Why Save the Dates are Important

Why Save the Dates Are Essential for Your Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind of decisions and details, but there’s one thing you shouldn’t overlook: sending out Save the Dates. 

These pre-invitation notices might seem like a small step, but they are critical in ensuring your big day goes off without a hitch. Whether having a grand destination celebration or an intimate local gathering, Save the Dates helps set the stage for your wedding and ensure your loved ones are ready to celebrate. Here’s why they matter:

Emily Crall Photography

Give Your Guests Plenty of Notice

In most cases, weddings require advanced planning for you and your guests. It’s important to remember that your loved ones may need to take time off from work, make travel arrangements, or secure a place to stay. By sending out Save the Dates well in advance—typically six to eight months before the wedding—you give everyone the heads-up they need to plan. This is especially important if you’re hosting a wedding during peak travel times, like holidays, summer weekends, or even football season, when accommodations may book quickly.

Christina Ney Photography

Help Guests Prioritize Your Event

Your big day is important to you, and you want to be surrounded by your favorite people. Save the Dates, help make that happen! Helping your guests prioritize your wedding date so they can clear their schedules and not make prior commitments is a key point in Save the Dates, which can often go unnoticed. 

Set the Tone for Your Wedding

Your Save the Date is guests’ first glimpse into your wedding’s vibe and style. Whether you’re going for a formal, traditional event or a relaxed, beachy vibe, the design and wording of your save-the-date will give them a sneak peek. From the fonts and colors to the overall layout, your save-the-date can reflect your theme and help generate excitement about the day to come.

Emily Crall Photography

Save the Dates for Destination Weddings or Complex Schedules

If you’re hosting a destination wedding or one that involves complex travel arrangements (e.g., multiple venues, hotel blocks, or activities), Save the Dates are even more crucial. Giving them this extra heads-up shows consideration for their schedules and allows them to be as involved as they’d like.

Eliminate the Stress of Last-Minute Invites

You want your guests to feel excited about your wedding, not stressed about a last-minute invite. Save the Dates help minimize the pressure on you and your guests by giving everyone plenty of time to prepare. Wedding invitations (typically sent 8-10 weeks before the wedding) have many details about your weekend/big day. Many of which you won’t have figured out until a few months before your wedding. 

For example, when you send Save the Dates, you might not have details planned out such as:

• Will there be transportation to and from the venue? 
• What meal options are you offering to your guests? 
• Is your registry complete? 
• Have you met with all venues and vendors to confirm timelines of setup and their arrivals? All these factors are essential in deciding your ceremony and reception start times. 

All of this isn’t meant to overwhelm but to highlight the importance of a Save the Dates. By sending a Save the Date, it will help you take a breath, knowing your favorite people have your date on their calendar, and you can now take the time to plan the fun details that everyone will need to know closer to your big day. 

A Keepsake for Guests

Let’s not forget that Save the Dates can be more than just a practical tool—they can also be a charming keepsake. If you’re sending something personal, like a photo or custom design, your guests may put it up on their fridge and hold onto it as a memento of the special occasion. Plus, it’s a fun way to share your wedding journey with loved ones who may be excited to see the progression of your planning!

The Creative Photography

When to Send Save the Dates

Timing is important when it comes to sending Save the Dates. The general recommendation is to send them out 6 to 12 months before the wedding, but the sooner, the better. If you’re hosting a destination wedding or planning during a busy time of year, you might want to send them even earlier, giving your guests as much time as possible to plan.

Final Thoughts

While Save the Dates might feel like an extra step in the wedding planning process, they’re essential for making sure your wedding goes smoothly. From giving your guests ample time to make arrangements to setting the tone for your event, these early notifications are a thoughtful and strategic move that helps everyone involved.

So, as you dive into planning your wedding, make sure Save the Dates are on your to-do list. Your guests—and your future self—will thank you!

Contact us today to learn the 5 Top Things to Make your Save the Date Stand Out!

Cover Photo: Stationery: Allegra Iowa City; Photography: Forevergreen Photography