Subscription vs. One-Time Purchase

Dear offers two ways to access templates: subscribing for full library access, or purchasing individual templates. This guide helps you understand the differences and choose the right option for your situation.

Quick Comparison

Subscription Benefits

Access Everything

With a subscription, you can use any template in our library without making individual purchase decisions. This includes:

• All current templates across every event type

• New templates as they’re released

• Different styles for different occasions

Predictable Costs

Know exactly what you’ll pay each year. No surprises when you need a new template for an unexpected event.

Savings Over Time

If you use multiple templates throughout the year, subscription pricing offers significant savings compared to individual purchases:

• Starter: ~12% savings

• Pro: ~23% savings

• Premium: ~35% savings

Flexibility

Try different templates for different events without committing to a purchase. Changed your mind about a design? Just switch to another template at no extra cost.

One-Time Purchase Benefits

No Recurring Fees

Pay once and the template is yours forever. No need to worry about subscription renewals or recurring charges.

Unlimited Sends

Unlike subscriptions which have monthly send limits, purchased templates let you send unlimited messages. This is ideal for very large events or if you send many updates.

Simple Pricing

Just pay for what you need. If you only have one event planned, a single purchase makes more financial sense than a full year subscription.

Keep It Forever

Your purchased template remains accessible even if you don’t have an active subscription. You can return months or years later and still use it.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose a Subscription If…

You’re an event planner or coordinator

• You manage events for clients throughout the year

• You need variety in template styles

• Different events call for different designs

You plan multiple personal events

• Annual birthday parties

• Regular family gatherings

• Various celebrations throughout the year

You want to experiment

• Try different styles before committing

• A/B test invitation designs

• Explore new templates as they’re released

You have moderate-sized events

• The send limits work for your guest counts

• You don’t need to send excessive numbers of messages

Choose One-Time Purchases If…

You have a single major event

• Planning one wedding, milestone birthday, or special occasion

• Don’t anticipate needing other templates

You have very large events

• Guest lists that would exceed subscription send limits

• Need to send many messages (multiple reminders, updates, etc.)

You prefer ownership

• Want permanent access without ongoing payments

• Peace of mind knowing you’ll never lose access

You’re budget-conscious for occasional use

• Only need Dear for rare occasions

• A full subscription doesn’t make financial sense

Hybrid Approach

You can combine both options! Many users:

1. Subscribe for general access and exploration

2. Purchase templates for their most important events (to get unlimited sends)

How It Works Together

• Your subscription gives you access to browse and use all templates

• If you purchase a template while subscribed, that purchase is permanent

• Sends from purchased templates don’t count against your subscription limit

• If you cancel your subscription, you keep access to purchased templates

Example Scenario

Sarah is a wedding planner. She subscribes to Dear Pro ($1,200/year) for access to all templates when working with clients. For her own daughter’s wedding with 300 guests and multiple message types planned, she purchases that specific template to ensure unlimited sends.

Making the Switch

From Purchases to Subscription

If you’ve been purchasing templates and want to switch to subscribing:

1. Go to the Subscription page

2. Choose your plan

3. Complete payment

4. You’ll now have access to all templates

5. Your previously purchased templates remain purchased (with unlimited sends)

From Subscription to Purchases

If you want to stop subscribing:

1. Cancel your subscription

2. You’ll have access until your billing period ends

3. After that, you’ll only see templates you’ve purchased

4. You can purchase additional templates individually as needed

Cost Examples

Scenario A: Three Events per Year

Subscription approach:

• Pro plan: $1,200/year

• Access to all templates for all three events

Purchase approach:

• Template 1 (Standard tier): $49

• Template 2 (Standard tier): $49

• Template 3 (Large tier): $69

• Total: $167/year

Winner: One-time purchases

Scenario B: Event Planner with 15 Events per Year

Subscription approach:

• Premium plan: $2,500/year

• Access to all templates, 3,000 sends/month

Purchase approach:

• 15 templates × $49 average = $735/year

Note: But the subscription gives flexibility to use different templates per event without pre-planning, and includes premium designs

Scenario C: One Large Wedding (400 guests)

Subscription approach:

• Starter plan: $600/year

• Send limit: 850/month

• May not be enough for multiple message types to 400 guests

Purchase approach:

• Grand tier template: $99

• Unlimited sends for all wedding communications

Winner: One-time purchase

Related Articles:

• Subscribing to Dear

• Purchasing Templates

• Understanding Send Limits

• Managing Your Subscription