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Save the dates are an essential part of the wedding planning process, serving as the official announcement of your upcoming nuptials. Unlike formal invitations that are sent closer to the event, these notifications give your guests—especially those travelling from out of town—ample time to clear their schedules, book flights, and arrange accommodations.
What Is a Save the Date?
A save the date is a pre-invitation notification sent to your entire guest list, typically 6-12 months before the wedding. Whether you choose a physical card, a magnet, or a digital design, its primary goal is to ensure your loved ones reserve that specific date for your big day before their calendars fill up.
It doesn’t need to include every detail, but every Save the Date must clearly feature these key elements:
- The Couple’s Names: Let guests know who is tying the knot.
- The Wedding Date: The most critical piece of information.
- The Location: City and State (or Country for destination weddings) is sufficient; you don’t need the specific venue yet.
- “Formal Invitation to Follow”: A brief note indicating that detailed information will come later.
Do You Really Need to Send Them?
Technically, save the dates are optional. However, if you are planning a destination wedding or getting married on a holiday weekend, they are essential. They ensure your guests have enough time to budget and book travel. For small, local weddings with a short engagement, you might skip them to save budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher Attendance: Guests can prioritize your day well in advance. | Additional Cost: Another item to add to your stationery budget. |
| Avoids Conflicts: “Claims” your date before other events pop up. | Finalizes Guest List Early: You must be 100% sure about who you are inviting. |
| Builds Excitement: Sets the tone for the style of your wedding. | Time Consuming: Requires collecting addresses 6-8 months earlier. |
When to Send Save the Dates
Getting the timing right is crucial. If you send them too early, guests might lose them or forget. If you send them too late, they might already have plans.
- For Local Weddings: Send them 6 to 8 months before the wedding.
- For Destination Weddings: Send them 9 to 12 months in advance. This gives guests ample time to arrange flights and hotels.
Who Should Receive One?
This is the golden rule of save the dates: Only send them to guests you are 100% sure you will invite to the wedding. Once a save the date is sent, there is no turning back—you cannot “uninvite” them later.
- Do send to: Close family, bridal party, and definite guests.
- Don’t send to: Your “maybe” list (B-list). Keep your options open for the formal invitations later.
Digital vs. Print: Which is Right for You?
Digital save the dates are convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective, but they lack the formality of a printed card. Printed cards serve as a tangible reminder for guests to stick on their fridge.
- Go Digital If: You are on a tight budget or have a short timeline.
- Go Print If: You want a traditional feel or have less tech-savvy guests.
How Much Do Save the Dates Cost?
Budgeting is essential. Here is a quick breakdown of potential costs:
| Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Digital (Email) | Free – $50 |
| DIY (Print at Home) | $20 – $100 |
| Templates + Printing | $50 – $200 |
| Custom Formal Cards | $100 – $500 |
By following these tips, you can ensure that your save the dates are a success and that your guests are prepared for your big day.
How to Word Wedding Save The Dates
When it comes to wording your wedding save the dates, there are a few key elements to include to ensure that your guests have all the necessary information. Here are some tips for how to word your save the dates:
Start with the basics: At a minimum, your save the dates should include the names of the couple getting married, the date of the wedding, and the location. You can also include the city and state if your wedding is taking place in a different location than where your guests live.
Add any additional details: If you have any specific details that you want your guests to be aware of, such as a theme or a dress code, make sure to include them in your save the dates. You can also include any information about accommodation options or transportation for out-of-town guests.
Keep it concise: While it’s important to include all the necessary information, it’s also important to keep your save the dates concise. Your guests will appreciate a clear and concise message that gives them all the information they need without being too long or overwhelming.
Consider your tone: Your save the dates should reflect the tone of your wedding, whether it’s formal or casual. Choose language that is appropriate for the style of your wedding and makes your guests feel excited and included. By following these tips, you can create save the dates that effectively communicate all the necessary details to your guests and get them excited for your big day.
