Save-the-dates are an essential part of any wedding preparation process. They are the first piece of communication your guests will receive regarding your wedding and set the tone and expectations for the upcoming big day. Traditionally, save-the-dates are printed on paper and mailed out to guests. However, with the rise of digital communication, many couples are now turning to digital save-the-dates as a cheaper, more efficient, and eco-friendly alternative. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of digital save-the-dates and answer the question, “Can I do digital save-the-dates?”
What are digital save-the-dates?
Digital save-the-dates are electronic versions of traditional paper save-the-dates. They can be created in a variety of formats, from email messages to custom designed evites. Digital save-the-dates offer the same essential information as paper save-the-dates, including the date, time, and location of the wedding, along with any other pertinent details.
The pros of digital save-the-dates
1. Cost-effective: One of the most significant advantages of digital save-the-dates is that they are typically much cheaper than traditional paper ones. Printing and postage costs can add up quickly, particularly if you have a large guest list. By switching to a digital save-the-date, you can save money that can be put towards other aspects of your wedding.
2. Eco-friendly: Digital save-the-dates are eco-friendly and can help reduce your carbon footprint. Wedding planning is often associated with excess waste, including paper invitations and RSVP cards. By choosing a digital save-the-date, you can reduce your impact on the environment.
3. Quick and easy to create and send: With digital save-the-dates, you can save time and energy by avoiding the long process of printing, addressing, and mailing paper invites. Digital save-the-dates can be created and sent in a matter of minutes, making the process much quicker and more convenient.
4. Customizable: Digital save-the-dates offer a wide range of design options, allowing couples to create unique and personalized invitations that reflect their wedding theme and style. Many digital save-the-date templates can be customized to include photos, graphics, and personalized messages.
The cons of digital save-the-dates
1. Technical issues: One potential downside of digital save-the-dates is the possibility of technical issues. Emails can be sent to spam folders, and technical glitches can cause delays in delivery, which can affect your RSVPs. Couples need to ensure that they have the correct email addresses for all of their guests and that their save-the-dates have been successfully delivered.
2. Lack of etiquette: Some couples may find that digital save-the-dates lack the formality and etiquette associated with traditional paper invites. Formal invitations sent through the mail may be more suitable for weddings that require a higher level of formality, such as black-tie or white-tie events.
3. No physical keepsake: Unlike traditional paper invitations, digital save-the-dates do not provide a physical keepsake for your guests to keep. Some may prefer a paper invitation as a physical reminder of the upcoming event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, digital save-the-dates are a modern and cost-effective alternative to traditional paper invites. They offer many advantages, such as ease of creation and distribution, customization options, and eco-friendliness. However, there are a few downsides, such as the potential for technical issues and a lack of formality. Ultimately, the decision to use digital save-the-dates depends on your wedding’s style, your budget, and your personal preferences.
FAQ
How much does save-the-dates cost online?
Save-the-dates are an important part of wedding planning and can be used to inform friends and family of the upcoming wedding date and provide them with ample time to make the necessary arrangements. While traditionally save-the-dates were sent out via snail mail and required postage, nowadays, many people are choosing to save on costs and time by sending digital save-the-dates online.
The cost of online save-the-dates depends on many factors, such as the website or platform used, the number of guests being notified, and whether or not any additional features or designs are being added. Generally, online save-the-dates are less expensive than traditional printed save-the-dates, as there is no postage to be paid, and there is no need to order physical prints.
Some popular websites that offer online save-the-date services include Paperless Post, Minted, Greenvelope, and Evite. These websites offer various templates for users to choose from, ranging from simple and elegant designs to more elaborate and colorful options. The cost of these designs can vary, with some being free, while others may cost a few dollars each.
In addition to the cost of the design, some online save-the-date websites offer additional features, such as the ability to collect RSVPs, track guest responses, and even integrate with popular wedding planning apps and websites. These features may come at an additional cost.
It is also important to consider the number of guests being notified when calculating the overall cost of online save-the-dates. While traditional printed save-the-dates required postage and paper costs per recipient, digital save-the-dates can be sent to an unlimited number of guests at no extra cost.
Online save-the-dates are a cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional printed save-the-dates. While costs may vary based on the website or platform used, the number of guests being notified, and any additional features or design choices, overall, online save-the-dates are a budget-friendly option that can help save time and money during the wedding planning process.
What do you say when sending a digital save the date?
Sending a digital save the date is a great way to let your guests know the important details about your wedding and give them plenty of time to prepare. While the format is informal, there are still a few key details that should be included to make sure your guests have all the information they need.
First and foremost, the email should include your names and the date of the wedding. You don’t have to provide a lot of detail at this stage, but make sure to highlight the date so your guests know when to mark their calendars.
Next, it’s a good idea to include the location of the wedding. If you’ve already finalized the venue, feel free to include that information. If not, you can simply provide the city or region where the wedding will take place. This will help your guests plan their travel arrangements and get a sense of what to expect.
