Creating Wedding Stationery: Save-The-Dates And Invites

Creating save-the-date cards and invitations is an essential part of wedding planning. They are a fun and simple way to announce your wedding and ensure your guests have ample time to plan and block off time for your big day. Save-the-date cards should include the names of the couple, the wedding date, and the city and state where the ceremony will take place. They can also include engagement photos, striking designs, or personal messages. When creating your save-the-date cards, you can choose from various design options, such as classic, rustic, destination, or modern themes. You can also add fun add-ons like silver embossing or make them into magnets. After sending save-the-date cards, the next step is to send out formal invitations, which include more detailed information about the wedding, such as the time, date, and address of the ceremony and reception.

Choosing a design that matches your wedding theme

Save the date cards and invitations are the first glimpse into your wedding that your guests will get, so it's important to choose a design that matches your wedding theme.

If you're going for a classic or vintage wedding, consider elegant designs with thin gold borders, wildflower or floral motifs, or a simple, timeless monogram. For a rustic wedding, opt for designs featuring sunflowers, wildflowers, or eucalyptus. If your wedding has a destination theme, there are specific templates available that feature travel or location-inspired artwork. Modern or contemporary weddings might lean towards bold, colourful designs, or sleek and sophisticated styles.

You can also add a unique twist to your save the dates and invitations with add-ons like silver embossing, or choose from a range of luxurious papers to print on, such as hemp or linen. If you're crafty, you could even design your own save the dates using a rubber stamp, or go digital and send out text message or email invitations.

The design you choose should ultimately reflect your personalities as a couple and give a hint of the style and tone of your wedding.

Adding personal touches

Monograms

Monograms are a beautiful and elegant way to personalise your wedding. Create a monogram and use it consistently across all your wedding stationery, from the save-the-date cards and invitations to the thank-you cards. You can even incorporate the monogram into other details on the day, such as drinks stirrers, napkins, and the aisle runner.

Photos

Adding a favourite photo of the happy couple is a popular way to personalise save-the-date cards and invitations. You could also consider a hand-drawn illustration of the wedding venue to give guests a sneak peek of the location and add a unique touch.

Wedding Website

Creating a wedding website is a modern way to share additional details about your special day, and it can be matched to your stationery. This is a great way to provide guests with more information and build excitement for the wedding.

Creative Table Names

Instead of numbering your tables, why not get creative and name them after places you've travelled together, your favourite drinks, sports teams, books, or music artists? This adds a fun and personal touch that will be a talking point for your guests.

Personalised Jackets

Personalised jackets have become a trend for brides in recent years. It's a fun way to announce your new name and makes for a great Instagram photo! Options include embroidered denim jackets or hand-painted leather jackets, which can be worn from the wedding to the honeymoon.

Fun Fact Napkins

Add a playful touch to your wedding by providing guests with fun fact napkins. Include interesting or funny facts about the couple, or a personalised 'Cheers' greeting to thank your guests for attending.

Wording and etiquette

Save the date cards are a fun and simple way to let your guests know that your wedding is on the horizon and that they should keep the date free. They are also a great way to give your guests a sneak peek of your wedding theme and style.

When it comes to wording, save the date cards are usually short and sweet. Traditionally, they include the names of the couple, the wedding date, and the city and state where the ceremony will take place. Many couples also include a fun, personal message, such as "We can't wait to celebrate with you!" or "See you soon!". You can also include an engagement photo or a striking design.

It is recommended that you send your save the date cards before your wedding invitations, ideally between six and eight months before the big day. This gives your guests ample time to plan and make any necessary travel arrangements, especially if your wedding is in a destination location.

When it comes to etiquette, it is important to only send save the date cards to those who are definitely going to receive an invitation. This avoids any confusion or disappointment. It is also customary to send one card per household, so couples and family members living together receive only one copy.

Finally, when it comes to the design of your save the date cards, the options are endless. You can choose from a variety of themes, including rustic, vintage, modern, or whimsical. You can also add fun add-ons, such as silver embossing or magnets, so your guests can stick your save the date on their fridge!

Timing

The timing of sending out your wedding save-the-date cards and invitations is crucial. As a general rule, save-the-date cards should be sent out between 8 and 6 months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to plan and make any necessary travel arrangements. For destination weddings, it is recommended to send out save-the-dates up to 12 months in advance.

It is important to note that save-the-date cards are not the same as wedding invitations. Save-the-dates are a simple and fun way to announce your wedding plans and ask guests to hold the date. Wedding invitations, on the other hand, are more detailed and include specific information such as the time, date, and address of the ceremony and reception. They also often include RSVP cards or a QR code for guests to respond. Wedding invitations should be sent out after the save-the-dates, giving guests enough time to plan and anticipate the upcoming event.

When creating your save-the-date cards, it is essential to include key information such as the names of the couple, the wedding date, and the city and state where the ceremony will take place. You may also include an engagement photo, a fun message, or a wedding website link if you have one.

It is recommended to send save-the-dates to everyone on your guest list, with one card per household. This ensures that couples and families living together receive only one card. It is also important to have a confirmed wedding date, venue, and location before sending out your save-the-dates.

After sending out your save-the-dates, you can focus on finalising the details of your wedding and creating your official wedding invitations. This will allow you to include more specific information and give your guests a clearer picture of your special day.

Who to send them to

Save the date cards are a great way to share your wedding plans with friends and family and ensure they mark the date in their calendars. They are also the first impression your guests will have of your wedding theme and style. So, who should you send them to?

Firstly, it is important to send a save-the-date to everyone on your guest list. This is to ensure that all your guests have ample time to plan and make arrangements for your big day. It is customary to send one card per household, so couples and families living together receive only one copy. This avoids any confusion and keeps things organised.

When addressing the save-the-dates, it is traditional to list the bride's name first. However, some couples may choose to order their names alphabetically or go with what they feel looks best on the card. It is entirely up to you. The general rule is to include titles and last names of the invitees, making it clear who is invited, especially if multiple guests are from the same household.

For destination weddings, or weddings over holiday weekends, it is advisable to send out your save-the-dates about six months in advance, if not earlier. This gives your guests enough time to organise travel and accommodation. If you are having a local wedding, sending them out four to six months prior is recommended.

Frequently asked questions