Save the Dates 101!

You've booked your venue, you've locked in your date! Now it’s time to take the first official step in announcing your wedding day: sending out your Save the Dates. Woo!

But what exactly should a Save the Date include? When do you send them? And how can you make them as beautiful and personal as your love story? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Save the Dates.

✨ What Is a Save the Date?

A Save the Date is a pre-invitation notice that lets your guests know when and where your wedding will take place. It’s not the formal wedding invitation, but rather a courtesy heads-up so they can mark their calendars, start travel planning if necessary, and get excited!

Think of it as the “Coming Soon” trailer for your wedding.

🗓 When Do You Send Save the Dates?

Timing is everything—especially with weddings. The general rule is:

• Destination weddings: 8–12 months in advance

• Local weddings: 6–8 months in advance

Why so early? Giving guests ample notice is key, especially if they’ll need to request time off work, arrange childcare, or book travel.

📌 What Information Needs to Be on a Save the Date?

Keep it short and sweet, but crystal clear. Your Save the Date should include:

• Your names (first and/or full names)

• The wedding date

• City & state (especially important for destination weddings)

• “Formal invitation to follow” (a standard note that helps set expectations)

• Your wedding website URL (optional, but very helpful)

Example Layout:

Save the Date

Emily Johnson & Carter Smith

Are Getting Married!

October 18, 2026

Sedona, Arizona

Formal Invitation to Follow

yourwebsitenamehere.com

🌟 What Could You Add for a Unique Touch?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about how to take your Save the Date from standard to standout.

1. A Cute Tagline or Inside Joke

Here are some examples and ideas!

💕 Cute & Romantic Taglines

• “We can’t wait to say ‘I do’ — but first, save the date!”

• “Our forever starts on [insert date].”

• “Mark your calendars for the best day ever.”

• “Love is in the air… and on your calendar!”

• “Two hearts, one date.”

• “Pencil us in—you won’t want to miss this love story.”

• “He stole her heart, so she’s taking his last name.”

• “We found the one—now we just need you there.”

• “Can’t wait to celebrate with our favorite people.”

🎉 Fun & Playful Taglines

• “Come for the vows, stay for the party.”

• “Let’s get this party started... in [month/year]!”

• “Clear your calendar—we’re throwing the wedding of the year.”

• “There will be cake. And maybe dancing. Definitely love.”

• “Put your dancing shoes on—it’s almost time.”

• “You in? Good. Save the date!”

• “Get ready to ugly cry and clink champagne.”

• “It’s happening! And you’re invited!”

• “This is not a drill. We’re getting married.”

😂 Funny & Cheeky Taglines

• “About damn time.” (Perfect for longtime couples!)

• “Finally!”

• “We did a thing. Now come party with us.”

• “Free food, open bar… oh yeah, and we’re getting married.”

• “Come witness our legally binding love.”

• “We’re tying the knot, so you better knot miss it.”

• “They said we couldn’t do it… so we’re doing it big.”

• “It took [x] years, but here we are.”

• “Game over. She said yes.”

🛫 For Destination Weddings or Travel Lovers

• “Pack your bags—we’re getting married!”

• “Next stop: [wedding location]!”

• “Jet lag optional, love required.”

• “Passport, please. We’re saying ‘I do’ overseas.”

• “Love is taking us places—come along for the ride.”

• “Sun, sand, and vows—save the date!”

🌿 For Nature/Outdoorsy Couples

• “Love is in full bloom.”

• “Adventure awaits—see you there.”

• “Our next big adventure: marriage.”

• “From trails to tuxes—we’re getting married!”

• “Meet us under the stars.”

💻 For Nerdy/Cute Inside Jokes

• “It’s official—#ForeverLoading complete.”

• “Love.exe is now running. Save the date.”

• “Player 1 & Player 2 are getting married.”

• “The OTP becomes canon on [date].”

• “Leveling up in love.”

2. Engagement Photo or Custom Illustration

A beautiful way to show your faces or set the tone for your wedding vibe! We're seeing so many beautiful examples of watercolor venues on Save the Dates right now!

