Bat mitzvah and bar mitzvah save the date cards are a relatively new concept. They have increasingly grown in popularity over recent years. But isn't an invitation enough? Do you really need to send out bar mitzvah save the date cards, too?

No, save the date cards are not an absolutely necessary prelude to your child's bar mitzvah. But there are some circumstances where it might be a good idea to consider. Here's some questions to help you decide.

1. Does your guest list include friends and loved ones from out of town? If people have to travel to get to your child's bar mitzvah, then sending save the date cards can give them extra time to make those travel arrangements. The more advance notice they have, the better chance they have to track down airline and hotel discounts. They may also need to schedule vacation time so they can attend.

2. Does your child have friends who may also be planning a bat mitzvah or bar mitzvah around the same time? Since his or her friends will all be around the same age, the odds are good there could be some overlapping. Of course, your child will want his friends to share his celebration, so sending out save the dates can alert the parents before they make their own plans.

3. Does the date of your child's bar mitzvah coincide with any holidays or school vacations? Take in account weekends around Thanksgiving and Columbus day or any holiday where people might make plans because they have extra time off from work or school. Also, keep in mind that schools have different schedules for winter break and spring break. If you let your guests know your special date before they make other plans, it's more likely that they will choose to attend your child's bar mitzvah.

But even if you are only having a small party to celebrate this rite of passage in your child's life, with local people attending, you might still want to send bar mitzvah save the date cards anyway. Why, because they're fun! It's your first chance to announce this event in a big way and get your guests excited about sharing this special day.

If you decide to go this route, you can do it very inexpensively. One easy idea is to buy a posterboard and print on it in big bold letters - Save the Date for My Bar Mitzvah - followed by the date. Take a photo of your child holding the sign, get reprints, and send them out.

Is your child creative, or are you? If so, you can paint, draw, scrapbook just one save the date card. Then photograph, scan it, or take it to the copy center. You can print it at home, make color copies at the office supply store or have a local printer run off your creation. These will really get noticed by your potential guests because they are so original.

Another alternative is photo bar mitzvah save the date cards. These really stand out and often cost less than save the date cards you would pick out of an invitation book in a store. Check online for the best deals. You can even find photo bar mitzvah save the date cards that use multiple photos of your child, so everyone who receives it can see how he or she has grown. Some online companies can tie your child's theme into the photo cards, so shop around to see what's available.

You could also go with photo magnets for save the dates. The magnets might cost a little more, but if you want to send something your guests will immediately stick on their refrigerators, then this is a good option. They are not likely to forget a date that they see on their fridge every day. These come in different sizes to fit every budget.

Bar mitzvah save the date cards are not mandatory. But if you decide to give your guests this extra advance notice, they are sure to appreciate the consideration. Whether you craft your own cards, order photo bar mitzvah save the date cards or go with magnets, you don't need to spend a lot of money. Just get the word out, so that friends and loved ones will mark their calendars and reserve the day for your child's bar mitzvah.