To send “save the date” cards or not to send? That is the question a lot of couples have. The truth is: it’s totally up to you!
As planners, we believe it’s a great way to get the date on the calendars of your friends and family you wish to share the day with. It allows them time to book their rooms and travel and plan their visit.
As the couple, some people opt out to allow the option for an “A list” and “B list,” because by not sending any save the dates, your “B list” guests wouldn’t have a clue. 😉
If you decide to send them out, here’s a few save the date ideas and pointers to make them extra “specif”.
SAVE THE DATE IDEAS AND POINTERS
Timing
10-12 months before a wedding is the ideal time to get a save the date in the mail. Sending them out over a year before the date sounds like a great idea, but people are not programmed to think that far out. Most calendars (non-digital, of course) don’t even extend out that far to write it down! Under 10 months is still okay, but anything less than six months is not really worth it. At that point, most of your immediate family and friends already know the date and it is in close proximity to when you will send out your invitations. Save the money for the honeymoon! 😉
Information
You do not need to flood your save the date with every detail you have planned up until that point. You’ll want it to read “Save the Date”, you and your fiancé’s name, and the date and city the wedding will take place in. You do not need to put the specific church, reception location, times, transportation, etc. Keep it clean and classic. Bonus: Use the location of the wedding ceremony on the save the date, not the reception city.
Unique Ideas
A beautifully-designed or engagement photo postcard is a great way to tell everyone to save the date. If you’re looking for some fresh new ideas, try some of the creative options below!
Luggage Tags
This is a great option if you’re doing a destination wedding. It could be as short as an hour drive for most guests or a long international flight. In either case, this is a fun way to tell your guests to pack their bags for a good time!
Calendar
Who doesn’t need a calendar? You can send out a full year calendar and mail it opened to your date. It’s a great tangible thing your guests can actually use! If sending an entire calendar seems like a lot, create a little postcard one instead!
3D Card With Glasses
Give them something to talk about – this is something totally different! Plus, who doesn’t love a little game of guessing?
Balloons
Everyone loves a little rhyming, so why not inflate to save the date? It’s also cute and interactive!
Polaroid
Everyone loves a good Polaroid picture! It also sets it apart from the other picture save the dates on everyone’s fridge.
…and just because you send this, does NOT mean you have to play “Hey Ya!” by OutKast at your wedding. Actually, we’re asking you not to play it.
Roll of Film
We love this because it’s so not overdone! Actually, it’s rarely done. You’ll pay a little more for postage, but it will create a fun package for your guests to open!
Maps
We love maps, especially ones that are hand drawn! This is a great idea because it gives your guests a little glimpse of all that they can do while visiting!
Confetti
As much as I love confetti, I don’t know if I would love it all over my house. That being said; I like the idea of sending it! 😉
Seed Paper
Most people are “going green” and one way to show your support for our Mother Nature is sending these adorable seedling save the dates!
Infographic
As much as you would like to think your friends and family know your love story if you’re getting married, they likely don’t know the details. Here’s a fun way to share your story!
Tree Trunk
If you’re looking to send something extra special, create a gift like this tree trunk perfectly placed on a bed of moss.
Laser Cut
This may be one of my personal favorites for a paper good idea. Let the design and detail of the laser cut stand out. It could be the motif of your event, creating the setting and feel, or just simply be pretty!
Library Card
It’s an adorable way to be different. You could send this because you both love to read, you met in a library, are getting married in a library, or just love it!
Now we’ll let your creative juices flow and let us know if there is something you’ve done, seen done, or hope to do! We love hearing new ideas!