Any time someone decides to throw a big event, the number one issue involved is ensuring there are people who show up. If you’re already infamous in your party-giving, you probably have absolutely no problem ensuring your guest list. However, most people get the idea for a party from an upcoming birthday or anniversary or holiday, or a wedding, or something similar. They may not give lots of parties, especially big parties, and any sort of back-up assistance is welcomed.
Save the Date cards are a good way to let your intended guests know of the upcoming event, the date you plan to hold it, and ask them to not schedule anything else at that time. These cards—really brilliant in concept—are often the size of business cards, and can be sent in the mail inside a letter, or in a greeting card. They can be handed out personally—to friends, family, or even to a friend you cross paths with in the grocery store line. They are also made in a larger size, traditionally roundabout 4”x6”, with individual envelopes, in the form of something like a postcard. These are usually put in an envelope and mailed out.
Save the Date cards allow you the chance to get an early jump on your attendance list and help you get a ballpark idea as to how many for which you’ll have to plan. Save the Date cards simply offer you a start on getting busy on the planning in a small way before you really have to jump right in and start shelling out your money for down payments.
What exactly is a Save the Date card? It tells the recipient that an event is going to be held. It tells on what date the event will be held. And it usually adds a line that says something to the effect of, “Invitation to follow.” Simple. Sweet. Effective.
An appropriate graphic is included, either something you have selected from the printer or which you have introduced to the Save the Date card yourself. Maybe even a design you personally created. Some people will add a photo. The bottom line on what a Save the Date card looks like, what sort of information it includes—whatever you want. It’s yours. Be creative.
These Save the Date cards often become the first in a line of keepsakes because they announce an event that many have been anticipating for quite some time. Maybe your daughter is getting married. A Save the Date card will become a memento of her wedding, along with the invitation to the ceremony, the RSVP card, the program, and all other physical memories picked up along the way before, during, and after a wedding takes place. Start the good vibrations now . . . send out Save the Date cards.
How can you select the best Save the Date cards for your upcoming event? You can go to your local printer and explain what it is you want. You will certainly be able to get them printed there. Or stay at home in your pajamas, with a hot cup of coffee at your hand, and take a trip around the ‘net. A simple Google search on the term “Save the Date cards” will automatically bring up over 60,000 hits. Even if half of them are worthless, you couldn’t possibly find 30,000 options available to you at your local shopping mall or downtown at the old-fashioned print shop.
So let’s say you go for the at-home, pajamas option. You’re sitting at your computer, your hot coffee in one hand and your mouse in the other. The Google search of Save the Date cards is right in front of you. Take your time. Enjoy the process. Visit the different online stores which offer Save the Date cards. Take notes on which ones can give you the type of Save the Date card you want—particulars including size, paper, if you partake in the design via an online design system, photos allowed, etc, etc. Make a list of the best printer sites you find based on which ones offer you exactly what you want for your Save the Date card. Don’t compromise. There is enough competition available and there is no need for you to compromise.
You’ve whittled down your options and now have less than a handful from which to choose. Go through those and give them each a good, serious eye. Will any of those online print sites give you absolutely everything you want for your Save the Date cards? If so, obviously they go to the head of the list. Most print companies will be able to give you what you want . . . in fact, they will fall all over themselves to satisfy your needs. Select the company based on their ability to give you the specifics you’re looking for with your Save the Date cards, their reliability and customer responses about them online, their prices, their turnaround time, and even a sample—if they will send you one. That’s always an excellent way to see the quality of what you are going to get and hold it in your hand.
The printer has been selected. You have gone through their options and picked all the various points you want included to make sure your Save the Date cards turn out looking just as you want them to look. You are satisfied that you will receive your Save the Date cards in a timely fashion, with more than enough leeway for you to address them and get them in the mail, or hand them out at an upcoming book club or group event. And you are thrilled with their pricing . . . this very first step in your event planning, your Save the Date cards, will not break your bank. It’s all perfect. What’s left?
Order them! Waste no time in completing your order—give your credit card information to the secure online server, hit the “send” button, and then finish your coffee . . . or top your cup off with some fresh brew. Those save the date cards will be on your doorstep in no time, and you’ll be on your way towards the rest of your planning effort. Your big event will be a party to remember—which everyone will be able to do because you were smart enough to start out by sending Save the Date cards!