Save The Date Cards: Wording Ideas And More
One major factor in planning a wedding or other major event is the guest list
. Guests are not simply limited to family and friends who live nearby; life is far more complicated than that. If long-distance family or friends, pets, or other demands upon their time are not provided with adequate notice, they simply will not be able to attend your special day, no matter how badly you, or they, wish that they could. Long before the wedding invitations are sent out, save the date cards can be used to give your guests ample notice that their presence is requested, expected, and important to you.
What Are Save The Date Cards?
Save the date cards are simply a formal announcement of a pending event that is sent out early enough to allow guests the time they need to make whatever travel, hotel, pet-sitting, house-sitting, work, or other schedule arrangements necessary. While they are generally associated with weddings, they are also very useful when planning around graduations, anniversary parties, holidays, or other major events for which family and friends will need to make travel arrangements. They are only sent to those invitees who require early notice. Very popular now are magnetic cards that guests can attach to their refrigerator or other metal surface as a reminder before the event and as a memento afterwards. They are usually designed to match the layout and color scheme of the wedding invitations.
Timing Is Everything
Wedding invitations are generally mailed out six to eight weeks prior to the event, but save the date cards should be sent out four to six months ahead of time. This way, guests will be able to shop around for transportation, schedule a convenient flight, reserve a hotel room, and make other necessary arrangements. Major events are exciting social gatherings that everyone will want to attend, both family and friends from near and far. Sending them out well enough in advance makes it far more likely that all of your guests will be able to attend.
What To Include
When designing save the date cards, keep in mind that the only information that should be included are the date and the location. Travel and area information can also be included. This can be directions from the local airport, recommended resorts or hotels, useful phone numbers, and information on any group booking plans that have been made available. If you are using an online wedding planner, website, or some other online service, you may include that link as an additional courtesy to your guests. At the bottom, be sure to include the words, 'Formal invitation to follow.' This way, guests will know what to expect.
What Not To Include
Save the date cards should not be used to provide detailed information about the event itself. This is not the time or place to discuss the rehearsal dinner, the reception, or the ceremony. It is inappropriate to include registry information as well. Guests who are interested in registry information can contact you themselves, or they can wait until the actual wedding invitations are sent out. Response requests are also not included. These notices are merely a courtesy 'heads up' to your long distance guests and others who may require, for personal, professional, or medical reasons, some advance notice.
Keep It Sweet And Simple
Today's save the date cards can be designed from the comfort and convenience of home at the same time as the wedding invitations, graduation announcements, or other relevant correspondence. Family photographs, personalized messages, and customized color schemes can be integrated to match the color scheme and theme of the event itself. The basic message should tell guests what is happening and on which date. Some couples include a short poem, , or other expression of affection when there is enough room. They can be far less formal than the wedding invitations, so it is acceptable to be a bit more playful, lighthearted, or creative.
For example, if the wedding has a western theme, the wording may announce that, 'John has lassoed Julie into marrying him on July 4th, 2012, in Dallas, Texas.' If the theme is associated with Christmas, it may read, '"Emily and George will share their gift of love as they are wed on December 22nd, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois.'
The important thing is to keep the message clear, simple, and to the point. Details will follow in the formal wedding invitations, graduation announcements, or other correspondence. Again, the point of save the date cards is simply to provide enough advance notice. With enough time, all of your guests are sure to be able to share this special occasion with you!
by: Chris Harmen
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