Your STD's! Save The Dates, that is...

Selecting vendors, submitting deposits, visiting venues and hearing "congratulations" for the hundredth time: you've been hard at work ever since that round thing was placed on your ring finger! In spite of your sea of 'event details', you have to dedicate time and effort into giving people an excerpt of your event details.

"Save The Date" is a term used to describe the notifications given to your wedding guests to officially release your wedding date. It is imperative to send the notifications well before your wedding. The earlier you send this information, the more time your guests will have to work your festivities into their schedule. A rule of thumb for timing is (6) months for non-destination weddinngs and AT LEAST (8) months for destination celebrations. Your objective is to have your guests SAVE your DATE on their calendars to ensure their attendance!

There are different methods to sending out these notifications. You can either send your 'save the dates' digitally (online/email), physically (personally handing it to your guests) or traditionally sending them via direct mail. Even though sending these notifications include tedious details, it's fun to choose the style! Here are SEVEN alternative styles for your save-the-dates:

POP UP CARD

INCORPORATE A PHOTO

PUZZLE PIECES

PRACTICAL ITEMS: Calendars, Mugs & Matches

CREATIVE SHAPES

STORY TIMELINE

STRIKE A POSE

Please remember the following tips on sending out your save the dates: 1) do not the event location or time (these details may change), 2) don't put so much effort into tying your STD to your event theme (keep that for the actual wedding invitation), 3) with packaging, use the real names of the designated guest/s and send it only to guests you definitely want to come to the wedding, 4) if you have access to your prospective guests, entertain the idea of physically handing the notification to them (save money on the postage -- you'll need it).

ENJOY YOUR STD & HAPPY SENDING!