Save The Date cards create a big question for newly engaged brides. What should they say? Who should I send them to? Do I even need to have them?
It can be a tough decision to make! Today on the J&A Blog, we’ll help clear up some of the confusion surrounding Save The Dates. You may even find a surprise giveaway hiding toward the end! *wink, wink*!!
We talked with one of our favorite graphic designers and paper product gurus, Jacki with Salt + Paperie, to get some of her thoughts on this topic!
1. Are Save The Dates Required?
Jacki says:
“Save the Date cards have become almost like a pre-invitation, and are more recently sent out too close to the invitation, in my opinion. Save the Dates were meant to be sent to out of town guests only, as a courtesy to help them plan their travels. As people have gotten busier, there does seem to be a reason to send them to everyone. HOWEVER, it’s not necessary!”
2. So why would Save The Dates be helpful?
First, it give people time to plan their schedule around your wedding. Especially if your wedding falls during the holidays or vacation season, people will appreciate being able to balance their schedule. People have plenty of time to make decisions and purchase plane tickets, if necessary.
Second, it makes you sit down and make decisions about your guest list before you have to start making decisions about catering, favors, cake servings, and so forth. Even if you don’t know who will be able to come, you’ve at least gotten a concrete possible number to start with! It is also really helpful when it comes time to send out the invitations: you’ve already tracked down all those addresses!!
Third, it get people excited about your wedding! People will know that you’re getting married and really look forward to sharing that time with you!
3. What information do you need to include on Save The Dates?
The most important information that you need to have are your names, the wedding date, and the city in which you’ll be getting married. It’s okay to put your wedding website on the Save The Dates to direct guests toward more information. An engagement pictures is commonly used in the design, but isn’t required. It is NOT acceptable, however, to list registry information.
4. What if you really haven’t decided exactly what your guest list will look like?
It’s okay to simply address the Save The Date to the person you wish to invite, without including “and guest” or “and family”. This gives you time to make final decisions later about how many people your budget will allow. When in doubt, don’t send one! You must send an invitation to anyone who received a Save The Date from you.
5. How soon do you need to send out the Save The Dates?
Jacki says:
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Obviously the best month to get married in is August :).
December, cause that’s when I married the love of my life. :)
The best month is October, when the leaves are changing and the air is crisp.
Amy
May! We were able to enjoy so many flowers at our wedding! :)
Even though I got married in July (which is a great wedding month) I think Septmeber would be a perfect month where the air is starting to change, but is still warm enough. You still have the flowers and hum of summer fading out, but also the excitement of fall in the air. And to me, fall just gives me energy full of love and happiness. ☺️
June!
“Oh they say when you marry in June you’re a bride all your life!”
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers =)
Thirty-four years ago, my prince, Mark, and I were married in late May. The flowers that were available & the still comfortably cool weather were fantastic! Plus we had the whole summer to honeymoon. ;o)