When you're planning a wedding, one of the first things you'll need to do is send out save the dates. These cards let your guests know the date and location of your wedding, and they also give them a heads up to save the date on their calendars.
Save the dates are typically sent out 6-8 months before the wedding. This gives guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and request time off work. If you're having a destination wedding, you may want to send out save the dates even sooner, so that guests have enough time to book flights and accommodations.
Now that you know when to send out save the dates, it's time to start thinking about what you want to put on them. Here are a few things to consider:
save the dates for wedding
Save the dates are an important part of the wedding planning process. They let your guests know the date and location of your wedding, and they also give them a heads up to save the date on their calendars.
- Send 6-8 months before
- Include date and location
- Consider a destination wedding
- Personalize with photos
- Order online or from a stationer
- Set a budget
- Mail or hand-deliver
- Request RSVP information
- Create a wedding website
- Include a map or directions
By following these tips, you can create save the dates that are both informative and stylish.
Send 6-8 months before
Save the dates are typically sent out 6-8 months before the wedding. This gives guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and request time off work. If you're having a destination wedding, you may want to send out save the dates even sooner, so that guests have enough time to book flights and accommodations.
When sending out save the dates, it's important to include the following information:
- The date of your wedding
- The location of your wedding
- Your names
You may also want to include a brief message, such as "We're getting married!" or "Save the date for our wedding!"
Once you have all of the information, you can start designing your save the dates. There are many different ways to do this, so you can choose the style that best suits your wedding.
Once you're happy with your design, you can order your save the dates online or from a stationer. Be sure to order enough save the dates for all of your guests, plus a few extra in case of any mistakes.
Include date and location
The most important information to include on your save the dates is the date and location of your wedding. Guests need to know when and where your wedding is taking place in order to make travel arrangements and request time off work.
When writing the date on your save the dates, be sure to include the day of the week, the month, and the year. For example, you would write "Saturday, June 10, 2023." You can also include the time of the wedding, but this is not necessary.
When writing the location of your wedding, be as specific as possible. Include the name of the venue, the city, and the state. For example, you would write "The Grand Hotel, San Francisco, California." If your wedding is taking place in a rural area, you may also want to include the nearest town or city.
In addition to the date and location, you may also want to include a brief message on your save the dates, such as "We're getting married!" or "Save the date for our wedding!"
Once you have all of the information, you can start designing your save the dates. There are many different ways to do this, so you can choose the style that best suits your wedding.
Consider a destination wedding
If you're planning a destination wedding, you'll need to send out save the dates sooner than if you were having a local wedding. This is because guests will need more time to make travel arrangements and book accommodations.
When sending out save the dates for a destination wedding, be sure to include the following information:
- The date of your wedding
- The location of your wedding
- Your names
- A note that your wedding is a destination wedding
You may also want to include a brief message, such as "We're getting married in Mexico!" or "Save the date for our destination wedding in Italy!"
Once you have all of the information, you can start designing your save the dates. There are many different ways to do this, so you can choose the style that best suits your wedding.
Once you're happy with your design, you can order your save the dates online or from a stationer. Be sure to order enough save the dates for all of your guests, plus a few extra in case of any mistakes.
Maximize with photos
One way to make your save the dates more personal and unique is to include photos. This is a great way to share your love story with your guests and give them a glimpse of your personalities.
When choosing photos for your save the dates, select images that reflect the style of your wedding. If you're having a formal wedding, you may want to choose classic and elegant photos. If you're having a more casual wedding, you may want to choose fun and candid photos.
You can use photos in a variety of ways on your save the dates. You can use them as the background, or you can place them in a collage. You can also use photos to create a custom design, such as a map or a Timeline of your relationship.
No matter how you choose to use them, photos are a great way to make your save the dates more personal and unique.
Here are a few tips for using photos on your save the dates:
- Choose high-quality photos that are well-lit and in focus.
- Edit your photos to improve the color and contrast.
- Use a variety of photos to create a visually interesting design.
- Don't overload your save the dates with photos. Less is more.
Order online or from a stationer
Once you have designed your save the dates, you can order them online or from a stationer. There are many different companies that offer save the dates, so you can compare prices and styles before making a decision.
- Order online
Ordering save the dates online is a convenient and affordable option. There are many different websites that offer save the dates, so you can compare prices and styles before making a decision. Once you have found a website that you like, you can simply upload your design and order your save the dates.
- Order from a stationer
Ordering save the dates from a stationer is a more traditional option. Stationers typically offer a wider range of styles and customization options than online retailers. However, save the dates from a stationer can be more expensive than save the dates from an online retailer.
- Compare prices and styles
Before you order your save the dates, be sure to compare prices and styles from different companies. You can also read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of the products and services.
- Order extra save the dates
It is always a good idea to order a few extra save the dates than you need. This way, you will have extras on hand in case of any mistakes or if you need to send out additional save the dates.
Once you have ordered your save the dates, be sure to proofread them carefully before sending them out to your guests.
Set a budget
Before you start shopping for save the dates, it is important to set a budget. This will help you narrow down your options and make informed decisions about your save the dates.
The cost of save the dates can vary depending on the following factors:
- The number of save the dates you need
- The style of save the dates you choose
- The printing method you choose
- The shipping costs
Once you have considered all of these factors, you can start to set a budget for your save the dates. It is important to be realistic about your budget and to stick to it. There is no need to spend a lot of money on save the dates, especially if you are on a tight budget.
Here are a few tips for setting a budget for your save the dates:
- Start by determining how much you can afford to spend on save the dates.
- Research the cost of save the dates from different companies.
- Compare prices and styles before making a decision.
- Consider ordering save the dates online to save money.
- Ask your friends and family for recommendations.
Mail or hand-deliver
Once you have your save the dates, you need to decide how you want to send them to your guests. You can either mail them or hand-deliver them.
Mailing save the dates
Mailing save the dates is the most common way to send them to your guests. It is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to get your save the dates out to your guests.
When mailing save the dates, be sure to use the correct postage. You can check with your local post office to determine the correct postage rate for your save the dates.
Hand-delivering save the dates
Hand-delivering save the dates is a more personal way to send them to your guests. It is a good option if you live near your guests or if you are having a small wedding.
When hand-delivering save the dates, be sure to do it in person. Do not leave them in your guests' mailboxes.
No matter how you choose to send your save the dates, be sure to do it in a timely manner. Guests should receive their save the dates at least 6-8 months before the wedding.
Request RSVP information
In addition to the date and location of your wedding, you may also want to include RSVP information on your save the dates. This will help you get a headcount for your wedding and plan accordingly.
- Include a website or email address
One way to request RSVP information is to include a website or email address on your save the dates. Guests can then go to the website or email address to RSVP.
- Include a phone number
Another way to request RSVP information is to include a phone number on your save the dates. Guests can then call the phone number to RSVP.
- Include a postage-paid RSVP card
A third way to request RSVP information is to include a postage-paid RSVP card with your save the dates. Guests can then fill out the RSVP card and mail it back to you.
- Set a deadline for RSVPs
It is important to set a deadline for RSVPs so that you can get a headcount for your wedding. Be sure to include the RSVP deadline on your save the dates.
Once you have received RSVPs from your guests, you can start planning your wedding accordingly. You will know how many guests to expect and you can start to make arrangements for food, drinks, and seating.
Create a wedding website
A wedding website is a great way to share information about your wedding with your guests. You can include information about the date, location, and time of your wedding, as well as information about your bridal party, wedding registry, and RSVP information.
Creating a wedding website is easy and affordable. There are many different websites that offer free wedding website templates. Once you have chosen a template, you can simply add your own information and photos.
Here are a few benefits of creating a wedding website:
- You can share all of your wedding information in one place.
- Guests can easily RSVP online.
