You have a big event coming up. The date has been selected, and planning is going to take a lot of work and time . . . it really is all in the timing. How can you engage the interest of your intended guest list this far ahead of the event so that you can ensure your largest audience?
In theory, the answer to that question is relatively simple—you ask people to save the date. Asking for guests to remember to save a date prior to an invitation is a somewhat inclusive, and ingenious, way to involve in the process those you wish to have there way before the day of the event arrives.
Do you call each person, or write each of them a note, and say, “I’m having a big to-do. Would you please save the date and be there?” You could. That would not be the most creative and effective way to do it, though. And if your guest list is going to be sizeable, you may need something much more group-oriented, yet still personal, to get your message across.
There are many save the date products on the market today. These items have become the way to make your special moment on the calendar memorable months before it arrives. Here are some ways you can incorporate the save the date idea into your upcoming event:
1. Magnets – What an inventive, relatively-inexpensive tool to use to ensure your save the date moment is added to all the right calendars! Imagine your intended guests opening an envelope with a magnet inside . . . you know that when you do the same thing, you at the very least think twice about tossing that magnet. They come in various sizes, from the traditional to a 3x5 presentation size, and some even larger. They are useful. They have purpose, and if they are sent by someone announcing an important and momentous event, that save the date magnet is likely to be kept and exhibited on the fridge, or on the side of a filing cabinet. Your date is visible and readily remembered.
2. Postcards – Postcards very often tweak the memory faster than folded cards, notes, or other types of reminders. There is not only room for a message, right next to the addressee’s information, but the front of the card can proclaim it to be a save the date card in any number of attractive formats—lettering, colors, and even added designs. It’s usually inexpensive, too . . . generally $20 for 100 save the date postcards. Be creative, and be remembered.
3. Traditional greeting cards – Use a card like no other to pass on your save the date information. Your choice of print company will have a selection of designs, or you can put together your own. Add a photo to personalize it further, and then have the card open up to your save the date details. The more attractive you make the card, the more memorable it will be.
4. Business-size cards – Sized along the same line as business cards, save the date cards can be inserted into letters, greeting cards, packages, or even sent alone, if inserted into a small, attractive envelope. These save the date cards can be handed out, just as you would hand out business cards, at cocktail parties, weekend community get-togethers, or depending on your event, at meetings. In fact, if your event is of a large-scale community nature and you want everyone and anyone to know about it, carry around your save the date cards everywhere you go, and pass them around—at the local coffee shop, in the grocery line, when you’re in the post office line sending out holiday cards. There is no end to the places you can distribute these save the date cards . . . don’t forget public bulletin boards!
5. Candy Bar Wrappers – Seriously! This idea grew wings as an inventive birth announcement in many circles but it doesn’t need to be limited in its use. If you’re creative and have a smaller invitee list, put your save the date message on a candy bar wrapper, and ensure that it’s remembered sweetly. If there’s a piece of chocolate in the middle of that wrapper, you can bet your save the date information will be put to the side after the candy is enjoyed, and a big smile will cross that chocolate-eating mouth each time the wrapper is seen.
6. Bookmarks – Think “useful” when you design a save the date item. Imagine how often a bookmark might be utilized once the information is read and digested. It will be kept in book after book once that envelope is opened, and even after the date is added to the calendar, possibly even long after the event has taken place. Bookmarks are economical promotional items—be it your upcoming wedding or a concert event for a large public audience—and they can be sent to as few as you wish, or handed out when you’re at lunch with your best friend . . . include one when you pay your check. Surprise your wait staff!
7. Buttons – Buttons are a fun idea. People like buttons. They aren’t often worn, and certainly not all the time but again, the idea is to consider what is less likely to be tossed. Many will add buttons to the bulletin board by their desk or in their kitchen, in much the same way as they would display save the date magnets. When that happens, you have achieved your purpose . . . the date is readily available and stays in the forefront of the recipient’s mind. They will add that date to their calendar. If the button is visually appealing—and shape is important because a rectangular button often exhibits information and a photo or an attractive graphic better than a round one—it becomes a keepsake of the upcoming event, possibly even a collectible.
Creativity is the name of the game in designing save the date items for any big event. Don’t forget that useful and decorative items are more likely to be kept, used, and that is certainly the hoped-for end result. Any item that’s used and often seen will keep your message in the minds and hearts of those people you want in attendance.
Save the Date Invitations