Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding is a complex and time-consuming process, so it's no surprise that many couples are turning to digital solutions to simplify the process. One such solution is sending wedding save the date emails to guests, which is a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and quick way to ensure your guests have all the information they need. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the risk of emails ending up in spam folders or being lost in cluttered inboxes. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of sending wedding save the date emails and offer guidance on how to navigate the process smoothly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Faster, less expensive, easier, and greener than physical save-the-date cards |
| Eco-friendly | |
| Can be tracked | |
| Can include more details than a physical save-the-date card | |
| Disadvantages | Considered less formal |
| Risk of ending up in spam or junk folders | |
| Risk of being lost in an inbox | |
| Less impactful than a physical save-the-date card | |
| Cost | Generally, around $100 to $150 for about 150 save-the-dates |
| Timing | Should be sent 6-8 months before the wedding date |
| For destination weddings, save-the-dates can be sent up to a year in advance |
What You'll Learn
Advantages of sending wedding save-the-date emails
There are several advantages to sending wedding save-the-date emails. Here are some of the key benefits:
Cost-Effective
Electronic save-the-dates are a great way to save money on your wedding budget. They are less expensive than traditional paper invitations, with the cost of sending emails via an email service typically being a fraction of the cost of paper invitations and postage.
Eco-Friendly
Digital save-the-dates are environmentally friendly as no paper is used, making them a perfect option for couples planning an eco-friendly wedding.
Time-Saving
Creating and sending electronic save-the-dates is a quick and simple process. You can find templates online that you can customise and send out in a matter of hours. This is especially beneficial for couples working with a shorter planning timeframe.
Tracking
Many email services offer tracking options, so you can see when your guests have received and opened your save-the-date. This gives you peace of mind and helps you keep track of who you may need to follow up with.
Detail
Electronic save-the-dates offer more space to include details than a paper card. As well as the basic information, you can include links to room reservation blocks, your wedding website, and other helpful information for your guests.
Convenience
Sending save-the-date emails is a convenient option for both you and your guests. It saves you time and effort in gathering physical addresses and sending out paper invitations, and it gives your guests all the information they need in a digital format that they can easily access.
How Photographers Can Utilize Wedding Photos: Rights and Usage
You may want to see also
Disadvantages of sending wedding save-the-date emails
There are several disadvantages to sending wedding save-the-date emails. Firstly, they are considered less formal than traditional paper invitations. While your friends and younger relatives may not mind, older relatives might prefer a physical card.
Secondly, there is a risk that your email could end up in guests' spam or junk folders, or that they might delete or lose the email before your wedding. This is especially true if you don't use an email service, as these services can help ensure your message doesn't get flagged as spam.
Another drawback is that an email might not have the same impact as a physical card. A save-the-date is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, and an email or text often can't replace the excitement of receiving a card in the mail.
Additionally, if you're inviting multiple people from the same household, it can be tricky to ensure that your email reaches all the intended recipients. It's important to list the individual names of each invitee clearly and send only one email per household.
Finally, if you're looking to include fancy design elements in your save-the-date, it might be more challenging to achieve the same effect with an email. While you can certainly add images and change the background colour, it may not have the same richness and texture as a physical card.
Wedding Vows: Promises of Love
You may want to see also
How to send wedding save-the-date emails
Sending wedding save-the-date emails is a great way to save money and ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to send wedding save-the-date emails:
Step 1: Gather Guest Information
Before you start designing your save-the-date emails, ensure you have the email addresses of your guests. This can be a time-consuming process, but it is crucial to have accurate information. Tools like Postable can help consolidate your guest information in one place.
Step 2: Choose a Platform
There are various platforms available to design and send your save-the-date emails, such as Paperless Post, Evite, Bliss & Bone, and Etsy. These platforms offer customizable templates and design options to suit your wedding style. Alternatively, you can use a mail service like Mailchimp or GMass, which allows you to input guest email addresses and send personalized emails in bulk.
Step 3: Design Your Emails
When designing your save-the-date emails, keep them concise and include key information such as the wedding date, location, and a mention that a formal invitation will follow. You may also want to include a link to your wedding website for additional details. Add a personal touch with a photo of you and your partner.