In addition to the basics, it’s also a good idea to include a link to your wedding website, if you have one set up. This will give your guests access to additional details about the wedding, such as hotel accommodations, transportation options, and details about the ceremony and reception. You can also use your wedding website to share photos of you and your partner, provide a timeline of the day’s events, and even have guests RSVP electronically.
Finally, it’s important to let your guests know that an invitation will follow. This will give them a heads up that they can expect to receive additional information about the wedding, such as the dress code, meal options, and other important details. It’s also nice to indicate whether you’re inviting the person with a plus one. While this isn’t always necessary, it can be helpful for guests who may be planning to attend with a partner.
A save the date email should have your names, the date of the wedding, the location (though the venue isn’t required), your wedding website, and a note that an invitation will follow. With these key details, your guests will have everything they need to prepare for your big day, and you can focus on enjoying your engagement.
Do you have to send out save the date cards?
Save-the-date cards have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to help ensure that your guests are able to attend your wedding. As the name suggests, these cards provide guests with advanced notice of your wedding date so that they can mark the day on their calendars and plan accordingly.
While save-the-date cards can be a helpful tool for guests, they are not required for every wedding. However, there are certain situations where sending save-the-date cards may be particularly important.
For example, if you are planning a destination wedding or a wedding that will take place during a holiday weekend, sending save-the-date cards can be especially helpful for letting guests know where and when they need to be.
Similarly, if you have a lot of out-of-town guests who will need to make travel arrangements or take time off work to attend your wedding, sending save-the-date cards well in advance can be a considerate gesture.
In any case, it’s important to remember that save-the-date cards are entirely optional. If you choose not to send them, you can always rely on other forms of communication, such as your wedding website or a simple email, to let guests know about your wedding plans.
The decision about whether or not to send save-the-date cards will depend on a variety of factors, including your guest list, wedding plans, and personal preferences. Regardless of what you choose, the most important thing is to make sure that your guests have the information they need in plenty of time to attend your special day.
What can be written instead of save the date?
When you’re planning any sort of event, it’s essential to give your potential guests a heads up so that they can make plans to attend. A common message that is used for this purpose is “Save the Date”. While this is a simple and effective way to convey the necessary information, it can also be fun to get creative and come up with alternative wording that adds a bit of personality and flair to your event invitations.
One option is to use a different phrase that means essentially the same thing. For example, “Hold the Date” is a subtle variation that conveys the same message but feels a bit more unique. Similarly, “Mark Your Calendar” is a fun and playful way to let people know that they should make sure they don’t schedule anything else on the day of your event.
Another option is to get a bit more specific and include additional information in your message. For example, if you’re planning a wedding, you could use a message like “Join Us as We Tie the Knot” or “Save Our Date, We’re Getting Married!”. These types of messages give your guests a bit more insight into what they can expect from the event and can help build anticipation and excitement.
The most important thing is to choose a message that feels appropriate for your event and reflects your personality and style. Whether you opt for a more formal message or something fun and playful, just make sure that your guests know what they need to know to make plans to attend and enjoy your event.
How do you save on Paperless Post?
If you’re looking for ways to save money on invitations, announcements, and event flyers, Paperless Post is a great option. Unlike traditional paper invitations and announcements that can be expensive to print and mail, Paperless Post allows you to create beautiful, customizable digital cards and flyers that can be sent and received online. Not only is this option more cost-effective, but it’s also more environmentally friendly. Here are some tips on how to save money when using Paperless Post:
1. Choose a free design: While some premium designs come with a cost, Paperless Post offers a variety of free designs that you can use and personalize with your own message. These designs include everything from birthday and holiday themes to baby shower and wedding invitations.
2. Use coins strategically: Paperless Post uses coins as a form of currency to pay for premium features such as branded envelopes, removing the Paperless Post logo, and sending to a larger guest list. To maximize your coins, determine which features are most important to you and allocate your coins accordingly.
3. Utilize a guest list: Before sending out your invitations, create a guest list to help you keep track of who you’re inviting and who has RSVP’d. This can also help you avoid sending too many invitations and spending unnecessary coins.
4. Check for discounts: Paperless Post frequently offers discounts, especially during holiday seasons. Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them to save money on your event invitations.
5. Consider the cost of paper invitations: While creating and sending digital invitations may seem like a new concept, it’s important to remember the costs associated with paper invitations. Between the cost of printing, envelopes, and postage, traditional paper invites can add up quickly. With Paperless Post, you can save money while still creating and sending stunning invitations and announcements.
Paperless Post is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to create and send out personalized invitations and announcements. By choosing free designs, using coins strategically, utilizing a guest list, checking for discounts, and considering the cost of paper invitations, you can save money while still creating beautiful digital cards and flyers to share with your friends and family.