Wedding Save the Dates: A Complete Guide to Etiquette & Design
"Announce your big day in style and give your guests the heads-up they need."
Once you have set your wedding date and secured your venue, it is time to spread the word. Wedding save the dates are the first official communication you will send to your guests, and they serve a crucial purpose. They are not just a formality; they are a practical tool that allows your loved ones to plan ahead. Whether they need to book flights, request time off work, or arrange childcare, a save the date gives them the advanced notice they need. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about save the dates, from when to send them to what to include and how to design a card that reflects your wedding style. For a complete timeline of all your stationery, see our guide to wedding stationery.
What Are Save the Dates?
A save the date is a preliminary announcement, sent before your formal wedding invitation. Its primary purpose is to inform your guests of your wedding date and location so they can mark their calendars and make any necessary arrangements. Unlike an invitation, a save the date is more informal and doesn't include all the details. It doesn't require an RSVP and is a simple, elegant way to give your guests a heads-up. They are especially important for a save the date for destination wedding or a wedding that falls on a holiday weekend, as travel and accommodation will require more planning.
When to Send Them
Timing is a key consideration when it comes to save the dates. Send them too early, and guests might forget. Send them too late, and they won't serve their purpose. The general rule of thumb is to send your save the dates six to eight months before your wedding date. However, there are exceptions. For a destination wedding or a wedding during a busy holiday weekend, you should send them out eight to twelve months in advance. This gives your guests ample time to plan and book their travel. For a local wedding, six months is usually sufficient.
💡 The WeddingClever Tip: A good rule to follow is to send your save the dates at least two months before you plan to send your formal invitations. This ensures that your guests receive the save the date with enough time to plan, and it keeps your stationery timeline running smoothly.
What to Include on Your Card
While save the dates are less formal than invitations, they still need to include some essential information. Here is what you should include:
- Your Names: Include your full names (or the names you go by) as a couple.
- The Wedding Date: Include the day of the week, the date, and the year (e.g., Saturday, the Fifteenth of September, Two Thousand and Twenty-Five).
- The Location: Include the city and state where the wedding will take place. You don't need to include the specific venue, just the general location.
- A Note to Expect an Invitation: Include a phrase like "Formal invitation to follow" or "Invitation to follow" to let guests know that more details will be coming.
- Your Wedding Website: This is optional, but it's a great idea to include your wedding website URL. This allows guests to find more information about travel, accommodation, and the wedding itself. You can find our guide to wedding website builders for help.
Design & Style Inspiration
The design of your save the dates should reflect the style and tone of your wedding. It is the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day, so it should give them a sense of what's to come. Here are some popular design ideas to consider:
Photo Save the Dates
A photo save the date is a beautiful way to share your engagement photos with your guests. You can choose a single photo or a collage of your favorites. This is a very popular and personal option.
Magnetic Save the Dates
A magnetic save the date is a practical and fun choice. Your guests can stick it on their fridge, so they will be reminded of your big day every time they open it. This is a great option for a casual or fun wedding.
Minimalist & Modern
For a modern or minimalist wedding, consider a save the date with a clean, simple design. A monochromatic color palette and elegant typography can be incredibly chic. You can find more inspiration in our article on modern minimalist weddings.
Vintage & Romantic
For a vintage or romantic wedding, consider a save the date with a classic, timeless design. Think delicate lace patterns, calligraphy, and a soft color palette. This is a beautiful and elegant choice.
Save the Date Etiquette
There are a few key etiquette rules to keep in mind when sending save the dates:
Rule #1: Only send to guests on your final list. You should only send save the dates to guests who will definitely be invited to the wedding. Sending a save the date and then not following up with an invitation is a major faux pas. Make sure your guest list is fairly firm before you send them out.
Rule #2: Do not include registry information. It is a breach of etiquette to include registry information on a save the date (or an invitation). Guests will look for your registry on your wedding website or ask family members.
Rule #3: Do not send to guests who are not invited to the wedding. This may seem obvious, but it's important to be careful. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. For more on this, see our article on wedding etiquette.
Digital vs. Printed Cards
When it comes to save the dates, you have two main options: printed cards or digital cards. Both have their pros and cons.
- Printed Cards: A printed save the date is the most traditional and elegant option. It feels more personal and is something your guests can physically hold onto. However, it is more expensive and time-consuming, as you need to order, address, and mail them. You can find beautiful wedding save the date cards at a range of quality tiers.
- Digital Cards: A digital save the date is a more budget-friendly and eco-friendly option. You can design an e-card and send it via email. This is a great option for a casual wedding or for a couple who is trying to save on their budget. However, digital cards can feel less personal, so be sure to choose a design that feels special and heartfelt.
