Having a wedding on the Outer Banks and want to spread the word? You’ve chosen a fantastic location in which to celebrate with friends and family. But are you confused about how to send information to your guests?

Starting from the very beginning, you’ve gathered names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses of those near and dear to you and those soon to be called your invite list. You’ve even quizzed them on their favorite cake flavor, preferred song list, and request for specialty cocktail or signature drink. But now you are getting ready to send them a “save the date” with all the important stuff about booking their hotels, closest airport, weather, and such. But here’s the real question: How much is too much information? If they were vacationing anytime other than to come to your wedding, they would do their own research, right?

So, let’s explore “save the dates” and what is important to your guests. A save the date’s first purpose is to get the wedding date on your guests’ calendar so they have plenty of time to make plans to be at your wedding. It will also help you put together your guest list earlier and will verify all mailing addresses for the real invitation. Save the dates can be sent out as far in advance as you want, but if you are planning a wedding in high season here on the OBX, your guests will need as much notice as possible to book their hotel rooms or vacation homes. Throw in a few great websites that help them learn more about the Outer Banks; OBX.com, for example. Include your hotel room block information or the names of realty companies who specialize in vacation rental homes near your wedding venue. Have fun with it, but give your guests the right information to make great decisions about their lodging, activities, and such within close proximity to your wedding day venue.

Make sure the style of your save the date will match the degree of formality of the wedding day, so that you are not sending the wrong message to your guests from the very beginning.