DIY save the date cards are the perfect way to create cards that make a statement. These are likely to be the first piece of correspondence that people receive about your wedding and as such they will help to set the tone for the day.
What Are Save the Date Cards?
Save the date cards give guests advance notice of the date of your wedding. These useful cards just give basic information as a formal invitation will follow nearer to the date. Save the date cards are particularly useful when the wedding falls during a holiday weekend or other busy times of the year. See Wedding Invitations for more information about making invitations.
Making Your Own Save the Date Cards
If you are going to make your own DIY save the date cards then there are a few things to consider:
Type of Card
Any type of card can be used as a save the date card. As the main purpose of the cards is simply to advise people of the date of a wedding, only a very limited amount of information needs to be given. This is typically the name of the couple and the date.
- Postcard or flat cards - these are economical as they use half the amount of cardstock as folded cards. These fit easily into standard sized envelopes. Postcard or flat cards are also useful for the recipients as they are perfect for pinning to a notice board.
- Folded cards - cards that are folded in two are the traditional format of greeting cards. They give plenty of scope for creative design. The card can be decorated on the front with the details written inside or the design on the front of the card can incorporate the details leaving the inside free for a personal note. There are many other folds that can be used to make interesting cards.
- Other ideas - more creative or unusual cards can be used. Smaller business card sized save the date cards are practical and are easy to fit into a wallet or diary. Fridge magnets are a fun way to tell people about a wedding . Bookmarks also make an unusual alternative to a traditional card. Another option is to create a diary sheet with the date circled.
Save the Date Rubber Stamps
Rubber stamps with the text 'save the date' are a quick way to make save the date cards. Unless rubber stamps are custom made, however, the date of the wedding will still need to be written or printed on a card.
Many rubber stamp companies offer a custom rubber stamp making service. They will either make stamps from a unique design or customize an existing design, perhaps by adding the date. This is can be a low cost and quick solution.
See About Wedding Rubber Stamps and How to Choose Wedding Rubber Stamps for more information.
Printing Text
An alternative to stamping the text is to print or handwrite the information on a card and decorate this with rubber stamped designs. This can be particularly useful if many save the date cards are being sent. The printed text can be cut using decorative edged scissors before adhering to the card. A few subtle embellishments can draw the printed paper into the overall design. See How to Print Text for more information.
Matching Other Wedding Stationery?
Many brides like to use the same design and theme for all of their wedding stationery. Save the date cards, however, are often an exception to this. This is because save the date cards are sent out well in advance of a wedding and therefore a decision may still need to be made about the design of the rest of the wedding stationery. In this case using a simple and neutral design will mean that the save the date cards blend with other stationery when it is produced.
Tips:- Remember to include the year when a wedding is being planned along way in advance
- Make it clear that the purpose of this card is purely to advise guests of the date and that a formal invitation with full information about the wedding will follow
- Include any important information that you are aware of now that might be useful for guests to know in advance so they can make any necessary arrangements - for instance if the wedding or wedding reception is to be for adults only