Pro tip: Use a photo that matches your wedding style (romantic, formal, whimsical, etc.)

3. QR Code to Your Website or a Fun Video

Let your guests scan and be taken to your story, proposal video, or travel info. A tech-savvy move with high impact.

Pro tip: Use Canva to create your QR code quick and easy! Go to Apps and search for the QR code tool. Easy peasy!

4. A Travel Map or Timeline

Especially great for destination weddings! Show a visual of where the event(s) will be and what to expect. Ask your venue if they have images you can use or find an artist to create something for you!

5. Weekend Schedule Highlights

If your wedding spans multiple days, give a teaser:“Welcome party Friday, Ceremony Saturday, Beach day Sunday.”

🎨 What Should Save the Dates Look Like?

Your Save the Dates set the tone for your entire wedding aesthetic. Think of them as a design preview of what’s to come.

Here are 5 design tips to guide your choices:

1. Match the Wedding Style

Use your Save the Dates to drop hints about your theme:

• Formal black-tie: Elegant fonts, metallic accents, minimalistic design

• Rustic barn wedding: Kraft paper, hand-drawn florals, watercolor elements

• Garden party: Pastels, floral borders, whimsical script fonts

• Modern and chic: Bold typography, negative space, minimal color palette

2. Pick a Format That Feels Right

Don’t be afraid to stray from tradition! Consider these options:

• Postcards – Budget-friendly and adorable. No envelope required.

• Magnets – Practical and perfect for fridge reminders.

• Folded cards – Great if you have multiple elements to include.

• Bookmark-style – Unique and functional.

• Digital Save the Dates – Eco-friendly and immediate.

3. Use Readable Fonts and Smart Sizing

Make sure names and dates pop. Avoid overly ornate fonts that are hard to read. And keep your hierarchy clear: date > names > location.

4. Play with Color Theory

Choose colors that reflect your wedding season or palette:

• Spring: Soft blush, sage, light blue

• Summer: Coral, citrus tones, vibrant florals

• Fall: Rust, deep burgundy, gold accents

• Winter: Navy, forest green, silver

5. Don’t Overcrowd It

White space is your friend! Keep the design airy and uncluttered. Save the heavy details for your invitation suite.

💡 Outside-the-Box Save the Date Ideas

Want something unforgettable? Try one of these non-traditional approaches:

• Video Save the Date: A short film or animation with voiceover or music.

• Puzzle pieces: Guests receive a piece of the puzzle that forms your wedding date when assembled.

• Vintage postcard: Especially charming if you’re marrying in a historic or scenic spot.

• Pressed flower cards: Delicate and organic—perfect for nature lovers.

• Scratch-off Save the Date: Let guests scratch to reveal your date!

• Message in a bottle: Ideal for tropical destination weddings.

• Photo booth strip: Use real or styled images of you two in a filmstrip format.

  
  

  

  
  

💬 FAQs About Save the Dates

Q: Do we need to send Save the Dates to every guest?

Yes, but only to those who you’re 100% inviting. Once it’s sent, it’s considered a soft commitment.

Q: Can we send them digitally?

Absolutely. Digital Save the Dates are a great choice if you're short on time, budget-conscious, or eco-focused.

Q: Do we include RSVP info?

Nope! That comes with the formal invitation. Save the Dates are for awareness, not collecting responses.

📦 Where to Order Save the Dates

Here are a few popular platforms to explore:

• Minted – Tons of styles and matching suites (and our fav pick)

• Zola – Affordable and stylish options

• Etsy – Great for unique, handmade or illustrated cards

• Canva – Design-your-own and print or download

• Vistaprint or Zazzle – Budget-friendly custom options

Or better yet, work with a stationery designer for a completely custom design tailored to your story and aesthetic.

Save the Dates are more than just a piece of paper, they’re the first glimpse your guests get into the celebration you’re planning! Whether you go modern and minimal or bold and whimsical, what matters most is that it feels like you.

Happy Planning!!

Lynea and The Wedding Talk Team