Save-The-Dates: Necessary For A Casual Wedding?

Save-the-date cards are the first piece of wedding stationery you'll buy and send out. They are typically sent six to eight months before your wedding date, but this timeline can change depending on your wedding's location and your guests' travel plans. Sending save-the-date cards is not mandatory, but it is recommended as it gives your guests a heads-up and increases the likelihood of them attending your wedding.

Save-the-date cards are the first piece of wedding stationery you'll buy

Save-the-date cards are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to book travel and accommodation, save money, and ask for days off work. If your wedding is in a far-flung location or over a holiday weekend, it's recommended to send them out eight months in advance. For destination weddings, it's best to send them out about 12 months before the wedding date.

Save-the-date cards don't have to be fancy or expensive. You can send them via email, by word-of-mouth, or as cheap postcard prints. They can be traditional cards, magnets, or even photo collage postcards. No matter what format you choose, be sure to include the date and location of your wedding. You can also include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find more information and access your registry.

It's important to remember that save-the-date cards are not the same as wedding invitations. Wedding invitations are sent out later, about eight weeks before the wedding, and include more detailed information such as the ceremony time and venue address. While save-the-date cards are a nice way to get your guests excited about your wedding, they are not mandatory. However, without giving a heads-up, you run the risk of guests making other plans, so it's both practical and polite to give them advance notice.

Send save-the-dates 6-8 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are the first piece of wedding stationery you'll buy and send out. They are an optional courtesy to your guests, but they are a good idea for a few reasons. Firstly, your friends and family will appreciate the heads-up. Secondly, you're more likely to be the first to secure guests who know other couples getting married on the same day. Thirdly, they're a great way to get everyone excited about your wedding and get your own creativity flowing early in the planning process.

For weddings in a centralised location, where most invitees are local to the venue or are only travelling a short distance, you can send out your save-the-dates around six to eight months before your wedding date. This gives guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements, book hotels, and find appropriate childcare or a pet sitter for the night. It also gives them time to take time off work or take their kids out of school.

If you're wondering how far in advance to send out save-the-dates, there's a sweet spot: start spreading the news six to eight months ahead of the ceremony for the ideal save-the-date timeline. If you're getting hitched at a far-flung location or over a holiday weekend, it's better to skew towards eight months. This gives wedding guests plenty of time to book travel and save money. Any later than that and they won't have enough lead time to do those things.

It's best not to send save-the-dates any earlier than a year in advance. Your wedding may be too far away to stay on guests' radars and they may put off making the appropriate plans. Plus, you'll have more leeway if you need to change the date or location.

Send save-the-dates 8-12 months before a destination wedding

Save-the-dates are a great way to get your guests excited about your wedding and are especially useful for destination weddings. They are not mandatory, but they are a helpful tool to ensure your guests have enough time to prepare and change their plans.

If you are planning a destination wedding, it is recommended to send your save-the-dates 8-12 months in advance. This gives your guests ample time to plan their trip, make travel arrangements, and book accommodations. It is also beneficial if your wedding falls on a major holiday, as guests will need extra time to plan around that.

When creating your save-the-dates, keep in mind that they should include the essential information such as your names, wedding date(s), and location (city and state). It is also important to be clear about who is invited, including any plus ones, to avoid confusion.

While save-the-dates require some time and financial investment, they can be a worthwhile addition to your wedding planning process, especially for a destination wedding. They will help your guests feel informed and excited about your upcoming celebration!

Save-the-dates are not mandatory but are recommended

Save-the-dates are not mandatory, but they are recommended for a few reasons. Firstly, they give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location, ensuring they are free to attend. This is especially important if you are having a destination wedding or getting married over a holiday weekend, as your guests will need to make travel arrangements and plan ahead. Sending save-the-dates also means you are more likely to have first dibs on guests who know other couples getting married on the same day.

Secondly, save-the-dates are a great way to get your guests excited about your wedding. They can be fun and creative, including a goofy candid photo or a magnet design. They can also include a link to your wedding website, which will be useful for guests who want to access your registry or check for wedding updates.

Thirdly, save-the-dates are a practical way to ensure your guests have enough time to save money, request time off work, and make any necessary arrangements for attending your wedding. This is especially important for guests with children or pets, as they may need to arrange childcare or pet-sitting services. Sending save-the-dates will also help you gauge who might be interested in attending your wedding, as you will start receiving RSVPs and can plan your catering and budget accordingly.

Finally, save-the-dates can be a great way to get your own creativity flowing early in the planning process. They are the first piece of wedding stationery you'll buy, and they have the fewest rules out of all the wedding stationery options. You can experiment with different styles and designs to find what appeals to you and sets the tone for your big day.

Save-the-dates can be sent via email or word-of-mouth to save money

Save-the-dates are a crucial part of wedding planning. They are a courtesy to your guests and help you gauge who might be interested in attending. While they are not mandatory, they are highly recommended.

If you are on a tight budget, you can opt for sending save-the-dates via email or spreading the word through word-of-mouth. These options are completely free and still allow you to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding.

Email save-the-dates are a convenient and cost-effective option. They eliminate the need for ordering, proofing, printing, delivery, addressing, postage, and physical mailing, saving you time and money. You can select and pay for an email template within an hour, making it a quick and easy process.

Word-of-mouth save-the-dates have been used for decades and are just as effective. A simple phone call or in-person conversation can be a great way to personally connect with your guests and let them know about your upcoming nuptials.

By choosing one of these budget-friendly options, you can still give your guests advanced notice without breaking the bank. This way, they can plan their travel arrangements, save money, and request time off work if needed.

Remember, the ideal timeline for sending save-the-dates is six to eight months before the wedding, or eight to twelve months if it's a destination wedding or during a holiday.

Frequently asked questions