Wedding Email Etiquette: Save The Date As Invitation?

Wedding planning is an exciting time, and one of the most crucial parts of the process is having your loved ones there to celebrate with you. Sending out a 'save the date' email is a great way to ensure your guests can join you on your big day. This digital approach is a cost-effective, convenient, and eco-conscious option, allowing you to share the news without the hassle of printing and mailing. While it may be considered less formal, it is a fantastic way to give your guests a heads-up, especially if your wedding is during a busy time of year. So, can the subject of your wedding invitation email be 'save the date'? Absolutely! This approach will help your message stand out in your guests' inboxes and ensure they mark their calendars.

Save-the-date emails are faster, cheaper, easier, and more environmentally friendly than paper invitations

Save-the-date emails are a popular alternative to traditional paper invitations. They are faster, cheaper, easier, and more environmentally friendly.

Faster

Electronic save-the-dates are quicker to create and send than paper invitations. There is no need for printing, addressing envelopes, or a trip to the post office. With electronic save-the-dates, you simply purchase a template, fill in the necessary information, and send them out. This can save time and energy for the couple planning their wedding.

Cheaper

While digital save-the-dates are not entirely free, they can still save money, especially if you are making paper invitations yourself. The cost of printing, envelopes, and stamps can add up, whereas electronic save-the-dates often have a low cost or a one-time membership fee.

Easier

Creating electronic save-the-dates is generally easier than designing and sending paper invitations. There is no need to worry about addressing envelopes or ensuring that your invitations don't get lost in the mail. With electronic save-the-dates, you can simply input your guests' email addresses and send them out with the click of a button.

More Environmentally Friendly

Electronic save-the-dates are also a more environmentally conscious choice. By opting for digital invitations, you avoid the use of paper, which saves trees and benefits the environment. This option also reduces the carbon footprint associated with mailing paper invitations.

Save-the-date emails are considered less formal than paper invitations

Save-the-date emails are a great option if you want to save money, time, and effort. They are also more environmentally friendly than paper save-the-dates.

If you do decide to send your save-the-dates via email, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the subject line is clear and catchy so that your guests know to open it. You can be creative with the subject line, but it should definitely include the date of your wedding.

The body of your email should include the location of the wedding and the wedding date. You can also include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find more information. It's a good idea to mention that a formal invitation will follow, so guests know to expect more details later.

Keep your save-the-date email concise and to the point. Avoid including too much information or a long essay about your relationship. You also don't need to include venue, hotel, or travel information at this stage—just focus on getting your guests to save the date.

Finally, consider using an email service provider or email marketing tool to send your save-the-dates. This will allow you to personalise and track your emails, and it's more cost-effective than using a digital invitation service.

Save-the-date emails should be sent 6-12 months before the wedding

Save-the-date emails are a convenient and cost-effective way to let your guests know about your upcoming nuptials. They are especially useful if you are planning a destination wedding or getting married on a major holiday. In these cases, it is recommended to give your guests extra notice by sending out save-the-date emails nine months to a year in advance. This will allow your guests to book flights and accommodation and ensure they can be a part of your special day.

Even if you are having a local wedding, it is still a good idea to send out save-the-date emails six to eight months before the wedding. This will give your guests ample time to make any necessary arrangements, such as booking time off work, organising childcare, or saving money. Sending out save-the-date emails early is a considerate gesture that will be appreciated by your guests and will also get everyone excited about your wedding.

When creating your save-the-date emails, it is important to include key information such as the date and location of the wedding. You may also want to mention that a formal invitation will follow. It is best to keep the email concise and avoid including too many details about the venue, travel, or accommodation. You don't want to overwhelm your guests with too much information all at once!

If you want to add a personal touch, you can include a photo of you and your partner, or even a link to your wedding website. This will give your guests a chance to learn more about your wedding plans and get them excited about the celebration to come.

Overall, sending out save-the-date emails six to twelve months before your wedding is a thoughtful way to ensure your guests have enough time to plan and look forward to your big day.

Save-the-date emails should include the location of the wedding and the wedding website link

Save-the-date emails are a great way to ensure your guests mark their calendars for your wedding. They are also a more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient option than traditional paper save-the-dates. When creating your save-the-date emails, it is important to include key details such as the location of the wedding and your wedding website link. Here are some tips and suggestions to make your save-the-date emails informative and engaging:

Location, Location, Location

Including the location of your wedding in your save-the-date email is crucial, especially if you're having a destination wedding. By providing the location, your guests will know where they need to travel to and can make the necessary arrangements. It is important to give your guests enough time to plan, especially if they need to request time off from work, book accommodations, or make travel plans. For destination weddings, it is recommended to send out your save-the-dates up to a year in advance.

Wedding Website Link

Including your wedding website link in your save-the-date email is a great way to provide your guests with additional information. Your wedding website can include details such as accommodation options, travel suggestions, the dress code, and any other important information that will help your guests plan their attendance. If your wedding website is password-protected, be sure to include the login and password information in your email.

Subject Line and Content

The subject line of your save-the-date email should be captivating and cut through the clutter in your guests' inboxes. You can use phrases such as "Save the Date!" or "We're Getting Married!" to grab their attention. In the email content, be sure to include your names, the wedding date, the location, and a note that a formal invitation will follow. You may also want to indicate whether guests are invited with a plus one. Keep the email concise and friendly, and consider adding a personal touch to make your guests feel valued.

Design and Personalization

While it's not necessary to match your save-the-date email design to your wedding theme, you can use tools like Canva to create visually appealing graphics that reflect your personality and the mood of the occasion. You can also use mail merge techniques to personalize the emails, addressing each guest by name and tailoring the content to their specific needs. This adds a special touch and makes your guests feel valued.

Timing and Etiquette

It is recommended to send out your save-the-date emails 6-8 months before your wedding date, or even earlier for destination weddings. This gives your guests ample time to prepare and change their plans if needed. In terms of etiquette, it is important to address the save-the-date email to all invited guests in a household, sending only one email per household. Additionally, avoid sending too many reminders, as this may come across as hounding your guests.

Save-the-date emails can be personalised with the recipient's name

Save-the-date emails are a great way to let your guests know about your upcoming nuptials and request that they reserve the date on their calendar. They are perfect for destination weddings or events with limited guest capacity.

Including the recipient's name in the subject line of your save-the-date email is a great way to personalise the message and ensure that it stands out in their inbox. Here are some examples of subject lines that you can use:

• "{Recipient's Name}, save our date: {Your Names} are getting married!"
• "Mark your calendars: {Your Names} are tying the knot on {Date}!"
• "Save the date: {Your Names}'s wedding on {Date}!"

When crafting the body of your save-the-date email, it's important to keep the message concise and include only the most essential information. Here is a template that you can use to personalise your emails to each recipient:

"Hi {Recipient's Name}! We are thrilled to announce that we are getting married, and we would be honoured to have you celebrate with us. Please save the date for our wedding on {Date} in {Location}. Formal invitations and more details will be sent soon. We hope you can join us! Cheers, {Your Names}"

By sending personalised save-the-date emails, you will make your guests feel valued and special. It's a great way to build excitement for your wedding and ensure that your guests have enough notice to plan their attendance.

Frequently asked questions