Engagement photos/ Save the dates?¿?

It's okay to use your engagement photo on your save-the-date. I don't think you "officially" send them out, they're more for you and the groom. They can be used for things such as the save-the-date, as mentioned, modernized invitations, bridal shower invitations, etc...

We used one of our engagement pictures for our STD

You don't "have" to get engagement photos taken. If you want them done and it fits in your budget, then go for it. Your save the date can definitely use engagement photos or any photo you choose to put on them.

Agree that you don't have to have engagement photos. They are nice. Mine were free and the only reason I got them.

Engagement photos aren't necessary. Some photographers offer them as part of the package.

We did engagement pictures because we don't have any nice pictures of ourselves. But, the MAIN reason was to test out our photographer before the wedding. I am so glad we did it because now we know what to expect the day off. And, even though I put a lot of research into picking my photographer I don't have to worry if I made the right decision.

We did engagement photos to use for STDs as well as see if we liked the photographer to book them for our wedding. So glad we did, I LOVE our wedding photos

You don't have to get engagement photos. It is still a good Idea to take them in your case because you have been engaged for so long! It will feel like the wedding planning and preparations are kicking off!

You don't send those to family, but they get featured on the wedding website, engagement party, bridal shower, and usually save the dates. Most people display them at the wedding reception, too.

If you want to save money you can go to a studio and do a shorter session on site with a photographer. You can also use a friend who is handy with a camera, or a student photographer.

You definitely don't need to take engagement pictures. Many photographers offer them as part of their package. It helps the couple test out the photographer, and it helps the photographer get to know the couple and how they are in front of the camera. It's also the current trend to use a photo on the save the date but it's certainly not required. You can use any picture you want or no picture at all. Or not even send save the dates. It's up to you and your preferences. Don't otherwise send your engagement pictures to people, other than posting on social media if you're into that.