In part 1 of the save the date series, we talked about the what, when, and why. In part two, we’ll discuss design aspects and other tips & tricks.

This is probably the first design question you’ll answer. Many couples like to add an engagement photo (or several) to their save the dates. This is a great way to put that engagement session to good use and add a personal touch. If you didn’t do an engagement shoot but still want photos, then make sure the pictures you choose are high quality. Ask a friend or a family member to take pictures of you on a nice day. This is not the time for selfies! Good quality photos can give a clean, simple design without much fuss.

On the other hand, maybe you want your save the dates match your overall stationery design. This may be more appropriate for formal weddings. Most stationers will design a corresponding save the date with your main invitations. If you prefer this route, then begin looking for your stationer a year in advance. This will give your designer ample time to create an original style and ensure that your save the dates are mailed in time.

Save the dates are not only fun but also lay groundwork that will make planning your main invitations easier. If you’re mailing your save the dates, then this forces you to finalize your guest address list well before crunch time. A few guests may change addresses between sending the save the dates and the main invites, but you can make those adjustments easily. Also, if your stationer is printing your guest addresses, then you may only have to pay applicable the setup fees once. However, Camellia Memories includes guest address printing on all orders.

Electronic save the dates are growing in popularity, which is understandable with the cost of postage going up. But there are several reasons that paper versions are better than email.

a. Emails get lost. How many times have you not received an email from a new address, even if you knew the sender? Outside of your bridal party and close family members, you’re not likely to have emailed many of your guests before this time. Your save the date may go to the wrong folder or even to the receiver’s spam box. Plus, older guests may not use their emails frequently.

 b. Not only will you have to collect each guest’s physical address, but you’ll have to record their email as well. Extra data means extra time, and more variables increase the risk of mistakes. 

 c. You’ll miss out on the opportunity to double-check the accuracy of your guest addresses. As mentioned above, lots of detailed information can lead to error. If you mail your save the dates and one comes back to you, you’ll have time to fix that address well before sending your main invitations.

 d. Paper save the dates make your wedding more top-of-mind. As stated in part 1, your guests can stick a paper card to their refrigerator so they have a quick reminder. They may forget to save an email that popped in while they’re at work. 

Ready to begin your save the dates? Camellia Memories has both pre-made options and custom services and can help you design that first glimpse of your wedding. Contact to learn more!