When planning your wedding, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the stationery options... invitations, RSVPs, menus, order of service... and then there are save the dates. But are they really necessary?
Here’s a quick, honest guide to help you decide whether sending save the dates is right for your day... and when to send them if you choose to go ahead.
What Are Save the Dates?
Save the dates are informal cards sent to guests ahead of your official wedding invitations. Their job is simple: let your guests know the date and location of your wedding so they can keep it free in their diary.
When Are They Useful?
- You're getting married in peak season – Summer dates, bank holidays and weekends book up fast for many guests.
- You’re planning a destination wedding – The earlier guests can book time off and travel, the better.
- Your wedding falls midweek – Giving people plenty of notice helps secure attendance.
- Your guest list includes lots of out-of-towners – It’s a thoughtful gesture to give advance notice for those needing accommodation or travel plans.
When Can You Skip Them?
- Your wedding is in less than 6 months – Go straight to sending formal invitations.
- You’re planning a small, local wedding – If most guests are nearby, they may not need extra notice.
- You’re on a tighter budget – Save the dates are helpful, but not essential. Prioritise your formal invites if you need to make cuts.
When to Send Save the Dates
If you’re sending them, aim for 6–12 months before the wedding. For destination weddings, even earlier is better. Don’t forget to only send them to people you’re 100% sure will be invited... they set expectations.
Save the dates are a helpful extra, not a hard rule. Whether you send them or not depends on your timeline, guest list and priorities – so do what works best for you.
