Once you finally set a wedding date, you’re ready to shout the news from the rooftops! One of the first items on your wedding checklist is sending save the date cards. A save the date lets your guests know the date ahead of time to add it on their calendars. But what else should you put on save the dates? And what should you NEVER put on them? You’ve come to the right place to find out both!
In this blog post, we’ll provide helpful tips on what to put on save the date cards – and what NOT to include on them so you don’t make any blunders. And since it’s important to nail the wording and the design, we’re also incorporating some stylish examples to give you inspiration along the way.
Let’s get started! First, here’s what to put on a save the date for your wedding.
Key Information to Include
Here is the most important info to put on save the date cards:
• Name of the Couple: Don’t forget to put your names! Be sure to put your first and last names on save the dates.
• Wedding Date
• Location of Wedding: Should you put the location of the ceremony or reception on save the date cards? Use the location of the ceremony – but just a general location, not the venue just yet.
• Wedding Website
A wedding website is a must-have these days! Don’t forget to include the URL of your wedding website on the front of the card, the back, or include a QR code for guests to scan from their Smartphones and go directly to your website. Smart!
• OPTIONAL: “Formal invitation to follow”
Optional, but nice to have. It is helpful for guests who aren’t familiar with save the date cards, as they’ll wonder if this is the invitation. “Formal invitation to follow” lets them know an invitation with more details will be sent in the future.
For tips on what to add to your website, read: Here’s EXACTLY What to Include on a Wedding Website.
Here’s an example of a save the date card that has everything you need (design by Paper Sun Studio):
Now that you know what you should to include, here’s what to NEVER put on save the dates.
It’s good to know the difference!
What to NEVER Include
Here is what to NOT include on save the dates:
► REGISTRY: You should never put registry information on save the date cards.
► VENUE: Do NOT mention the name of the venue just yet – general location (i.e. city, state) is great!
► RSVP: It’s too early to mention RSVPing just yet. However, some guests may make their way to your wedding website and RSVP digitally, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
► DRESS CODE: Wait until you include dress code with the invitation.
► KIDS/NO KIDS: Not necessary to mention it just yet (if it’s adult-only, you’ll explain it in this way, later on.)
► TRAVEL: Even for a destination wedding, no need to discuss travel arrangements just yet. Your wedding website can provide details on this, if necessary.
You can include the above details when the wedding date gets closer. No need to overwhelm your cards with too much information just yet. :)
Now that you know what you need – and what you don’t – let’s talk about creative design and wording for your save-the-dates.
Creative Design and Wording Ideas
First, you’ll want to choose a theme or color palette. If you’re not sure just yet, don’t worry: you can go simple and minimalist with black and white save the dates. That ensures you can send them out on time, yet you won’t be committed to a particular style if you’re still stuck on one.
Next, let’s talk creative ways to add a personal spin. Guests love when you sprinkle some personality and individual style into the cards.
Incorporating Engagement Photos
Put your engagement pictures to great use by including one – or a few! – into the design of your cards.
A photo-strip style is a fun way to utilize a few of your favorites, while a single photo makes a nice central focus for one snapshot.
Add a Monogram or a Crest
Consider design elements to create a signature look such as a family crest, custom illustration, or monogram. You can create a free monogram here using your initials, then download the file and put it on your save the date cards and day-of stationery.
Tips for Designing and Sending Save the Date Cards
Choosing the Paper and Printing Method
When you select a save the date, don’t forget the importance of the paper and printing method you select. The paper should be a nice weight that gives it a formal appearance, without being too flimsy or thin. 130lb paper weight is a great place to start. While paper weight is most important on invitations, it’s something to consider on save-the-dates, since it is the first impression you’ll make on guests.
Next, consider the printing method. Since save the dates aren’t as formal as invites, most people select standard printing. It’s the most traditional style, with high-quality ink on paper with customizable fonts and wording, colors, and shape.
If you prefer a custom look, opt for letterpress printing or foil pressed cards, as you’ll see in the next section.
Textural Effects with Letterpress
For a fancy or formal wedding, you can add sumptuousness to your cards with letterpress printing. Letterpress imprints into the paper, giving your guests a touch of luxury.
Foil-Pressed Cards
Include real foil for a shimmer effect that will make your cards stand out. Whether you opt for gold or blue, guests will surely take notice of this design element.
Timeline for Sending Save the Dates
It is important to choose save the dates with enough time to customize, print, and prepare them to mail to your guests. The ideal time to send save the dates is 6 to 9 months before the wedding or up to 1 year for a destination wedding. It is crucial to send save the dates for a destination wedding, as guests need plenty of time to plan travel arrangements.
When should you send save the dates? When Do Save the Dates Go Out in 2024: [FREE Calculator]
How to Customize Yours Easily
As you’ve seen in these examples, Minted makes it easy to bring your vision to life with premium designs and customization capabilities. If you need further assistance, utilize Minted’s Concierge. You can meet one-on-one virtually with a personal Wedding Concierge who will walk you through customizing your stationery. Schedule a free appointment now!
Conclusion
In conclusion, sending save the dates is important because it lets your guests know the date in advance, while setting the tone for your wedding day. When you’re deciding what to put on save the dates, remember to include the key information such as the couple’s names, wedding date and location, and a link to your wedding website. Additionally, avoid including registry information, dress code, specific venue names, dress code, RSVP information, and travel details just yet. Your guests will have plenty of time to receive these details as your date draws closer. When it comes to design and wording, get creative and incorporate personal touches such as engagement photos, monograms, and foil accents. And don’t forget to choose high-quality paper and printing methods. With these tips in mind, your save the date cards will be a memorable and stylish way to share your wedding news.
So go ahead and shout it from the rooftops – your save the date cards are on their way! And as you continue with your wedding planning journey, remember to stay organized and use helpful resources like Minted’s Wedding Concierge for a stress-free experience. You can browse save the date cards in their collection here and book your free consultation for Wedding Concierge here. It’s such a helpful service, IMO.
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