Save The Date Postcards: Crafting Your Wedding Announcement

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but save-the-date postcards are a great way to get the ball rolling. These postcards are the first notification most wedding guests will receive about your upcoming nuptials. They are typically sent out about six months to one year before the wedding, giving guests plenty of time to clear their calendars and make travel arrangements if necessary. For destination weddings, it is a good idea to send them even earlier, between nine months to a year in advance.

When creating your save-the-date postcards, there are a few key things to include:

- The words save the date to clearly indicate the purpose of the postcard.

- The names of the happy couple, with the bride-to-be's name traditionally listed first, although you can choose to present the names in whatever way you prefer.

- The wedding date, which is the main purpose of the postcard.

- The location of the wedding, including at least the state, region, or country if the exact venue is not yet finalised.

- Your wedding website, so that guests can learn more about you and your fiance, as well as find additional information about the event.

- A note mentioning that a formal invitation with more details will follow.

When addressing your save-the-date postcards, it is recommended to use full names and titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Mx.). Use the recipient's first and last name, and if you are addressing a couple, include both of their full names. If you are inviting children, send a separate postcard to those who are 18 or older, and include the names of younger children on a separate line below their parents' names.

What to include on your save the date postcards

Save the date postcards are a fun and playful way to announce your wedding date. They are typically more affordable than traditional save the date cards as they don't require envelopes or additional postage costs. Here's what you should include on your save the date postcards:

• A clear title: Ensure that the title "Save the Date" is included, so guests know the purpose of the postcard.
• Names of the happy couple: Traditionally, the bride-to-be's name is listed first. However, you can choose to present the names in whatever way you prefer, including alphabetically or based on aesthetics.
• The wedding date: Announce the big day so your guests can plan their attendance. Only send save the date cards once you have a confirmed date.
• The wedding location: Include the state, region, or country, even if the exact venue is not yet finalised.
• Your wedding website: Share a link so guests can learn more about you and your fiance, as well as any additional wedding details.
• A note about more details: Add a line to mention that a formal invitation with further information will follow.

You can also include a short message, such as "We can't wait to celebrate with you!" or a brief phrase that symbolises your union. Keep it concise, with the main focus on the date.

How to address your save the date postcards

Save-the-date postcards are a fun and playful way to invite guests to your wedding. They are also a great option for couples who want a simple and affordable way to announce their wedding date. Here are some tips on how to address your save-the-date postcards:

How to Address Save-the-Date Postcards:

• Formal titles: It is traditional to use formal titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., Rev., etc.) when addressing save-the-date postcards. However, this is optional, especially if your wedding is a casual affair. Ultimately, it's up to you whether to include them.
• Full names: Write out each person's full name instead of using shortenings or nicknames. For unmarried couples, write out both names completely with "and" in between.
• Children: If you plan to invite children under the age of 18, list their names on the line below their parents' names.
• Address format: When writing the address, spell out the full address without using any abbreviations (e.g., Street, Road, Avenue, Boulevard). Double-check the spelling and write out the city name in full. Use the state's preferred postal abbreviation and include the zip code.
• Return address: Include your return address in the top left corner of the postcard, about 1/4" from the top.
• Handwriting: If you're unhappy with your handwriting, consider hiring a calligrapher or printing address labels instead.
• Format: The recipient's address should be on the right-hand side of the postcard, with the postage stamps and markings in the top left corner.

Save-the-date postcards are a great way to give your guests a sneak peek of your wedding theme and style. Whether you choose a vintage postcard with rustic details, a greenery theme, or a formal design, make sure to include the names of the couple, the wedding date and location, and a fun personal message.

Save the date design inspiration

The design of your save the date postcards is a fun way to express your personality as a couple and get your guests excited about your wedding. Whether you're looking for something elegant and formal or playful and quirky, there are endless options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Magnets: Save the date magnets are a trendy option that guests can stick on their refrigerators, serving as a constant reminder of your upcoming nuptials. Acrylic heart magnets are a whimsical choice, while photo magnets featuring your engagement pictures are sure to delight your guests.

