You've announced your engagement and have chosen your wedding date.  Now you are beginning the search for your wedding invitations.  But wait!  What about save the date cards?  Are they really necessary?  Under what circumstances do I need them?  These are all questions that many a bride might ask herself.  We're here to help you sort it all out.  

As three-day weekends and destination weddings have become more popular, so have save the date cards.  If your wedding will be during a holiday or possibly the summer in a beach town, a save the date card is almost an expected courtesy.  Of course, you don't have to send the cards, but it is nice to give your guests a head's up as to when your wedding will be held.  Between hectic schedules and travel arrangements, you will increase the chances of your invited guests actually being able to attend if you send a save the date card. Side note:  If you send a save the date card and someone responds they cannot attend, you still need to send a wedding invitation as a courtesy.  

Generally, it is best to send your save the date cards at least 6 months prior to your wedding.  However, 8 months up to a year in advance is better for a destination wedding.  This will give your guests plenty of time to make their travel arrangements, arrange days off from work and save a bit of cash as well.  

If you choose to send save the date cards, be sure to send them ONLY to the people you actually would like to attend your wedding.  Once you have mailed them out, there is no turning back and you must send an official invitation.  The save the date cards should be sent to EVERYONE you wish to attend, even your bridesmaids and groomsmen.  

When mailing out save the date cards, it is best to include who is and is not invited to the wedding.  If you are not sure of someone's proper name, now is the time to find out.  Also, be sure to add whether or not children will be invited. This is a courtesy that will give families time to arrange for childcare if need be.  

If, for some totally unforeseen reason, you must change your wedding date, the very best way to notify your guests is by phone or in person. You can send out another mailing explaining the situation, but a verbal notice is much less confusing to everyone.  You might want to enlist the help of your bridal party and possibly the mother of the bride.