Guide to Wedding Stationery The Importance of Save the Dates
Planning a wedding involves many details, from choosing the perfect venue to selecting the dress you have always dreamed of. Among these tasks, creating and sending out your wedding stationery, particularly your wedding invitations and save the dates, plays an important role in setting the tone for your special day. At Paper Paper Co, we understand the significance of every element of your wedding stationery. Today, we’re focusing on the importance of save the dates and when they should be sent.
What Are Save the Dates?
Save the dates are preliminary announcements sent to your guests to inform them of your wedding date. They are typically sent well before the formal wedding invitations and serve as an early notice for your guests to mark their calendars. Think of it like the prologue in your Wedding Love Story.
The Purpose of Save the Dates
1. Advanced Notice
Save the dates provide your guests with plenty of time to plan for your wedding. This is especially important if you’re having a destination wedding or if many of your guests will need to travel for those with family in all far flung parts of the globe. By sending save the dates, you give them a heads-up to arrange time off work, book travel accommodations, and prepare for the big day, let's get the party started.
2. Guest Management
Sending save the dates can help you manage your guest list more effectively. Guests who receive a save the date are more likely to attend your wedding since they have had ample time to prepare. This can lead to a more accurate headcount when you send out your formal wedding invitations.
3. Setting the Tone
Your save the dates are like the first page your guests will read of wedding story, setting the theme and style. Whether you’re planning a formal black-tie event or a casual beachside ceremony, your save the dates can reflect the overall vibe of your wedding. At Paper Paper Co, we offer a wide range of customisable designs to perfectly match your vision.
4. Building Excitement
Sending out save the dates generates excitement and anticipation among your guests. It’s the first tangible step towards your wedding day, making it feel all the more real for everyone involved.
When to Send Save the Dates
Timing is everything when it comes to sending out your save the dates. Here are some general guidelines:
1. Destination Weddings
If you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s best to send out your save the dates 8 to 12 months in advance. This allows your guests to make the necessary travel arrangements and plan their trip.
2. Local Weddings
For weddings closer to home, aim to send your save the dates 6 to 8 months before the wedding date. This still provides ample time for guests to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements.
3. Holiday or Peak Season Weddings
If your wedding falls during a holiday season or a popular holiday time, consider sending your save the dates even earlier, around 9 to 12 months in advance. This helps ensure your guests don’t make conflicting plans. No one wants to be in the situation of choosing between being a character in your love story and dinner with the aunts at Thanksgiving.
Creating the Perfect Save the Dates
When designing your save the dates, include essential information such as your names, the wedding date, and the location (city and state is sufficient for now). You can also add a note that a formal invitation will follow.
At Paper Paper Co, we offer a range of beautiful and customisable wedding stationery options, including save the dates and wedding invitations. Our expert designers are here to help you create stunning pieces that capture the essence of your love story.
Save the dates are a vital part of your wedding planning process. They provide your guests with advanced notice, help manage your guest list, set the tone for your wedding, and build excitement for your big day. By sending them at the appropriate time, you ensure that your loved ones can share in your joyous celebration. Let's open the book.
