- \n
- Save the dates are sent ahead of your formal wedding invitation to let guests know when and where your wedding will take place, so they keep the date free.<\/li>\n
- Clear save the date wording helps guests understand when and where your wedding is happening.<\/li>\n
- When writing save the dates, you should include your names, the date and the approximate location.<\/li>\n
- You don\u2019t need to include more detailed information like timing or dress code on save the dates\u2014that comes later when you send out invitations.<\/li>\n
- Different formats like postcards, magnets and photo cards work best with different wording.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n Ready to design your save the dates? <\/div>\n\n\n Create them with confidence using VistaPrint\u2019s customizable designs. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n \n\n Create save the dates<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n![\"hand-drawn](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1058,h_952,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689562\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-4\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-4.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save the date etiquette and tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Save the dates are the first piece of wedding stationery<\/a> that you\u2019ll send out, usually around 6-12 months before the big day. They\u2019re a pre-invite to let your guests know the wedding date and location, so they can keep it free. If you\u2019re planning a local wedding, you don\u2019t need to give as much notice. But if you\u2019re expecting a lot of people to travel or are hosting a destination wedding, send your save the dates on the earlier side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proper save the date etiquette also dictates that you should include the note \u201cInvitation to follow\u201d <\/strong>to make sure people know that more details will be on the way soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few more save the date tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Lead with the location if travel matters. <\/strong>For destination weddings or travel-heavy guest lists, put the city, state or country near the top so guests immediately see where your celebration will be.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Echo your wedding theme or tone.<\/strong> Whether your wedding will be formal, relaxed or rustic, a small hint of your wedding theme<\/a> in the wording helps set expectations early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make your celebration feel like an event. <\/strong>Short phrases like \u201cJoin us in the Rockies!\u201d or \u201cA seaside celebration awaits\u201d gives guests a sense of what\u2019s to come.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Include a gentle nod to your story.<\/strong> A short personal line like \u201cFirst comes love, then comes the date\u201d can add personality without cluttering the essentials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nIf you\u2019re unsure about timelines, these guides on when to send save the dates<\/a> and when to send out wedding invitations<\/a> break it down clearly.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"wedding](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_832,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689843\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-1\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-1.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to include on a save the date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your save the dates are not official invitations, so you only need to include the minimal information that guests need in advance. Do<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Your names. <\/strong>Guests should know immediately who is getting married when they open a save the date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your date. <\/strong>It might seem obvious, but include the full date\u2014for example, Friday, September 16, 2026 or 10\/16\/2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The location.<\/strong> Include the name of the wedding venue, if you already have one booked. If you don\u2019t have a venue yet, just note the city, town or state where your wedding will take place so guests know whether they need to travel or not.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your wedding website.<\/strong> If you want to include details that won\u2019t fit on your save the date, direct invitees to your wedding website for more information via a URL or QR code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Invitation to follow.<\/strong> Let your guests know that an official invite with more information is on its way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What not to include on save the dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Avoid overloading your save the date with details, as they come later. Things you don\u2019t<\/strong> need to include on a save-the-date are the dress code, timings, RSVP deadlines or registry information. Save these details for the formal wedding invitation and your wedding website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Considerations for save the date wording<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Now that you know what and what not to include in your save the date wording, there are a few more things to think about before you start writing your message:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How many dates do your invitees need to save?<\/strong> Is it a full day, an evening or a whole weekend?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How will you address your save the dates?<\/strong> If you know a guest well and know who they\u2019ll bring as a plus one, it\u2019s good etiquette to address the save the date to both people by name. If you\u2019re not sure, then make it clear at this stage whether the recipient has a plus one or not.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are you asking guests to RSVP now?<\/strong> Usually this comes later with the main invitation suite, but if you\u2019re on a tight budget or have a venue with limited capacity, then you could include a note like \u201cWe\u2019d love to have you but if you know now that you won\u2019t be able to come, please let us know.\u201d This way, you\u2019ll have a clearer idea of numbers earlier on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1320,h_868,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689632\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-7\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-7.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save the date wording examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Depending on what kind of wedding you\u2019re planning, you can make your save the date wording traditional or informal, simple or funny. A good save the date message is clear, friendly and focused on the essential details. It tells wedding guests what date to hold and reassures them that a formal invitation is coming later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simple save the date examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Save the Date
