May 26 2009
{Guest Post}: Save the Date or Save the Money?
Brides today often view Save the Date announcements as an obligatory part of the invitation ensemble and process. However, in many cases they are not needed, and therefore are a waste of money. With budgets tightening, the ability to save money in one area can mean being able to avoid cutting back in another.
Still uncertain about whether you need to send Save the Date announcements? There are only a few situations when they can be beneficial:
1. If you are planning your wedding for one of the most popular months, such as June or August, sending an advance notice can ensure your event makes it onto your guest’s calendars first. In addition to being popular for weddings, the summer months are also prime vacation time, and so an early announcement of your upcoming nuptials can be doubly helpful.
2. Weddings scheduled on or near a major holiday, religious or secular, can also warrant sending a Save the Date announcement. Often times, your guests will have to make adjustments in their plans to attend your event. Remember to keep in mind not only your own religious background and traditions, but also those of your guests, if you will have a variety represented. While your wedding may not be near an important holiday on your calendar, it is possible it could be on another’s.
3. A third situation that may warrant advance notification is if you are planning your wedding in a location where a large proportion of your guests will be required to travel some distance to attend. The more time you allow for your guests to make arrangements, the better chance they’ll be able to join your celebration. It is most helpful if this type of announcement also includes some preliminary travel information.
In nearly any other situation, a Save the Date announcement is a lovely touch, but largely unnecessary. You are excited, and want to shout your news from the rooftops. But be sure to consider the big picture of your plans – don’t spend on something you ultimately didn’t need.
Finally, remember that anyone who receives a Save the Date must be invited to the wedding. It seems obvious, but sometimes brides have found they regretted sending a few of those early announcements, and some have even considered dropping people who received a Save the Date from their final guest list. Don’t do it. Make your list carefully first, and if you choose to send a Save the Date, be sure everyone who receives one is someone you definitely want at your wedding.
Cheers & Congratulations!
Heather Lapham Kuhn is an independent graphic artist and owner of Truly Yours Custom Correspondence Design. She is a lover of all things paper and can lose track of time in an office supply store. Wife to one wonderful man, and mom to two great boys, three rambunctious dogs, three cautious cats, and countless pond fish, Heather finds she always has something to occupy her time. Truly Yours is online at www.trulyyourscustom.com and www.invitingnews.blogspot.com.
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This is great advice, especially in today’s economy. It is also a simple answer to such a common question; really helpful! Thanks!