Advice on what, when and who for your save-the-date-cards.
Now that you’re engaged you probably want to shout it from the rooftops, but before you shop for and mail save-the-date cards, here’s a brief tutorial on what they are, when to mail them, and who should get one:
What’s a save-the-date card?
A save-the-date, or STD, card was originally designed for destination weddings, where guests needed travel information and time to book their flight and hotel room. In the last few years, couples started mailing STD cards regardless of where their wedding was being held. A save-the-date card can be mailed or emailed, and can be as formal or whimsical as you want it to be.
When do you mail a save the date?
Send out your save-the-date cards six to nine months before your wedding. You need to have booked your wedding venues (ceremony and reception) before you order the cards so that you’re 100 percent sure your of your wedding date.
Who should get one?
You can opt to send the cards only to guests who will be traveling to your wedding and need to book flights and a hotel room or you can send them to everyone on your guest list. But be certain that the people receiving them are on your final guest list—anyone who receives a save-the-date card MUST get a wedding invitation, too.
What information should be included?
Include both your names, first and last, your wedding date and the geographic location—you don’t need to list the venue. If you’ve secured a discount rate at a local hotel, include the hotel information and code. You should also list your wedding website if you’ve created one. You may also want to add a line that reads “Formal invitation to follow” so guests know to expect an invitation within a few months.
Photo: Outvite
