Do You Need Save the Dates? Here’s When to Send Them & Why
Should You Send Save the Dates? Here’s What to Know Before Deciding
When planning a wedding, one of the first questions couples often ask is: Should we send out save the dates? While they’re not a required part of your wedding stationery suite, save the dates can be a thoughtful and strategic way to give guests advanced notice of your big day. Whether you’re planning a local wedding or a far-away destination celebration, here are the key pros and cons to help you decide if save the dates should make your wedding planning checklist.
What Is a Save the Date?
A save the date is a preliminary invitation that lets your guests know they’re invited to your wedding, shares the wedding date, and often the general location. It’s a simple but helpful piece of stationery that tells guests to block off your special day on their calendars before formal invitations arrive.
Why Save the Dates Are a Great Idea
1. Give Guests Plenty of Time to Plan
Sending save the dates ensures your guests have time to prepare—especially if your wedding falls during a busy season, a holiday weekend, or is out of town. With this early notice, guests can:
Arrange time off from work
Book flights and accommodations
Set aside funds for travel or gifts
Decline other conflicting events
This is particularly helpful for destination weddings or weddings that require significant travel. Including your wedding website on the save the date is a great way to keep guests updated on details, accommodations, attire, transportation, and more.
2. Set Expectations and Build Excitement
Save the dates build anticipation for your wedding and serve as an official signal that your date is set. They're also a beautiful way to showcase your engagement photos or custom wedding branding. Think of it as the first sneak peek into your celebration’s vibe.
3. They Make a Meaningful Keepsake
From photo magnets to elegant cards, save the dates often become sentimental mementos for your guests and for you. Many couples choose to have their photographer capture the save the date card as part of the flat-lay detail shots on the wedding day. It’s a tangible memory from the early stages of your journey to “I do.”
Important Considerations Before Sending Save the Dates
1. Make Sure You’re Ready to Commit to the Guest List
A golden rule: Only send save the dates to people you are 100% inviting. Once a save the date goes out, a formal invitation must follow. This means you need your A-list finalized before hitting send. If you're not sure about inviting certain guests yet, hold off.
2. Understand the Added Cost
Save the dates are an additional line item in your wedding budget. This includes:
Design costs (if custom)
Printing and materials
Postage
If you're working with a tight budget or a short timeline, you may decide to skip this step to prioritize invitations or other areas.
3. They Work Best for Longer Engagements
Save the dates are typically sent out 6 to 8 months before the wedding, or 8 to 12 months in advance for destination weddings or events with lots of out-of-town guests. If your engagement is shorter than 6 months, it may not make sense to send save the dates. Instead, consider giving guests a personal heads-up via phone, text, or email.
When Not to Send Save the Dates
If you're hoping for a more intimate gathering or looking to reduce the number of guests, don’t send save the dates. Not sending one can create some natural boundaries on who will actually attend, especially for guests who would need to make more extensive travel plans.
Final Thoughts
Save the dates are a modern, stylish way to keep your guests informed and engaged in your wedding plans. They add a polished touch to your wedding communication, help increase guest attendance, and give you a chance to start building excitement. That said, they’re optional—and what works best for your timeline, budget, and guest list is entirely up to you.
If you do decide to send save the dates, make them personal and meaningful. Include essential information, be selective with your recipient list, and choose a design that reflects your wedding’s style. It’s the first impression your guests will have, so make it a memorable one!