If you were an unsuspecting target of Cupid’s arrow this week, chances are you’re sporting a shiny new ring on your finger this weekend. (Congrats!) While setting the wedding date is still far in your future, we encourage you to consider sending save the dates once the date is set in stone. If you’re like most brides, you may be wondering what the deal is with save the dates and why save the dates are important… so, today, we’re letting you in on three secrets to why save the dates are so important, along with plenty of brilliant save the date inspiration to get those creative juices flowing. Speaking of inspiration, check out this unique save the date idea, which is quite possibly one of the cutest we have seen yet!

This save the date (or wedding invitation, if you prefer) is by Michie May and features a small plastic champagne bottle, faux engagement ring and wedding band, couple, heart, and announcement banner. Adorable!

3 Secrets to Why Save the Dates Are Important

1. Save the Dates help you plan your guest list far in advance.

Since save the dates tell guests they can expect an invitation to the wedding, save the dates gets you in planning mode even earlier in the game. Save the dates are typically sent 6-9 months period to the wedding, which means you’ll already have a stellar guest list all set, finalized, and ready to go that far in advance. You’ll have concrete numbers for tables, reception, bar, favors, bridal shower guests, and other elements far in advance, which means less stress for you in the long run. (Always a good thing.)

2. Save the Dates share more than just the date.

Sure, these cards tell guests when the wedding date is, but save the dates do so much more: they get guests amped up for the big day! You’d be surprised how exciting it is to receive a save the date when you’re a guest. For instance, I received a save the date recently and while I was already excited about the wedding, seeing their picture together and the date in print made me even that much giddier. Oh, and those adorable save the date postcards or magnets? Love them! I have the postcard tacked to my bulletin board and I smile when I look at it – those adorable lovebirds!

3. Advanced notice means more guests can attend.

Obvious, yes, but still worth the mention. Save the dates give traveling guests advance time to book accommodations, beg their boss for time off, shop for an adorable new dress… you know the drill. Guests who are local can take the day off of work, arrange for a sitter, and make other accommodations to ensure the date is set in stone on the calendar. If you’re planning a summer wedding, this is especially important since so many people take vacations during this time or attend plenty of weddings. A save the date can ensure guests have your date circled on the calendar!

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Save the Date Inspiration

To help inspire you, we’ve compiled a few hand-picked save the dates oozing with creativity, like this one by Kayden Ashley which tells guests where you’re tying the knot:

Scratch-off save the dates? GET OUT! These are too adorable. Spotted at InviteMe and totally fun for guests.

Save the date magnets? An instant classic… guests love to use, reuse, and keep them up on their fridge for years! These coffee save the date magnets by MagnetStreet are perfect for guests planning a coffee themed wedding…

… or photo booth magnets you can customize yourself, also from MagnetStreet… too cute!

Check out these unique wooden state-shaped save the dates, handmade by Bullfrog Graphics… we love them!

For the couple that loves to travel or is planning a chic destination wedding, check out three save the dates we spotted just for you. First, these luggage tags by Mavora Art & Design are just darling…

… send guests passport save the dates which double as a keepsake gift by Serendipity Beyond Design…

… and these boarding pass save the dates? Clever! Also by Serendipity Beyond Design:

And, we had to include this adorable “sweetheart” save the date by Peapod Printables, featuring your photos from grade school. Awwww! Perfect for a school themed wedding.

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So… which one is your favorite? Will you be sending save the dates?

♥
-E.