Emma and Alex
September 16, 2026
Austin, Texas
Invitation to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\nMark your calendars
We\u2019re getting married
June 4, 2026
Chicago, Illinois
Details to come<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease save the date
for the wedding of
Jordan and Taylor
10.08.26
Denver, Colorado
Invitation to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n![\"Simple](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_686,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689456\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-16\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-16.png?_i=AA\")
<\/div>\n \n \nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_668,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689615\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-6\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-6.png?_i=AA\")
<\/div>\n \n \nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formal save the date wording examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
These traditional save the date examples work well for formal weddings, keeping your save the date wording clean and classic. For formal save the dates, use full names and spell out dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save the Date
for the wedding of
Jane Elizabeth Smith
and
John Paul Jones
Saturday, May Sixteenth
Two thousand twenty-six
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Formal invitation to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\nCatherine O\u2019Connor
and
William Donovan
Will be married
Fourteenth of June, 2026
Brooklyn, New York
Formal invitation to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\nSunday, the Eleventh of November
Twenty-Twenty-Six
Please save the date
for the wedding of
Suzanne Lees and Maria Waterstone
Invitation to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n\n![\"Formal](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_763,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689821\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-2\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-2.png?_i=AA\")
<\/div>\n \n \nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n![\"Formal](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689585\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-5\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-5.png?_i=AA\")
<\/div>\n \n \nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Informal wedding save the date examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your wedding is more low-key, then more informal save the date wording can set the tone for the big day. Many modern couples prefer to use more conversational language for wedding stationery, even if their wedding is a formal event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark your calendars
A date to remember
22\/06\/2026
We\u2019re tying the knot
Come celebrate with us<\/p>\n\n\n\nSave our date
Tina and Samantha
August 11, 2026
Boston, Massachusetts
Invite to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\nA date worth saving!
Chris and Morgan
05.21.26
San Diego, CA
Details coming soon<\/p>\n\n\n\nSuzanne and John are
getting hitched
Save the Date
11\/11\/26
Orlando, Florida
Formal invite to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Short](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1214,h_808,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689603\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-3\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-3.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Destination wedding save the date examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re planning a destination wedding, it\u2019s wise to include a little extra information on your save the date, like the name of the nearest airport or some brief travel information. This gives people a chance to organize themselves and book any flights or hotels in advance. Keep travel details light, however, directing guests to your wedding website for the rest. Destination weddings also provide the opportunity to excite guests about travel, for example \u201cCome fly with us!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save the Weekend!
July 23-25, 2026
Emma and Alex
are getting married
Costa del Sol, Spain
Please see further wedding details at
[weddingwebsite].com<\/p>\n\n\n\nLove is in the air\u2026
or it will be when we travel to Tahiti for our
Destination Wedding
11.12.2026
Save the Date
Love, Sam and Jo
Invite to follow soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_793,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689332\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-11\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-11.png?_i=AA\")
<\/div>\n \n \nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n![\"Destination](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_821,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689861\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-17\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-17.png?_i=AA\")
<\/div>\n \n \nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pack your bags\u2026
as we journey to Italy to get married
11\/11\/2026
Laura Sterne and Michael Stone
Formal invitation to follow!<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeet us on the beach
Miles Pinkett and Jonah Housten
are getting married
September 25 2026
Cancun, Mexico<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Destination](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_738,h_934,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769690147\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/image9_45603cb78a\/image9_45603cb78a.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nWant to include more details but don\u2019t want your save the date to look cluttered? Use a save the date QR code<\/a> to direct guests to your wedding website.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
Intimate wedding save the date examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you have a small guest list with just family and close friends and need your RSVPs quickly, you may want to add a gentle RSVP note to your save the date to help with your planning. This can clarify guest list expectations early, while clear RSVP wording<\/a> helps signal whether the invitation is for individuals, couples or households. An intimate wedding also means you can be more informal with your wording. For example, a simple \u201cSave our date\u201d sounds a little more personal than \u201cSave the date for the wedding of\u2026\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re tying the knot!
