I have an admission to make.  I am seriously challenged when it comes to remembering  things.  If I could, I would stick save the date postcards to myself for about twenty or thirty things a week.  Even more when I'm having a busy time at work.  They actually make save the date stickers, so I may consider it.

Unfortunately for me, people usually only send out save the date postcards for events that they consider important to them, like weddings, birthday celebrations, Christenings, and such.  For some reason, I hang on to them and make sure that they end up somewhere I can see them, like the front of my refrigerator (there are also save the date magnets, but I don't get them as often).  There are a lot of different save the date items offered actually.  I might just do another post about some of the save the date ideas I have that I might start using on my own.

Since I have gotten married, I have found that I'm invited to a lot more events.  Things have calmed down a bit, but there was a while there when it seemed that every weekend was scheduled for some-one's "big event" and I was usually clueless until I was told by my spouse to go get dressed.  Honestly, the exception to this has been the events that had a card staring me in the face every time I went to get myself something to eat or drink from the fridge.  I may have not been looking forward to every event, but I remembered it!

I think that we all get more excited for our own events than those of others for the most part.  That is why I highly recommend using save the date postcards as a way to keep people up to date about what you have planned.  Forgetful people like me really don't try to be inconsiderate of you and your event.  Most times we feel just terrible about it.  Personally, I'd much rather show up with a wonderful gift that you will be happy to receive.  It is when I mess up and forget until the last minute that I'm forced to stop at the corner drugstore for your gift.  Neither one of us really want that, do we?

The postcards and other save the date items are really very simple, although you can get them as fancy as you want them!  They let social clods like me know about your event with enough lead time that we can RSVP and then remember not to plan anything else for your special day.  There are different companies that sell them and they each offer their own packages and rates for the cards.

There are other options for save the date postcards of course.  You could make them yourself if you are creative and like to mess around on the computer, but that might actually end up costing more once you take ink and card stock into consideration.  You can also use companies that will send out save the date emails for you.  Personally, that would not work for me.  My email box is a bit like a black hole.  I've gotten to the point of receiving so many emails across so many accounts every day that something has to really grab my attention to separate itself from the spam.  Probably my favorite option besides the save the date postcards would be the magnets.  What can I say?  Save the date magnets are even easier to stick on the fridge and the can be used even after your big event is over.

If you do decide to go with sending a save the date card, there is some essential information that you should include. Of course you should let people know what the actual event is. I'm not the fanciest dresser, but I'll try a little harder for a wedding than I would for a cookout at the beach. Another obvious thing to include is the date and location of your event. Please do not ever assume that everyone knows where some restaurant or other location is because it is so popular. Some of us don't get out much, so you should include directions and a complete address for those who are fortunate enough to have a GPS to help them navigate.

If you are going to be sending along a separate invitation for a big event like a wedding, you should check out the proper etiquette for what to include on your save the date postcard. I believe it is only "required" that you include the address and such on the actual invitation. You'll increase your chances of seeing me though if it is both places...but follow the etiquette really.  There is probably also etiquette regarding the proper postcard size, but I certainly won't be offended by anything you send me that invites me to a free meal!

In conclusion, I'd just like to say that I give my top recommendation to save the date postcards as a way to keep forgetful people like myself on track. I enjoy having the reminder and you can get your save the date postcards as fancy or plain as you like depending on your personal style and the nature of the event you are hosting. I hope whatever events you might be planning go off without a hitch. If you have something really fun lined up, send me a postcard. I'll save the date!