Do You Include Kids on Save the Dates? Tips for Family-Friendly Invitations
When you’re planning your wedding, one of the first decisions you’ll face is how to handle your guests, especially when it comes to including kids on your save the dates. Many couples opt for child-free weddings to create a more adult-focused atmosphere, while others welcome families and all their little ones.
As you navigate the world of wedding planning, knowing the right etiquette for save-the-dates can make things easier. These pre-invitation cards give guests advanced notice and can help set the tone for your big day. If you decide not to include kids, you might communicate this on a separate insert card to ensure everyone understands your wishes without creating any awkwardness.
Deciding whether to include children on your save the dates is all about what feels right for your special day. By understanding the etiquette and keeping your guests in mind, you can make a choice that reflects your vision and helps everyone celebrate together.
Understanding Save-the-Dates
Save-the-dates are an essential part of wedding planning. They give your guests advanced notice about your wedding date and help them prepare to celebrate with you. Knowing the etiquette around save-the-dates will help you create the perfect announcement.
The Purpose of Save-the-Dates
The main purpose of save-the-dates is to inform your guests about the wedding date and location. This is especially important for guests who may need to make travel arrangements or adjustments to their schedules.
When crafting save-the-date wording, make sure to include your names, the wedding date, and the venue city. You can keep it simple, like “Save the Date! John and Jane are getting married on June 15, 2025, in Austin, Texas.”
Save-the-dates are typically sent out six to eight months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to plan, especially for a destination wedding. Consider your guest list carefully, including anyone who is close to you, whether single or part of an unmarried couple.
Save-the-Date Etiquette
Knowing save-the-date etiquette ensures your invitations are clear and polite. It’s recommended to send save-the-dates to everyone you intend to invite, including those who may not receive formal invitations later.
When deciding whether to include kids or mention a “plus one,” consider the nature of your wedding. If your celebration is child-free, it’s perfectly fine to indicate this subtly. Some wording options might include “Adults only” on the save-the-date.
Remember to personalize your save-the-dates. Use creative designs that reflect your style as a couple. Don’t forget to ensure that the names on the save-the-dates match what your guests will recognize, particularly if you choose to use an informal version.
Details to Include
When creating your save the date cards, it’s important to focus on the key information that your guests need. This includes essential details about your wedding and some optional elements that can enhance the invitation.
Essential Information
Start with the most important details. You need to include your names clearly. This helps guests know who is getting married. Next, add the wedding date so guests can mark it on their calendars.
Including the location of your wedding is also crucial. If it’s a destination wedding, provide the city or venue to help guests plan ahead. If you have a wedding website, mention it on the card. This is where guests can find more details or RSVP at a later date.
It’s best not to include RSVP information on save the dates. Focus on the basics while keeping it simple and friendly.
Additional Elements
Once you have the essential details, consider adding a few extras. A fun element could be a wedding hashtag. This allows guests to share photos on social media, making your wedding more interactive.
If there is a specific wedding theme, including a hint of that can create excitement. For example, you could use colors or illustrations that match the theme.
Avoid putting any registry information on the save the date. It’s better suited for your wedding invitations or website. Always send one save the date per household to keep things simple and manageable. This way, you’ll avoid cluttering mailboxes and ensure everyone is informed.
Sending Your Save-the-Dates
Choosing the right time and the right people to send your save-the-dates is important. You want to give guests enough notice, while also being clear about who is invited.
When to Send
It’s best to send your save-the-dates 6 to 8 months before your wedding date. This gives your guests time to clear their schedules, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding.
If your wedding falls on a holiday or busy season, consider sending them even earlier to ensure your guests can attend. Remember, if you’re planning a registry, your guests may want to plan their gifts, too.
Be sure to include the date, location, and your names, even if you may not have every detail ready yet. Keeping it simple helps your guests focus on the most important parts.
To Whom to Send
Send your save-the-dates to everyone on your guest list. This includes anyone you plan to invite, even if you are unsure about their attendance.
Make sure to send an individual card to each household. This means if a couple is invited, they only receive one save-the-date, but can still bring their plus one if that’s your plan.
If you want to keep kids out, clarify that when sending the actual invitations. Being polite and clear now ensures that everyone understands your wishes when the time comes for the formal invites.