Save the Dates

Since save the dates go out so far in advance (6-8 months typically) people generally don't plan that far in advance. They can't RSVP to something they havent formally been invited to. If you're looking to cut costs, the best way is to just skip the save the dates.

If your wedding isn't super formal, you don't necessarily have to do super formal invites. Mine were on thicker paper, but nothing too crazy. Like Chandra said, the easiest way to cut the cost is to skip STDs. Save the dates are just a heads up for the date. Invitations are what guests actually RSVP to.

I wouldn't expect people to RSVP to save the dates, people don't know if they can make weddings until 1-2 months before. If you are looking to save money, I'd skip save the dates all together.

I agree with PPs. Have electronic save the dates if you'd like, but hold off on asking for RSVPs!

If you want you could look into postcard save the dates. I did it through Vistaprint during a sale and it was only $35 for 150 save the dates. Maybe this could free up some money for formal invites?