Why Do You Need Save the Date Cards?

Many brides are using save the date cards to give wedding guests notification of the upcoming wedding. The card is most often used for weddings and precedes the wedding invitation but I can be used for other social events as well. It simply allows a participant to make the necessary arrangements to attend the wedding with plenty of time to spare. So if you are sending Fall wedding invitations you certainly would want the save the date cards out in the Spring. They are not mandatory and you don't have to send one. You could just get on the phone and call everyone or send an email to your invitees and let them know. You can also just send the invitation and not do any type of save the date. This will likely result in lower attendees to your wedding but you can also just send your elegant wedding invitation earlier. Save the dates should only be sent to those friends and family that you really want to attend the wedding.

The cards are typically mailed three to six months ahead of the wedding event. In some cases, especially a destination wedding, they be sent a year in advance if the event needs additional timing or revolves around a major holiday like Christmas or the Fourth of July so they can make air reservations and purchase tickets for lower fares in advance.

Similar to the unique wedding invitations, you should be clear whose is invited on the save the date card as well. I would include each name of the guest you want to attend. You will avoid any unwelcome guest or children if you can be as specific as possible.

The type of event you are having really helps determine the design and style of your save the date card. If it is preceding a wedding, then ideally you want the save the date card to set the stage for the arrival of the wedding invitation. So it should be of similar paper stock and exemplify the theme theme of your wedding and taste. If you know the theme of your wedding you can tie the wedding save the date cards in very easily by just using the same motif, ink colors or monogram on the save the date card.

There are many styles and printers on and offline who can print your save the date cards. It is probably easier for most to use online resources to do so. The wording for your card should short and sweet and get to the point. Here is how a simple save the date should read:

Sara Peterson and Seth Joyner

are getting married
august 28, 2011
Ponte Vedre, florida
please save the date


invitation to follow

Then just add a motif to the top and you are done. Be sure to get your card typeset by a professional designer to really make it unique and beautiful. Spacing and proper typography really make a huge difference in the look and feel of your save the date card. Another way to really make you card special is to use a thick card stock. Card stock that are 160# to 600gsm in thickness can give your save the date dimension, texture and beauty. Additionally, if you go with a thicker paper you might as well utilize this paper and have the card letterpress printed. This works even better on the thicker 600gsm stocks that are 100% cotton. The way this unique printing process works is that the letterpress actually pushes the plate deep into the paper so you can see the impression all the way through to the other side. This is normal and creates this wonderful dimension to any stationery card. Highly recommended and it really doesn't add that much to the cost of your card.

Some couples opt to use a magnet as the save the date card. Being a magnet you can easily place the magnet on your refrigerator and you will be less likely to lose it. Either way you want o make sure you mark your calendar and don't forget the date. Another popular theme is a dolphin on your save the date cards. Who knew?