Should you send save-the-date cards to your guests?

You’ve probably heard about save-the-dates, since they have become quite popular with brides, but you might not know exactly what purpose they serve.

People’s lives increasingly are getting busier and more tightly scheduled, so that’s where save-the-date announcements come in handy. You want to make sure that your guests, especially family and close friends, keep the date of your wedding open when planning their schedules. To ensure this, you’ll want to consider sending out save-the-date notices shortly after you have set your wedding date, especially if it’s several months in the future or around a holiday.

Proper etiquette doesn’t dictate when these advance notices have to be sent, but, in today’s world, it helps your guests in their planning so they can be sure to be with you sharing the celebration of one of the most important days of your life. If you do decide to send them out, you are not required to send them to every one of your guests, but you’ll probably want to include at least close family members and friends. Guests who will have to travel to be in attendance will find them especially helpful for giving them plenty of travel-preparation time particularly if you are having a destination wedding.

It’s easy to be creative when sending out your save-the-dates because there are so many different varieties and designs available.

Magnets have become a favorite selection, and why not since your guests can easily stick them onto their refrigerator as their reminder. Some magnets have the option of including a photo, and some actually show a calendar of your wedding date month with your date circled for easy reference.

Scratch-off cards are a fun, unique way of announcing your wedding date. Your date will only be visible to guests after they have scratched off the appropriate area on the card, similar to lottery tickets. They come in great playful designs sure to make your guests smile.

Announcement cards can be as creative or as simple as you like. They come in varying designs, colors and themes, from whimsical to more traditional. Some of them even come in creative shapes.

All designs are printed with your wedding date and names, and some even give the option of including the wedding location. Blank white mailing envelopes usually are included in the price no matter which design you choose. Be sure to list at the bottom of your save-the-date the added line, “invitation to follow,” so guests won’t assume that this is the actual wedding invitation. This is why it’s imperative that everyone who receives your save-the-date also receive your wedding invitation.

Wedding invitations play an important role in planning your wedding, and in today’s society, save-the-dates are increasingly popular because of your guests’ busy schedules. You want to do everything you can to make sure family and friends will be able to share the joy of your wedding day.