5 Things to Know about sending Save the Dates
1. Save the Dates Are Optional
Some weddings don’t require sending save the dates prior to sending formal wedding invitations. If you are planning a small hometown wedding with little or no out of town guests, then eliminating save the dates is a w
ay for you to save time and money.
Save the dates are almost a requirement for some weddings, such as destination, holiday and summer weddings. Save the dates should be a priority for any wedding with a large number of guests who must make travel and accommodation arrangements. Your guests will appreciate the extra time a save the date gives them to finalize plans, schedule time off from work and avoid making other commitments.
If you happen to be on the fence about sending save the dates tell us your concerns and we will help you decide. After working with countless engaged couples we have seen and heard just about every situation.
2. First Things First
Lessen assumptions and confusion by being prepared and preparing your guests.
Finish your guest list before you start working on your save the dates. Having your guest list ready will make it easy to figure out how many save the dates you need to order and send.
It is also important to make it clear who will be invited to the wedding by addressing your save the dates the same way you would address your invitations. Specific word combinations help guests understand if they can or cannot bring a date or if they are unsure of an adult only affair. We would be happy to help you convey the right message with the correct wording… just let us know what you need help with.
3. The Right Timing
Save the Dates are generally sent 5 to 7 months prior to your wedding, however if you are having a destination wedding you may want to consider sending them 8 – 12 months in advance so that guests have time to make special arrangements.
Remember it is important to contact your Save the Date vendor in advance in order to leave enough time to design and create your save the dates.
If you’re having Save the Dates custom designed, dot & bow paperie recommends contacting your stationery vendor a minimum of 3-4 weeks before you’d like to mail your save the dates. If you’re ordering predesigned save the dates you should place your order a minimum of 2-3 weeks before your mailing deadline.
4. Include and Exclude
Include: Couple’s names, date, location – even if it is as general as a city, wedding website, and a note tha
t a formal invitation will follow.
Exclude: Parental Names, wedding registry information, and specific times or details.
Everyone’s wedding is different so some of these tips may not apply to you specifically. If you have questions or concerns, we will gladly help you figure out your specific needs.
5. Add a Personal Touch
Save the Dates are the perfect opportunity for you to have fun and to set the tone for your wedding!
Due to their informal nature you are able to really let your personality as a couple shine. Save the dates do not necessarily have to match your wedding, although they often do. A lot of couples include an engagement picture or a magnet message, but feel free to be yourself and try something new and different.
At dot & bow we have worked with so many creative couples and had the pleasure of helping them bring their concepts to life. If you have an idea please don’t be shy about it… we’ve created holiday save the dates, bookmark save the dates, and even Pop-Up save the dates and we’re always excited to hear the next great idea!