>I could do that... but it means that when they click save it doesnt save. Also, the container is used different places in the system so they would all have to change. messy.

It is quite normal to have all validations at save point, i.e. when user really clicks Save button. Field validations can be used to accomodate input only, i.e. user can be suggested to pick up correct value, but if it wasn't done then he/she will be stopped later.