By Sinead Carey, PaperGraceLast updated 8th May 2020
The essential guide to save the dates
Save the dates are a key part of your wedding and as the first form of communication to your guests, they really set the tone for the big day. But knowing the right etiquette around them can be confusing. There’s so much conflicting information out there so we asked our good friends at PaperGrace if they could round up their top tips.
As a national award-winning stationer and creator of the most beautiful collections, Sinead, founder of PaperGrace certainly knows a thing or two about the do’s of wedding stationery. So without further ado here is her ultimate guide to save the dates.
Are save the dates necessary?
So clearly, booking your venue and choosing your dress are absolutely critical to your big day. But it would all go to waste if your nearest and dearest ended up having plans.
This is why, letting your guests know the date of your nuptials with a save the date is a key item for your wedding planning to-do list.
It's also a great place to start for getting everyone super excited about your wedding and they really do set the tone of what's to come!
The first thing I do with a save the date once it arrives is put it up on my fridge, so it's a visual reminder of the exciting big day to come.Sinead Carey, PaperGrace
When should I send out save the dates?
People often hear conflicting advice on this. Traditionally it was always suggested to send them 6 months in advance of your wedding but times change. Our advice is simply 'the sooner the better', with the majority of PaperGrace couples sending their's a year beforehand.
This is reflective of how far in advance people get booked up these days, especially if you are getting married in the summer months.
It really is best to get those save the dates out early to avoid any disappointment and your guests will appreciate the heads up so they can secure time off work, book hotels, sort child care and save for that new hat!
Who gets a save the date?
You will need to nail that guest list as soon as possible and send save the dates to everyone that you intend to send an all-day invitation to.
There isnʼt as much organising involved when you are an evening guest, so a save the date is not a necessity. The invitation, around 4 to 5 months before the wedding, should be more than fine for them.
What information goes on a save the date?
The advice here is keep the information short and sweet, with key details only - let the design do the talking! This should include your names (obviously!) and your wedding date.
Other information that may be included is the location if travel is to be considered, a wedding website for updates and commonly adding a sentence stating ‘invitation to followʼ.
Let the design set the tone for the wedding. If your wedding is going to be a modern, sleek affair, reflect this in the design of your save the dates.Sinead Carey, PaperGrace
Should I include a gift list on my save the dates?
Although the save the date is not the right time to inform your guests of your gift list, it certainly is the perfect time to start thinking about it!
That way when it comes round to sending your invitations a few months later, you will have already registered and have the details to include on your information/details cards.
Gift lists like Prezola are perfect for the modern couple because not only do they offer a service where guests can buy specific pre-selected gifts, they also allow them to contribute money to a honeymoon or an experience too. It offers all the flexibility most couples want from a guest list and for their guests.
About PaperGrace...
From unique invitations and save the dates, to beautiful details for the day itself, PaperGrace collections feature the most innovative, elegant designs to suit all themes and styles. Check out their gorgeous Instagram page to get all the inspo or see the full range on their website and get your wedding stationery organised.
