Congratulations, you’ve set the date! Before you know it, it’ll be your wedding day! For the next few months, cake tasting and outfit shopping will be your top priorities, but first, it’s time to send out your Save the Date cards. All kinds of questions arise around wording Save the Dates, from how formal it should be, to how it should differ from the wedding invite. So, to help you, we’ve created the ultimate guide with top tips on Save the Date wording, and our favorite Save the Date examples!
Why Are Save The Dates Important?
You may be wondering why people send out save the dates. Is the invitation insufficient? While you probably have already checked with your immediate family when deciding on the date and booking your locations, sending out save the dates allows everyone else who you want to be there to know when they have to take off work. The extra notice is good for anyone who lives out of town or even internationally, allowing them to plan accordingly. Furthermore, if other people in your circle are getting married around the same time, it’s wise to lock in your date first, to avoid a clash.
When Should They Be Sent Out?
Traditionally, save the dates should be sent out six to eight months before the wedding, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding. This allows guests to book plane or train tickets, buy a wedding outfit, and ask for time off from work. We know it may seem too early, especially if you’re having a shorter engagement, but the sooner your guest knows the date, the more likely they are to attend!
Leave Them Wanting More
Many may know that the purpose of a Save the Date is to let your guests know that an important event is about to appear on their calendar, without going into too much detail. The invitations will include deep details of your wedding, but the save the date should be short and sweet. Thoughtful phrasing will communicate just the right amount of information, leaving you free to make more specific decisions later, which is important when planning a wedding.
It’s best to keep things concise on a Save the Date, covering no more and no less than the basics:
- Who is getting married
- A request for attendance
- The date
- The location
- Note mentioning that an invitation is on the way
Extra notes to consider:
There’s no need to mention the venue unless you have a specific reason for doing so; the city and state are plenty of detail for the save the date. Additional details like your registry information are best left for the official invite but feel free to include your wedding website if it’s ready for viewing. Guests generally do not RSVP to a Save the Date, which differentiates it from the invitation.
Say It Your Way
The save the dates should be as unique to you and your soon-to-be spouse as possible. Create a Save The Date card that matches your invitations and the theme of your soon-to-be wedding for a cohesive aesthetic.
Whatever your style, your Save the Date is a nice opportunity to hint at the kind of event you’re planning. Here are some examples of Save the Dates cards for weddings, with different levels of formality:
Here are some examples of Save the Dates cards for weddings, with different levels of formality:
Traditional:
If taking a traditional approach, it’s worth noting that the state is not usually abbreviated, but written in full, next to the city. It can be as formal or informal as you like: it’s your party, you can cry if you want to!
Kindly Save the Date
to share in the joy of
Claire Smith
and
Aaron Miller
at their marriage
on Saturday, eighteenth of July two thousand and twenty-one
in Los Angeles, California
Formal invitation to follow.
Modern:
Traditional isn’t for everyone. For the modern couple that wants to include images and trendier text fonts, then this style would be for you! You don’t need to include last names or the formal date done in numbers as opposed to spelling them out.
07.20.XX
Save our Date
Steve + Andrew
New York
theweddingofclaireandaaron.com
Give a Giggle:
Who says weddings have to be serious? Why not bring a bit of humor into your Save the Dates? Include that there will be cake, an open bar, or fun games. Let your guests know that your wedding will be different and filled with fun!
Save the Date
There’ll be cake!
Ashley + Tyler
07.20.XX
New York
Keep it Simple:
Are you a minimalist at heart, and prefer not to have extra things in your life? There is no reason to have extra details on your Save the Dates, as your invitations will include all of the important details that your guests will need to know.
We’re getting hitched!
please
Save our Date
07.20.21
Elizabeth & Sarah
New York
How to Address Save the Date Envelopes
The envelopes are just as important as the Save the Dates! The envelopes are what your guests will see first, so this is how to make sure they give off the best first impression.
- Your guests’ titles; Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., etc.
- Your guests’ names; first and last names, you may use a nickname if they prefer it.
- Your guests’ address; you can choose to write out the street number or use numerical values.
- Your return address; include the address of where you’d like guests to reply to and/or send wedding gifts. Pro tip: create your own return address labels to match the theme of your wedding stationery for quick and easy application to these save the dates!
Questions or concerns? We’ve got you covered!
Etiquette and timing can be just as important as wording, so if you’re wondering exactly when and to whom you should send Save the Dates, check out our Ideas & Tips for Your Save the Dates.
Finally, when it comes to sending your official invites, don’t miss our Wedding Invitation Tips & Etiquette.
Secure your big day on the calendars of all your loved ones with a perfectly written Save The Date card. Follow these wording tips for the most optimized communication amongst your guests! If you have any other Save the Date wording tips and ideas, please share them in our comment section!
Lucy is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork, Ireland. Originally from America, she is now settled in Ireland with her husband and Corgi-mix puppy Dug (yes, like from Disney’s UP!). It’s the simple things in life that matter, so give her a bag of M&M’s and she’s happy. She loves to relax with a good book, cozy up on the couch for a movie, or go to the park for a stroll with the family.
