Are save the dates necessary? Do I really need to send save the dates? We’ll tell you! Subscribe now for the latest to your inbox.

As a bride-to-be, you may be wondering if save the dates are necessary. Do you really need to send save the dates? Are they optional? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this wedding tradition so you follow proper etiquette. :)

As a rule of thumb, save the date cards are optional — but definitely encouraged, especially for destination weddings or weddings that fall on a holiday weekend.

The goal of the save the date is easy: to ask your guests to keep the date open, as the date is set and your wedding invitation will be forthcoming. It’s a “heads-up” in a more formal way. While some may think save the date cards are essential for travel plans, others may feel save the dates are an extra cost that isn’t necessary.

Save the date cards are an added cost, but when you want as many guests to attend your wedding as possible, that is money well-spent. Plus, you don’t have to shell out a ton of money for them: we found cheap save-the-date cards that look beautiful — on a budget.

So, if you’re very tight on money and you really don’t want to send save the dates, don’t sweat it — they are not mandatory.

But if possible, there are many more pros to sending save the date cards to guests than cons; here are the benefits of save-the-date cards so you can make the best decision for your wedding.

1. Get your guest list squared away early.

A save the date card will tell guests they can expect an invitation to the wedding; this gets you in wedding planning mode even earlier in the game.

Save the dates are typically sent 6-9 months period to the wedding, which means you’ll already have a stellar guest list all set, finalized, and ready to go that far in advance.

You’ll have concrete numbers for tables, reception, bar, favors, bridal shower guests, and other elements far in advance, which means less stress for you in the long run. (Always a good thing.)

2. Share the happy news!

Sure, these cards tell guests when the wedding date is, but they are necessary to get your guests amped up for the big day!

It is exciting to receive a save the date as a guest. When you see the couple’s picture together and the date in print, or see what kind of theme they have planned… it makes you look forward to the big day. Oh, and those adorable save the date postcards or magnets? Love those!

3. More guests to celebrate!

This is probably the number one reason why save the dates are necessary: it means you have more guests able to attend! And that’s always a good thing.

Tell guests to pencil it in! See them here.

Save the dates will allow out-of-town guests extra time to book accommodations, take time off, find a guest dress, find a great flight, etc. Guests who are local may arrange for time off of work, arrange for a sitter, or make other accommodations — and set the date in stone on their calendar.

If you’re planning a summer wedding, save the dates are necessary since so many people take vacations, attend reunions, graduation parties, and other weddings during this time. A save the date can ensure guests have YOUR date circled on the calendar.

Now you know all about save the dates and whether you need to send them or not. In the end, it is up to you, but we think save the dates have many pros that definitely outweigh the cons.

If you plan on sending them, it’s time to start browsing!

Do you need to send save the dates?

So, what do YOU think? Are you planning to send save the date cards to guests, or not? Tell us why or why not in the comment box below. We’d love to hear from you!

P.S. If your wedding was postponed, you may want to use change the date cards instead.

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma