What Are Save The Dates And Do I Need Them?
As the flurry of wedding planning decisions descends upon newly engaged couples, the question of save the dates often arises. Are save the dates necessary as an essential part of the wedding process, or are they merely an additional expense?
What Does Save The Date Mean?
Save-the-dates, those petite cards that proclaim your wedding's date and location, have become a ubiquitous part of the wedding journey. But are they truly indispensable, or can they be omitted without compromising the essence of your special day?
The answer lies in the unique circumstances surrounding your wedding. For couples planning a small, local gathering, save-the-dates might not be quite as critical. Most guests likely already know about your plans, minimizing the need for formal notices.
However, for those embarking on a destination wedding, having a large guest list, or welcoming guests from distant corners, save-the-dates play a pivotal role. Another take is, what are save the date cards used for once they have fulfilled their primary function? They can make a very nice keepsake for you and your guests to place in a memory box and may serve as an inspiration for other friends and family. You may inspire others to level up their own invites (whatever the occasion).
Attendance And Anticipation
Save the dates serve as gentle reminders of your upcoming celebration, giving guests ample time to plan their travel arrangements, accommodation, and childcare schedules. This proactive approach can significantly enhance the likelihood of your guests being present on your special day.
In addition to their practical purpose, save-the-dates also possess the power to generate excitement and anticipation amongst your loved ones. Save the dates become tangible reminders of the joyous occasion, keeping your wedding top of mind, and fuelling the excitement leading up to the big day.
The Pros and Cons
Of course, sending save-the-dates comes with a cost, both in terms of time and money. You'll need to decide on a design, order the cards, and distribute them to your guests. If you're on a tight budget, DIY options can be a cost-effective alternative.
But on the flip side, if you have the budget, a save the date can convey the ethos of your wedding. Its mere design can hint at color schemes and overall theme, giving your guests a good idea of the flavor for your big day.
A Personalised Approach
Ultimately, the decision of whether to send save-the-dates is a personal one. Weigh the benefits against your preferences and budget to determine what's best for your wedding. If you're aiming for maximum attendance, particularly for destination weddings or large guest lists, save-the-dates can be a valuable investment. However, if you're on a tight budget or prefer a more casual approach, they may not be a necessity.
How many save the dates to order
So how many extra save the dates to order? The general rule of thumb is to add 10-20% to your guest list to account for any last-minute additions or changes. It's always better to have too many than not enough. Consider ordering extra sets to give away to those who might be interested, have on hand for future events, or as backups in case of mishaps.
Also, as mentioned earlier, they can make a great keepsake to be handed to family members to pass down for generations, and our quality stocks will last for a very long time!
A Perfect Reflection of Your Style
When crafting your save-the-dates, let your creativity shine through. Choose a design that captures the essence of your wedding, whether it's a classic elegance, a rustic charm, or a modern flair. We find that nothing oozes more luxury than foiling (and boy are we good at that!).