When planning your wedding, the first step a couple should make after the proposal is to pick a wedding date. After the date is set, mailing out save-the-date cards would be next on the list. Practically speaking, a save-the-date is an announcement sent prior to the wedding invitation. It is usually done to announce the wedding date and let your guests know when they should mark their calendars and make preparations needed to attend your wedding. This step is particularly important for destination weddings and weddings done during holiday season, so that your beloved guests wouldn't make arrangements on your wedding date thus able to attend your special day.

Save-the-dates are usually sent after settling the guest list, because once sent, you can't take it back. Also, don't complicate the content of your save-the-date. Simply state both of your names, where and when the wedding takes place, and the wedding website if you have any. Save-the-dates are usually sent four to eight months prior to the wedding and can be done in a multitude of creative ways. Whether paper back or electronic, here are some unique save-the-date ideas we've gathered just for you, slide away!

One final tip, don't forget to mail your invitation suites to your guests in time, for save-the-dates serve only as a heads-up and not as a formal wedding invite. Let us know which idea (or ideas) you think is best or tell us your own idea on the comments section below! And of course, don't forget to add your favorite ideas to the inspiration board.