*Like wedding invitations, save-the-date cards can be formally or informally worded. The cards almost always include the phrase "Save the Date," the date, city or town and, of course, the couple's names.

*Save-the-date cards do not have to be sent to every guest. For example, if only 30 percent of the guests will be traveling long distances, it's fine to limit sending the cards just to them.

*Envelopes for save-the-date cards should be addressed by hand, like invitations, but spending money on a calligrapher for them is not necessary.

— Copley News Service