What's one of the first things you should do when planning your class reunion? Right after you've formed the committee and decided when to have the event, it's time to send out save the date cards. Here's the top five reasons these announcements are so valuable.

1. Have you heard the news? The most basic reason to send save the date cards is to alert your classmates that there is actually going to be a class reunion. Some people will be thrilled to receive your notice. And others might be a bit more apprehensive and need to warm up to the idea. The point is to get them all to start thinking about it, and hopefully to decide that they want to attend.

2. Circle the date on the calendar. Did you know that 65 percent of class reunions in the United States are held during the summer months? July is the most popular with 23 percent; August follows closely behind at 21 percent and finally June comes in at 12 percent. That means you're likely to be planning your festivities for the time of year that other people are planning to go away on vacation. Before they make those other plans, get in there and ask them to reserve that day to spend with their former classmates.

3. Drive traffic to your website. Make sure you include your reunion website address on your save the date cards. Let your former classmates know that's where they'll find more information, updates and other fun stuff. Encourage them to register. Used effectively, these cards can deliver your target audience to your website door.

4. You'll get a lot of them back marked "address unknown". Why is this good? Because it helps you to create your missing classmates list right from the start. Any time one of these class reunion save the date cards are returned to you, post on your website that you are looking for that particular former student. Of course, you should hold on the returned cards. You can always send them out again when you find the right addresses

5. This looks like it's going to be fun. Here is your chance to make a first impression and let your fellow classmates know that this is an event that can't be missed. Your class reunion save the date cards should generate excitement and create buzz. Don't send out anything dull that could pass as junk mail. A plain post card with just the facts won't get noticed. Go for impact.

Whether you create these cards yourself or have them done professionally, here are some suggestions for class reunion save the date cards that will capture their attention:

• A bulletin board containing pinned down notes with your information and a photo of your school.

• An open memory book with memorabilia, including your school emblem or mascot.

• A fun list of prices, top songs, movies, events and other trivia from your graduating year..

• A collage of pictures representing the year you graduated.

• Picture of tickets with all your information included on the ticket itself.

• Any bold colors (or your school colors) with balloons and a general fun, party atmosphere..

• Humor, teasers, questions (with the answer on your reunion website), whatever happened to, or anything else that will spark their curiosity.

Look for ideas or designs that inspire nostalgia. Give them a blast from the past and they'll start thinking about the good old days. The next stop will be your reunion website to register.

Jump start your class reunion planning by sending out great save the date cards. Make sure that you choose something bold, fun and creative that will make an impression on your former classmates. Don't forget to include your website address and contact information. Make an impact with these announcements and your old friends are guaranteed to mark their calendars for this special event.