| Although save-the-dates are not absolutely | | | | provide a sneak peak. Or try including a favorite love |
| necessary, these cards have increased in popularity | | | | poem or quote that symbolizes your relationship. |
| with the rise of destination weddings and modern | | | | Here are some of my favorite ideas and trends: |
| guest lists spread throughout the country. Since they | | | | - Use vibrant colors that will "pop" as soon as guests |
| are a relatively modern concept, no real rules apply - | | | | open the envelope. |
| a fact which sometimes causes confusion for brides | | | | - Incorporate graphics that correspond with the |
| when planning their wedding stationery. I've sorted | | | | season and/or location of your event. If you are |
| through the information that's out there to bring you | | | | planning a fall wedding, try including colorful leaves, or |
| the real ins and outs concerning save-the-dates... | | | | include seashells for a wedding on the water. |
| Who Needs them? | | | | - If the timing is right, turn your save-the-date cards |
| If your guest list includes a number of | | | | into holiday greetings. Incorporate your engagement |
| out-of-towners, or if your wedding takes place during | | | | photo or another photo taken shortly after the |
| a holiday or other peak time, you are a prime | | | | proposal. |
| candidate for save-the-dates. Since invitations don't | | | | - Who says they have to be printed stationery? Set |
| go out until 6-8 weeks before the big day, | | | | yours apart by turning them into scrolls, pens, |
| save-the-dates are the perfect way to give wedding | | | | stickers, magnets or a creative calendar-marker. You |
| guests a preliminary heads up so they can begin | | | | are only limited by your imagination! |
| making travel arrangements. These days, however, | | | | Wording Samples |
| more and more brides send these cards regardless of | | | | The content of your save-the-dates should be short, |
| the time and location of their wedding. Why? | | | | sweet, and to the point - providing a basic who, |
| Save-the-dates provide a fun opportunity to get the | | | | what, where and when. There is no standard |
| word out and foreshadow the style of your big | | | | wording; they may be as formal or as whimsical as |
| event. | | | | you'd like. In any case, make sure to include "Formal |
| Rules & Etiquette | | | | invitation to follow" somewhere on the card. |
| Again, few rules apply. The only information you | | | | Here is the basic layout for the save-the-date cards: |
| must include is your names and wedding date, | | | | Save the Date: [bride & groom's name] are getting |
| although I suggest including location information as | | | | married on [wedding date] in [city, state] |
| well so wedding guests can begin their travel plans. | | | | Here are some wording samples you might want to |
| Aim to send save-the-date cards soon after you | | | | consider: |
| secure your date and venue, or about 4-6 months | | | | - Traditional: |
| prior to your wedding. Remember, everyone who | | | | Please save the date: |
| receives a save-the-date also receives an invitation, | | | | May 4, 2006 for the wedding of |
| so have your guest list finalized prior to sending them. | | | | Bob & Judy in Charleston, South Carolina |
| You can, however, always add guests later (there is | | | | - Fun & Cutesy: |
| no rule that says everyone must receive a | | | | We're Tying The Knot! |
| save-the-date card). Although formal replies are not | | | | John popped the question, and Katie said yes. |
| required, you can get preliminary attendance | | | | Please join us on October 2, 2006 |
| estimates through word-of-mouth. | | | | Orange County, California |
| Trends & Ideas | | | | - For a destination wedding: |
| These cards will be the first impression of your | | | | Please join us in paradise on June 17, 2006when Lisa |
| wedding festivities, so take advantage of this | | | | & Jay say "I Do"in Maui, Hawaii |
| opportunity to build excitement amongst your | | | | For a complete guide to creating an elegant and |
| wedding guests. If you already know the colors and | | | | memorable wedding celebration, visit Elegala.com, |
| or theme of your wedding, now's your chance to | | | | your ultimate wedding planning resource. |