Planning a wedding? Wondering where to start? If so, you’ll definitely want to read today’s post. I’m very pleased to introduce you to Rebecca Leary from Wedding Paper Divas who is here to share her expertise about the importance of save the date cards and how to design the one that is right for you.

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What is a save the date card?
A first glance, a first impression, save the date cards are generally the first printed notice guests receive announcing the date for an upcoming wedding. While an engagement party may have been thrown, and planning preparations are well underway, save the date cards – as the name implies – make note of the actual date the wedding is scheduled to take place.

Why send save the date cards?
Not long ago most couples simply sent out wedding invitations six to eight weeks in advance of their wedding, and the celebration went on without a hitch. However, with the popularity of destination weddings and multi-day events, and as families move further apart and across the country, many couples want to get on their guests’ calendars as far in advance as possible. Although there are no set rules as to when they are sent out, most couples opt to send them anywhere from four months to a whole year in advance.  This gives guests the opportunity to make travel and other necessary arrangements well in advance.

What goes on a save the date card?
Save the date cards are simple by nature. Without giving too many of the celebration details away, the save the date card should include the names of the bride- and groom-to-be, the date of the wedding and the general location of the wedding, and the city and state where the celebration will take place. For destination or whole weekend events, couples often list a wedding website, so guests can refer to it as they like for updates surrounding the big day. A save the date card may read like this:

Please save the date of
November 10, 2013
for the wedding of
Catherine Jones and Thomas Kilburn
New York, New York

Formal wedding invitation to follow

While the wedding invitation sets the tone and provides all of the details, including the time, address, attire, etc. for the celebration to come, save the date cards serve as the initial notice and a first impression of what to expect. To this end, many couples select a card that complements their wedding invitation ensemble. Additionally, many couples use the save the date card as an opportunity to send a photo or two, often incorporating it into the design. With so many creative elements and opportunities for personalization available, couples will have no trouble finding something to suit their wedding style.

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Thanks so much Rebecca for sharing your wedding planning wisdom and shedding some light on the importance of and value that should be placed on the save the date card.