Do we really need ‘Save the Date’ cards? Here’s what to consider

Timelines are everything for planning a wedding, considering the many pre and post celebrations that come with the D-Day! With all our social calendarsn being chock-a-block, sending your friends and loved ones a save the date card is an ideal way to ensure they keep those days aside to celebrate you and your partner. It helps them plan in advance, from finances and wedding attires, to leave application and travel plans. That said, unlike popular opinion, it’s not mandatory to send out 'save the date' cards. 

If you are not sure how to go about this, we will help you decide whether or not it is necessary to send a Save the Date card. 

Why you should send out 'Save the Date' cards

It gives your guests a heads-up: One of the primary benefits of sending these cards is that they let your guests know of your wedding date, the location, etc, thus helping them sort out logistics. Booking in advance always saves costs, and that bodes well for them too. That said, a destination wedding or not. yoir guests will appreciate you giving them prior notice. 

Helps you get a head count: Sending a save the date ensures they let you know of their availability, helping you get a head count for the bigger bookings. They say ‘the sooner, the better’ for a reason. 

Tells your guests that they’re invited: Sending out a save the date is a subtle confirmation in the minds of your friends and family that they’re going to be part of a celebration to remember and can start making plans and bookings accordingly. 

Here’s why not sending a 'Save the Date' card works, too.

It saves you the added cost: Getting someone to ideate the concept, design, colours is an expense that you’ll have to include in your wedding budget. That said, once you know who you have to send it to, you have a readymade list of people who will also get the wedding invite.

You haven’t finalised your guest list and location yet: You can’t send a save the date invite if you don’t know who you plan on calling. Making a guest list takes a lot of time and planning and remember that once you’ve sent a save the date to someone, that’s an informal way of telling them that they’re invited. Since there is no going back, do not send a save the date to any guest who you may decide not to invite. Secondly, you have the venue confirmed to avoid any change in dates that will see you send your guests another save the date. 

There’s not too much time left for your wedding: If you’re very close to your wedding date, it’s best to just send out a formal invite to your guests. The money saved by not sending a save the date can be used for something else (perks of doing things late). 

If you ask us, it’s best to send out these cards. You’d certainly want your near and dear ones to attend so giving them a heads-up is practical and polite. As far as for much in advance do you send them out, a good six to eight months notice is great. You also don’t want to send it way too early (under a year is recommended). In other cases, where you’ve decided to get married in a matter of months or so, just sending out a wedding invite ticks a lot of boxes. 

Lead image: Itchha Talreja

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