Before I was engaged, I always knew I wanted to make Save the Dates a part of my stationery suite. I liked getting Save the Dates in the mail. Not only did they signal an upcoming wedding, but also gave me plenty of time to make arrangements to be out of the office and travel if necessary. Why would I settle for anything less for my own guests? So this week, I finally dropped all my Save the Dates in the mail and I couldn’t have been more excited!
I admit, Save the Dates aren’t always necessary. If the majority of your guests are in town or your wedding isn’t over a popular holiday weekend, then word of mouth may suffice. But if you are having a destination wedding or most of your guests will have to travel to attend, Save the Dates are recommended and they don’t have to cost a fortune.
Photo Credit: Sonjasbrides.com
One way to cut down on costs for Save the Dates is to send them by e-mail. E-mail Save the Dates, invitations, and RSVPs are becoming more popular, but not necessarily the best way to go about corresponding with your guests. Keep in mind that not all of your guests may have access to a computer or the Internet. The method I used was postcards. You can save a bundle on postage by sending a simple Save the Date postcard that has a cute picture on the front and a little copy on the back. Then your guests can just stick it on the fridge or put it on their calendar. I made mine myself using simple publishing software and had them printed. It was super easy.
When Should You Send Your Wedding Save the Dates?
If cost isn’t an issue, the sky’s the limit! You can do magnets, photo booth layouts, kits, wherever your imagination takes you. There are plenty of sites online that can help you design and print your own creations or you can use one of their templates. The main consideration when thinking about Save the Dates is when you are going to send them. Six to eight months from the wedding is usually the norm. You don’t want to send them too far from the wedding, but you don’t want to send them too close to the wedding because you might as well just send the invitation. You also want to give your guests plenty of time to make arrangements at work and book travel.
Photo Credit: Etsy.com
Photo Credit: RifleDesign.com
Photo Credit: MintDesignBlog.com
Photo Credit: ItsFancy.blogspot.com
So save the date for the Save the Dates and give your guests a heads up about your big day!
Save the Date Please!
Save the dates are slightly controversial. Many brides feel as if they are a waste of time and money whereas others give them just as much importance as the actual invitation itself.
Photo credit: my rubber stamp
Traditionally, save the dates have been used for advanced notification for weddings that fell on a day other than Saturday or Holiday weekends. Today, the sky is the limit and save the dates are becoming the norm.
Photo credit: rstudio
My personal take on the save the date is that it is essential! Not only because I love everything wedding related no matter how trivial but because it’s a courtesy to your guests. My husband and I like to plan our vacations in advance. We need to plan them well in advance due to his work schedule. He needs the extra time to secure a trade at work or receive vacation. Having that extra advanced notification is extremely appreciated!
Photo credit: West Willow
With today’s economy, traveling and taking vacations (even for a weekend) is becoming more and more scarce. Give your guests the extra time to save up or work it out financially in order to attend your wedding festivities, especially if your wedding is a destination wedding.
Photo credit: Stylish Celebrations
Before I sign off, I will leave you with a few more great ideas for creative save the dates!
Photo credit: SproullieDesigns
Photo credit: Candy Paper
Photo credit: Delight Boutique