Do You Really Need to Send Save the Dates for Your Wedding?
If you’re newly engaged, one of the first questions that comes up (right after choosing a date and venue!) is whether you actually need to send Save the Dates. They’re beautiful, they set the tone for your celebration but are they essential?
The short answer: not always, but usually yes.
If your wedding falls during a busy travel season, includes out-of-town guests, or is taking place at a destination, Save the Dates are more than just pretty cards they’re practical. They give your guests plenty of time to mark their calendars, book travel, and start planning around your special day.
Even for local weddings, Save the Dates can still be worth it. They let you share your excitement early and give your guests a first glimpse of your style whether that’s classic and formal or relaxed and rustic. Plus, they’re a beautiful keepsake for family and friends (and a fun reminder for your fridge).
If your wedding is coming up quickly or your guest list is small and local, you can skip Save the Dates and go straight to invitations. But if you have guests traveling, or you simply love the idea of something tangible that announces, “We’re getting married!”, go for it.
Save the Dates capture your chemistry as a couple and that’s something worth sharing.
When to Send:
Typically 6–8 months before your wedding (or up to a year for destination weddings).
What to Include:
- Your names
- The date
- The city and state of the wedding
- A note that a formal invitation will follow
- If you have a wedding website include this too