Save Our Date
6\/18\/2026
Jenna and William
Ann Arbor, Michigan
(in Jenna\u2019s parents\u2019 backyard!)
Invite will follow soon
See more details at
[weddingwebsite].com<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Save](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1112,h_856,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689886\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-15\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-15.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rescheduled wedding save the date examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your wedding was postponed, then you\u2019ll likely be sending a new save the date to the same set of people. Make it clear that this is a new save the date so it\u2019s not confused with an older one. You can simply add a note saying \u201cNew date\u201d or \u201cRescheduled.\u201d If you\u2019re in good humor about the rescheduling, then you can inject some of that into your wording, for example \u201cSave the date \u2013 again!\u201d or \u201cThis time we mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s try this one more time\u2026
Save the Date (Again!)
September 3, 2026
James and William
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Invite will follow soon
See more details at
[weddingwebsite].com<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Rescheduled](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1216,h_918,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689493\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-12\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-12.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rescheduled
Please save our new date
Tamsin and Greg
17\/03\/2026
San Diego, CA<\/p>\n\n\n\nShort save the date examples for limited space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A good save the date matches the tone of your wedding and fits the space available on your card. Short captions work best on magnets and photo cards, while postcards allow for slightly more detailed information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save the Date
06.18.26
Jenna & William<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019re getting married
09.03.26
Palm Springs, CA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Unique](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1244,h_958,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769690078\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-9\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-9.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unique save the day wording examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you want something more personal or modern, there are plenty of alternative save the date examples to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He asked and she said \u201cYes!\u201d
Zoey and Josh
07.24.26
Taos, New Mexico
Invitation to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\nFood, drinks, music. Need we say more?
Save the Date
Samie and Joey
11\/09\/26
Margate Beach Front
Invite to follow soon
[weddingwebsite].com<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt Just Got Real!
Save Our Date
Tina and Samantha are
Getting Married (Finally!)
11\/08\/26
Boston, Massachusetts
Formal Invite to Come<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Unique](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1140,h_858,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689992\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-14\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-14.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
More save the date wording examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Save the Date
Joe and Andrew
are getting married!
4 September, 2026
A date to remember
Oakland, California
Formal invitation to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\nOur adventure begins
Willow Lorn and Reese Robinson
are getting married
25 August, 2026
Our house, Portland
Save the Date
Invitation to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Unique](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1224,h_944,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689645\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-8\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-8.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSave the date design template<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark your calendars
We\u2019re getting married!
Save the date for
Robin and Sam
11\/09\/22
Orlando, Florida
Invitation arriving soon
Please see further wedding details at
[weddingwebsite].com<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease save the date
to celebrate the wedding of
Sarah Cartwright
and
Anna Barnes
20 August, 2022
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Formal invitation to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Save](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1016,h_934,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1769689362\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-13\/wedding-planning-save-the-date-example-13.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choosing your save the date format<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Different save the date formats work best with different wording lengths:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Save the date cards<\/a> have space for names, dates, the location and a short website link.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Save the date magnets<\/a> are smaller, so make the text shorter and bolder for readability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Photo cards let the image lead, with minimal text on the front and details on the back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n - Save the date magnets<\/a> are smaller, so make the text shorter and bolder for readability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How will you address your save the dates?<\/strong> If you know a guest well and know who they\u2019ll bring as a plus one, it\u2019s good etiquette to address the save the date to both people by name. If you\u2019re not sure, then make it clear at this stage whether the recipient has a plus one or not.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your date. <\/strong>It might seem obvious, but include the full date\u2014for example, Friday, September 16, 2026 or 10\/16\/2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Echo your wedding theme or tone.<\/strong> Whether your wedding will be formal, relaxed or rustic, a small hint of your wedding theme<\/a> in the wording helps set expectations early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lead with the location if travel matters. <\/strong>For destination weddings or travel-heavy guest lists, put the city, state or country near the top so guests immediately see where your celebration will be.<\/li>\n\n\n\n