Should you send a save the date? Wondering what is a save the date and when it should be sent? A save the date is generally a card sent in the mail to guests six to eight months before the ceremony. It tells guests when and where the wedding will take place.

A save the date is less formal than an invitation and does not need to coordinate directly with your theme (since you probably haven’t ironed out those details this far in advance quite yet). Now, should you send them or do you even need to? You might — here are three reasons when a save the date card is an absolute must. Plus, read on to see some handpicked save-the-date cards from Fifth Vintage and enter for a chance to win 100 save the dates for your big day!

When to Send a Save the Date

You should absolutely send a save the date if any of the following apply:

1. If you are planning a destination wedding

2. If your wedding is held on a holiday weekend or during a busy time of year

3. If guests will be traveling many miles to join in festivities

If your wedding applies to any of these, sending save the dates will ensure more guests have the ability to attend. Since the goal is to have as many friends and family present on your big day, sending a save the date increases the chance they’ll be able to attend. This will give guests time to make travel arrangements, save some extra cash, and plan accordingly.

Don’t Forget — You should only send save the date cards to people who will definitely be invited to your wedding. Once you send it, there’s really no going back.

Save the Date Cards

Here are some examples of save the date cards we spotted over at Fifth Vintage. These save the dates are unique because they utilize your engagement photos (or favorite photo) and gives it a vintage-inspired look. Plus, they’re in postcard form — and you already know how we feel about that!

I especially love this calendar style save the date:

And these cute polaroid style save the date magnets:

Save the Date Giveaway

Ready to enter for a chance to win save the date cards of your own? The lovely Fifth Vintage is graciously offering 100 save the date cards to one lucky reader in the style shown below:

o Giveaway dates: 7/17/15-7/24/15 (11:59pm EST)
o Prize: Win a set of 100 save the date cards by Fifth Vintage
o Winner has 72 hours to respond to winning email or new winner will be selected
o Free shipping included to U.S.
o No purchase necessary
o Winner has 3 months to claim prize
o Prize value: $126 | No cash value
o Past giveaway winners within 30 days not eligible to win
o Use entry form below to enter…

xo
-E.