Save the date announcements are one of the first ways your guests will certainly know about your upcoming wedding, which is why it’s a smart move to cover pretty much all the angles of exactly what to incorporate before dropping those save the date announcements in the mail.  In our previous post we mentioned including your kids in your wedding preparations in this post we discuss the essential information you need to include. Since save-the-dates are usually dispatched out four to half a year before your wedding, they won’t contain a great deal of information, however there is certainly a number of save-the-date details you should make certain is included in your save the date announcements:

An Exact Date

You need to have the exact day of when your wedding will take place on your save-the-date. That way guests can start marking their calendars and will appreciate you giving them enough time to make travel arrangements and reserve a hotel in your room block, if necessary.

 

The Wedding Location

This includes the city and state of where your wedding will be held. Even if you haven’t officially decided on your venue, still include the town of where the wedding will take place. As stated above, this information is particularly important for any guests who will need to make travel plans, and for your save the date announcements.

 

Your Names

Save the date announcements are for your wedding, therefore they need to include and your fiancé(e)’s names.

 

The Reception Location

Be sure to give them a glimpse of where you’re having your reception. Add the venue name and the address. This will help your guests get a sense of how far they need to travel and also begin to search for local hotels in which to stay.

Common Save The Date Mistakes

The ring is on your finger and the planning is underway—and now it’s time to get your guests in the loop. Your first step is to send save the date announcements (aka the pre-invitation that officially announces your wedding date and lets your guests know they should clear their calendars). But you have to do it right. Below, find out what mistakes not to make while giving your guests the heads up.

Sending Invitations

There are a number of mistakes which can happen here, these can be: not sending them, sending them too late, sending them too early, sending invitations to people you are not sure about. You need to give your guests enough time to make arrangements. By not sending invitations, your guests may not be able to make it to your wedding. As a general rule, it’s best to start spreading the news around six to eight months prior to the ceremony. Sending save the date announcements too late, and your guests might turn up late to the wedding. If you send them any earlier than that—say, a whole year in advance—they may toss the notice aside and forget about it. Only send them to those guests you definitely want to attend. (Even the ones you’ve received verbal confirmations from, like your bridesmaids and family members.)

Including Registry Information

Although your guests will likely wish to know exactly where you’re registered, it truly is in bad taste to include these details on your own save-the-date announcements.

Not sure what type of save-the-dates you want to send? Take a look at our website selection for save-the-date gift ideas. We also have some great ideas on our Pinterest page too!