All you need to know about Save the Date & Wedding Invitations

Wedding stationery is an essential element that sets the tone for the festivities and accompanies you through every moment of your reception. Sending out save-the-dates and invitations is therefore a central part of your wedding planning. Much more than just practical tools, each piece of paper, carrying so much meaning, is the starting point of the experience you offer to your guests, and plays a crucial role in the preparation of your big day.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to manage your invitations and turn your save-the-dates and invitations into real works of art.

Save the Date: Why and when to send them?

The Save the Date is a preamble to the official invitation. Sent between 6 and 12 months before your wedding date, it serves to inform your guests to block this date in their calendar. It’s particularly useful if :

• Your wedding is taking place during a busy period (school vacations, public holidays).
• You have guests coming from far away, who will need to organize their travel.
• You want to give a foretaste of your wedding.

It’s usually designed as soon as you’ve selected your reception venue and chosen your wedding date. This document doesn’t need to be as detailed as an invitation. Simply mention your first names, the date, the approximate location (city or region) and add a note like “Official invitation to follow”.

Wedding invitations: The official invitation

The invitation is the official invitation to your wedding. It gives your guests all the practical information they need. Here are the essential elements to include:

• Date, time and location of ceremonies and receptions.
• RSVP instructions.
• Any other important information, such as dress code or accommodation details.

For greater legibility, you can also divide your invitation into several cards for each of the highlights, such as the welcome dinner, ceremony, cocktail reception, wedding reception or brunch. It all depends on whether your guests are invited to every moment of your celebration, or whether certain receptions are more intimate. An RSVP card, plan or detailed program can also be included.

Ideally, these should be sent 4 to 6 months before the wedding date, so that your guests have time to plan their trip.

Create invitations that reflect your personality

Your save the date and invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your wedding. It’s a unique opportunity to express your style and set the tone for your celebration. Make sure they reflect the aesthetic and mood you want to create.

Here are a few ideas for personalizing your invitations:

• The color palette: from the color of the paper, to the color of the ink and the finish of the envelopes or each complementary element.
• Paper type: 300 or 600g/m cotton, handmade paper…
• Printing method: digital printing, letterpress, embossing, etc.
• Embellishments: envelope liners, vellum, Japanese papers, monograms, wax seals, silk ribbons, custom illustrations and much more.

Alaia Evenement’s tips

• Plan ahead: Design, printing and shipping can take a long time.
• Call on professionals: Graphic designers and printers can bring your ideas to life with quality.
• Check information: A mistake in a date or address can cause confusion.
• Quantify correctly: count invitations/save the date by number of households, not by number of guests.
• Plan for a surplus: Always order a few extra copies for last-minute guests or for your flatlay!

Save the Date and Invitation cards are much more than stationery. They’re the first step in sharing your happiness and immersing your loved ones in the world of your wedding. With careful attention to detail, these elements become precious souvenirs and an authentic reflection of your story. Alaia Événement is here to advise and support you in every detail of this unique adventure.