Your Complete Guide to Save the Dates: For Destination Weddings and not so Destination Weddings

You have picked a date and a location, congratulations! You have probably just taken care of two of the most difficult items on your wedding planning to do list. But now that you have those nailed down you might start to think about how you’re going to tell everyone about your big plans, right? Whether you are planning a destination wedding weekend in Greece or an intimate affair at a gorgeous lodge there could be out of town guests that need to make advanced preparations: enter a well placed save the date. 

A save the date is a preliminary piece of wedding invitation stationery that gives your guests a heads up. Think of it as the hype man to your party. I mean, we’re all busy people juggling the demands of a million different things and although I’m sure all of your friends are just chomping at the bit to celebrate with you a little time to plan never hurt anyone. Plus, it gives your guests an insight into what’s to come. A win, win if I do say so myself.

So why are save the dates so important?

The short answer? They may not be. The long answer? They totally are! Let me explain. If you are planning a hometown affair and 90% of your guests live in the area then I would say you are probably in safe territory forgoing a save the date announcement. Chances are travel arrangements won’t be pressing and attendance is pretty straightforward. But let’s say you’re planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean. Then I say you would be hard pressed to find a situation where a destination wedding save the date wouldn’t be necessary. There are quite a few travel arrangements for your guests to make. Passport appointments, plane tickets, accommodations, and maybe even child care arrangements. Giving them the time and space to mark their calendars and plan accordingly shows care and appreciation for your relationship with them and gives you a better chance of capturing those RSVPs when your invitations go out.  

Now you’ve decided whether or not you need a save the date, let’s discuss the key information that this bad boy needs to include. Your save the date wording should set the tone and give your guests all the details they need to say yes! Let’s run ’em down:

• Wedding date
• Location
• Information about formal invitations 

Seeing as though it is called a save the DATE I think we safely assume that we have to include your… wedding date. Another important piece of information is the location. Whether that is the city and country or more specifically the venue, give your guests all the most detailed information so they start making those travel plans. You have given them a reason to plan a vacation so I am sure they are already doing a little happy dance. But let’s get them pointed in the right direction. Lastly, a note of what to expect. Be sure to let them know that there will be formal invitations to follow. 

Custom Save the Dates give you a unique opportunity to be creative with your design

Since they are sent typically as single cards there are so many options for shapes and colors and a great way to set the tone for your event. Whether that is a classic riviera soiree showcased through calligraphy elements or a laid back tropical wedding weekend with watercolor save the date artwork there are so many opportunities to make it fun and unique to your big day. Consider a venue sketch or illustration to capture the beauty of the place and give your guests insight into the location of your destination wedding. 

But when should you send save the dates out?

I’m so glad you asked! There are a few considerations to keep in mind. If you are having a local wedding, but with out of town guests you are going to send those out 4-6 months in advance. If you are planning a destination soiree then 9-12 months is your desired time frame. However, once you have booked your venue and wedding date don’t delay! If you are getting married during a wedding heavy season, think May to October, you are going to want to give your guests all the time possible to make a plan to commit to yours. 

Hopefully, this has given you all the details about save the dates and why they could be one of the most important pieces of the wedding invitation stationery. Because let’s be honest it does what is more important on the wedding day: ensures that there are butts in those seats and that you get to party with all your favorite people. If you are looking to start your save the date design process or just have more questions feel free to reach out. We would love to walk you through all the details of save the dates, wedding invitations, and all the things in between.