What Are They? Do I need to have them?

While wedding invitations generally go out 6-8 weeks before the wedding, save the date cards are a nice way of letting guests know in advance what the wedding date will be. This is especially helpful for guest who will need to make travel arrangements.

So do you need them? If your guest list contains guests who will need to travel you should at least send save the date cards to those who will need to book time off and plan to travel. This gives them extra time to book flights, hotel rooms, etc. If you wedding is a destination wedding, those who you are inviting should receive save the date cards for the same reason.

What Information Should They Include?
Basically, they need to include your names, the wedding date, and something to let them know that an invitation will follow at a later date. There is no right or wrong way to do it: they are a perfect way to add your own unique touch to your wedding. The actual style of the invitation should reflect your wedding in some way: for example, if you are planning a very informal affair, have a formal looking card.

Some Things That Can Be Used as Save The Date Cards:

- Cards similar to your invitation, or even a different style

- magnets

- Martha Stewart had a neat idea to use large numbers strung together on a ribbon

- calendar pages

- postcards

- the magnetic photo strip favor posted earlier would also make great DIY save the date cards. You could make it magnetic, or use cardstock and make it into a bookmark.

- on that note: bookmarks, lol

- business cards

 Other Information You Can Include:

- your wedding website if you have one

- hotel information if you have arrangements with a particular hotel

- any information that you feel may help guests with their travel plans