Sending out save the dates is one of the first steps in wedding planning, marking the official announcement of your big day. These early notices help guests mark their calendars well in advance, ensuring they can make arrangements to celebrate with you.
However, even something as seemingly straightforward as sending save the dates can come with potential pitfalls. From timing errors to design mistakes, avoiding these common missteps will ensure your save the dates are both beautiful and functional. In this guide, we’ll outline the top mistakes to avoid when sending save the dates so you can kick off your wedding planning on the right foot.
Why Save the Dates Are Important
Save the dates are a vital part of wedding planning, serving as the first formal communication with your guests about your upcoming nuptials. Unlike formal wedding invitations, save the dates provide essential information well in advance, such as the date and location, allowing guests to arrange travel and accommodations.
According to WeddingWire, couples who send save the dates typically see a higher attendance rate at their weddings, making these notices an essential step in ensuring your loved ones can join in your celebration. However, there are several common mistakes that couples often make during this process. Let’s dive into the top pitfalls to avoid.
Common Mistakes When Sending Save the Dates
1. Sending Them Too Late
Timing is everything when it comes to sending save the dates. One of the biggest mistakes couples make is sending them out too late, which can leave guests scrambling to adjust their schedules. Save the dates should ideally be sent 6 to 8 months before your wedding. For destination weddings or events during holiday weekends, sending them 9 to 12 months in advance is even better.
- Tip: If you’re planning a wedding during peak travel times, like summer or around holidays, give your guests ample notice to avoid scheduling conflicts.
2. Including Too Much or Too Little Information
Save the dates should include the essentials: your name, wedding date, location (city and state are sufficient at this stage), and a note that a formal invitation will follow. A common mistake is overwhelming guests with too much information, such as detailed schedules, accommodation suggestions, or registry details, which should be reserved for your formal invitations or wedding website.
- Remember: Keep it simple. You want to provide enough information to inform but not so much that your save-the-date cards feel cluttered.
3. Neglecting to Proofread
Typos and errors on save the dates can leave a poor first impression and cause confusion. Simple mistakes like misspelled names, incorrect dates, or venue details can be avoided with thorough proofreading. Double-check all text and have a second pair of eyes review the design before printing.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to verify the spelling of names, particularly if you’re including middle names or formal titles.
4. Skipping a Guest List Review
Sending save the dates too early, without a finalized guest list, can lead to embarrassing oversights or awkward situations. Ensure you have a confirmed guest list before sending your save the dates to avoid missing anyone important or inviting someone you later need to cut due to budget constraints.
- Action Step: Review your guest list multiple times and consider creating a spreadsheet to track who has been sent a save the date. This helps avoid duplications or omissions.
5. Forgetting to Account for Plus-Ones
Another frequent mistake is neglecting to clarify plus-one policies when sending save the dates. This can lead to confusion about whether guests can bring a date. If you plan to allow plus-ones, include the guest’s name on the envelope or note “and guest” to make it clear. For families, address the save the date to the entire family or specify the individual invitees.
- Helpful Tip: Be clear about plus-one invitations from the beginning to manage expectations and avoid awkward conversations later.
6. Choosing Hard-to-Read Fonts and Designs
Beautiful design is important, but readability should always come first. Avoid overly elaborate fonts that make it difficult to read key details like dates and locations. Similarly, watch out for color schemes that lack contrast or are too busy, as these can make your save-the-date cards appear cluttered and unprofessional.
- Design Advice: Opt for clean, modern fonts and a layout that prioritizes clarity. Keep decorative elements minimal and ensure all text stands out clearly against the background.
7. Not Including Your Wedding Website
If you have a wedding website, save the dates; they are the perfect place to introduce it to your guests. This gives them a one-stop resource for additional information, updates, and a way to RSVP when the time comes. Forgetting to include this can result in guests missing out on important details that don’t fit on the save the date.
- Suggestion: To guide guests to more information, place your wedding website URL at the bottom of your save-the-date in a small, unobtrusive font.
8. Sending Digital Save the Dates Without Testing
Digital save the dates are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper invites. However, a common error is not testing how they appear on different devices. Make sure your digital save the dates look good on both desktop and mobile devices and that all links, especially to your wedding website, are functional.
- Quick Check: Send a test email to yourself and a trusted friend to ensure everything looks as intended and that no details are cut off or missing.
How to Ensure Your Save the Dates Are Perfect
1. Test Print or Preview
Before ordering a full batch of printed save the dates, request a sample or test print. This step ensures that colors, fonts, and layout appear exactly as you envisioned, and gives you one final chance to catch any errors. If you’re going digital, send a preview to a few trusted friends to gather feedback.
2. Stay on Brand with Your Wedding Theme
Your save-the-dates should reflect the overall tone and theme of your wedding, whether that’s rustic, modern, or vintage. This consistency sets the right expectations and creates a cohesive look across all your wedding stationery.
- Inspiration: For ideas on creating save the dates that match your wedding theme, check out Martha Stewart Weddings for design tips and examples.
3. Order Extra Copies
Always order extra save-the-dates to account for last-minute guest additions, mistakes during addressing, or keepsakes for yourself. It’s better to have a few extras on hand than to scramble later for a reprint.
Conclusion
Sending save the dates is a crucial step in your wedding planning process, but it’s not without its challenges. By avoiding these common mistakes—such as timing errors, design pitfalls, and guest list oversights—you can ensure your save the dates are clear, beautifully designed, and warmly received by your guests. Taking the time to get this step right will set a positive tone for all your wedding communications, paving the way for a smooth planning experience.
For more guidance on planning your wedding and ensuring every detail is perfect, explore resources like WeddingBee and Style Me Pretty for expert advice and inspiration on all things wedding-related.
