Save the dates or no

I would send save the dates. I think sending invites more than 3 months out is too early so I'd send save the dates just to let people know!

As PP said, I wouldn't send invites out more than 12 weeks before the wedding. If you need to let your guests know ahead of time (lots of out of town guests, peak wedding season when they might be invited to other weddings), I would send save the dates aroud 6-8 months out or up to a year in advance if it's a destination wedding.

Do you have lots of out of town guests? Are you having a destination wedding? Is your wedding on a week night? If yes to any of those questions, I would definitely do save the dates. If not, they're not necessary, but you could still send them. It's really a personal decision and there are pros and cons whichever way you go. Either way, it shouldn't be necessary to send your invitations out early.

We are also only inviting 80 people and we did save the dates. I sent them 8 months in advance and i will send my invites mid Feb for a May wedding. But you can skip save the dates if you want. Do whatever you feel is right.