Category Archives: Save the Date

A relatively new addition to the wedding paper trousseau is the “Save the Date” card. Recognizing the busy schedules of today’s brides/grooms and their families/guests, the Save the Date card has evolved to “reserve” important dates well in advance of the official invitation. Many brides have decided that this card is an  important part of their paper trousseau especially for those who have family and friends long distances.

We have had a question from a print source that took an order for a “save the date” card from a bride who was determined to send those cards out a year in advance. She was excited to be engaged and it seems she saw these cards as a way to shout from the roof tops that she was engaged. Unfortunately, in spite of advice to the contrary, her will prevailed and the cards were sent out over a year in advance of the wedding date.

Circumstances changed as they started getting deeper into the planning process, and as the wedding date got closer, the bride decided that the guest list needed “pruning”.

The mystery: How to un-invite those people who received a save the date card months earlier! (Hint: There is no cool way to do that). Which leads us to the “rules” around these cards.

• Modern etiquette suggests that these cards be sent out about six months before the wedding. However, since they are not required, you can basically send them out “whenever”. It is important that you understand that the receiver will perceive this card as a “pre” invitation so be sure that the person to whom you send the card will also be on the list of those invited to the actual ceremony. For brides who have family and friends a far distance from where the wedding will be held, it is important to get the cards out at least six months out so these people can prepare for their arrival.

The “rule” is to make sure that there is at least a month between when guests get the save the date card and the invitation itself.

• A second “rule” is that if you are having a destination wedding, at least six months before your wedding, let potential guests know about your plans. You need to give people at least six months notice if you expect them to travel to your ceremony and celebration. If you are getting married closer to home, these cards really aren’t as necessary. They are “nice” but not needed. You can always spread the word via word of mouth.

Although, Save the Date cards are a great thing to have, they are not necessary unless you have a number of out of town guests or it is a destination wedding.

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