I love Save the Date cards. They’re the first look that your guests will see of all your wedding planning and it gives you (and them!) something to look forward to! Here are some of my tips when planning for your save the dates.
A quick note: Wedding Save the Dates are totally optional when it comes to wedding planning. They are nice if you have the budget for them, but don’t let anyone tell you that you HAVE to do that – you simply do not. If you choose not to send one out, think about sending out the formal wedding invitation earlier than you typically would (you can read more about that HERE).
Do I Need a Photo?
A lot of couples choose to put one of their engagement pictures on Save the Dates. I support this. It’s a great way to show off your photos!
But if you’re not including a photo, be sure to include first and last names on your card! It can be confusing if your friends are collecting Save the Dates like Pokémon cards, but only first names are included. What if you have two friends named Ashley? Which is getting married in Houston and which is getting married in Nashville? And what’s their spouses’ name? SEE? Don’t cause confusion, use last names.
The Basics
Add the date and location. This seems SUPER obvious, but how specific do you need to be? You don’t need to give the actual venue that you’re getting married, just give guests the city and state.
More Info at…
One thing that you can add, but this is totally optional (though I recommend adding), is your wedding website. It does NOT have to be totally fleshed out and fully done. The basic information is enough. Many websites allow guests to update their wedding websites without making all the information live, so if you’re still working on your weekend plans or wedding party information, that is totally fine! One thing to remember is to turn your online RSVP off – you don’t need guests trying to respond super early, especially if they need to choose a plated meal and you haven’t chosen a caterer yet!
… But When Can I Send Save the Dates?
As a general time frame, think about sending out Save the Dates 7-10 months before your wedding date
And if you’re looking for some help with your Save the Dates… hi, I also design wedding stationery! Let’s work together to create something one-of-a-kind for you and your spouse-to-be.
