Save the Date Cards are essential for ensuring your guests can attend your wedding, especially if it involves travel or falls on a busy date. This guide covers what they are, when to send them, how to word them, and more.
What Are Save the Date Cards?
Save the Date Cards are pre-invitations sent to guests to notify them of your upcoming wedding. They are particularly crucial in the following scenarios:
Destination Weddings: If your wedding is in a far-off location, such as Hawaii, guests will need ample time to make travel arrangements.
Holiday Weddings: If your wedding is around a holiday, guests may need to adjust their plans.
Busy Seasons or Tourist Locations: If your wedding is in a popular tourist destination or during a busy season, flights and hotels may book up quickly.
When to Send Save the Date Cards
The timing of sending Save the Date Cards is crucial for ensuring your guests can plan accordingly. Here are some general guidelines:
Destination Weddings: Send 12 months in advance.
Holiday or Busy Season Weddings: Send 9-12 months in advance.
Local Weddings: Send 4-6 months in advance.
Timing Table
Wedding Type
Recommended Time to Send
Destination Wedding
12 months in advance
Holiday/Busy Season Wedding
9-12 months in advance
Local Wedding
4-6 months in advance
Designing Your Save the Date Cards
Save the Date Cards offer a lot of creative freedom. They don't need to be formal and can reflect your personal style. Here are some design options:
Matching Invitations: Coordinate with your wedding invitations.
Magnets: Practical and memorable.
Brochure Style: Provide more detailed information.
Postcard Size: Simple and cost-effective.
Booklet Style: Include multiple pages for more details.
Personal Photos: Add a picture of you and your fiancé.
Embellishments: Add personal touches like ribbons or stamps.
What to Include on Your Save the Date Cards
Your Save the Date Cards should include the following information:
Names: Both your names.
Date: The date of your wedding.
Location: City, town, and state where the wedding will take place.
Invitation Notice: A note such as "Invitation to follow" to clarify that this is not the formal invitation.
Wedding Website: If you have one, include the URL for more details.
Example Wording
"Save the Date for the wedding of [Your Names] on [Date] in [City, State]. Invitation to follow. Visit our website at [URL] for more details."
Who to Send Save the Date Cards To
If you need to keep your guest list minimal, prioritize close family and friends. Remember, anyone who receives a Save the Date Card must also receive a formal invitation.
Additional Information for Guests
To help your guests plan their trip, consider including additional information such as:
Airline and Car Rental Information: Provide options and potential discounts.
Hotel Recommendations: Suggest hotels and mention any group rates you've secured.
Local Attractions: Highlight things to see and do in the area.
Special Events: Mention any local events or shows happening around your wedding date.
Interesting Stats
Destination Weddings: According to The Knot, 25% of couples opt for destination weddings, making Save the Date Cards even more crucial (The Knot).
Holiday Weddings: Approximately 15% of weddings take place during holiday weekends, requiring early planning (WeddingWire).
Conclusion
Save the Date Cards are a vital part of wedding planning, especially for destination or holiday weddings. By sending them out at the right time and including all necessary information, you ensure your guests can make the necessary arrangements to join you on your special day.
For more tips and wording suggestions, visit Verse It.
This article has been crafted to provide a comprehensive guide on Save the Date Cards, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.
