Save the Date Tips & Etiquette

Save the Dates 101

If you are reading this, chances are you have recently gotten engaged, so CONGRATULATIONS! We’ve provided this guide as something you can follow when planning to send out your save the dates. I remember that feeling, you book the hall or reception location and you want to shout it to the world. The perfect way is via save the date cards or magnets. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your save the dates.

When should I send save the dates?

For a local wedding, we recommend sending save the dates 3-6 months in advance. For a destination wedding, we recommend 6-9 months in advance. Your guests may need to save money for a destination wedding, and even plan time off of work. For local weddings, especially the summer months, time books up quickly so the sooner your guests are aware of the date the better.

What goes on a save the date?

Most importantly, include the date and the location (city and state will suffice). If it is in a foreign country, include that as well. Today a lot of brides and grooms opt to place an engagement photo on the invitation, but this is optional. You do not have to go to town with dates and times and exact locations. You can save those for the actual invitation that will follow. If you have created a wedding website, you may also put the URL on there so guests can leave well wishes and learn about the event as information becomes available. If you are interested in a custom designed wedding website, that is a service we offer. We can match it to your invitations, save the date and wedding theme. We specialize in branding your event.

Who gets a save the date?

Only send save the dates to people you are 100% positive will be invited to the wedding. Sending a save the date and not sending a wedding invitation is a big no.

What options do I have?

At La Belle Papeterie, we can create a wide range of save the date options such as postcards (save on the envelope cost!), magnets, custom shapes, and traditional cards. I absolutely love doing magnets because it is something that they see often and even after the wedding, I see save the dates still on refrigerators of loved ones. In addition, if you are looking for something even more unique, I always tell my brides to let us know what you are looking to do and more than likely we can make it happen. We always promise that we will try our hardest to make special requests happen.

Contact us today at stephanie@labellepapeterie.com for a free consultation on your save the date or wedding website. Also check out some of our save the dates in the gallery.