Should You Go Digital or Print for Save The Dates?

Published on January 25, 2025

One of the first big decisions you'll make in your wedding planning journey is how to announce your special day. Should you go the traditional printed route for your Save The Dates, or is a digital announcement the better option? Both have their advantages, and the choice depends on your priorities, budget, and guest list. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

📜 The Case for Printed Save The Dates

For many couples, printed Save The Dates are a timeless tradition that adds an elegant and personal touch to their wedding announcements. Here’s why physical Save The Dates might be the right choice for you:

✅ The Pros of Printed Save The Dates

• A Keepsake for Guests: A beautifully printed Save The Date doubles as a souvenir that guests can cherish, display on their fridge, or even frame.
• Tangible and Personal: There’s something special about holding a card in your hands that feels more meaningful than an email.
• More Formal & Traditional: If you’re planning a classic, elegant, or black-tie wedding, a printed Save The Date aligns better with the sophistication of your event.
• Great for Older Guests: Not all guests, especially older family members, are tech-savvy. A printed card ensures they receive the information without any hassle.
• Endless Design Possibilities: With print, you can experiment with luxury textures, embossing, foil stamping, letterpress, and premium paper choices to create a visually stunning card.

❌ The Cons of Printed Save The Dates

• More Expensive: Printing costs, postage, and potential custom design fees can add up quickly.
• Time-Consuming: You’ll need to plan ahead, design the cards, print them, and mail them out—which can take several weeks.
• Not Eco-Friendly: While some companies offer recycled or sustainable paper options, printing and shipping can still have an environmental impact.

📧 The Case for Digital Save The Dates

On the other hand, going digital is a modern, cost-effective, and efficient way to send out your wedding announcements. With wedding websites, e-vites, and email designs, many couples are opting for paperless Save The Dates.

✅ The Pros of Digital Save The Dates

• Instant Delivery: No waiting on printers or postal delays—your Save The Dates can be in inboxes within minutes.
• Budget-Friendly: No printing, no postage, and no design fees (unless you hire a designer). Many platforms offer free or affordable digital invitation templates.
• Eco-Friendly Choice: If sustainability is important to you, going digital eliminates paper waste and reduces your carbon footprint.
• Easy to Track RSVPs: Many digital invitation services allow you to track when guests open your message and even collect RSVPs instantly.
• Perfect for Tech-Savvy Guests: If most of your guest list is comfortable with emails and social media, digital Save The Dates make total sense.

❌ The Cons of Digital Save The Dates

• Less Personal: While digital Save The Dates are convenient, they lack the sentimental value of a physical card.
• Emails Can Get Lost: Your beautifully designed Save The Date might end up in a spam folder or get lost in a crowded inbox.
• Not Suitable for Formal Weddings: If you’re planning a luxurious or traditional event, some guests might expect a printed Save The Date.

💡 The Best of Both Worlds: A Hybrid Approach

If you’re struggling to decide, consider a hybrid approach: send printed Save The Dates to your closest family, older guests, and VIPs, while sending digital Save The Dates to friends, younger guests, and those who live far away. This strategy allows you to balance elegance and efficiency while keeping costs under control.

📌 Our Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best choice comes down to your priorities, budget, and wedding style. If you want something formal and lasting, go with printed Save The Dates. If you prefer something fast, cost-effective, and eco-friendly, digital Save The Dates are the way to go.

No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is that your guests receive the details on time so they can mark their calendars for your big day.

Want more wedding planning tips? Check out our blog for more expert advice on designing the perfect wedding invitations!

🎨 Design Your Perfect Save The Date Card Today!

Now that you know the pros and cons of digital and printed Save The Dates, why not start designing yours? With our easy-to-use Save The Date Creator, you can create stunning, custom Save The Date cards that match your wedding’s aesthetic.

✔ Choose from elegant fonts, beautiful templates, and customizable designs.
✔ Export as high-quality print-ready files or digital versions for easy sharing.
✔ Personalize your Save The Date in just a few clicks!

Start Designing Your Save The Date Today! 🎨