Wedding Insiders Share the 9 Biggest Save-the-Date Faux Pas

Save-the-dates are an integral part of the wedding process. They provide your guests with important information while also giving them the opportunity to plan ahead. However, sending the perfect save-the-date isn't always as straightforward as it seems. Here a few of the wedding industry's best, share what couples should never do when it comes to save-the-dates.

Faux Pas: Taking It Too Seriously

"A big faux pas when it comes to your save-the-dates is taking it too seriously. This may be your one opportunity to have fun and show off your sense of humor as a couple. Keep the save-the-date light, and your wedding invitation more formal. From a funny video, to a custom caricature pop-up including your family cat—this is your chance to let your personality shine through." —Mikki Gardner, Owner, Mood Events

"Save-the-dates are wonderful reminders for your guests to not only 'save the date,' but to book their hotel and determine their transportation to the celebration, too. It is so important that the location is listed to provide more information for your guests." —Melissa Porter, Managing Partner, Asheville Event Co.

"Don't send your save-the-dates (or any hard-copy invitations for that matter) in waves if you don't want feelings to be hurt. You never know who will put things on their refrigerator only to have someone from a B list to see it and wonder if theirs might have gotten lost in the mail. If you want to make sure certain people know about the date, call them or speak with them in person, letting them know a formal save-the-date will be in the mail. Don't risk hurting people's feelings just to put feelers out and see who can make it before sending to your B list."—Jacin Fitzgerald, Owner & Creative Director, Jacin Fitzgerald Events

"Be sure that you have a really great handle on your budget before sending your save-the-dates. By understanding what you can spend as well as how many guests you can accommodate you will avoid a potential budget issue if you need to cut corners. You don't want to send an over-the-top save-the-dates and set one expectation for the type of wedding you're having only to follow up with less than impressive invites." —Amy Nichols, Lead Designer & Planner, Amy Nichols Special Events

"A faux pas you can make early on is designing a save-the-date that isn't cohesive with the vision for your entire paper suite. This results in a disjointed collection of paperie headed to your guests, and can often suggest conflicting attire for your celebration. Here is an example of a thoughtfully-planned paper family from save-the-date to place card, where every bit is in keeping with the original vibe." —Calder Clark, Owner & Creative Director, Calder Clark

"Don't forget your last names! Lots of modern save-the-date designs show first names only which looks really striking. However, if you go this route, don't forget to add last names on the return address. Some guests, namely your parents' friends, won't be familiar enough with you as a couple to know who the save the date is from." —Jennifer Zabinski, Founder & President, Jennifer Zabinski Events

"It is never appropriate to list your registry information on your save-the-dates, however it is considered acceptable to list a website for additional details on your save-the-dates and then have your registry information listed on the website." —Tracie Domino, Founder & Creative Director, Tracie Domino Events

"If you send a save the date to a guest, they should receive a formal invitation in the mail as well, even if they tell you they can't attend." —Nick & Aleah Valley, Owners, Valley & Company Events

"Not sending them out. If you opt not to send a save-the-date, then be prepared for a good number of people to not be able to attend. People's weekends can book up fast (particularly if it's a popular wedding weekend), so be sure to give everyone some advance notice of your wedding before invites go out." —Leah Weinberg, Owner/Planner, Color Pop Events