One of the first things a newly engaged bride has to do (after selecting the venue and photographer) is send out Save the Dates. This is no easy feat, especially since it will involve getting at least a preemptive guest list nailed down first. And while you’ve probably received save the dates for other people’s weddings, it’s easy to feel lost when it comes to sending out your own. So, where to start? You’ll need an actual card to send, and getting them online can be more cost effective compared to a stationer. Basic Invite is a website that melds the personalization and style you’d find with a stationer to the ease and price of ordering through an online company.  Recently, they released  wood slice save the dates, and I am DYING over it (yes, you read that right- real wood!).

Stylistically, this is super avant-garde and something that is sure to wow it’s recipient (I mean, who opens up an envelope and expects to find a wood invite?!?!). Basic Invite’s wood save the dates are made from real cherry wood veneer, and are double sided for full impact. Yet, because it’s veneer, they are able to keep them super thin, and therefore- easier/ lighter/ cheaper to send in the mail.

And while their wood save the dates are beautiful, once I was on the site I was quickly sucked into all.the.things that they have. Though I’d consider them a primarily wedding-focused company, they have paper goods for many other celebrations, too (baby announcement/ showers, graduations, birthdays, baptisms, holidays- pretty much anything you’d need). In their wedding selections alone, they have not only invites and save the dates, but insert cards, thank you cards, programs, menus, place cards, guest books, and even personalized coasters!

As I was online designing various goods, I loved how you can personalize literally any part of the item. The coaster I chose allowed me to change the color to match the invite, as well as change the placement of various information. I’m no newbie when it comes to designing cards online. I always get frustrated when I can’t personalize something to my liking. Even after using companies like Papersource and Minted, Basic Invite is the only company I’ve encountered where I can change things like invitation wording, color, size, placement, font, and overall style. For example, when I couldn’t fit the names on one line, I was able to move the next text box down to give it more room. I’ve never been able to do that before!

Other Save the Date Tips

1. Typically they are sent out 4-6 months in advance, unless it is a destination wedding or wedding over a busy holiday (in which you’d send them out closer to 9-12 months out)
2. Include both of your names, your date, and the city/ state the wedding will be in
3. Send them to people you are for sure inviting to the wedding. Once someone gets a save the date, there’s no turning back! (So you’ll need a finalized guest list before sending them out, or send them out to people as you finalize)

Other Reasons to Love Basic Invite

1. They offer free wedding websites that will match your invitations
2. They *legit* have unlimited colors to choose from- I dare you to find a color they cannot supply!
3. You can print just one of anything you are thinking about ordering. This means that before you buy 100 invitations or programs, you can get a sample of it to see how everything looks/ feels in person before you buy more.
4. Free addressing on envelopes!

 

Best of luck to all of my brides-to-be as you enter the throes of wedding paper goods! If you have any questions about Basic Invite or save the dates, shoot me a message and I’d be happy to assist!