Vintage: Evoke a sense of old-world romance with vintage-inspired designs. Consider a vintage postcard or airmail theme, or go for a rustic barn photo background. For a retro touch, opt for a rainbow vinyl record design, complete with a mini backing card and a magnet.

Destination Wedding: If you're planning a destination wedding, get your guests excited about their travels with themed save the dates. Ideas include luggage tags, boarding passes, or custom map postcards. For a tropical or country theme, a leaf-shaped wooden magnet is a unique choice.

Playful and Creative: Think outside the box with playful designs like paper airplanes, paper dolls, or viewfinders. For a fun interactive element, try scratch-off cards or puzzles that reveal your wedding details.

Elegant and Unique: Make a statement with elegant and unique designs like luxurious vellum florals, bookmarks with wax seals, or clear acrylic cards. For a simple yet sophisticated look, opt for letterpressed plain table paper.

Photos: Showcase your favourite engagement photos or capture the moment with a custom illustration. You can also get creative with photos by using caricatures or animated depictions of yourselves.

DIY: Get crafty and design your own save the dates using online templates or printing press software. You can also make it a fun project by opting for DIY vellum or edible save the date cookies with custom stamps.

Remember, your save the date postcards don't have to match your wedding invitations, so feel free to get creative and choose designs, colours, and themes that reflect your personality as a couple!

When to send your save the date postcards

Timing is key when it comes to sending out your save the date postcards. As a general rule, they should be sent out no earlier than eight months and no later than four months before your wedding. This gives your guests ample time to plan and make any necessary arrangements without being too far in advance that they might forget.

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's recommended to send out your save the dates even earlier, around the 12-month mark, to give your guests enough time to make travel plans. Similarly, if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or requires difficult travel, it's a good idea to send out your save the dates closer to the six-month mark to allow your guests extra time to prepare.

It's important to note that you should only send out your save the dates once you have a confirmed date and location locked down. While you don't need to have all the details finalized, having a confirmed date and location ensures that your guests can confidently mark their calendars and start making arrangements.

Sending out your save the dates is an exciting step in the wedding planning process and will help build anticipation for your big day!

How to create your save the date postcards

Creating your save-the-date postcards is an exciting part of wedding planning. These cards are the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so it's important to make them eye-catching and informative. Here are some tips on how to create your save-the-date postcards:

Choose a Design

Decide on a design that reflects your wedding theme and style. If you're having a rustic barn wedding, consider a design with rustic details. For a more elegant affair, opt for a formal design with elegant fonts and sophisticated colours. You can also choose from various colours, fonts, and foil options to match your wedding theme. Basic Invite suggests you can even make any card design into a postcard.

Include Key Information

Ensure you include the essential information on your save-the-date postcards:

• The words "save the date": Be clear with your title to indicate it's a save-the-date postcard.
• The names of the happy couple (traditionally, the bride's name is listed first, but you can choose the order that feels most comfortable to you)
• The wedding date (consider spelling out the numbers, month, and year in full for a more elegant touch)
• The location of the wedding (at least include the state, region, or country if the exact venue is not finalised)
• Your wedding website (so guests can learn more about you and your fiance, as well as any additional wedding details)
• A note about more details to come (let guests know that a formal invitation with more info will follow)

Addressing the Postcards

When addressing your save-the-date postcards, follow these general rules:

• Use full names: Include both the first and last name of the guest for formal invites. For a more casual wedding, you can use nicknames.
• Use titles: Address guests using titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Mx. for guests who don't identify with gender-specific titles. Include professional or military titles whenever applicable.
• Account for children: Send separate save-the-date cards to children who are 18 or older. For younger children, include their names on separate lines below their parents' names.
• Write out locations in full: Avoid abbreviations and instead, write out the full name of the wedding location (e.g., "Los Angeles" instead of "LA").

Timing

Send out your save-the-date postcards about six months to one year before the wedding. For destination weddings, early booking is key, so send your cards nine months to a year in advance.

Customisation

Many websites, such as Minted, offer customisation options. You can include your photo, add text boxes, and even a QR code to your wedding website. You can also order a free sample to see and feel the quality before placing your final order.

Frequently asked questions