Save the Date Cards: Etiquette & Trends

Save the date cards are a popular way for couples to announce their upcoming wedding and ensure their loved ones mark the date on their calendars. Let's explore the typical wedding etiquette for save the date cards, the best ways to send them in today's digital age, the history behind their emergence, and delve into the ongoing debate about their importance! Additionally, we'll highlight common mistakes to avoid when creating your own save the date cards. Let's dive in and unravel the world of save the date cards.

Wedding Etiquette for Save the Date Cards

Save the date cards serve as a courteous heads-up to your guests, allowing them to reserve the date and make necessary arrangements. Typically, they are sent 6-8 months before the wedding date. Include essential details such as the date, location, and a brief note to express your excitement. While it's not necessary to send them to everyone on your guest list, be sure to send them to those who are an integral part of your celebration.
You're guest will appreciate a heads up that they'll be invited to your event and they can also schedule time off work, avoid double booking with vacations, and start getting excited!

Sending Save the Date Cards: Now vs. Then

In the past, save the date cards were primarily sent through traditional mail. Many couples now opt for a combination of mail and electronic save the date cards sent via email or social media platforms, allowing for quick and cost-effective distribution. Balancing convenience with the desire for a tangible keepsake is essential when choosing the best method for sending save the date cards.

The Great Debate: Are Save the Date Cards Important?

While save the date cards have become a common practice, there is ongoing debate regarding their importance. Proponents argue that they allow guests to plan ahead and prioritize attending the wedding, especially for destination or holiday weddings. Opponents question their necessity, suggesting that formal invitations should suffice. Ultimately, the decision to send save the date cards should align with your wedding style, guest list, and personal preferences.

Save the Date Card Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your save the date cards make a positive impact, try your best to steer clear of common pitfalls. Avoid spelling errors, unclear information, or overly elaborate designs that may overshadow the important details. Also, be mindful of the timing, as sending save the date cards too late may limit your guests' ability to make arrangements. Focus on simplicity, clarity, and a design that reflects your wedding theme.

The evolving history of Save The Date Cards

Save the date cards, although now a common part of wedding preparations, have a relatively recent history that dates back to the late 20th century. These cards began to emerge as a formal concept when couples started to plan destination weddings or weddings during busy seasons. The purpose was to provide guests with advance notice, allowing them to reserve the date and make necessary arrangements to attend the wedding.

Initially, save the date information was often conveyed through informal means, such as phone calls, word of mouth, or personal messages. Couples would casually inform their close family and friends about the wedding date as part of ongoing conversations or after an engagement party. As weddings became more elaborate and guest lists expanded, couples recognized the need for a more formal and consistent approach to notify their guests. This led to the introduction of written save the date cards. These cards were typically sent out several months before the wedding date, providing guests with a tangible reminder and an opportunity to mark the event on their calendars.

Over time, save the date cards transformed from simple written notices into creative expressions of the couple's style and wedding theme. Couples began incorporating personalized designs, photos, and unique formats to make their save the date cards stand out. This allowed them to set the tone for the upcoming wedding and build anticipation among their guests.

With the advent of digital communication, couples now have lots of options for sending save the date notifications. Email, text, or social media invites have gained popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience. Digital alternatives provide the flexibility to include interactive elements, such as videos or slideshows, adding a dynamic touch to the save the date experience.

Another significant development is the integration of save the date information with wedding websites and specialized mobile apps. Couples can create personalized wedding websites, where guests can find all the relevant details about the event, including the save the date notice. This integration streamlines communication, centralizes information, and enhances guest experience.

Save the date cards have evolved beyond mere date reminders. They now serve as a platform for couples to showcase their unique love story and personalities. From incorporating engagement photos to sharing anecdotes and moments from their relationship, couples use save the date cards as a creative outlet for storytelling, allowing guests to connect with their journey.

Save the Date Card FAQ

Send save the date cards typically 6-8 months before the wedding. and before sending save the date cards, it's advisable to have a finalized guest list. Once the cards are sent, it's expected that those who receive them will be invited to the wedding. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of the number of guests you can accommodate before sending the notifications.

Save the date cards should be brief and to the point. Include essential information, such as the couple's names, the wedding date, and the location (if known). Additional details, such as the exact venue, accommodation information, and RSVP instructions, can be provided at a later stage. Your save the date cards can set the tone for your wedding, so consider incorporating elements that reflect your wedding style, color scheme, or theme. This helps create a cohesive and consistent experience for your guests from the initial notification to the actual event. Consider maintaining a cohesive design throughout your wedding stationery, including save the date cards, invitations, and other printed materials. This helps create a unified and visually appealing experience for your guests.

Decide whether to go with traditional printed save the date cards or opt for digital alternatives. Traditional cards can provide a tangible keepsake for guests and while save the date cards are not formal invitations, it's helpful to include an RSVP option or a request for guests to save the date. This gives you an initial estimate of attendance and allows you to follow up with formal invitations later. Make sure to provide a way for guests to contact you if they have any questions or need additional information.