People often ask whether or not a save the date is necessary. I advise customers that if they are planning to invite lots of guests from out of town, a save the date is extremely helpful. It allows guests a larger window of time to book travel such as airfare and hotel rooms. Often travel will escalate in price as the date draws nearer. I especially recommend sending save the dates for destination events, or events that fall on a busy holiday weekend. Save the dates are typically mailed six to eight months prior to the event.

What should you include on your save the date? Your name, the date, the location and that a formal invitation will follow. Other options to include are: local airports & transportation information, hotels (with phone numbers and/or confirmation codes for a special rate), a website, etc. Websites are such a helpful ways to convey large quantities of information. Since most people book their travel online these days, they can link to hotel & airline websites, and give great maps and directions.

If you are planning to include all of your guests in other activities (such as a pre-dinner or post-brunch), you might want to mention that on the save the date, so that guests know how long they should plan their trip.

Happy date saving!

xoxo,

Niki