Successful events require a lot of planning both on your part and on the part of your guests. Make sure you invest a small amount in save-the-date cards with postcard printing. It is an elegant and inexpensive way to get your guests planning and scheduling your special day in advance.

Save-the-date cards are the cards sent out before the formal invitation is given out simply to make sure that no other commitments are made on the day of your event. Given how busy people are and how tight schedules are becoming, these cards are a courtesy card that gives your guests a heads up and helps them schedule and plan your event in advance.

Here are a few tips to successful save-the-date cards.

• Mail your cards as far in advance as possible. Invitations are typically received three weeks before the event. In this case, you can send your save-the-date cards two months before the actual date. When you are expecting guests from different states, send them several months in advance to help them book flights or schedule their leave.

• Design your cards to be remembered. Sending your postcards too far in advance has its advantages, but also run the risk of being forgotten. A good way to be remembered is to print your postcard in the standard 5x7 inches postcard size. It makes it ideal for being pinned up to cork boards or stuck unto refrigerators. It can also be used as a bookmark to planners.

• Incorporate the motif into the card design. Give your guests enough time to plan their outfits and include the motif into the card design. This way, they know in advance what to expect from your party and how to dress. It also gives them hints on what the appropriate gifts should be, if there are any.

Postcard is the ideal format for your save the date cards. It’s no fuss format makes your mailing convenient and inexpensive.

• It can be mailed out without an envelope saving you the cost of envelope and postal charges. Its board paper is durable enough to withstand regular handling without tearing, and the back can be printed with the postal information.

• Your postcard can be printed with a full colored face that makes it stand out from the rest of the mail. The attractive design can also help you build up the excitement for your event, and give your guests a preview of what to expect.

• The postal information can be printed at the back with your inkjet printer, or with the printing company’s variable data printer. You can simply send them a database of your guest list and they can handle printing and mailing these addresses for you.

Postcard printing companies are often a one-stop shop where you can also avail of direct-mail services. They can arrange to have your postcards sent in bulk. They also sort your prints electronically to meet the postal service specification, saving you both time and money.