Expert Excerpt: Corinna Beau Letterpress on Save The Dates!

Once you have secured the date for your wedding, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to share the good news with all of your family and friends! Save-the-Date cards have evolved into an array of unique ways to let everyone know to mark the calendar for your big day.

 Not everyone absolutely NEEDS to send out save-the-dates, but here are a few good reasons why you should:

–       the majority of your wedding guests will be traveling from another state

–       you are planning a destination wedding (Mexico, Cape Cod in the summer, etc)

–       you’ve chosen a holiday weekend or a busy time of year for your wedding

–       you’re like me and just so happen to think that stationery is awesome…so why not take the opportunity to send out something adorable to your guests!

 No matter how you say it, show it, or display it, save-the-dates are a fun way to get guests excited for your wedding. Save the date etiquette isn’t tricky, but it is a relatively new custom—one your parents probably didn’t have on their list. But when you think about how much time it will save you in communicating with all of your out-of-town guests, it’s no wonder save the dates have grown to be so popular. Besides, it’s fun getting your guests excited about your Big Day!

When should I send out my save-the-dates?

Try to send them out as early as 6-8 months in advance. This way, your guests can plan their schedules accordingly and have ample time to book travel arrangements. The formal invitations, however, can be sent out around six to eight weeks before the wedding date.

Do I have to send save-the-dates to everyone?

It’s ideal to send them to everyone on your list, especially the guests that will be traveling into town for the big day. Even obvious guests (such as the wedding party) should get save-the-dates.

 How should I address the save-the-dates? Do I need to add “and guest,” ?

 It’s always a good idea to set expectations as far in advance as possible. By including the actual names of every intended guest on the envelope, you’re less likely to have any assumed invitees (like your third cousin’s new boyfriend), or general confusion (is your seven-year-old niece invited?). Being up front about who’s invited also gives families with uninvited kids ample time to plan for child care.

 What information should be included?

 Besides including your wedding date and location, try to include information that would be helpful for your guest to plan in advance. Things such as your wedding website, hotel and travel information are always helpful.

 When it comes to save-the-dates, there isn’t a specific format that you need to use. Make them as personal as you want to. They should show off your style, vision, and your own brand of flair. Let them show your personality. Get creative! Save-the-dates can be much more informal than your invitations. If you’d rather go a more formal/ traditional route, popular formats include postcards, photo cards with engagement pictures, and magnets.

But if you want to think outside the box and get super creative, save-the-dates are the perfect opportunity to let those creative juices flow.  Create a unique first impression by trying something your guests won’t expect and that will be sure to get their attention!

As with the invitations, make sure your save-the-dates reflect YOU.  Whether something simple and personal is just right or something completely unexpected, make sure your save-the-dates reflect who you are.  For more save-the-date and invitation ideas, contact Nikki Gagnon at Corinna Beau Letterpress today!

  Photos: marthastewart.com & corinna beau letterpress