Some might argue that the invitation is the most important part of notifying your guests about your wedding, however the save the date is equally as important. Your invitation could be the nicest invitation in the history of invitations, but if your guests are already booked the date of your wedding, that invitation is going in the trash and the RSVP is coming back with a “No” marked on it. Do your best to get them out six to nine months before your wedding, even earlier if you are having a destination wedding.
Save the dates require some basic critical information. Follow this checklist to make sure you’ve covered everything your save the date needs.
Who
Include your names on your save the date so your guests can easily distinguish it as yours. While you are focused on your own wedding, your friends and family may be saving the dates for multiple weddings this year. Add photos to your save the date for additional personalization. Send these to everyone you are planning to invite to your wedding. Once they have received a save the date, it is bad etiquette to change your mind about inviting them.
What
Tell guests what they’re saving the date for. While save the dates are typically only sent out for weddings, they can also be sent out for large scale parties and events. It may seem obvious to you, but make sure to spell it out for your guests. Also let them know that there will be a “formal invitation to follow,” that way guests know that they will receive more information in the future, and will not come barking up your tree every day asking for details.
When
It might seem like a no brainer, but be sure to include the date that people need to save. There’s no need to include the day of the week, but it can be helpful, especially if you are getting married on a day of the week that isn’t a Saturday. The time of your wedding is not required on your save the date.
RELATED: Save the date: creative ideas to let guests know you’re getting hitched
Where
The exact venue is not required when putting your wedding location on your invitation, but be sure to include the city and state. People need to have enough information to know what kind of planning is entailed, and if it is a trip they can afford to take. Are you getting married in your hometown down the street, or at a destination far far away? Giving the town, state and country information helps guests know what they are in for. Don’t sacrifice sending your save the dates out on time so that you can nail down your venue details. Save that information for the formal invitation.
Why
Sending out a save the date in advance is important in letting guests know when and where the wedding is so they can plan accordingly and do exactly as the name implies “save the date.”
How
How you choose to send your save the date is up to you, but it is commonplace to send it using the same format to everyone. If you want to send it via email, go ahead, but be sure that you have an up-to-date email for everyone, don’t just assume the last email you have for your distant cousin or college buddy is the most accurate. If you are choosing not to create a mailing for your invitation, make sure to personally call your non-email relatives and friends at the same time you send out your save the dates, so they get the same notice at the same time as everyone else.
