Do I Really Need to Send Out Save the Dates? Let’s Chat!

Do I Really Need to Send Out Save the Dates? Let’s Chat!

Ah, the age-old wedding planning question: Do I really need to send out save-the-dates? If you’re knee-deep in wedding prep and wondering whether these little cards are a must-have or just another to-do on your never-ending list, we’re here to help.

Save the dates are a fantastic way to give your guests a heads-up about your big day. But are they essential? And should you go digital or stick to classic printed cards? Let’s break it all down so you can decide what’s right for you!

Why Send Save the Dates?

Think of save the dates as your wedding’s first official announcement. They’re your way of saying, “Hey, we’re getting married, and we want you there!” before the formal invitations go out.

Here’s when they’re particularly helpful:

• You’re having a destination wedding—if guests need to book flights, accommodation, or even renew their passports, more notice is always better!
  
  
• Your date falls in a busy season—summer weddings, holiday weekends, or peak travel times? Save the dates help secure your spot on everyone’s calendar before they get booked up.
  
  
• You have lots of out-of-town guests—if loved ones need to arrange travel plans, sending save-the-dates ensures they can plan ahead (and not book their annual leave at the wrong time!).
  
  
• You want to build excitement! – Your wedding is a big deal, and save-the-dates make it feel real! Plus, they set the tone for your wedding style.

What to Include in Your Save the Dates

Unlike your wedding invitation, save the dates are simple and to the point. Here’s what you need:

• Your names—Because, well… your guests need to know who’s getting married!
• The wedding date—so they can mark their calendars and start the countdown.
• The general location—no need for exact venues just yet—city or suburb will do!
• A little note—something like “Formal invitation to follow”—is” all you need.

Optional extras? A cute engagement photo, your wedding website link, or a hint of your wedding theme!

Save the Date Etiquette: When to Send Them

Timing is key! Here’s a general guide:

• Destination Weddings: 8–12 months before the big day
• Local Weddings: 6–8 months before

This gives your guests plenty of notice to plan, but not so much that they forget about it!

Printed vs. Digital Save the Dates—Which One is Right for You?

So, should you go the traditional route with printed save-the-dates, or keep things modern and send them digitally? Let’s weigh up the pros and cons.

Printed Save the Dates

✔ Pros:

• A beautiful keepsake for you and your guests
• Feels more personal and special
• Sets the tone for your wedding with elegant stationery
• Great for older guests who may not check emails regularly

❌ Cons:

• Higher cost for printing and postage
• Can get lost in the mail
• Requires time for design, printing, and delivery

Digital Save the Dates

✔ Pros:

• Quick, easy, and budget-friendly
• No risk of getting lost in the mail
• Eco-friendly option
• Guests can save it instantly to their phones or calendars

❌ Cons:

• Can feel less personal or formal
• Might get overlooked in busy inboxes
• Not ideal for older guests who prefer physical invites

Our advice? If your wedding is formal or you love the idea of gorgeous printed stationery, go for the classic route! If you're planning a casual, intimate wedding or want to save costs, digital could be the way to go. Want the best of both worlds? Send digital save-the-dates to most guests, but print a few for those who appreciate a tangible touch!

How to Style Your Save the Dates

Your save-the-dates are your guests’ first taste of your wedding style, so why not make them a little extra special? Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

• Classic & Elegant—Think timeless fonts, neutral colours, and soft florals.
• Minimalist & Modern—Clean lines, simple typography, and a sleek aesthetic.
• Bold & Fun—Play with bright colours, quirky illustrations, or a playful tone.
• Magnetic Save the Dates—A fun keepsake your guests can pop on their fridge!

Want something totally unique? We can help design a save the date that perfectly fits your wedding vibe. Check out our designs here!

Do You REALLY Need Save the Dates?

Alright, so here’s the deal. If your wedding is small, local, and happening in the near future, you could skip save-the-dates and go straight to invitations.

BUT… if you have out-of-town guests, a peak-season wedding, or just love the idea of building excitement, they’re 100% worth it. Plus, let’s be real—who doesn’t love getting gorgeous wedding mail?

Still on the fence? Watch our latest Instagram reel, where we break it all down even further!

Shop the Look

Ready to tick save the dates off your list? We create bespoke, beautifully designed save-the-dates to match your wedding style. Whether you’re after something minimalist, floral, or full of personality, we’ve got you covered.

Shop Now or Contact Us Today