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