please, save the date

I don't know the exact history of the save-the-date tradition, or how far back it goes. However, I can assume it spurred from a formal announcement made by a father, on the pending marriage of his daughter & her fiancé to friends, family + the rest of the town.

It is not necessary to send a save-the-date to your guests, but as a newly engaged couple, it can be fun and informative for everyone. If you have a long engagement, people will be wondering WHEN the wedding is! If you have a short engagement, I'd skip this tradition and just send the invite.

What you will need: your names + a wedding date. A location is helpful, but not necessary. That's it! Anything else you decide to include: hotel blocks, time of ceremony, reception location, etc., is up to you. You may or may not be that far along in your planning process.

Question: Should the save the date announcement match the rest of your wedding stationery/look?

Answer: NO! I think your save-the-date can be as casual or formal as you want. It comes months, possibly up to a year or more before the formal invitation. If you have your wedding colors chosen, you may want to use them, but it is not necessary at all. I have seen many save the dates in holiday card form. I've also seen couples use an engagement picture as well. Get creative and do what you want!

The above letterpressed save the date from my random google search is perfect: names, date, and location. The detailed Eiffel Tower graphic simply reflects the wedding is in Paris, not that their "theme" is the Eiffel Tower. The beautiful persimmon may or may not be their wedding color.

As much as I enjoy getting these to the weddings I work, you can send me an electronic version to help me save-the-date AND save-the-earth! (I know Jennifer at Earth Friendly Weddings will appreciate that!)