Oh The Possibilites...

There are so many possibilities when it comes to planning a wedding and save the dates are no different. Save the dates are usually sent out anywhere from 8 to 6 months before the actual wedding date, following a formal invitation sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. So are save the dates necessary? Well, if you are planning an intimate wedding and all of your guests are aware of the wedding date, then you may chose to skip them. Also, if you are on a tight budget and are really trying to save pennies, then another alternative would be a social networking save the date such as a Facebook event invite or an evite. However, if you are planning a large wedding then it would be wise to send out save the dates. This way, all of your guests have time to prepare for the wedding, especially if traveling is involved. Couples are coming up with some creative save the dates; it’s not just the traditional card anymore. Many couples are using things such as a decorative handkerchief, magnet or a ticket stub. No matter what couples decide to do, they are definitely incorporating their wedding theme into the save the dates.

Here are some examples of some unique save the dates.

{image via psprint.com}

This save the date balloon is a perfect idea for the playful couple who is looking for something unique. If you are planning on having a laid-back wedding, then this may be the perfect choice; however, if you are planning on a semi-formal/black tie event then I would suggest something a little more elegant.



{image via Wedding Wire}

These ticket save the dates are perfect for a rustic/vintage themed wedding. The date is hole-punched which is a great old-fashioned touch. Because they are smaller, these save the dates will be a little cheaper and you can also save money by punching the holes in yourself. It may be tedious, but it is so unique that your guests will surely love it.



{image via Mix Mingle Glow}

Now on to my personal favorite, the photo booth save the date! This is so creative because not only are you saving money, but you are also showcasing the couple's personality. This takes a little planning and organization, but the results are worth it. Make sure you have all of your props ready. If you aren't quick enough, take each pictures a couple of times. Once they are all printed out, you can cut the ones you want and paste them together. Take the photo strip to your local photo center and have them make copies of the photo strip in bulk. It's as easy as that!



{image via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

Save the date handkerchiefs have been a growing trend within the past two years or so. They are a great way to incorporate the color scheme and theme of your wedding into your save the dates; however, they can be expensive to make. Some brides are using various handkerchiefs they find and have a company either stitch or press their message onto it. These save the dates are very cute and perfect for a small wedding.



{image via The 6 Chicks}

 More and more couples are now choosing to make their save the dates into certain games. The one shown above is a spinner full of dares. This is the ideal save the date for fun-loving couples who are planning to party it up at their wedding. A save the date like this creates that fun atmosphere that will leave guest excited for the wedding.



{image via weddingobsession.com}

Couples are also beginning to get artistic with their save the dates. We are seeing a growing trend of cartoon and comic save the dates. This quirky idea lets the couple show off their personalities and make their save the dates a little comical if they would like.



{image via chocfrappe2011}

Last, but not least there is the coaster save the date. If the couple is known for their love of drinking coffee, or maybe enjoy going out for drinks with friends, then this is the perfect save the date. These may be a little pricey because of the thicker material that the coasters are made of and the printing costs, but they are great for a small wedding.