If you’re sending save the date cards, you may be wondering how many you should order.

Ordering too many cards is wasteful, and purchasing fewer than you need will leave some guests wondering why they didn’t receive one.

What a conundrum!

Is it one save the date per guest? Per household? Does everyone get a save the date?!

Don’t worry, that’s what I’m here for! In this blog post, I’ll tell you exactly how many save the dates to order based on your guest list size along with some expert advice.

Let’s just say I’ve helped plenty of couples sending theirs! :)

Let’s goooo!

As a rule of thumb — and in line with proper save-the-date etiquette — most couples send one card per household.

But wait, there’s more: that’s just the norm. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to send one to every single person on your guest list.

Here’s the thing:

SAVE THE DATES ARE LESS FORMAL THAN INVITATIONS.

Sorry for yelling, but it’s just important to note. :)

Also, save the dates aren’t technically mandatory.

Yes, it’s OK to not send save the dates unless it is a destination wedding or your date falls on a long holiday weekend or busy time of year (hello, summer!)

But hang on, there’s a bit more to unpack here: guests really do appreciate receiving a save the date card whether your wedding is local or abroad. We find that your family and friends appreciate this “heads up” and, it’s proven that save-the-date cards typically see more guests in attendance thanks to the notice.

Plus, they are given extra time to plan ahead for childcare, travel arrangements, other commitments, etc. So they really are a helpful and smart idea.

You are ultimately in charge of who receives one and how many save the dates to order.

• The only thing I need to bold italicize though, is this: Never Send a Save The Date To a Guest Who Is Not Officially On Your Wedding Guest List.

• Sure, your friend from accounting at work is nice and all, but unless she is officially on your wedding guest list, don’t give her a save the date. Wait until you’re absolutely, 100% sure they will be invited. This is crucial because guests who receive a save the date assume (as they should) they are also invited to the wedding.

And anyone who gets a save the date card will expect to receive a formal invitation to your wedding approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to the big day.

PRO TIP: Wondering when to send yours? Save the dates are sent 6 to 9 months before the wedding (local) or 9 to 12 months (destination).

What To Do If You’re Not Sure A Guest Is Invited

If you’re not sure, don’t send them a save the date. Easy as that!

Then, if they are on the final guest list after all, send them an invitation. No harm there.

How Many Save The Dates You’ll Need

To determine how many save the dates you really need, you’ll take your guest list and separate it out by households.

► How many households are invited to the wedding? This is the quantity of save-the-date cards you’ll need.

OR

► Going for fewer mailings? That’s great, too. Keep the list small and create a separate Save The Date only list. Simply create an additional guest list that includes your parents, grandparents, close family members, and closest friends. Keep in mind that people talk — so if you’re sending a card to one cousin, send it to ALL of your cousins. Now is not a time to play favorites.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to include Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, and Parents on the list! Many times, people forget to add them officially simply because, obviously, they’re all invited. But it’s important to make sure you order enough save the dates to include them, too, if you wish.

Affordable Save The Dates to Order

You can find beautiful and affordable mailed cards at Minted here.

Other places to find save the dates include: Zazzle (huge sales happening now!) and here on Etsy.

DIY Save The Dates

Don’t want to order save the date cards? Make your own!

You can actually DIY save the dates with this AWESOME stamp by EnglishStamp. How cool is this? Just stamp as many as you need and mail them out. Amazing!

Where To Get Free Save the Date Cards

Do you want to send FREE save the date cards digitally? It’s super easy to do it!

Get FREE digital save the cards here. Yep, 100% free. I wish this was around when I got married TBH.

You can even design your own. Cool, huh?

Chat soon,

xo
Emma