First impressions do matter: Give your guests something to talk about by sending creative save-the-date cards! This doesn't mean your save-the-date cards can't be simple and sophisticated, but they should have an added touch of something uniquely you, something seasonal, or something off-the-cuff that makes the card so remarkable and memorable that your guests cannot possibly forget to save the date.
Why You Need 'Em
Plain and simple: Save-the-dates are sent out well before your invitations in order to inform guests of the upcoming wedding date and, in most instances, the locale. Save-the-dates are key if you have friends and family on your guest list who will be making a big trip to attend your wedding. They are also important for weddings taking place over a holiday weekend or in a seasonally busy locale where it's necessary to book travel arrangements and accommodations well in advance. But these days, more often than not, save-the-date cards are sent regardless of any of the above factors. Most likely, couples aren't marrying in the towns where they grew up but instead are tying the knot in faraway destinations like Hawaii, at their college or university chapels, or in new cities where the bride and groom are now settled and have made their lives. So make save-the-date cards a must-have on your list of wedding to-dos, and think of them as a courtesy to your guests.
Who Loves 'Em
Are you the kind of person who sends out holiday cards at Thanksgiving or gets your taxes done the day you're handed your W2 form? If you like to stay ahead of the game, save-the-date cards will work in your favor. You'll likely know who's coming and who's not (replies are not requested with save-the-dates, but you will start hearing from people in a more casual way) long before people send their invitation reply cards back to you. This makes it easier to plan things like seating arrangements, because sometimes a reply card will arrive only 10 days before the big day. Besides, the earlier that people know about your wedding, the fewer excuses they'll have for not attending -- childcare, time away from the office, and travel arrangements are all much easier to deal with when guests have lots of time to plan.
What's in 'Em
While the only things that must be printed on the cards are your names and your wedding date, it's helpful to include info about where the wedding will take place (or at least the city and state) so that people can get a jump on travel planning. This information is printed on the actual save-the-date cards. It's also customary to include in this mailing separate information about hotels, airfare, transportation, and any planned events, especially if it's to be a weekend-long wedding. In addition, let guests know what to wear to the wedding and what to pack for the weekend (any special attire required and a weather forecast in the city you plan to marry). Send your friends and family a complete list of ways to get to your wedding (nearby airports, train stations, car rental agencies, bus lines), maps of the area, and local transportation options between the hotels, ceremony site, and reception site. Also send a list of hotels (include 800 numbers and/or web addresses) with varying prices so people can make reservations ASAP. You should also send the bridal party (and anyone else you plan to invite a few days before all the other guests arrive) information about any events leading up to the wedding day. After guests receive their save-the-dates, they should be able to make travel arrangements, book accommodations, and -- if you have already chosen your sites -- know how they will get to your wedding ceremony and on to the reception. You can also choose to include all of this information on your wedding web page and simply list the URL on the save-the-date card.
How to Word 'Em
The wording doesn't have to be anything exceptionally formal. Something like "Save the Date: [bride's and groom's names] are tying the knot on [your wedding date] in [the city where you'll marry]" is sufficient. This way, guests know what to expect, and they'll get in touch with you if they have questions. Some people include a short poem or a favorite lovey-dovey quote if there's room. This is the time to be less formal, so feel free to go wild. Just make sure that everyone who gets this card will definitely be on your final guest list: Once you tell someone to save your wedding date, there's no turning back. Be sure to include "Formal invitation to follow" at the bottom of your save-the-date card and guests will know there's more to come. Here are a few examples of how people announce their wedding:
- Formal Notice
Jack and Jill
are getting married on
July 5, 2005
San Francisco, California - Fun & Flirty
He proposed ... she said 'Yes'!
Jack + Jill
will tie the knot
July 5, 2005
Chicago, Illinois - Totally Carefree
We're taking the plunge!
Hope you'll be there to celebrate our flight.
Jack & Jill
say "I Do"
July 5, 2005
Nantucket Island
When to Send 'Em
The minute you know the wedding date and locale, save-the-date cards should be ordered and sent out long before the invites, ideally six months ahead. The invitation, which should arrive six to eight weeks before the actual date, acts like a refresher. Most of your on-top-of-things guests will have all their plans already set for the wedding.
-- Allison Micarelli
RELATED LINK: What's hot for save-the-dates!