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Save the Date Cards
Get ready to cue the oohs and aahs with a save the date card that’s guaranteed to be a guest favorite. Click on the desired product below to view additional details, pricing, and book your suite.
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Save the Date Cards
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The Essential Guide to Save the Date Cards: Etiquette & Tips
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Now that you've set the date and venue, it's time to officially announce your big day to all of your loved ones. And what better way to do it than with save the date cards?
These little cards play a significant role in setting the tone for your wedding and giving your guests a sneak peek of what's to come.
In this essential guide to save the date cards, we'll delve into the etiquette and provide you with tips to help you create the perfect save the date card. From deciding who should receive them to selecting the right design, wording, and timing, we'll cover it all.
Whether you're opting for a traditional or a more unique approach, we'll help you make informed decisions that reflect your style and showcase your personality. With our expert advice, you can ensure that your save the date cards not only excite your guests but also make a lasting impression.
Keep scrolling as we break down the do's and don'ts of save the date card etiquette and provide you with inspiration and ideas to make your wedding announcement truly unforgettable.
What are Save the Date Cards?
Save the date cards are a pre-invitation to your wedding that inform your guests of the upcoming event and allow them to mark their calendars. These cards typically include the date, city and state, and (optionally) your website. Couples love them because they give guests a heads up so they can make the necessary arrangements to attend your big day.
Save the date cards have become increasingly popular over the years as weddings have become more elaborate. Guests often need advanced notice to secure travel arrangements and accommodations. They serve as a courteous gesture to ensure that your loved ones can plan ahead and be a part of your celebration.
Our save the date card collection is designed exclusively to match our wedding invitations. From classic and traditional to romantic and playful, you can choose a style that aligns with your wedding theme and overall aesthetic. While save the date cards usually reflect the style of your wedding, the design doesn’t have to match your invitations–especially if you don’t have your color palette or other details nailed down quite yet.
The Importance of Save the Date Cards
Save the date cards offer so many benefits for your wedding guests. It allows guests to…
mark their calendarsSave the dates give your guests a heads up about your wedding date, allowing them to mark their calendars and avoid scheduling conflicts. This is especially important if you're planning a destination wedding or if many of your guests will be traveling from out of town.
make a first impressionAdditionally, save the date cards help build anticipation and excitement for your wedding. The design and overall feel of the card helps to set the tone for your wedding. While save the dates don’t have to match your invitations, they truly do act as a first impression of your big day!
arrange travelSave the date cards also provide practical information to your guests, such as the location and date, which allows them to start making travel arrangements and plan their schedules. This early communication helps ensure guests are prepared and can attend your wedding without any issues.
Save the Date Card Etiquette
When it comes to save the date card etiquette, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
No. 1
Know who to send them to.
Save the date cards are not wedding announcements. Only send save the date cards to those who will definitely be invited to the wedding. These cards are essentially a pre-invitation, so it's crucial to avoid any confusion or hurt feelings by sending them to people who won't ultimately receive an invitation.
No. 2
How to address your envelopes.
When it comes to addressing the save the date cards, it's recommended to use formal titles and full names. This adds a touch of elegance and ensures that everyone feels respected and included. If you're inviting a family, make sure to include all of the invited family members' names on the envelope.
No. 3
They are not invitations.
Save the date cards are not formal invitations. They are a way to give your guests a heads up about your wedding and allow them to plan ahead. Formal invitations will be sent closer to the wedding date, and they will include all of the finer details. For this reason, “formal invitation to follow” is typically always included at the bottom of save the date cards.
When to Send Save the Date Cards
Save the date cards should typically be sent out six to eight months before the wedding, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or if many of your guests will need to make travel arrangements. This gives your loved ones ample time to plan their schedules, book accommodations, and make any necessary arrangements to attend your special day.
Choosing the right timing for sending out save the date cards is crucial to ensure that your guests have enough time to plan and make arrangements to attend your wedding.
As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to send save the date cards six to eight months before the wedding.
If you're planning a destination wedding or if many of your guests will need to travel, it's best to send out the save the date cards at least nine months in advance.
This gives your loved ones plenty of time to secure travel arrangements, book accommodations, and plan their schedules accordingly.
On the other hand, if you're having a local wedding and most of your guests will not need to travel, sending out the save the date cards around the six-month mark should be sufficient.
This still allows for ample planning time and gives your guests a heads up about the upcoming event so they can mark their calendars.
Design & Wording for Save the Date Cards
The design and wording of your save the date cards play a significant role in setting the tone for your wedding and giving your guests a sneak peek of what's to come. Whether you're opting for a traditional or a more unique approach, there are a few factors to consider when it comes to choosing the design and wording for your save the date cards.
Firstly, think about the overall theme and style of your wedding. Do you envision a romantic and elegant affair? Or perhaps a romantic and whimsical celebration? While the design doesn’t have to match the overall aesthetic of your wedding, it does offer a first impression and reflects your personal style as a couple.
When it comes to wording, keep it simple and concise–things can always change before the big day! Include the essential information such as the date, location, and (optionally) your wedding website. You can also consider adding a personal touch, such as including an engagement photo or a custom monogram that reflects your personality as a couple.
