After you set your date (first big step in the planning process: check!), it’s time to let everyone know. Your save the dates should be sent about six months prior to your wedding. If you’re looking to save, we recommend sending save the dates only to out-of-towners or guests who might otherwise need time to plan ahead to attend.

While the traditional save the date is a simple postcard, there are things you can do to make sure yours make an impression.

Eco-Friendly

For a save that date that’s environmentally conscious, print your details on biodegradable seed paper (perhaps with a “love is growing” message). This paper is made from post-consumer materials and all your guests will need to enjoy their flowers or plants is a pot, soil, water and sunshine.

Dream Destination

If you’re having a destination wedding, sending save the dates is a must, as your guests will need time to make travel arrangements. Your save the dates can be a fun way to announce your destination location—consider using a map or luggage tag design, create a foldable paper airplane or otherwise theme your save the dates around your location.

Holiday Cheer

Like with destination weddings, holiday weekend weddings necessitate a save the date. You can use your unique date to inspire your save the dates—for example, a wedding over Christmas time could mean a save the date sent in a present box, or New Year’s Eve save the dates could include mini bottles of champagne.

Informational

Design your save the dates like an infographic for a modern and interesting take on the traditional save the date. This is a fun way to announce your engagement and share information about you as a couple (especially for guests who don’t know both of you). Include things like a timeline of your relationship (where you met, when you first started dating, when you got engaged), “stats” about your relationship (number of dates you’ve been on, minutes you’ve been together) and fun information about the day itself.

Outside the Box (Er, Square)

A die is a tool that uses a press to cut paper in a custom way. Die cut save the dates can take any unique shape you can imagine—a heart, movie tickets, boarding passes, mason jars, a wine or champagne bottle…the possibilities are nearly unlimited. You can even cut letters and shapes out from the inside of your save the dates for extra impact.

If these ideas have inspired you and you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch today to start your custom save the dates!