Wedding Wednesdays Q&A: Are Save the Dates Necessary?

Q: We’ve finally picked our wedding venue (yay!) so now we have a wedding date.  I know that most people send out save the dates, but I was wondering is it really necessary?  We’re getting married in a few months, so it just seems a bit silly.  But, I don’t know what is normal.  Are save the dates an absolute must have?

Great question!  To answer your question, save the dates are not an absolute must have.  Unlike things like food and drinks at your wedding, save the dates are not going to make or break your wedding.  However, they are useful at informing your guests so that they can actually save that date on their calendars.  This becomes even more useful if you are having a destination wedding because guests will have to plan ahead and book their flights, accommodations, and other travel needs.  It’s nice to give them a heads up so that they have time to arrange things and plan ahead.

Now, I know you mentioned that you are getting married in a few months.  If your wedding date is pretty close, then you’ll most likely be sending out invitations soon, in which case a save the date doesn’t really have much of a purpose.  But, if you are going to be waiting a couple of months to send out your invitations, it doesn’t hurt to send out a save the date now.

If cost is an issue and you’re worried about your wedding budget, a really easy and economical way to send a save the date is to send out an e-save the date.  Go to Paperless Post or another similar online service and just email your guests your wedding date.  That way it goes out immediately, it’s free, you are informing your guests of your wedding date and it can still be beautiful.  Your guests can still plan ahead, but it won’t take a lot of time, effort or money on your part.  Easy peasy!

(Save the date example from Paperless Post)

Are you planning your wedding and feeling overwhelmed?  You’re not quite sure what you should be doing or if what you’re doing is right.  Does this sound familiar?  We understand and we want to help you!

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