 "Save the Date" cards are a pretty new idea, and they're quickly replacing the dated tradition of sending formal engagement announcements.
The purpose of Save the Dates is to let your guests know they'll be invited, and the date. It's an especially good idea if your wedding falls during the holiday season or on a long weekend, or if your guests will need to travel.
The one pressure that comes from Save the Date cards is that you'll want to send them early, but you probably won't have finalized your guest list yet. It's OK if not all your guests receive a Save the Date card, so the easiest solution is to draw a cut-off where you know all those who receive one will be invited.
It's a good idea to include the line, "Invitations to follow" in small type. People sometimes confuse Save the Dates with wedding invitations - and of course, that leaves them wanting more information! These three little words will save you from fielding puzzled guests' phone calls.
Timing. Save-the-date announcement cards are generally sent 4-6 months prior to the wedding date.
What to Include.
A save-the-date announcement can be more elaborate, to include hotels in the area, transportation information, and any additional parties you might want guests to attend during the wedding weekend.
Destination Weddings.
Save-the-date cards are essential if you're having a destination wedding. To ensure flights and hotels can accommodate your guests, a lot of lead time will be necessary. Be sure to detail the dates of events, travel information, and your phone number if guests have any questions.
Format.
Save-the-date announcements can run from formal to creative. Depending on the style of your wedding, you can send an engraved card that matches your invitation or do something offbeat, like a message tucked inside a fake coconut to announce the date of an island wedding.
Here are a few ideas that will hopefully inspire you.
A SIMPLE CARD
The easiest thing is to prepare no-fuss cards on your home computer. Creatively decorate the front, or leave it blank and attach a photo of yourselves. Inside, the card can simply say something lighthearted like, "Chris and Jess will be tying the knot on April 23, 2005. We hope to see you, so please Save the Date!" You could even combine it with your Christmas cards, and include a little "Save the Date" note with each card you're sending to a wedding guest.
A CALENDAR
Another fun idea is to print a small calendar for each guest. Prepare a little booklet, folder, or pamphlet with your names on the cover, a message on the first page, and a calendar of your wedding events in the back. You can personalize each calendar - mark your engagement party, shower, bachelor & bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinner, gift opening, and all the rest of each guest's events!
A MAGNET
Find a printer who will prepare them for you, or do them yourself at home using materials from an office supply store. Keep the wording short because the space is small. For example:
Please save the date for Carrie and Allan July 20, 2006
If you want to have a picture, something simple like a pair of intertwined hearts or rings, or a bouquet of flowers, could work. A photograph of yourselves, a wedding chapel, or your own ceremony location would be romantic. Or, if you've already chosen your invitations, you could design your magnets to coordinate.
A BOOKMARK
It's easy to make bookmarks at home. Print them onto cardstock, cut them apart, and thread a nice piece of satin ribbon through a hole punched at the top. They're simple and inexpensive, and something your guests will see each night!
BY EMAIL
There's nothing wrong with preparing an email save the date. They'll cost you nothing in paper or postage. You can create a beautiful message, as elaborate as you like. Emails are wonderful because they're hard to lose, so nobody can forget your date.
ONLINE
Wed-sites are becoming very popular. You could send an email or paper mailing with your web address for guests to stay in the know with dates, maps, and all the other important information they'll need.
If you're hosting a destination wedding or if you have a lot of out of town guests, there's lots of information you can include. Consider preparing a newsletter style message for your guests, including hotel information and dates of family activities before or after the wedding. Also put together a list of local numbers like taxis, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Anything you can tell your guests will be welcome.
Sending Save the Dates is one of the first "wedding things" you'll get to do. Seeing your date in print, and sending it to those who matter most to you, will be an exciting moment. Have lots of fun with it!
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