahead of time) if you’re planning a destination wedding that requires more extensive travel planning.
Who gets one?Only send your Save-The-Date to those you’re planning on inviting to the wedding. Even if you’ve already gotten verbal confirmation from certain guests, you’ll still need to send them a Save-The-Date (that includes bridesmaids, siblings, parents, etc.). However, once they’re in the mail, there’s no turning back, so lock down that guest list first before mailing them out so you don’t over invite. They should only go to those you definitely want in attendance.
What information should we include?Give your guests any details that will help them plan for your big day: the wedding date, location, your wedding website URL (where they can find additional information), etc.
Can we send them via email?These days, it’s perfectly appropriate to send your Save-The-Date announcement via email. Just be aware there may be a few bumps along the road: Your e-card may get filtered into your guests’ spam folder, or maybe the email address you have is one they no longer check. Some of your guests may not even have email (grandparents), so you will need to spread the word some other way. So in other words, delivery is not always 100 percent guaranteed. Also, there’s the tangibility factor: Mailing a paper Save-The-Date, guests will probably pin it up somewhere in their home or office, to serve as a reminder of the wedding to come. Another thing to consider is the formality of your wedding. One function of the Save-The-Date is to give your guests a sneak peek of the wedding to come. The more formal the wedding, the more likely a printed card will set the tone you want your wedding to have.
My favorite ways to Save-The-Date:
Save-the-Date Photo Card- I’m partial to this one! 😉
Use your favorite shot from your Engagement photos. This is a great way to personalize your Save-The-Date & give your guests a feel for what to expect at your wedding (will it be casual, rustic, elegant, etc.). Print it on a full-bleed photo-card design to really show it off. (custom save-the-date cards available starting at $169 for 100)
Save-the-Date Card
Keep things simple by mailing an elegant & straightforward card including all pertinent wedding information: your names, wedding date, location & an indication that the official invitation will be coming in the mail. (Save-The-Date download,TheBrumbyNestEtsy store)
Printable Save-the-Date Calendar Card
Save money on Save-The-Date cards by downloading these FREE calendar-style printables. Print ’em out on card stock, fill in your names, the month, & circle your wedding date. (Calendar save-the-date, Free download,Bells & Whistles)
Destination Wedding Save-the-Dates
Get your guests excited about your destination wedding with these leather luggage-tag save-the-dates – they are so chic and will definitely compel everyone to pack their bags & book a flight. (Luggage-tag save-the-date,LoveTravelsFavorsEtsy store)
DIY Save-the-Dates
Like a good DIY project? Get a custom rubber stamp with all of your wedding details and stamp the Save-The-Date information onto manila shipping tags for a vintage-inspired look. (Save-the-date design,HelloWorldStampsEtsy store)
So, how will you Save-The-Date?
