Should I send a Save the Date?
No one is required to send a save the date (STD) message to their friends and family, but it has become a common and expected courtesy. It is very rare that some part of your guest list will not be traveling to your wedding. STDs will increase the chance of guests attending and allow time to prepare for travel and expenses. As destination weddings and event-filled weekend weddings become more popular, you’ll want to make sure you allow everyone the best opportunity to attend your special day.
When should I send Save the Dates?
When you announce your wedding to friends and family, they will be wondering when and where the wedding will be. STD cards are a great way to let everyone on your guest list know your wedding date. These cards are usually sent 4-8 months before the wedding. If you’re planning a getaway wedding, it should be shipped as early as possible to allow passports, childcare, and your finances to be organized each time. STDs are an important step in notifying everyone when the wedding will be so they can make the proper plans to be on your special day.
Who should I send Save the Dates to?
Generally, these are sent to everyone on your invite list. You should not expect to get the exact number of people attending your wedding until you receive your RSVPs.
Should you include an RSVP with your Save the Date?
No. STDs are sent so your guests have time to prepare and determine if they can attend your wedding. You must include your RSVP cards with your wedding invitations. Sending ETS will ensure that everyone you want to attend your wedding has the best chance of being at your ceremony.
Should my Save the Date match my wedding colors or invitations?
If possible, I always recommend saving the dates to match the wedding theme or wedding stationery. It is definitely not a requirement. Most couples won’t know what their invitations will look like or even their wedding colors. Sexually transmitted dates have one purpose: to prepare your guests.
I’m having a destination wedding, should I still send Save the Dates?
This depends on whether you have a limit on the number of people attending your wedding. If you want as many people as possible to attend (most resorts offer incentives or free items for more people), then book your dates as soon as possible. This will allow your guests to save money and organize their schedules to accommodate your wedding day. It has become common to include the price of the stay/hotel or to include a statement on the booking date on how to contact the resort/wedding couple for more information.
Should I send a save the date magnet or a save the date card?
There is no special answer to this question. The cost of save the date magnets has dropped since they became a popular addition to wedding stationery. Think about who you’re sending your save dates and budget to. Magnets are less likely to get lost, but you’ll likely still pay a little more for that luxury.
Can I include our engagement photo in our Save the Dates?
Yes, many vendors allow photos to be included on all types of wedding stationery. Most of these providers will require you to submit a file of your actual photo and not a scanned copy.
What should be included in my Save the Date?
There are some important details that everyone except the dates must include.
- Names of the couple getting married
- Date the couple gets married
- A way to tell your guests that you would love them to attend your wedding
- Inform your guests – “invitation to follow”
Can I make my own Save the Dates?
Of course! You can make your save the date fancier by using special paper or if you have a good inkjet printer, you can print your own save the date magnets. Special magnetic paper can be purchased at specialty stores such as Hobby Lobby.
