Diy Save The Dates: Crafting Your Wedding Announcement

Save-the-date cards are a fun and exciting way to let your guests know about your upcoming nuptials and ensure they don't double-book themselves. While it's not a formal invitation, it's a great way to give your guests a heads-up so they can plan their travel and accommodation. If you're thinking of designing your own save-the-date cards, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to finalise key information such as the date, location, and guest list before sending them out. You'll also want to consider the style and design of your cards, whether you want to include photos, and the overall colour scheme. Ordering your save-the-date cards about a year before your wedding is recommended, and you should send them out four to six months before your big day. Designing your own save-the-dates can be a fun and meaningful way to kickstart your wedding planning journey.

Finalise key information

Finalising key information is an important step in making your own save-the-date cards. While you don't need to have every detail of your wedding plan in place, there are a few key details that you should have confirmed before sending out your save-the-date cards. These include the date, location, and guest list. It is considered improper etiquette for anyone to receive a save-the-date card without also receiving a wedding invitation. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your guest list is finalised before sending out your save-the-date cards.

When listing the location, it is customary to include the city, state, and country if it is a destination wedding. However, the specific venue details can be saved for the official invitation. The bride's name typically appears first on the save-the-date card, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples, consider listing the names alphabetically.

In addition to the date, location, and guest list, you may also want to include other important details that may impact your guests' planning. For example, if you are planning an adults-only wedding, it is helpful to include this information so that families can make necessary childcare arrangements. Similarly, if you are allowing plus ones or having a morning ceremony followed by brunch, it is a good idea to include this information on your save-the-date cards.

Another key piece of information that you can include is your wedding website, if you have one. Wedding websites have become increasingly popular and provide a convenient way to communicate last-minute updates and additional wedding details that may not fit on a save-the-date card. By including your wedding website URL, you can provide your guests with easy access to more information about your big day.

While it is important to include essential details, there are also some things you should avoid including on your save-the-date cards. Gift registry information, RSVP requests, and unconfirmed venue details should not be included. Remember, a save-the-date card is not an official invitation, and including too much information can create confusion or unnecessary pressure on your guests.

Choose a colour scheme

Choosing a colour scheme for your wedding is an important step in the wedding planning process. Your colour palette will tie into almost every aspect of your wedding, from the stationery to the floral arrangements, table linens, attire, cake design, and even the cocktails or wedding favours.

Before you decide on your colour palette, it's a good idea to have a wedding venue in mind. If your venue has a lot of decorative elements, you can use those details to influence your colour scheme. Choosing colours that complement your venue will enhance what you love most about the space. If you're working with a blank slate venue, you can choose your colours from scratch.

You can also draw inspiration from the season. For example, if you're getting married in the spring, you might choose soft hues like blush, sky blue, yellow, lavender, and ivory. For a summer wedding, you could opt for ultra-saturated tones like hot pink, lime green, orange, and turquoise. Autumn weddings often feature colours like pumpkin-inspired orange hues, earthy browns, and greens, while winter weddings typically include darker colours like red, green, blue, silver, and grey.

Another factor to consider is the formality of your event. If you're having a casual affair, you might stick with digital printing and basic paper for your save-the-dates. However, if you're planning a more formal wedding, you'll want to opt for thicker cardstock and upgraded printing to match the elegance of your event.

When it comes to the number of colours in your palette, the standard rule is to choose a maximum of three colours, unless you're going for an ombre or neutral look. You can tie your palette together with a metallic accent colour. If you choose more than three colours, it may look too busy or disjointed.

Finally, don't forget to consider your own personal style and preferences. Your wedding colours should be expressions of your personalities, so choose colours that you truly love and that represent who you are.

• Beige and champagne for industrial-chic weddings
• Shades of cinnamon rose and dusty rose for a romantic setting
• Terracotta and greenery for bohemian weddings
• Pantone brown and rose gold for vintage-themed weddings
• Shades of grey for rustic weddings
• Light blue, dusty blue, and burgundy for a nautical or beach wedding
• White, champagne, and ivory are classic neutrals that pair well with any theme, style, and venue

Pick a paper type and finish

When it comes to paper type and finish, you have a few options to choose from. Firstly, consider the weight and thickness of the paper. Standard cardstock is an option, but some may find it too thin for wedding stationery. A thicker option is double-thick or duplex cardstock, which is recommended for formal weddings.

Next, you can choose between matte, glossy, and uncoated finishes. A matte finish has a low sheen that won't alter the colours of your design and is easy to write on. A glossy finish, on the other hand, is a shiny lamination that makes colours and photos pop. It also protects your design from dirt and wear. If you're looking for a more natural texture, an uncoated finish might be preferable, as it gives a softer and warmer look to your stationery.

If you're ordering your save-the-date cards from a company, they may offer different types of paper stock to choose from. For example, Canva offers standard, premium, and deluxe paper stocks, while Greetings Island offers both free and premium designs, with access to premium fonts and stickers for a low monthly price.

Add a personal touch

Adding a personal touch to your save-the-date cards is a great way to make your wedding preparations feel more special and meaningful. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Handwritten Details

If you have beautiful penmanship, consider addressing your envelopes by hand. This adds a unique and elegant touch to each card and is a great way to showcase your talent.

Custom Stamps and Wax Seals

Create your own custom stamps or wax seals to adorn your envelopes. You can design a stamp with your monogram or a creative hashtag for your special day. Wax seals, especially in a custom colour or design, add a touch of luxury and can be a fun way to incorporate your wedding colours or theme.

Envelope Liners

Add artful envelope liners to your save-the-date cards. This is a great way to incorporate your wedding colours or a fun pattern that reflects your personality as a couple.

Vintage Stamps

Finish your envelopes with a chic assortment of vintage stamps. This is a unique and unexpected detail that will delight your guests and add a touch of charm to your cards.

Personalised Details

Incorporate personalised details about you and your partner into the design of your cards. This could include a custom couple portrait, a monogram, or even a creative hashtag. You could also include a photo of the two of you, whether it's a casual selfie or a formal engagement photo.

Matching Stationery

Create a cohesive look by matching your save-the-date cards with other wedding stationery, such as response and RSVP cards. This can help create a unified theme and add a sense of continuity to your wedding preparations.

Remember, adding a personal touch is all about showcasing your personality and style as a couple. So, have fun with it and don't be afraid to get creative!

Include all important details

When making your own save-the-date cards, it's important to include all the essential details so that your guests can plan their attendance. While you don't need to explain your entire wedding plan, there are some key pieces of information that should be included.

Start with the basics: the names of you and your partner, the date of your wedding, and the city where you'll be tying the knot. This is the bare minimum information your guests need to block out that day on their calendars. If your wedding is taking place over multiple days, you may want to include the duration as well.

Next, consider adding details that may impact your guests' planning. For instance, if you're having an adults-only wedding, families will need to know so they can organise childcare. Similarly, if you're allowing plus ones or having a morning ceremony followed by brunch, it's good to give your guests a heads-up. This way, they know who they can bring and when they'll be expected to attend.

If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the URL on your save-the-date. Wedding websites have become increasingly popular, providing an additional layer of communication. By directing guests to your site early on, you open a line of 24/7 communication where they can find updates and more detailed information about your big day.

While it's important to include all the vital details, there are some things you should leave off your save-the-date. Avoid mentioning your gift registries, as gifts are voluntary and shouldn't be viewed as a requirement. Similarly, don't include RSVP requests, as a save-the-date is simply a heads-up and not a formal invitation. Finally, refrain from sharing any information you're unsure about, such as venue details that haven't been finalised.

Frequently asked questions