Designing Wedding Save-The-Dates: A Guide To Getting It Right

Designing your own wedding save-the-dates is a fun and creative way to announce your wedding. There are many ways to personalise your save-the-date cards, from adding photos to choosing unique designs, colours and fonts. You can also select from a variety of materials and formats, such as postcards, cards with envelopes, magnets, matchbooks and bookmarks.

The key information to include on your save-the-date is your names, the wedding date and the city you're getting married in. It's also a good idea to mention if it's an adults-only wedding and whether plus ones are allowed. You can also add your wedding website URL to your save-the-date so guests can find updates and more details.

The ideal time to send out your save-the-dates is six to eight months before the wedding, or up to a year in advance if you're planning a destination wedding or getting married during a popular holiday period.

Choosing a design that matches your wedding theme

Save the date cards are generally more casual than the wedding invitation itself, but they do set the tone for your wedding. As a precursor to the actual invitation, choose a design that matches and complements your wedding theme. Whether you're going for a casual beach vibe or want to customise the invite with an engagement photo, there are many unique save-the-date ideas to match your wedding.

For example, if you're having a destination wedding, you might want to include luggage tags as part of the invitation for a thoughtful and personalised touch. You could also include a picture of you and your fiance at the location to create a custom save-the-date that's uniquely yours.

If you're having a beach wedding, choose invites with tropical leaves, seashells, and ocean waves. If you're having a wedding in a national park, choose a save-the-date card that highlights the park and gives your guests a glimpse of what to expect.

You can also choose from various colours, shapes, fonts, and foil options to match your wedding theme.

Including key details: names, date, location, and wedding website

When designing your wedding save-the-dates, it's important to include key details such as the names of the couple, the wedding date, the location, and the wedding website. Here are some tips to help you include these details effectively:

Names

Ensure that both your full names are included and easily visible to your guests. Consider using a different font or style for the names to make them stand out. If you prefer to use your maiden name, go right ahead! It's also a nice touch to include a photo of you as a couple if your design allows for it.

Date

The wedding date is the most important piece of information on your save-the-date. Clearly state the date of the wedding day, and if you're having a celebration over multiple days, specify when the ceremony will take place.

Location

For the location, include the city and state or town where the wedding will take place. If you already have your venue booked, you can include that as well, but it's not necessary at this stage. If you're having a destination wedding, it's helpful to provide travel information such as nearby airports and hotels so that guests can make arrangements early and save on costs.

Wedding Website

It's a good idea to include your wedding website on your save-the-date so that guests can learn more about you as a couple and the type of wedding you're planning. This is also where guests can find more detailed information about your wedding, such as registry info, dress code, and travel plans.

Remember to keep your save-the-date simple and high-level, as some details may change during the planning process. You don't want to overwhelm your guests with too much information just yet!

Selecting paper type and format: postcards, cards with envelopes, etc

When it comes to selecting the paper type and format for your wedding save-the-dates, there are several options to choose from. The most common formats include postcards, cards with envelopes, and magnets. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Postcards

Postcards are a popular choice for save-the-dates as they are simple, cost-effective, and easy to mail. They typically come in standard sizes such as 6" x 4.25" and can be easily customized with your wedding theme and colours. Postcards are a good option if you want to include a photo of the happy couple or a striking design. They are also a great choice if you are working with a tight timeline, as they can be printed and mailed quickly.

Cards with Envelopes

Cards with envelopes are a more traditional option for save-the-dates. They allow for a more formal presentation and can be customized with different paper types, such as recycled, pearlescent, linen, or even foil-stamped. This format also gives you the option to include additional inserts, such as a map to the wedding venue or accommodation suggestions for out-of-town guests. Cards with envelopes can also be a good choice if you want to include a more personal message or additional details about the wedding.

Magnets

Save-the-date magnets are a unique and creative way to announce your upcoming wedding. They are a popular choice as they are likely to be displayed on your guests' refrigerators, serving as a constant reminder of your special day. Magnets can be customized with your wedding colours, themes, and even photos. They are a fun and interactive way to ensure your guests don't forget your wedding date.

Paper Types

When selecting the type of paper for your save-the-dates, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Different paper types include signature paper, which has a soft, creamy texture and is optimized for high-resolution printing. Pearlescent paper adds a subtle shimmer and an elegant touch to your cards. Recycled paper is a great environmentally-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. There are also different thickness options available, such as double-thick or triple-thick paper, for a more luxurious feel.

In conclusion, the paper type and format you choose for your wedding save-the-dates will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the overall style of your wedding. Consider the different options available and select the one that best represents your nuptial celebration.

Sending out save-the-dates 6-8 months before the wedding

Sending out your save-the-dates 6-8 months before the wedding is a great idea for a number of reasons. Firstly, it gives your guests a heads-up and they will appreciate the advanced notice. It also means you are more likely to get first dibs on guests who know other couples getting married on the same day. Sending out save-the-dates is also a great way to get everyone excited about your wedding and get your own creativity flowing early in the planning process.

The timing is especially important if your wedding is not local. If you are throwing a destination wedding or getting married on a major holiday, it is recommended to give guests extra notice by sending out your save-the-dates 8-12 months in advance. This gives guests more time to book flights and reserve hotel rooms. It is also a good idea to include hotel information on your save-the-date cards so that your guests can benefit from any discounts you have arranged.

However, be careful not to send out your save-the-dates too early. It is generally not recommended to send them out more than 12 months in advance as it may be too early for people to ask for time off work or plan their schedule. There is also a risk that people will forget about your wedding if they receive the save-the-date card too far in advance.

Before sending out your save-the-dates, it is a good idea to have your wedding website up and running, as well as your hotel blocks arranged and your wedding registry assembled. It is also important to have your venue and location locked down before sending out save-the-dates.

Adding creative touches: photos, calendars, or magnets

Adding photos, calendars, or magnets to your save-the-date cards is a great way to add a creative touch and make them more memorable. Here are some ideas to incorporate these elements:

Photos

Using photos in your save-the-date cards is a wonderful way to personalise your invitations and showcase your engagement shoot or special moments. You can opt for a single photo or a collage-style design, displaying multiple favourite shots. Consider using a vellum overlay style, where your photo is printed on a card and layered with a sheer overlay that includes the wedding details. This allows guests to keep your photo on display even after they've marked the date in their calendar.

If you're feeling playful, you can transform your photos into vintage paper dolls using Photoshop or create a photostrip with or without a magnetic back. For a more elegant approach, pair your photo with watercolour elements or a watercolour rendition of your wedding venue for an artistic touch.

Calendars

Including a calendar in your save-the-date design is a clever way to ensure your guests mark the date. You can incorporate a small calendar for the month of your wedding, highlighting the date, or create a fun scratch-off ticket design where guests can scratch to reveal your wedding date.

Magnets

Magnet save-the-dates are a unique twist on traditional paper formats and are more likely to be displayed by your guests, serving as a constant reminder of your special day. You can choose from various magnet designs, including those with foil-pressed lettering and details. Opt for a photo magnet, or go for a non-photo design, showcasing the work of independent artists.

Consider customising your magnets with photos from your proposal or engagement shoot to make them more personal. You can also include your wedding colours and themes in the design, ensuring a cohesive look that matches your other wedding stationery.

Frequently asked questions