Save the date can save the day.
Sunday, August 31st, 2008When I was a lad in elementary school I was told that in the future we would have an abundance of leisure time due to the invention of time saving devices. What they failed to predict was that all of these wonderful inventions would cost so much money that it would take 2 people working full time to pay for them, thus taking up more time than if we did not have them.
Unless you are Amish in which case, what are you doing using the computer?
We are torn to a fro between meetings, activities, work, play and a seemingly endless parade of commitments. It’s a wonder we have time to breath.
Save the date notices are a relatively new and seldom utilized way to be sure you get your foot in the door before anyone else does.
Basically save the date cards are sent out far in advance of the wedding, often before the formal wedding invitations. This way those who seriously intend to come can make plans well in advance. And they will know who may be getting married on the same day, thus not loosing out on the wedding of a close friend because they replied to an invitation of a distant relative.
Save the dates tend to be a bit less as complicated than an invitation as you are not asking for an RSVP, rather that you are giving the heads up that the invitations will be coming soon.
Some couples choose to send a small token, such as a magnet to stick on the ice box or a small sticker for the computer monitor. We have had customers buy and send out wind chimes. But there is no rule.
Save the dates can be bought from the same firm that does the invitations. Check your yellow pages for quick printers and wedding supplies.
If you want to save some money then make your own.
Anyone with a basic knowledge of desktop publishing and a laser printer can turn out a very nice card. Most stationary stores carry a selection of fancy paper and envelopes. Do not use a ink-jet printer because the inks tend to run if they get wet, unless you use a high end printer with photo paper. But the cost of doing photo quality cards defeats the saving money aspect of printing them your self.
Just the facts, ma’am, just the facts. Don’t bother with detailed directions and complicated instructions for you’re save the date cards. Simply give the event, the date and the location and give them an idea of when to expect the formal invitation. Good Luck!