Save The Date....

A "Save The Date" is an item stating the date of a wedding so that the guests or recipients will know and will keep that date free.  It is usually in a form of a card / post card, it can be a refrigerator magnet, or any unique item.  A "Save The Date" are then usually followed by a formal wedding invitation. 

So when to have a "Save The Date" ?  If a couple is marrying during high-travel times like holiday weekend just like our wedding date "January 2, 2011" wherein new year's party and family reunion is usually being celebrated, a "save the date" is an expected courtesy. And having a "save the date" will give our guests specially our guests who are part of the entourage the heads up about our wedding plans, like we are planning to have an out of town wedding in Tagaytay.  

When do we send them?  Well, they said as a general rule, it's best to start spreading the wedding plans at around six months prior to the wedding date and eight months for out of town wedding.  This gives the guests plenty of time to book their travel, save a bit of cash, and of course, ask for the days off from work.  Any earlier is better, if it is given later it might as well be an invitation... 

Allen and I with the help of my brother already drafted and finalized our "save the date" and to follow our timeline we need to distribute it this 1st and 2nd week of May 2010.... Below is our "fairy tale save the date" made by Francis.

As per my opinion as a wedding specialist, there is no need to send "save the date" to everyone.  "Save the date" should be given first to guests who are part of the entourage and liturgical participants and guests  that you definitely want to attend.  Of course, we don't want to print 100 "save the date" that is not environmental friendly... so emailing it to our guests  will be the cheapest way to distribute "save the date", except for the guests who are part of the entourage, of course we have to meet them personally out of courtesy specially to our "ninongs" and "ninangs" to invite them. :)  Also, it is always a best idea to give them a means on how to get their response, an online RSVP is a very good tool, the way Allen and I did. 

Wedding etiquette tip - If someone receives a save-the-date and will be unable to attend, they are likely to offer regrets far in advance. You still need to send a wedding invitation as a common courtesy.