Save the dates... are they worth sending?

jessalexoliver

Would sending the invites out early be just as good as a save the date? I'm planning my wedding on a tight budget and save the date cards seem like an extra cost that would probably be eliminated.

HobokensFury

STD are not necessary.  We got 100 for $6 on Snapfish, so they don't have to cost a lot of money.

trawas01

Just ordered my save the date post cards.

We're doing them because all of our guests are approximately 600 miles away and will need to plan for hotels/travel etc. If you aren't in one the situations above its probably not worth it.

GeauxTigers17

I wouldn't send them if I were you. I did them because I was forced to. My FMIL wanted them really badly and guilt-tripped me about it. I think they create an obligation on behalf of the couple (to send an invitation), no obligation whatsoever on the part of the guest, you risk guest list issues (how many people have come on here saying they had a major falling out with someone they sent a STD to?) and they are just plain unnecessary - unless 90% of your guest list is out of town, I don't see why personal communication to those that have to make travel plans is al that hard with email nowadays. If most of your guests are local, they won't need more than the traditional 6 weeks notice anyhow. 

I obviously lost this battle and am still annoyed by it! :P

hz80408

Just to echo pp's, no STDs aren't necessary but they can be helpful and purchased/design cheaply (get a promo for 100 free postcards from vistaprint.com) and just pay postage ($0.29 for postcards).

However, if you choose not to send STDs, you should not send your invites farther in advance than 6-8wks.  People may forget.

DanceM

I didn't send any because we had a tight budget as well.  Don't forget to budget for postage too.

Anyone who needs to travel is well aware.  We made sure to let everyone know we were marrying in my hometown.