Save the Dates-when and why should we send them?

Best Wishes! You’re engaged!  This time is such an exciting one for you both.  Exciting…and sometimes overwhelming.  There is so much to think about as you prepare for your wedding day. From the location of the ceremony and reception, to the vibe of the day-formal, informal or somewhere in between, to the perfect photographer, cake, flowers….so many decisions!

Sending a Save the Date card is a great way to provide helpful information to your guests. First and foremost, it will let them know that you are planning on inviting them to your wedding.  With everyone's busy schedule these days, it's so important to let people get things on their calendar.

Colorful Save the Dates cards

Photo by Melissa Mullen

If you are having a destination wedding, they are especially important because your guests will need to have plenty of time to book accommodations and flights.  For a destination wedding, you should plan to get your save the dates out 6-8 months before the wedding. You may be having a wedding where more guests who are local and won't need to secure accommodations. If that is the case, you should send them out 4-6 months before the big day.

Maybe you are getting married on a holiday weekend or in New England during “leaf peeping” season.  You will want to give people information about where to stay in the area.  This information can be included right on the Save the Date card or on your wedding website. 

Blueberries Save the Date with digital guest address

Photo by Rachel Halsey Photography

What do you need to include on the Save the Date?  My best advice-less is more!

-your names (of course)

-the date of your wedding

-your website (or hotel info could go on the back if you don’t have a website)

That is really all you need!  You may want to include “Invitation to follow” also.  Don’t overwhelm your guests with information. Keep it simple!

**El's tip-When creating your save the date, it does not have to "go" with the rest of your invitation suite!  Make it your own!  Use a fun photo or maybe a map of your wedding location that will have all your guests talking!