Creating Wedding Save-The-Dates: A Simple Guide For Couples

Wedding save-the-dates are an excellent way to ensure your guests' attendance at your special day. They are a heads-up to your loved ones to save the date of your wedding so they don't accidentally schedule something else on the same day. Save-the-dates can be designed and ordered online, or made at home as a fun DIY project. They should be sent out four to six months before the wedding, and sooner if it's a destination wedding. They should include the date, location, and time of the wedding, as well as the names of the couple and any relevant website or registry information.

Finalise key information: Date, location, and guest list

Finalising the key information for your wedding save-the-date cards is a crucial step in the process. Here is a detailed and direct guide to help you finalise the date, location, and guest list for your special day:

Date:

The date of your wedding is the most important detail to include in your save-the-date cards. This information will allow your guests to block out their calendars and make any necessary arrangements to attend your wedding. It is recommended to send out save-the-dates four to six months before your wedding, or even earlier if you are planning a destination wedding or a wedding during a busy travel period. This gives your guests ample time to plan their travel and accommodation.

Location:

For your save-the-date cards, you should include the general location of your wedding, typically the city and state. This helps guests, especially those travelling from far, to plan their attendance. The specific venue details can be included in the formal invitation later on. If you are having a destination wedding, it is important to include the country as well, so guests are aware they will need to travel internationally.

Guest List:

Finalising your guest list is essential before sending out save-the-date cards. Etiquette dictates that everyone who receives a save-the-date card must be invited to the wedding. This means you should have a clear idea of your guest list before sending them out. It is important to ensure you have accurate addresses for each person or household on your guest list to avoid any delivery issues.

Remember, your save-the-date cards are an opportunity to showcase your personality and give your guests a hint of the style and tone of your wedding. While you don't need to have every detail finalised, having the key information of the date, location, and guest list confirmed will help you create meaningful and informative save-the-date cards.

Choose a colour scheme that matches your wedding palette

When it comes to choosing a colour scheme for your wedding save-the-dates, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you want to use pastels to create an airy, romantic setting, or layer dark jewel tones for a dramatic, regal effect?

• Finalize your wedding palette before sending save-the-dates: It's important to have a colour scheme in mind before sending out your save-the-dates. This will allow you to incorporate your colours into the design and create a cohesive look for your wedding stationery.
• Consider your wedding season and venue: The time of year and location of your wedding can provide inspiration for your colour scheme. For example, summer weddings lend themselves to brighter, more electric colours, while winter weddings call for deep hues, cozy neutrals, and pops of bold reds and oranges. The colours that dominate your wedding venue can also influence your choices.
• Think about your wedding must-haves: If you have specific elements in mind, such as certain flowers or decorations, make sure to include colours that complement them in your palette.
• Reflect your personal style: Consider the colours you use in your home decor and wardrobe. Choosing colours that you and your partner are personally drawn to will help create a natural extension of your style on your wedding day.
• Browse for inspiration: Look at real weddings, Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding planning sites to gather ideas and pay attention to the fonts, hues, and layouts that catch your eye.
• Keep it simple: When designing your save-the-dates, it's best to keep the design simplistic, especially if you're not sure about your final wedding palette. This will give you room to explore and dive deeper into your wedding aesthetic.
• Add a signature colour: If you have a specific shade in mind for your wedding palette, consider using it for your save-the-date font colour to give your guests a subtle preview of your wedding aesthetic.

Pick a card format: Magnet, postcard, or traditional card

When it comes to picking a card format, you have several options: a magnet, a postcard, or a traditional card. Each option has its own pros and cons, and it's important to consider which one will work best for your wedding.

Magnet save-the-dates are a popular option for couples as they can be stuck on a fridge, ensuring that your wedding date is always in view. They can also be customised with photos, text and illustrations, and you can even add special finishes like silver embossing. However, magnets may be more expensive and there is a risk of them getting lost in the mail. They may also be seen as wasteful, as guests might throw them away after a few months.

Postcards are a cheaper option and give guests the flexibility to display them as they wish. They are also more environmentally friendly, as they can be recycled. However, they may not be as eye-catching as a magnet and there is a risk of them getting lost in the mail as well.

Traditional cards are an elegant choice and can be customised to match your wedding theme. You can choose from various card shapes, such as square, rounded, scalloped or arch, and add special finishes like foil, letterpress or embossing. They also come with envelopes, which can be useful if you want to include additional information or a personal message for your guests. However, traditional cards may be more expensive to post, especially if you're sending them internationally.

Ultimately, the decision of which card format to choose depends on your personal preference, budget and the style of your wedding. Consider the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Add personal touches: Photos, illustrations, and text

Adding personal touches to your save-the-date cards is a great way to showcase your and your fiancé's personalities and give your guests a hint of the style and tone of your wedding. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Photos

Including a photo of you and your fiancé on your save-the-date cards is a popular choice. This can be a casual selfie, a formal engagement photo, or even a creative illustration or cartoon rendering of the two of you. If you don't have any professional photos, don't worry! You can ask a talented friend to take some pictures of you, or even set up a DIY photo shoot yourself using a tripod and an iPhone. You can also edit your photos using online tools like Canva to add a personal touch.

Illustrations

If you don't want to include a photo, you can opt for a creative illustration or drawing instead. This could be a cartoon version of you and your fiancé, a sketch of your wedding venue, or even a fun comic strip. Adding a personal illustration is a unique way to showcase your personality and give your guests a sneak peek of what to expect at your wedding.

Text

When it comes to the text on your save-the-date cards, you can get creative with your wording to add a personal touch. Start with a warm and friendly greeting, such as addressing your guests by name. Clearly state that this is a save-the-date message, and include the critical details such as the event type (wedding), the date, and the location. You can also add a personal message expressing your excitement and gratitude, such as "We can't wait to celebrate with you!"

In terms of font choice, it's important to select options that are classic and understated. Some popular choices include La Luxes, Kinfolk, and Montserrat. You can also add a signature color to your text that matches your wedding palette to give your guests a hint of your wedding aesthetic.

Remember, your save-the-date cards are the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so have fun with it and let your personality shine through!

Order and send: Four to six months before the event

You should order and send your save-the-date cards about four to six months before your wedding. If you are planning a destination wedding, it is recommended to send them out six months to a year in advance. This is to allow your guests enough time to plan, make travel arrangements, and request time off work.

When ordering your save-the-date cards, you should consider the following:

• Paper type and finish: Choose between luxurious and sustainably sourced standard, premium, or deluxe paper stocks. You can also select from matte, glossy, or uncoated finishes.
• Design: Opt for a pre-designed template or create your own from scratch. Include key information such as your names, the wedding date, location, and any other relevant details. You can also add a personal touch with photos, illustrations, or other design elements.
• Printing and delivery: Consider using a professional printing service to ensure high-quality results. Some companies offer free delivery, and you may even be able to track your order.

Once you have ordered your save-the-date cards, it's time to start addressing and sending them out to your guests. Remember to include envelopes with your cards, and consider adding a personal touch with handwritten addresses or decorative envelope liners.

Frequently asked questions