- You can keep guests updated on any changes to your wedding plans.
- You can create a personalized experience for your guests.
If you are planning a wedding, I highly recommend creating a wedding website. It is a great way to share information with your guests and keep them updated on your wedding plans.
Here are a few tips for creating a wedding website:
- Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and relevant to your wedding.
- Use a simple and easy-to-navigate design.
- Include all of the important information about your wedding, such as the date, location, and time.
- Personalize your website with photos and stories about your relationship.
- Update your website regularly with any changes to your wedding plans.
Include a map or directions
If your wedding is taking place in a location that is not familiar to your guests, it is helpful to include a map or directions on your save the dates. This will help your guests find their way to your wedding venue.
- Include a map
One way to provide your guests with directions is to include a map on your save the dates. You can create a map using a website like Google Maps or MapQuest. Once you have created a map, you can download it as a PDF or image file and include it on your save the dates.
- Include written directions
Another way to provide your guests with directions is to include written directions on your save the dates. Be sure to include the name of the venue, the address, and the directions from the nearest major highway or landmark.
- Include a link to a website
If you have created a wedding website, you can include a link to the website on your save the dates. Your guests can then go to the website to find more detailed directions.
- Provide transportation information
If you are providing transportation to and from the wedding venue, be sure to include this information on your save the dates. Include the time and location of the pickup and drop-off.
By providing your guests with a map or directions, you can help them find their way to your wedding venue and avoid any unnecessary delays.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about save the dates for weddings:
Question 1: When should I send out save the dates?
Answer 1: Save the dates should be sent out 6-8 months before the wedding.
Question 2: What information should I include on my save the dates?
Answer 2: Save the dates should include the date and location of the wedding, as well as your names.
Question 3: How do I design my save the dates?
Answer 3: You can design your save the dates online or from a stationer. There are many different styles and designs to choose from.
Question 4: How much do save the dates cost?
Answer 4: The cost of save the dates varies depending on the style, design, and printing method you choose.
Question 5: How do I mail save the dates?
Answer 5: Save the dates can be mailed with a postage stamp or with a postage-paid envelope.
Question 6: What should I do if I need to change the date or location of my wedding?
Answer 6: If you need to change the date or location of your wedding, you should send out new save the dates as soon as possible.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about save the dates for weddings. If you have any other questions, please consult with a wedding planner or stationer.
Now that you know all about save the dates, here are a few tips to help you create the perfect save the dates for your wedding:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect save the dates for your wedding:
Tip 1: Send save the dates early. Save the dates should be sent out 6-8 months before the wedding. This gives guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and request time off work.
Tip 2: Include all of the important information. Save the dates should include the date, location, and time of the wedding, as well as your names. You may also want to include a brief message, such as "We're getting married!" or "Save the date for our wedding!"
Tip 3: Personalize your save the dates. Save the dates are a great way to share your personality with your guests. You can use photos, colors, and fonts that reflect your wedding style.
Tip 4: Proofread your save the dates carefully. Before you send out your save the dates, be sure to proofread them carefully for any errors.
By following these tips, you can create save the dates that are both informative and stylish.
Now that you have all of the information you need to create save the dates for your wedding, it's time to start designing and sending them out! We hope this article has been helpful.
Conclusion
Save the dates are an important part of the wedding planning process. They let your guests know the date and location of your wedding, and they also give them a heads up to save the date on their calendars.
When sending out save the dates, be sure to include all of the important information, such as the date, location, time, and your names. You may also want to include a brief message, such as "We're getting married!" or "Save the date for our wedding!"
Save the dates can be personalized to reflect your wedding style. You can use photos, colors, and fonts that you love. You can also choose to design your save the dates online or from a stationer.
By following the tips in this article, you can create save the dates that are both informative and stylish. Your guests will appreciate receiving your save the dates, and they will be excited to celebrate your wedding day with you.
Congratulations on your engagement! We wish you all the best in planning your wedding.