Save The Date And Wedding Invites: Are Both Necessary?

Planning a wedding involves a lot of decisions, from the guest list to the venue and everything in between. One of the first steps in the process is deciding whether to send save-the-date cards or wedding invitations, or both. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are several factors to consider when making this decision. This includes the purpose of each, the timing, and the impact on your guests' experience. Save-the-date cards are a way to give guests a heads-up about the wedding date and location, whereas wedding invitations provide more detailed information. Sending both can be beneficial, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons, including the additional time and cost involved in sending save-the-dates. Ultimately, the decision depends on the couple's preferences, guest list, and wedding details.

Save-the-date cards are optional

If you decide to send save-the-date cards, it is important to send them out early enough so that your guests can make the necessary arrangements. It is recommended to send them out 8-12 months ahead of your wedding, especially if it is a destination wedding. By sending these cards, you are letting people know to reserve that date and not make other plans. The timing for the formal invitations is much later, usually 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.

There are some pros and cons to sending save-the-date cards. On the one hand, they can be helpful for your guests, especially if they need to book travel accommodations or request time off work. They also let your guests know for sure that they are invited to your wedding. On the other hand, creating and sending save-the-date cards can be time-consuming and expensive, and you will need to finalise your guest list early on.

Ultimately, the decision to send save-the-date cards depends on your personal preference, the size of your guest list, and the complexity of your wedding plans. If you have a small guest list of mostly close friends, for example, you may not need to send save-the-date cards.

The purpose of save-the-date cards

Save-the-date cards are optional, but they serve an important purpose. They are a way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location, especially if travel is involved. This allows them to book travel and accommodations, set up travel alerts, request time off work, and make other necessary arrangements.

Save-the-dates are sent out early in the wedding planning process, once you have finalised the date and location. They are a brief notification, with the formal invitation and details to follow. This gives your guests a chance to plan and budget, and ensures they don't double-book. It also confirms for your guests that they are on the guest list, which can be helpful for friends and family who may not be sure whether they will be invited or not.

Save-the-date cards should include the names of the couple, the date, and the location of the wedding. You can also include a wedding website if you have one. It is best to send them out 8-12 months ahead of the wedding, especially if it is a destination wedding.

The pros of sending save-the-date cards

Save-the-date cards are a fun and practical way to let your guests know that they are on the guest list for your wedding. Here are some pros of sending save-the-date cards:

You Give Your Guests a Heads Up:

Your guests will appreciate having the date and location of your wedding in advance, especially if they need to travel or make special arrangements. This allows them to book airfare, accommodations, and set up travel alerts for future sales. Even local guests will be thankful for the advance notice to mark the date on their calendars.

They Can Say "No" to Other Commitments:

By sending save-the-date cards, you give your guests the opportunity to plan around your wedding and avoid double-booking. Personal and professional commitments, such as work trips, conferences, and family vacations, are often confirmed months in advance. The earlier your guests know about your wedding, the more likely they will be available to attend.

They'll Know They Are Invited:

While you may assume that your friends and family know they are invited, a save-the-date card confirms their inclusion on the guest list. Wedding guest lists can be tricky, and a save-the-date card ensures that your guests know they are expected and can start planning accordingly.

Generating Excitement:

Sending save-the-date cards early in the planning process can build excitement for your big day. It gives your guests something to look forward to and ensures a smooth guest experience, especially for those travelling from out of town.

Time and Cost Savings:

Electronic save-the-date cards are a budget-friendly and time-saving option. They eliminate the need for printing, addressing, and mailing physical cards. While there may be a cost associated with digital templates, it is generally more affordable than printing and postage. Additionally, electronic save-the-dates are environmentally friendly, reducing paper waste.

Save-the-date cards are a considerate way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding plans and ensure their attendance at your special day.

The cons of sending save-the-date cards

While sending save-the-date cards can be a helpful tool in the wedding planning process, it does come with some drawbacks. Here are some cons to consider before deciding to send them out:

Time and Money:

Creating and sending save-the-date cards can be costly and time-consuming. It is an additional expense that needs to be factored into the wedding budget. The cost can add up, especially if you have a large guest list or choose elaborate designs. Moreover, designing, printing, and mailing the cards require significant time and effort. Collecting mailing addresses can be tedious, although this information will come in handy later when sending out wedding invitations.

Finalizing the Guest List:

Sending save-the-date cards means you need to finalize your guest list early on. Once someone receives a save-the-date card, they will assume they are invited to the wedding, and it may create drama if you change your mind later. Therefore, it is essential to choose your guest list wisely and thoughtfully to avoid any confusion or hurt feelings down the line.

Unnecessary for Some Guests:

Save-the-date cards may not be necessary for all guests, especially those who live nearby or do not need to make extensive travel plans. For local guests, a wedding invitation sent a few months in advance may be sufficient notice. Sending save-the-date cards to everyone, including those who do not require as much advance notice, can result in unnecessary costs and effort.

Potential for Confusion:

There is a risk that guests may confuse the save-the-date card with the actual wedding invitation. This could lead to guests not realizing that a formal invitation and additional details will follow. It is important to clearly communicate that the save-the-date card is just the first step in the process and that more information will be provided later.

Inaccurate Guest List:

When sending save-the-date cards, there is a chance that your guest list may change or evolve over time. Life circumstances, family dynamics, or other factors could impact your guest list. For example, you may decide to reduce the size of your wedding or include additional guests who were not on your initial list. Sending save-the-date cards too early may result in an inaccurate guest list, leading to last-minute changes and potential confusion.

Save-the-date etiquette

Save-the-date cards are optional, but they are a good idea if you want to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location, especially if your wedding is at a distant location or your guests will be travelling from out of town. This allows them to book travel and accommodations, set up travel alerts, and save money. It also gives them the chance to make plans around your wedding weekend and avoid double-booking.

• Include enough information: Share the date, location (city and state), and a note to let the recipient know to expect a formal invitation soon. You can also include a wedding website if you have one.
• Finalise your guest list: Once your save-the-dates are sent, you can't go back, so only send them to those you definitely want to invite.
• Allow plus-ones and provide information on whether children are welcome: Being clear about who is invited early on gives parents time to plan for childcare.
• Send out your save-the-dates early: It's best to send them out 8-12 months in advance, especially for destination weddings. This gives your guests enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
• Don't include gift registry information: It's not polite to include this in your save-the-date, but you can include your wedding website, where guests can find this information.
• Be creative: Your save-the-dates don't have to match your invitations, so feel free to be creative and express your style.

Frequently asked questions