subject: Save The Date Card Etiquette Tips [print this page] In recent years, save the date cards have emerged as an essential element in the wedding planning process, alerting guests to the date of the upcoming event well in advance of the actual wedding. While an ideal complement to any wedding planning program, save the date cards are especially critical if you are planning to have your wedding around the holiday season, when other plans and events may well be competing with your ceremony. By allowing your guests ample notice of your wedding date, you ensure they will be able to place your wedding on their calendars long before the crush of holiday parties.
Save the date cards are also especially important when inviting guests from out of town. Even when you have verbal confirmation that these guests will be in attendance, it is a good idea to send them a card to make sure you wind up on their calendars. Letting these guests know your wedding date well in advance also gives them plenty of time to make flight and other travel and accommodation arrangements.
In fact, the only time when you would not send a save the date card in either of these two instances is if you are unsure whether or not you will include a guest on your guest list.
For guests who live nearby, sending a save the date card is considered an optional, though still thoughtful, practice.
Once you have determined to whom you will send your cards, it is time to choose your card design. Todays save the date cards are as individual as you are, and offer plenty of options for setting the tone of your nuptials. Unlike invitations which are sent to all of your guests, save the date cards can be more casual in design, serving as a reminder to certain guests.
The Simple Save the Date Card is an understated yet elegant card design, with information printed clearly and in the font of your choice on the single-sided white stock. Of course, you can still select your envelope lining and ink colors.
For more formal events, the Pearl Shimmer Border save the date card is also elegant, and slightly more reserved. Offered in a unique square design, the card is enhanced by an intricate filigree border highlighted by a sparkling opalescent shimmer.
The Twin Hearts save the date card is romance in its purest form. The simple, elegant format is surmounted by two intertwined hearts, symbolizing the couples eternal union. While couples can select from a wide range of ink colors, red ink on white stock works especially well, and highlights the cards romantic overtones.
Also featuring a romantic double heart-shaped imprint, the Double Hearts Design is slightly more casual, offering a playful, less formal feel. With the words save the date in flowing script on one side, your wedding information is highlighted by a series of vertical stripes that coordinate with the ink color you select.
And romance grows graphic with the In Love save the date card design, featuring the letters L-O-V-E in an apple-green border, and highlighted by two butterflies hovering over your imprinted date information.
The aptly named Forever and Ever save the date cards feature a stylized floral stencil along the side of the card, reminiscent of Victorian stationery. The romantic yet light-hearted design is an ideal way to remind your guests of your upcoming ceremony.
Equally romantic, yet slightly more contemporary, the Green Card with Pink Accents save the date design is both fresh and playful, featuring a pale apple green center flanked by deeper apple green borders. Buffering these areas is a contrasting and highly appealing pink border, drawing attention to your special information.
If youre planning to have your wedding near the seashore, or are using an ocean theme for your reception, you can continue that theme with Beach Themed save the date cards. Playfully inscribed with save the date along the top border of the card, the bottom border is strewn with hand drawn seashells on a sand-colored background.
Or, for a slightly more formal beach theme, the blue and white Seashell Hearts cards feature a beach photo centered within a bold blue-and-white striped accent. The pale blue background featured on the upper two-thirds of the card is highlighted by a starfish accent, while wedding information is included in the lower third of the card, featuring a white background.
Looking for a touch of whimsy? The Flower Bouquet save the date card offers a playful yet sweetly charming hand-drawn rendition of a brides bouquet, and the stylized script reinforces the overall appeal of the cards design.
Another playful design, the Couple save the date card is a fun way for both bride and groom to get in on the act. Flanked by highly stylized, cartoon depictions of a bride and groom, the cards design also features an equally playful font, making this a lighthearted reminder your loved ones will appreciate.
No matter which design you choose, your guests will appreciate knowing your plans ahead of time, and youll enjoy knowing that even far-flung loved ones will be sending good wishes your way on your special day.
