Sending save-the-dates is often seen as one of the most important wedding planning milestones. Whilst not as official as wedding invitations, a save-the-date provides a helpful prompt regarding your chosen wedding date and venue, however, some couples see save-the-dates as a wedding planning expense that they could really do without.
So, is there really any point in sending save-the-dates? And if so, when and how should you choose to send them? Read on to discover the pros and cons of sending save-the-dates, plus etiquette rules to help you do just that.
Why should you send save-the-dates?
Save-the-dates are an excellent way to give your guests plenty of notice when it comes to your wedding. Sent months before your formal wedding invites, save-the-dates provide guests with that all-important date and location, meaning they have the time to make any travel, work or childcare arrangements they need to in order to attend your special day.
Not only that, but the design of your save-the-dates will help to share details that may be useful as your wedding date approaches, such as the link to your wedding website.
Save-the-date cards can offer an exciting insight into your wedding theme and colour scheme, plus an opportunity to show off your personality and creativity as a couple – which is excellent preparation for the bigger task of planning your wedding day!
Are save-the-dates really necessary?
In short, no. Sending save-the-dates is an extra expense – those printing and postage costs certainly add up. If you’re still unsure about who to invite to your wedding, sending save-the-dates can make it rather difficult to cut down your guest numbers as planning progresses. Anyone you send this pre-invitation to now will expect an official invite.
Sending save-the-date cards can also lead to hastened decisions regarding other aspects of your big day. You’ll need to book your wedding venue early to secure a date to add to your save-the-dates, which means those looking to take advantage of last-minute deals could miss out on savings.
Preparing and sending save-the-dates also takes a lot of time, time that could be spent on other areas of wedding planning.
Is sending save-the-dates right for me?
Whilst a rather traditional wedding planning step, sending save-the-dates is beneficial for so many reasons.
With save-the-dates, you’ll be able to give the guests you want to share your special day with plenty of time to make it possible. Celebrating this huge milestone with the people you love is what a wedding is all about, right?
Decided to send save-the-dates? Read this first!
Getting the timing right is the first rule of sending save-the-dates. Hitched offers their advice on when to send save-the-dates:
“Save the dates are typically sent out six to 12 months before your wedding day. The top end of this is preferable as it gives your guests the most time to prepare and change their plans if necessary. Once your venue and wedding date are confirmed, there’s no reason to delay sending out save the dates. Anytime from eight months to a year before your wedding is ideal.”
Save-the-dates should only be sent after you’ve confirmed your wedding venue and wedding date, but you don’t have to share the venue name with your guests at this stage. If you’d like to keep your venue a closely guarded secret a little longer, simply include the date and city or town of the venue. Whilst you should include details of your wedding website, don’t add details of your registry to your save-the-dates. This should be reserved for your formal wedding invites.
When sending save-the-dates you don’t have to send them to everyone on your rough guest list. Guests who are only invited for the reception don’t need save-the-dates, and should instead be sent formal, evening-only wedding invites later down the line.
