Did you know this time of year is the most popular for engagements? So congratulations if your other half popped the question, now it's time for the fun stuff to begin - the planning. Save the date cards are a great way to announce your engagement and of course help guests to plan ahead and save that date!
Here are a few tips to help you get started with save the dates

Top tips for save the dates

1) When do I send out my save the dates?
It's a good idea to send them out about six months in advance of your wedding date. If you're planning a destination wedding or your big day falls on a public holiday, then at least eight months out is best.

2) What information should be on there?
Most save the date wording is short and sweet. Just a few key details are needed; the couple's names and the date. Often the general location is helpful, just the city and state for example. Sometimes people like to add "formal invitation to follow." Leave off any registry info as it is generally considered bad taste to add this to a save the date or invitation. You can provide a link to a website or included a separate insert with the invitation later.

3) Do I need to have my wedding 'theme' decided?
A save the date is a great opportunity to introduce your guests to the general feel of your wedding. So while it doesn't have to match exactly with everything you do later it should set the tone. For example you might be sure it's going to have a vintage vibe, certain you'll be having a beach wedding or just sure you'll use pink because it's your favourite colour! Have fun and get creative with something that will get guests excited for the occasion.

4) How should I address my save the dates?
On the envelope and formally. So if you are inviting your friend Sam and are happy for her to bring a guest then 'Ms. Samantha Smith and Guest'. If families with children are invited add the kids names on after the parents, if not leave them off. It's best to be up front about who is invited from the start to save confusion later. There is no need to put guests names on the save the date itself.

5 Do I need to send them to everyone?
Save the dates are a lovely keepsake and it's always nice to receive a pretty piece of mail. So even if you see someone every day and they know all about the planning, even your maid of honour and best man, your mum and dad, everyone should get a save the date - as long as they are invited to the wedding of course! Remember only send them to people you know you definitely want to be there, once they are sent that's pretty much it.

Hopefully that is enough info to get you started, now comes the fun bit of actually picking out a design! So check out our big collection of save the dates on the website.