Last week we shared a checklist for creating your own destination wedding invitations and provided some writing samples you could use. Some Beachside Brides may wonder, “If invitations are already planned, wouldn’t `save the date’ cards be overkill?”
For destination weddings, we highly recommend Beachside Brides and Grooms send their guests `save the date’ cards. These cards are sent out before the formal invitations with the singular intention of requesting them to set aside your special date in their calendar.
You want them to join you in paradise to witness your vows, right? And you want to enjoy planning your wedding, right?
`Save the date’ cards allow you to take the first steps in planning your destination wedding: finalizing the date and destination.
Your guests will appreciate the heads up (8-10 months before the wedding date) so that they have time to prepare, budget for the expense and make all the necessary arrangements.
**As destination wedding specialists, we take care of all travel and accommodation arrangements for couples and their guests. This aspect of our complimentary service makes it easier for guests to accept the commitment to attend your destination wedding.**
Sending out `save the date’ cards also buys you time to iron out the details of your destination wedding. With so many options, why make rash decisions when you don’t have to?
What do `save the date’ cards look like?
As you can see from the above image, kindly donated to us by Chad and Amy (thank you!), some Beachside couples have fun with the destination wedding theme and go with it!
In any case, there are `save the date’ cards available in several formats, the most popular styles are postcards and magnets. There are many websites out there to help you out. For instance, AyleeBits.com shares instructions and a `boarding pass’ template that you can use on for either your invitation and/or `save the date’ cards.
Many brides like to be consistent and use the same design throughout the process. (Read our wedding invitation post to see Chad and Amy’s matching invitation!)
But `save the date’ cards do not have to match your formal wedding stationary. However, it is the perfect opportunity to introduce your wedding theme or style. Guests may use the cards to help them make certain decisions, such as wardrobe and gifts.
What to include on a `save the date’ card
Since its purpose is an advanced notice of the wedding, we suggest keeping it simple:
- The wedding date.
- Destination.
- Destination wedding specialists’ contact information.
- Notice that a formal invitation will be sent at a later date.
- Your wedding website.
We hope this post was helpful. Do you have any `save the date’ tips to add? Stay tuned for an upcoming post about wedding websites!
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i’m trying to look at this on my blackberry, it comes out a bit wonky. fyi