save the dates - multiple questions

emeejeeayen

I'm designing my own save the dates, so I'm starting to look into getting them printed. I originally was going to use Vistaprint, but my FI would rather support local businesses. 

But in this process, I'm starting to second guess my choices.

My plan right now is to send a postcard that has all of the typical save the date information on one side, and the other side has a, um, ~poem of sorts telling folks to go to our website for more information on one half and the person's address on the other. I added the poem because my mom didn't feel like it was personal enough without it. ::eye roll:: 

I'm also going to stamp each one with this custom stamp we got (assuming it ever arrives...): http://www.etsy.com/listing/92345287/custom-couple-portrait-handcarved-rubber

Here are my questions:

1) Is sending my save the dates mid-January enough time for folks on the east coast to make plans for our CA wedding in August? (Most people we know have vacation days that go January-January vs hire-hire.)

2) I have reserved a block of hotel rooms at a significant discount (typically $120+/night, but I have it for $79/night) and a 5% discount from American Airlines. I am alluding to discounts on my save the dates, but as it is a postcard, I'm just referring everyone to the website or telling them to call us directly if they have any questions. Is this sufficient? (Obviously on my invites I will be including an insert, but I'm not sure if that gives everyone enough information in enough time given how many folks are traveling.)

3) Are poems always stupid? :-\

I may or may not be starting to panic a bit. I think I've started to irrationally believe that everyone is going to decide whether or not it is worthwhile to come to our wedding based on our save the dates. I know that isn't true, but I'm fairly certain the emotional part of my brain is ignoring that. 

Thanks!

ETA: most of our guests are on the east coast

Avion22

1.  Save-the-dates typically go out 6-9 months in advance, so Jan for an August wedding is about right.

2.  Given that it's a postcard, I think having the info on the website is best (or having them call you directly).  

3.  Personally, I think poems are always stupid.  Sorrry....

wrigleyville

Poems are kind of cheesy. I would just say something like, "For more information, including hotel blocks and airfare discounts, please visit our wedding website at www.blahblahblah.com. We look forward to seeing you!"

It sounds sort of business-like, but some people may not realize the wedding website has the information about the discounts. I usually don't look at wedding websites right away and start going to sites like Hotwire and Expedia instead. If I knew you had some super sweet deal like that, then I'd be all over it.

As you said, including it in the invitation may be too late. For traveling to the west coast, I'd probably start booking as soon as I got the STD. I wouldn't wait until June because the prices would be sky-high. Definitely include it - I'm not saying not to - I just mean it might be too late for those who plan far ahead.

emeejeeayen

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_save-the-dates-multiple-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:8599f50c-f51a-4569-923f-3de7f23e877bPost:114d3483-78f7-47f8-a9e4-416b18c6ff0b">Re: save the dates - multiple questions</a>:
[QUOTE]I would nix the poem and state the discount clearly.  We have negotiated a discounted rate for guests staying at Hotel Name and traveling by American Air. Details can be found on our wedding website. Maybe it is impersonal, but I think it is more important to communicate the information clearly. The fact that you're inviting them to the wedding and sending a STD with your picture on it makes it personal enough, IMO.
Posted by Liatris2010[/QUOTE]

<div>No picture on it - sorry ;)</div>

itzMS

Just adding some more strength to PPs statements.

1. January is fine. DH & I got married in August and sent ours in January shorty after the "holiday rush". Everyone had more than enough time for travel/questions/etc

2. We used a phrase on our STDs like "For additional information and accomodation suggestions please visit www. ourweddingrox .com"

3. Poems are cheesy.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

We did not have a website and we did postcard STDs. We used Vistaprint.

We had enough room on the back to list our hotel block info, the closest airports, and the fact that we would be providing transportation between the blocked hotel and the wedding.

We included the same information in an insert in our invitation as well.

Jen4948

1. Yes.  A save-the-date can be sent about six to eight months before the wedding, and January fits in that time frame.

2. You could say something like itzMS suggests, or "Information about hotel blocks and discounts can be found at

3.  Lose the poem.