Save the dates are an important part of wedding planning, as they give your guests advance notice of your big day and allow them to mark their calendars and make travel arrangements. When it comes to wording your save the dates, there are a few key elements to include to ensure that your guests have all the necessary information. Here are some save the date wording ideas and examples to help you get started:
- Simple and to the point: If you want to keep your save the dates straightforward and to the point, you can simply include the names of the couple, the date, and the location. For example:
“Please save the date for the wedding of
[Name of bride] and [Name of groom]
[Date]
[Location]”
- Add a personal touch: You can also add a personal touch to your save the dates by including a short message or poem. For example:
“We can’t wait to celebrate with you,
[Name of bride] and [Name of groom]
[Date]
[Location]
Join us as we start our forever”
- Include a photo: If you have engagement photos or other special photos that you’d like to share with your guests, you can include them on your save the dates. This can add a personal touch and give your guests a sneak peek of what’s to come on your big day.
- Be creative: There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wording your save the dates, so feel free to get creative and have fun with it. You can use puns, jokes, or other creative language to make your save the dates unique and memorable.
By following these tips and using these examples as inspiration, you can create save the dates that effectively communicate all the necessary details to your guests and get them excited for your big day.
Save the Date Wording Ideas and Examples
Save the dates are an important part of wedding planning, as they give your guests advance notice of your big day and allow them to mark their calendars and make travel arrangements. When it comes to wording your save the dates, there are a few key elements to include to ensure that your guests have all the necessary information. Here are some save the date wording ideas and examples to help you get started:
- Simple and to the point: If you want to keep your save the dates straightforward and to the point, you can simply include the names of the couple, the date, and the location. For example:
“Please save the date for the wedding of
[Name of bride] and [Name of groom]
[Date]
[Location]”
- Add a personal touch: You can also add a personal touch to your save the dates by including a short message or poem. For example:
“We can’t wait to celebrate with you,
[Name of bride] and [Name of groom]
[Date]
[Location]
Join us as we start our forever”
- Include a photo: If you have engagement photos or other special photos that you’d like to share with your guests, you can include them on your save the dates. This can add a personal touch and give your guests a sneak peek of what’s to come on your big day.
- Be creative: There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wording your save the dates, so feel free to get creative and have fun with it. You can use puns, jokes, or other creative language to make your save the dates unique and memorable.
By following these tips and using these examples as inspiration, you can create save the dates that effectively communicate all the necessary details to your guests and get them excited for your big day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending them too late: If it’s less than 4 months away, just skip to the formal invitation.
- Including registry info: It is considered tacky to ask for gifts this early. Save that for the wedding website or invitation.
- Sending to “Maybe” guests: Never send a save the date to someone you aren’t 100% sure about inviting.
FAQs
What is the purpose of save the dates for weddings
Save the dates notify guests of upcoming weddings. They provide advance notice, typically 6-12 months prior. This allows guests to clear their schedules.
Can I send save the dates by email
Yes, email is a common method. Digital save the dates are convenient and cost-effective. Many couples use online platforms for easy sending.
Is it rude to send save the dates too early
No, it’s not rude. Sending them 12-18 months in advance is acceptable. This gives guests ample time to plan, especially for destination weddings.
What are the downsides of digital save the dates
Digital save the dates lack formality. They can get lost in inboxes or be overlooked. Some guests may prefer traditional paper invitations.
Do I need to send save the dates for a small wedding
No, it’s not necessary. Small weddings often have shorter planning timelines. Formal invitations may suffice for intimate gatherings.
Will save the dates work on Android devices
Yes, they are compatible. Digital save the dates are accessible on most devices. Guests can receive and view them on Android smartphones.
What is the proper way to word save the dates for a destination wedding
Include the location and date. Provide travel information and accommodation details. This helps guests plan their trip accordingly.
Can I use save the dates for birthday parties
Yes, they can be used. Save the dates are useful for any event. They help guests plan ahead, ensuring attendance.
What if I send save the dates and then change the date
Notify guests immediately. Send an update or a new save the date. Be considerate of guests who may have already made plans.
Are save the dates necessary for a weekday wedding
No, they may not be necessary. Weekday weddings often have shorter notice periods. Formal invitations may be sufficient for these events.
