Mark Your Calendars: [Your Names] Are Tying The Knot!

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but one of the most exciting steps is sending out save-the-date postcards to let your loved ones know about your big day. These little cards serve as the official announcement and give your guests ample time to plan their schedules and travel arrangements.

But with so many design options and etiquette rules to consider, choosing the perfect save-the-date can feel daunting. Fear not! This relaxed guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right wording to selecting the perfect design.

When to Send Save the Dates

The timing of your save-the-date postcards is crucial. As a general rule, send them out 4-8 months before your wedding date. This gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules, book travel, and make any necessary arrangements.

For destination weddings: Send save-the-dates 6-9 months in advance to allow guests to book flights and accommodations.

For popular wedding dates: If you’re planning a wedding on a holiday weekend or during peak wedding season, consider sending save-the-dates even earlier to ensure your guests can secure travel and accommodations.

Who to Send Save the Dates To

While it might seem like everyone should receive a save-the-date, this isn’t always the case. Here’s a general guideline:

Must-haves: Send save-the-dates to all wedding guests, including immediate and extended family, close friends, and anyone you expect to attend.

Consider these: You may also want to send save-the-dates to:

Important guests: Such as your wedding party, close friends of your parents, and any special mentors or individuals who have played a significant role in your lives.

Out-of-town guests: To give them ample time to plan travel and accommodations.

Choosing the Right Wording

Keep your save-the-date wording simple, clear, and concise. Here are some key elements to include:

Your names: Include both your full names or your nicknames if that’s how you’re typically known.

The date: Include the full date of your wedding (month, day, and year).

Location (optional): If you have a general location in mind (e.g., “in California”), you can include it. However, if the exact location is still being finalized, it’s best to omit it.

A touch of personality: Add a personal touch to your save-the-dates by including a short and sweet message or a relevant quote.

Here are a few wording examples:

“Save the Date! [Your Names] are getting married on [Date].”

“Join us for our wedding celebration! [Your Names] – [Date]”

“[Your Names] invite you to celebrate their wedding on [Date].”

Design Inspiration

Save-the-date postcards come in a wide array of styles and designs. Here are a few popular options:

Classic and Elegant: Consider timeless designs with elegant typography, watercolor florals, or minimalist graphics.

Romantic and Rustic: Embrace a rustic charm with designs featuring wood textures, greenery, and handwritten fonts.

Modern and Minimalist: Opt for clean lines, bold typography, and geometric shapes for a contemporary feel.

Photographic: Showcase your personalities with a favorite photo of the two of you.

Travel-themed: If you’re having a destination wedding, incorporate elements like maps, travel quotes, or images of your chosen location.

Tips for Creating Eye-Catching Designs

Choose high-quality materials: Opt for thick, high-quality cardstock to ensure your save-the-dates feel special and luxurious.

Use high-resolution images: If you’re using photos, ensure they are high-resolution to prevent blurry or pixelated prints.

Keep it consistent: Maintain a consistent brand throughout your wedding stationery, from save-the-dates to invitations and other paper goods.

Consider the environment: Choose eco-friendly options like recycled paper or plantable seed paper.

Where to Order Your Save-the-Dates

Online printing services: Many online printing services offer a wide range of save-the-date templates and customization options.

Stationery stores: Local stationery stores often offer personalized design services and high-quality printing.

DIY options: If you’re feeling creative, you can design and print your own save-the-dates using online design tools or by hand.

Sending Your Save-the-Dates

Once you’ve finalized your save-the-dates, it’s time to send them out!

Use the correct postage: Ensure you’re using the correct postage for your postcards.

Hand-address envelopes: For a personal touch, hand-address each envelope.

Consider mailing options: You can choose between standard mail or expedited shipping options depending on your timeline.

Tracking Your Responses

It’s a good idea to track your guests’ responses to your save-the-dates. This will help you with wedding planning, such as estimating headcount and finalizing your guest list.

Create a spreadsheet: Create a simple spreadsheet to track which guests have responded and their RSVP status.

Include a reply card: Include a simple reply card with your save-the-dates for guests to easily RSVP.

Utilize online RSVP tools: Consider using an online RSVP tool to streamline the process and gather guest information.

Conclusion

Sending out save-the-date postcards is an exciting milestone in your wedding planning journey. By following these tips and choosing designs that reflect your unique style, you can create save-the-dates that are both beautiful and informative. Remember to send them out in a timely manner and enjoy the anticipation of your big day!