Step 4: Track Your Emails
Consider using a mail service that offers tracking options to see if your guests have received and opened your save-the-date emails. This will help ensure your messages aren't ending up in spam folders and give you peace of mind.
Step 5: Send at the Right Time
It is recommended to send your save-the-date emails six to eight months before your wedding date. For destination weddings or weddings during holiday periods, consider sending them up to a year in advance to give your guests ample time to make travel plans.
Step 6: Follow Up
While your save-the-date emails are just the first step, remember to follow up with formal invitations closer to your wedding date. This is when guests will typically send their RSVPs and make any necessary dining or accommodation choices.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding? Catholic Rules and Regulations
You may want to see also
What to include in a wedding save-the-date email
There are many reasons to opt for a wedding save-the-date email. They are faster, less expensive, easier, and more environmentally friendly than physical save-the-date cards. However, they are considered less formal, so you may want to consider sending paper save-the-dates to older relatives.
Location
It is important to let your guests know where the wedding will be held, especially if you are having a destination wedding.
Date
Provide the date of your wedding, but not the start time. It is also not necessary to include an itinerary for the entire wedding weekend.
Wedding Website Link
Include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find more information. If your wedding website is password-protected, be sure to include the login and password.
"Invitation to Follow" Wording
It is considered proper etiquette to let your guests know that a formal invitation will be sent at a later date.
Venue, Hotel, or Travel Information
It is too early to share venue details, hotel information, or travel suggestions. The only goal at this stage is to have your guests block off the wedding date on their calendars.
A Link to Your Registry
It is considered tacky to include a link to your registry in the save-the-date. If guests want to find this information, they can do so via your wedding website.
Lots of Text
Keep your save-the-date email concise and to the point. Avoid the temptation to fill the email with extraneous information or long-winded prose.
RSVP Request
Save-the-date emails are just a heads-up about your wedding, and it is too early to ask guests to RSVP. You will send the RSVP request with the formal invitations.
Matching Colours or Fonts
You do not need to match the colours or fonts of your save-the-date email to your wedding theme, especially if you have not finalised these details yet.
A Survey
Avoid including a survey in your save-the-date email, as this may confuse your guests about the purpose of the email. If you want to include a survey, send it separately.
Doves at Jewish Weddings: Symbolic Meaning
You may want to see also
When to send wedding save-the-date emails
The general rule of thumb is to send out save-the-date emails for your wedding around six to eight months in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to make plans and book travel and accommodation. If you're planning a destination wedding, or your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, it's advisable to send your save-the-date emails even earlier—up to nine to 12 months in advance. This is to ensure your guests have ample time to make the necessary arrangements without feeling rushed.
While electronic save-the-dates are a convenient, quick, and cost-effective option, it's important to be mindful of potential drawbacks. There's a risk of your message being flagged as spam or ending up in your guests' junk folders. Additionally, some older relatives or less tech-savvy guests may prefer a physical card. To mitigate these issues, consider using an email service provider that can help ensure your message looks legitimate and is less likely to be flagged as spam.
It's also worth noting that while you can send save-the-date emails at the same time as your paper invitations, it's generally recommended to send them separately, giving your guests ample notice. This way, your guests can get excited about your upcoming nuptials and have the necessary details to start making their plans.
The Intriguing Meaning of Chu Weda: A Name's Origin and Significance
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Emailed save-the-dates are now common and widely accepted, except perhaps at the most formal of weddings.
The best solution is to use an email service provider (like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, or GMass) to send your save-the-dates.
Six to eight months is the common rule of thumb. If you’re planning a destination wedding, nine to 12 months is standard.
A save-the-date email should include your names, the date of the wedding, the location (though the venue isn’t required), your wedding website, and a note that an invitation will follow. It’s also nice to indicate whether you’re inviting the person with a plus one.
You’re not required to send a save-the-date, but it’s a huge courtesy. If you’re worried about cost, sending save-the-date emails is often your best option.
