You’ve said yes and you’re well on your way to planning the wedding of your dreams. Now it’s time to spread the word about the big day to all of your guests! Wedding save the dates literally tell your friends and family to hold the date on their calendars and they serve as an official announcement of your wedding date. They are incredibly helpful for those Type A guests who like to know and plan things well in advance, as well as those who may be traveling into town for the celebration. To help you avoid any save the date faux pas, we went straight to the experts. Some of Pittsburgh’s best wedding invitation designers are sharing their tried and true save the date tips for a flaw-free mailing that will get your guests excited for your I dos!
Nail Down Your Guest List First
If you’re not absolutely sure that you will be inviting someone to your wedding, don’t send them a save the date! It gets really awkward when you send someone a save the date and then change your mind and don’t send them an invitation. You also do not have to include plus ones on the save the dates. I recommend including plus ones for people you know will be offered one (like those in long-term relationships, etc.), but if you’re unsure of your venue capacity or budget, I wouldn’t include plus ones on the save the dates.
– Victoria, Oh Joyful Day
Give a Sneak Peek at Your Wedding Style
That first stationery piece that your guests receive sets the tone for the rest of what’s to come! I love to use the save the dates to reveal the couple’s custom monogram. Whether it’s a magnetic metal pin, foil-pressed, or printed with your return address, my couples are always excited to incorporate their monogram.
BONUS TIP! Don’t forget to include your save the date when you provide your photographer with your invitations to get some great detail shoots!
– Loree, Loree Mayer Design
Coordinate, Don’t Copy
Your save the dates should look like sisters, not twins, with your formal invitations. That’s why I always design a mock up of your formal invites first! It sounds backward, but we want to nail down the design of your invitation and choose the overall aesthetic, colors, and fonts for your suite first. THEN we incorporate those elements into your save the date announcement – so it’s like a peek into what’s to come!
– Jen, Blush Paper Co.
Engagement Photos Aren’t a Must
While save the dates are a great place to show off those gorgeous engagement photos, I have found a lot of couples asking if it’s ok to not use a photo. And the answer is a resounding “Yes!” It’s definitely ok to let the text shine by focusing the design on your names, date, or a venue illustration.
– Erin, Fresh Cut Prints
Include Basic Wedding Details
The details you should include on your save the date are your first and last names, wedding date, and city of where you will be married. If you have many out-of-town guests or are getting married on a holiday weekend, adding your hotel block is useful.
– Tabitha, Hello Beautiful Designs
Send Them At Least 6 Months Before the Wedding
Save the dates should be mailed 6 months before the big day but be mindful about other factors such as whether you are having a destination or holiday weekend wedding. Try to avoid sending save the dates near the end of December as they could easily be lost in the shuffle of holiday cards.
BONUS TIP! It is great to share your wedding website on your save the date and provide more details as the planning comes along.
– Gina, Paper Reign
Have Fun!
Wedding invitations are typically rather formal, but don’t be afraid to get creative with your save the dates. Consider incorporating some humor into the wording or choose a bold color for your envelope.
– Angela, Angela Pro Design
Share a photo of your save the dates with us by tagging @burghbrides or using #burghbrides!
