Save That DATE!
“Do you have Save the Dates?”
Seems we’ve been asked that question a lot lately. Our answer is always, “Absolutely!” but then we ask, “Do you mean Save the Date magnets?” Which of course, we have, too.
What we generally find is that, though a bride and groom know they may need them, they aren’t really sure what Save the Dates look like. So my question to our Bloga-Dears is, “Do you know what a Save the Date looks like?” And then, for that matter, “Do you know what an invitation looks like?”
Invitations come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they come in boxes or sometimes in bottles with sand and seashells in them. But we still know they are invitations. Why? Because they invite us to something.
And so with the Save the Date.
It may be in a bottle or wrapped around a candy bar, or glued to a magnet, or even on just a cute piece of paper. But they all have one thing in common – a date. And date that should be set apart so your guests won’t miss out on the wonderful event that’s about to take place sometime in the future.
Therefore, a Save the Date is not about what it is printed on, or written on, or even how it arrives, but it’s about what it does – and that is, that it announces your date so that it can be set apart for your special day.
In a nutshell, a Save the Date should have the following information:
1) The date to be saved, usually preceded by the phrase, “Save the Date!”
2) For who the date is to be saved (bride & groom, business name, family name, etc.)
3) For what the date is to be saved (wedding, corporate event, family reunion, etc.)
4) And where the event will take place (city, state, or country even)
Also, the phrase “Invitation to follow,” or one similar, is usually included at the end.
Not all events require a Save the Date. When consulting with brides, we explain that the Save the Date is sent out in advance as a courtesy to out of town relatives or friends who will have to make plans well ahead of time to travel to attend the event. It is also used for destination weddings, allowing time for travel planning for those wishing to attend the wedding.
When asked how much earlier the Save the Dates should be sent out, our answer is, “However much lead time your guests need to make their plans.” Some guests will need more time than others, and a bride will know her guest list best. The traditional time frame is six months to one year. You will want to take into consideration whether the majority of your guests will be traveling from long distances to attend or will be joining you at your destination wedding.
Likewise, guests traveling a short distance will not need to make special arrangements for an overnight stay, and therefore the traditional time frame of 8 to 6 weeks will be suitable for in town guests. The key to remember is that your Save the Date is a courtesy to your guests, allowing them time to plan ahead to be with you.
Many of your guests will have made plans far in advance to celebrate with you on this blessed day, so remember to take time out and celebrate with them.
