Save the Dates

Relatively new to the wedding  scene, Save the Date cards  or items serve as a fun reminder that you're getting ready to tie the knot.  While some couples choose to send out Save the Dates for an opportunity to be more creative and fun than the formal wedding invitation,  others do it as a common courtesy if they plan to have destination weddings that span over long weekends.  The sooner you let your guests know the date and time of the big day, the sooner they can make arrangements to be there with bells  on.  Save the dates are also especially important for weddings that fall during holidays or busy seasons, so guests can plan accommodations accordingly.

When to Send Them

Deciding when to send your Save the Dates depends largely on your location.  If you're having a destination wedding, it's best to send them six to eight months before the ceremony.  If, however, your location is local, sending out Save the Dates four months prior to the wedding should be sufficient.  You want to make sure there is a significant buffer time between the time you send Save the Dates and the time you send formal invites so you don't bombard your guests' mailboxes! 

The Content

While Save the Dates may contain a variety of information depending on the form they come in--brochures have more room while magnet space is limited--there is basic information that should be present on every Save the Date:

• Couple's Names
• Wedding Date
• Wedding Location

To avoid confusion. it's also often important to place a line at the bottom that lets guests know a formal invitation is to follow.  And if you have additional space, other important details that may be worth noting (particularly for a destination wedding) include:

• Your Wedding Website
• Hotel and Airport Information
• Other Wedding Activities (brunches, cocktails, etc.)

Other Tips:

• Make sure that your Save the Date is clearly addressed to your friend or family member as well as his or her guest (use the guest's name rather than simply "guest").
• If your wedding date gets changed, it's probably best to call people to verbally confirm the news rather than to send out another batch of Save the Dates.
• It's not customary to include an RSVP  on a Save the Date simply because allowing guests that much interim time may make it easier for them to forget to reply.

Design Ideas

Save the Date Cards	Save the Date Stickers	Save the Date CDs	Save the Date Magnets	Save the Date Mints

Save the Dates are a chance to show off your creativity and add your personal touch as a couple.  While a brightly coloured card may do the trick for some, others prefer to design their Save the Date around a particular theme or personality trait.  If you love music, an etched CD  may be the perfect Save the Date for you.  If you're getting married at your favourite country club, inscribed golf balls  can be clever Save the Date reminders.

Here are some other tips and things to consider when choosing your Save the Date design:

• Use colours and graphics that match the location or season.  Blue and silver work well for winter, while flowery art works well for the spring.  
• Holiday cards with recent photos can double as Save the Dates.  Everyone loves killing two birds with one stone.
• If Save the Date stickers are your thing, consider making them small enough to fit in people's planners.   This way, they can stick them right on the appropriate day.
• Foods like cookies  and candies  can make tasty Save the Dates, but make sure the information is easily marked so people don't chow down before they record the date.
• If you're low on time, Save the Date e-cards can be sent out quickly and still look amazing.

How to Make Them

If you have the budget for it, brainstorming with your wedding invitation designer is an easy way to create unique Save the Dates.  But if you'd rather add your personal touch or just don't have the money to get them made professionally, making Save the Dates by hand is simple.  Most craft and stationary stores have pre-made Save the Date cards where all you have to do is fill in the blanks.  You can also choose from different materials and accessories to craft your own.

If you're tech savvy, utilizing any word processing program or specially designed wedding software can be a legitimate option.  Craft  stores and wedding websites often offer such software for very reasonable prices.  What's more is that the software can be used in the future to make other types of invitations and special occasion cards.

Related Guides

Wedding Stationery	Wedding Menu Cards	Wedding Place Cards	Wedding Programmes	Money Saving Tips for Weddings

External Links

• TheKnot.com:  Offers guides for everything wedding.
• WeddingGazette.com:  Gives readers tips for buying wedding clothing, favours, invitations and accessories.