Save the Date Q&A

A Wedding Invitation and Save the Date Company

 

Let’s start out by asking when should couples be sending out their Save the Dates? Is there a maximum and minimum timeframe where they should wait or not bother? (I’m thinking a save the date 15 months out might backfire because it’s too far away?)

 

Because life is busier than ever, we recommend sending Save the Dates anywhere from six to 12 months before the wedding date; however, some couples send theirs as close as 3-4 months prior to the event. Save the Dates are considered a courtesy to those friends and family that need ample time to plan for your wedding. And, this is especially true if your wedding is during summer vacation time or on or around a holiday. It's best to get the word out in a timely fashion.

 

If a couple needs to get the date out but hasn’t made a lot of decisions yet, should they worry about matching their save the date design to their invitations and other printed items (like their program?) What might be a good “neutral” save the date a couple may want to use?

 

There really are no rules or etiquette with regard to Save the Dates. Approximately 50% of our couples will coordinate their Save the Dates with their Invitations. And, the other half, simply choose designs that resonate with their style and reflect their personality, hobby or love story…

 

How many couples put a wedding website on the Save the Dates ordered through your company? Do you recommend a website for certain types of couples (say, more spread out family clans, or if the location requires most people to travel?)

 

If a couple has a wedding website when they order, they usually include it on their Save the Dates. Printing their wedding website is a beneficial communication tool for the bride and groom. With access to a couple’s wedding website, guests are able to read about the couple and be kept updated with wedding information they may need. Additionally, it’s also a great communication tool for the wedding party to stay connected for wedding planning purposes, parties, fittings, etc.

 

Do trends change with Save the Dates? Or is it pretty much the simple announcement of the wedding date?

 

Save the Dates is an evolving trend. At MagnetStreet Weddings, you can opt to have your Save the Date printed in a fun, retro Photo Booth style, in an ultra cool coffee-cup shape, or in heart-shaped, as a Postcard, on a Mini Magnet or in the original Classic Square size Card or Magnet. Linen paper Save the Date Carrier Cards are another emerging trend here at MagnetStreet Weddings.

 

 

If a bride’s parents are paying for the wedding and they don’t want to pay for the Save the Dates, what should the bride say to her parents to help convince them of what they may consider an “unnecessary” expense?

 

Perhaps better than trying to “convince” parents that Save the Dates are a necessary expense, we suggest laying out all the positives of sending Save the Dates as an important communication tool to ensure that special family and friends are at the wedding. In addition:

 

1. Affordable: Save the Dates are affordable and if mailed by themselves, will mail with a single stamp.
2. Unique Introduction: Save the Dates offer a unique way to introduce a fiance’ or fiancée to family members that live far away.
3. Allow for Planning Time: Save the Dates give family and friends precious time to prepare for your important event- especially if the wedding is in a busy summer month or around a holiday or a non-traditional day.
4.  Custom Printing: Save the Dates can be custom-printed with website and travel info- giving guests important trip and hotel accommodations.
5.  A Courtesy:  Save the Dates are a courtesy for out of town guests who need even more time to prepare.
6. Unique Keepsake: Save the Dates offer a unique keepsake to family and friends.

 

 

What is the minimum information couples should put on their save the dates?

 

Besides your wedding date, consider what other information would be helpful for your guests to attend your wedding: airport and hotel info, particular travel and weather info, your wedding website, important phone numbers, photos, formal invitation to follow...

 

Who should receive a Save the Date?

 

Send Save the Dates only to those you are inviting to the wedding. The only ones that receive a Save the Date are the ones that will be receiving an invitation as well. {If you are inviting only a couple of work friends, then mail Save the Dates to their homes rather than posting one at work}.

 

Do couples try to use an engagement photo for their save the date or find a photo they already own? Is there a “most common” type of photo couples use, ie: hugging, kissing, looking straight ahead, walking, etc? Any recommendations as couples browse your Save the Date selection on what type of photo to create or use?

 

The photos on our designs feature both portrait photographs and photos with a more story-telling photojournalistic style. It’s entirely up to the couple and their personality on which style they prefer and what they think best pairs with their chosen Save the Date design. Our couples are incredibly creative… even substituting photographs with illustrations and landscapes.

 

Anything else you want couples (or their parents) to appreciate about Save the Dates?

 

Save the Dates have grown tremendously in popularity for a number of reasons. The practicality of sending Save the Dates is undeniable. Our culture is a busy culture! We have family and friends living all over the world now. The traditional six-eight weeks notice, often times, simply isn’t long enough and sending Save the Dates offers assurance that their BIG DAY is secured! And, as a communication tool, Save the Dates printed with important info, can help keep guests feeling close to the couple, organized and up to date! Additionally, Save the Dates offer guests a charming and original keepsake in which to remember the bride and groom and their wedding.

Feel free to order your FREE Save the Date sample package from MagnetStreet Weddings today!

 

Elizabeth Doherty Thomas, is a co-founder of The First Dance, along with Marriage and Family therapist father Bill Doherty.� The First Dance is a 2007 Modern Bride Trendsetter award winner for taking on the complex family dynamics of wedding planning.� See what engaged couples and wedding professionals are saying about our book Take Back Your wedding. Our entire website is dedicated to offering advice on working through the people stresses of wedding planning as a couple, with your families, and how to strengthen your upcoming marriage through this enormous first task of married life.