Some of my friends have expressed to me that they find the pressure of creating the perfect save the date cards can be too much early on in the wedding planning.  When this comes up, I always suggest that they use their engagement photo shoot as an opportunity to work with their photographer to come up with some unique shots that can be the centerpiece of the save the date.  After all, this makes the session a lot more fun and it gives you the opportunity to test out your photographer’s creativity before the big day.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for a fun save the date, here are some great photos that we found on the web and added into some of our favorite save the date designs.  Also, be sure to use the code SAVE15 on any save the date order over $99 before 10/12/09 to receive 15% off at Wedding Paper Divas.

Photo from Abdiel Faith

Photo from Erica May

Photo from Brooklyn Bride

Photo from Stephanie Williams

Photo from Creative Envy

Get creative with your Save the Date cards! If you’ve decided to send a photo save the date announcement, have fun with it. Whether you hire a professional photographer or decide to have a friend take your photo, here are some unique ways to send your save the dates.

1. Great for Save the Dates or Thank You cards, this photo just requires two plain t-shirts and stick-on vinyl lettering which you can get everywhere from Office Depot to various online stores. (MarthaStewart.com)

2. Another idea is to have your photo taken during certain holidays. Dress up in costumes as a bride and a groom, or dress up your pets (costumes from Buycostumes.com) for a funny and certainly unique Save the Date Card.

3. If you are lucky enough to have your proposal on film, use it in your save the date cards as a creative way to introduce friends and family to your engagement and your upcoming wedding.

Here are a few unique cards to ask that your guests save the date!

By guest blogger Manus Chau

As a freelance wedding photographer, photography lands in my top 5 most important things for wedding planning, of course! Here’s my list in no particular order:

• date
  • ceremony
  • reception location
  • colors
  • photography

There are a lot of talented photographers out there, but it can be confusing to know where to start. A great first step is to ask friends who recently got married for recommendations. It’s very common in this industry to hire through referrals. Next, check out the photographer’s style to see if it’s compatible with yours. Meet with potential photographers to see if they’re a good fit for your event. Spend some time getting to know him or her and observe what kind of personality they have. After all, your photographer will spend a great deal of time with you on your big day.

Engagement photos are very popular and many photographers include them in their packages. This is a great opportunity to get to know your photographer before the actual wedding day. You’ll also be able to dress up, look hot, and have fun at the same time. You can use engagement photos on your personal blogs, share them with friends and family, or if you have them taken well in advance and have time, send out a photo save the date card. You’ll want to make sure that Uncle Bob and Aunt Jane who live across the country know all about your big bash!