While I usually start themed weeks on a Monday, this one is starting today and will run through next Tuesday.

The first piece of wedding stationery you shop for is your save-the-date card.  A save-the-date card is not a required element of your stationery wardrobe, but many brides and grooms like sending them because they can be a fun way to notify guests of your plans.  Save-the-date cards were initially intended to notify guests who have to travel to the wedding location what’s the best way to get there and where they should stay.

A save-the-date card is not an invitation, and that’s why many couples choose to write “Formal invitation to follow” at the bottom of the card.  I think several of Dave’s friends after receiving our save-the-date mentioned to Dave that I forgot to include an RSVP card with the “invitation.” 

While there are save-the-date cards that can coordinate with your wedding invitation, program and other paper elements, you may not know what your wedding colors and theme are at this stage of planning.  So be creative and create or find a card that really expresses who the two of you are.

Many couples like to include a photo of the two of them on their save-the-date, but if you don’t like the ones that you’ve taken and don’t want to hire a professional photographer, I’ve got the next best thing.  And actually, I think this is more fun.

Pose Prints will create an illustration of you and your fiance for your save-the-date card.  There are tons of options for you to choose from – hair style and color, eye color, lips, your outfit and hair accessory.  You can choose the background and personalize the text.  If you want something more customized you can work with Denise and Jen to create something really specific.

They also have bridal shower and bachelorette party designs, so if you’ve already ordered and mailed your save-the-date cards you can still get an invite with your photo on it.

For the month of April, Pose Prints is offering readers of the From “I Will” to “I Do” blog an additional 10% off their order - just enter the following promotional code when you checkout - will2Ido.