Save-the-Dates
People often make the mistake of thinking that the invitations  are the first thing that guests see, but in fact, save-the-dates are really the first notices to be sent. They will set the stage for the wedding to come: the formality of it, the time, place, and even the style. Just because in the past save-the-dates took second place to invitations, these days, such little notes are becoming more popular than ever. The reason why these memos are taking center stage, for one, is that couples are getting hooked on destination weddings. Couples are also choosing to fund their own weddings, resulting in long engagements.
If you no longer live nearby your friends and family remember that people will have to make travel arrangements far in advance and it's a simple courtesy to give them a warning so that they can get lodging and plane tickets at the best prices possible. This is even more important when the wedding is going to take place on or around a popular holiday or if at a major tourist destination.
For those who are having a plain and simple home town wedding, save-the-dates might just seem like an added expense. However, if you want to get ahead of the game, establish a finalized guest list and seating arrangement, and just get into the nitty gritty details of your wedding as soon as possible, save-the-dates might just be the ticket to sweet success. Remember that once people know that you're having a wedding, they'll be sure to tell you whether or not they're coming. With invitations and RSVP cards, it could take much longer to hear back from people.
What to Include
The basic information to include on the save-the-date notice is the bride and groom's names and the date of the wedding, which makes sense since they're called "save-the-dates". However, it is also helpful to mention the wedding location on the card as well. You don't need to list specifics, just the city and state. The rest will come later in a formal invitation, which you should mention on the bottom of the save-the-date: "Invitation to Follow".
If you are having a destination wedding (or if you have some out of town guests coming) you should include a little information packet separate from the save-the-date card which includes information about hotels in the area (with contact info and pricing), airfare, train, or bus options for arriving at the location, transportation within the area, and a possible itinerary of the events that you expect to have planned. For the bridal party and attendants, this includes any rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, or other special activity you have planned. Other information that might help guests get a better idea about where the wedding will be hosted is local weather and attire recommendations.
Now that you have an idea of what to include, you might be wondering about the cost to ship such a package. If you'd rather not kill extra trees and you aren't a technophobe, consider listing this information on your wedding Web site if you have one. Remember to put a link to it on the save-the-date cards. You can even send a save-the-date email. However, don't forget that grandma and grandpa might not be all that Internet savvy, much less own a computer so use your discretion when it comes to sending paper information.
Styles and Trends
When shopping for save-the-dates you have to start at the beginning, considering your wedding style and the overlook that you expect to achieve. Is it formal or casual? On the beach or in the mountains? Traditional and elegant or funky and unique? You should ask yourself -- and your partner -- what vibe you want to create for your big day and go from there. That way the stationery begins to have more meaning. An orchid on the card matches the orchid centerpieces, for example. It also sets you up to match all of your other stationery too. Therefore, in the end you create a unified look throughout the entire wedding.
Unfortunately, if you are hiring a top-notch invitation designer, throwing in save-the-dates to the package can make things more costly. However, don't forget that you can always make your own save-the-dates and invites. With a little creativity and possibly a computer you can create pre-wedding invites that look totally professional. See this DIY save-the-date guide by Brides.com to give you an idea of how to go about doing this. If you don't have a computer, never underestimate the power of a pen and paper. Stationery stores usually have lots of pretty cards that can double as save-the-dates and even ones designed specifically for the task.
Now, when it comes to deciding on what style you want the save-the-dates to have, you'll be choosing between something trendy and stylish or something traditional. Trends are one thing, but classics are tried and true favorites. Ecru or white paper stock with engraved writing is the most formal. However, many people suggest making a statement with their save-the-dates by sending something that really catches the potential guest's attention. At theknot.com, they suggest things such as pinwheels, cookies, stickers, bright colorful designs, and even photo strips! Below you'll see some other potential styles to choose from. On a final note, consider how hard it will be to ship awkwardly shaped things -- like pinwheels. And don't forget, cookies can disappear quick -- too quick to remember the date.
What About Wording?
Unlike invitations, which are usually quite formal, save-the-dates can be laid back and relaxed. They can be worded from the point of view of the couple or of their parents, if they are funding the wedding. Follow these links to get some ideas on how to phrase your save-the-dates.
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