You’ve said “yes” and the wedding planning is officially underway! It’s time to let your guests know you’re getting married, by sending them a “save the date” card/magnet/scroll/e-vite/etc. This pre-invitation mailing officially announces your wedding date and lets guests know that they will, in fact, be invited to the celebration.
As a general rule, it is best to start spreading the news and mailing out the save the date cards around six months prior to the ceremony (further out if you are having a destination wedding or if the majority of the guests will be traveling internationally). This gives your wedding guests enough time to book their travel, make necessary arrangement and ask for days off from work if necessary. Any earlier, and they may toss the notice aside. Any later, and it might as well be an invitation.
This is also the right time to be very clear about who is invited to your festivities. By including the actual names of every intended guest on the envelope, you are less likely to have any assumed invitees or general confusion. Being up front about who’s invited also gives families ample time to plan for child care, and out-of-towners time to figure out travel plans and hotel rooms.
There are numerous different types of save-the-dates, pretty much if you can imagine it, you can send it. From videos and magnets to cards and scrolls, the possibilities are endless. Additionally there are traditional save-the-date cards, postcards, tri-fold cards and a host of other options. Pick fun, bright colors and remember to keep it simple. At this point in time all your guests really need to know is the date, the city, who is invited and your wedding website address for additional details. This is also a great time to utilize those gorgeous pictures from your engagement session!
As a general rule of thumb, approximately 20% of invited guests will be unable to attend your wedding with higher numbers for destination weddings and multi-day weddings. From the save the dates you will get a general feeling from friends and family about their intentions and will keep your entire guest list anticipating the big day. As you may or may not know, Photographick Studios can custom design and create your save the date cards! Contact our studio for more information.
Happy Wednesday & remember to send out those Save The Date cards early!
