Hi! I’m Lauren, Tumbalina’s Art Director and bride-to-be! Here to share my Save the Date process and what I’ve learned along the way!

Here are my top 10 do’s and don’t’s for save the date etiquette:

DO: Make sure your guest list is complete You’ll need your guest list to know how many cards to order, and to address your envelopes. This will also prevent any issues down the road with who’s invited (see Number 3).
DON’T: Don’t include guest’s on your save the date addresses. Once you promise a plus-one, you can’t take it back. If you’re unsure about inviting your friends new boyfriend, or your FBIL’s on-again-off-again girlfriend, play it safe by keeping your save the date’s to just the guest attending, you can add their plus one’s to your invitations when you’re closer to the date.
DO: Invite ALL Guests that received a Save the Date. If you’re sending a Save the Date to someone, you must invite them to the wedding. I know, it sounds obvious, but this is your way of telling recipients to look out for your formal invitation, and to save your special day to enjoy with you, it’s only proper etiquette.
DON’T: Don’t send out Save the Date’s before you’ve booked your venue. Though you may have a date in mind, your dream venue may not be available. Make sure you’re locked in at your dream wedding venue before you share your date!
DO: Consider your options & Budget. When I was searching for the perfect design to use for my save the date, I knew I wanted a design with gold foil, however, my budget for save the dates was a bit slim, so I opted for the design above which has a faux gold foil texture that’s a beautiful alternative to the real thing and much more wallet-friendly. Below are a few other designs I was considering using during the process.

6. DON’T: Don’t mismatch too much!. Yes, your Save the Date should be a bit more playful and definitely reflect you as a couple, and it does NOT have to match your invitation. But, it’s best to stay on theme (if you have one). For example, don’t use a rustic-wood design if you’re planning to have rose-gold foil pressed invitations for the big day.

7. DO: Set the tone. Decide how you want your copy written. Of course, your Save the Date doesn’t need to be bogged down with information, but consider the tone of it, do you want it to be formal? playful? straight to the point? I went for a more straight-to-the-point minimal approach to let our photo and the design be the star!

8. DON’T: Get to specific with your information, this is what your wedding website is for! All of the important details can be shared on your website or on a Detail card in your invitations!

9. DO: Check out Tumbalina’s Save the Date designs on our partner sites here, Walgreens, Snapfish & CVS

10. DON’T: forget to tag us when you share on social media! @tumbalinastudio - we love seeing our designs in-action with real couples!