The countdown is on—our save the date cards have officially arrived! Just in time, too, since the general rule of thumb for destination weddings is to get them out at least seven months before the big day. Seeing the cards in person feels like such a milestone. They’re beautiful, they’re tangible, and most importantly, they mark the moment when our wedding begins to feel real to everyone we love.
Designing the Perfect Card
Thomas and I spent last week creating our cards on Minted.com (not sponsored, just a glowing review from two very happy customers). We knew we wanted something classic yet personal, and Minted made it incredibly easy. In just about an hour, we selected a design, customized the text, uploaded our details, and imported all of our guest addresses directly from our database. With a few clicks, our cards were ready to print.
We opted for double-sided cards, pre-addressed envelopes (a total lifesaver), and a handful of blanks to have on hand for last-minute additions. When the box arrived today, it was like opening a little wedding gift to ourselves. The cards turned out even better than we imagined, and we can’t wait to send them off.
Building the Guest List
Of course, before you can send anything, you need to know who’s on the receiving end. Back in October, we sat down together and finalized our guest list. We wanted to be intentional about including everyone who matters most to us while keeping our budget in mind. Since the venue and catering are fixed costs, we knew the guest count would play a big role in shaping everything else—from décor to little extras down the line.
We had already laid some groundwork months before. When we announced our engagement last August, we sent out an email to our guests with a custom link to Postable.com. There, friends and family could update their addresses, add birthdays, and include the names of spouses or plus-ones. That database turned out to be the unsung hero of this entire process. With just a few clicks, we had an up-to-date mailing list ready to go, saving us hours of chasing down addresses.
A Practical Tip from the Post Office
One small but important step: I made a trip to the post office today with a sample card in hand to have it weighed. If you’re sending save the dates or invitations, don’t skip this part! Postage can vary depending on paper weight and size, and the last thing you want is for half your envelopes to boomerang back due to insufficient postage.
Here’s what we learned: domestic save the dates cost $0.78 each to mail, while international mail requires the $1.30 global forever stamps. With half of our cards headed to our friends in the U.S. and the other half making their way to France, Europe, and Ghana, it felt like a worthwhile investment of time to get everything right before heading to the counter with a mountain of envelopes.
Stuffing, Stamping, and Savoring the Moment
After dinner tonight, Thomas and I made espressos, sat down at the table, and turned envelope-stuffing into a little ritual. We carefully tucked each card inside, smoothed down the flaps, and placed the stamps—one by one—knowing each envelope carried so much more than just paper. Each one holds love, joy, and the promise of celebration. Tomorrow, we’ll drop them in the mailbox and set them on their way across the world.
It’s funny how something as simple as sealing envelopes can feel so momentous. For months, the wedding has lived in spreadsheets, Pinterest boards, and conversations late at night. Now, it’s finally something our friends and family will hold in their hands.
Looking Ahead
With save the dates officially in the mail, our attention now shifts to the next big items on the list: booking dress appointments and hiring a wedding planner. Both feel equally exciting and slightly nerve-wracking, but I’m ready to dive in. Each step brings us closer to the big day, and I want to savor it all—the small details, the late-night planning sessions, and yes, even the budgeting spreadsheets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the middle of wedding planning yourself, here’s my biggest takeaway from this stage: stay organized, use the tools available (seriously, Postable is a gem), and don’t underestimate the power of a little pre-planning. And always, always check your postage before mailing.
As for us, we’re raising a toast tonight to this sweet milestone. Our save the dates are out in the world, and our wedding journey feels more official than ever.