With our save the date collection, you can choose from various printing techniques, such as letterpress, foil stamping, or digital printing, depending on your budget and preferences. Consider incorporating elements that are meaningful to you, such as your wedding colors, a monogram, or a venue illustration by adding embellishments here.
Remember, the design and wording of your save the date cards truly does offer a first impression of your big day, and they can help set the tone for your wedding celebration.
Save the Date Card Ideas and Inspiration
We understand that every couple is unique. Here are a few unique and creative ideas to make your wedding announcement truly one-of-a-kind…
Personalize Your Look
Customizable designs including ink, paper, and envelope colors.
Printing and Paper
Options for paper weight and printing process to suit any budget.
Embellishments
Exquisite add-ons like envelope liners, wax seals, and more.
Venue Illustrations
Venue illustrations are a fun way to add a custom look to your suite.
Plus, if your invitation includes a custom venue drawing or monogram…
We’ll send you the digital file so you can use them on things like koozies, cocktail napkins, and other day-of details!
Print Methods for Your Save the Date Cards
When it comes to save the date cards, you have the option of choosing three different print methods–digital, letterpress or foil. Consider your budget, time, and desired look when determining the right print method for your save the dates. Tap the + icon to learn more about each print method.
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The most familiar form of printing—also known as flat printing, is the process of applying ink directly to paper or cardstock resulting in a seamless, or flat, texture on the paper’s surface.
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This time-honored printing process is done by hand using matte ink and a metal plate, creating an impressed or debossed look on a thicker cardstock like Crane’s famous Lettra paper. At Betty Lu Paperie, we specialize in the best letterpress wedding invitations.
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The most luxurious option actually isn’t a printing process at all—similar to letterpress, foil stamping gives your wording a metallic shine without using ink. Each card is hand-pressed with metallic foil using a metal plate.
Save the Date Card Mistakes to Avoid
While save the date cards are a fun and exciting way to announce your wedding, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here are some tips to ensure your save the date cards are flawless:
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start earlyBegin the process of ordering your save the date cards as soon as possible to allow for any unexpected delays or revisions.
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consider your budgetSave the Dates come in a wide range of prices, so it's important to determine your budget before starting the ordering process.
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showcase your styleSave the dates don’t have to match your invites, but it’s nice if they reflect the style of your wedding. After all, this is the first impression guests will have!
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mail out earlySending out save the date cards too early or too late can cause confusion. Stick to the recommended timeframe of six to nine months before the wedding.
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PROOFREAD CAREFULLYBefore giving final approval for printing, double-check all the details on your save the dates to avoid any last-minute mistakes.
Browse our portfolio of real client weddings…
Addressing and Mailing Save the Date Cards
As a former etiquette consultant for BRIDES Magazine, it’s safe the say I’m obsessed with all things wedding etiquette. Addressing and mailing save the date cards may seem like a simple task, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are some tips to help you address and mail your save the date cards:
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formal titlesWhen addressing the save the date cards, it's best to use formal titles and full names. This adds a touch of elegance and shows respect to your guests. Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations unless you know it's their preferred form of address.
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guest addressingAll of our save the date cards and wedding invitations offer full guest and return addressing for your convenience. You may also consider hiring a calligrapher for a more handmade look. If you decide to use calligraphy–just let us know! We’ll ship envelopes to them.
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return addressYour return address will be printed on the back flap of your save the date card envelopes. You may choose to add a custom monogram or wedding crest above your return address to coordinate with your save the date card design. We’re happy to personalize it for you!
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postageTraditionally, save the date cards only require one postage stamp. However, if you add wax seals, ribbon, or any other “bulky” embellishments, you may need to add additional postage. For a unique look, consider vintage postage. Learn more here.
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mailingSave the date cards are usually pretty easy to just pop in the mail! If you add “bulky” embellishments, they may need to be hand-cancelled at the post office. If a save the date is returned to you by USPS, simply enclose the original card in a mailer and re-send to the recipient.
before you begin…Collect all guest addresses.
This is one of those tasks that can take some time, but it'll help you know how many households you need to mail to for save the dates and invitations. Plus, it makes the stationery process go by so much faster because you already have the information ready.
To help you get started, download my Wedding Guest List Organizer here. (It’s my most-downloaded resource!)
announce your dateThe Save the Date Collection
Save the date cards are an essential part of wedding planning, allowing you to officially announce your big day to your loved ones and give them a heads up to mark their calendars.
We’re here to guide you through the process and celebrate this special occasion with you. By following the etiquette guidelines and incorporating your personal style and creativity, you can create save the date cards that not only excite your guests but also make a lasting impression.
Remember to send out the save the date cards in a timely manner, provide all the essential information, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you choose digital, letterpress, or foil printing, consider your budget and timeline for sending everything out.
Addressing and mailing the save the date cards should be done with care and attention to detail–we’re happy to take this off your plate! And for an extra special touch, consider adding one (or more!) of our embellishment options like envelope liners or vintage postage to make your stationery truly unique.
We can’t wait to celebrate this special occasion with you..
And share in the joy of your big day! With this essential guide to save the date cards, you're well-equipped to create memorable and meaningful save the dates that set the stage for your wedding celebration.