An important step in your wedding planning is sending the save the dates. This is even more important if you are having a destination wedding. Wedding save the date notes give your potential guests all the preliminary information that they need to be able to decide if they can attend your wedding or not. Save the date wording is simple and to the point, so it’s pretty easy to send them out to your guests as quickly as possible to confirm your chosen location and date for your big day.
Wonder no more, what to include on your save the dates. We are here to help you navigate all of the save the date etiquette and traditions with a number of saving the date examples and ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ask for RSVP on Save the date?
If you are on a tight budget or have a limited headcount for venue size restraints, you might need an RSVP to save the dates. This can be handled easily and delicately by including a short message in your save the date verbiage. Something as simple as, “we would love to have you celebrate with us, but if you won’t be able to make it, please let us know”, would do nicely.
Does a Save the Date mean you’re invited?
Yes, receiving a save the date means that you are on the list of guests invited to the wedding, however, an invitation is more confirmation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Save The Date Wording Etiquette
While creating save the dates is pretty easy and straight to the point, there are a few factors to keep in mind when writing your save the date wedding message.
- Keep it short
Save the date letters should be simple and to the point. They should include the who, when, and where of your wedding. The link to your wedding website should also be included if you already have one. - Let recipients know an invitation will follow
It is important to note with save the dates, that invitation will follow. This will ensure that your guests do not confuse you save the dates with your wedding invitations. You can make a simple note at the bottom or back of the card, stating that the official wedding invitation will follow. - Send cards at the right time
Save the dates should be sent at least six months prior for local weddings, and ten to twelve months in advance for destination weddings. This will give guests time to plan their schedules, accommodation, and any travel that may be required. - Choose a design that reflects the style of your wedding
Your save the dates basically set the tone of your wedding, as they are the first set of wedding stationery your guests will receive from you. So, asides from the save the date wording, the design is also important. Using your wedding theme colors and the general style of your wedding for your save the dates is a good idea. - Proofread
Remember to proofread your save the date cards multiple times. Make sure the bride proofreads it, give other people to prove it as well if possible. Make sure nothing is misspelled and that all the necessary information is there, before sending them out. - Think about online save the date cards
Save the date postcards might be easy, but online save the dates are easier. Especially in this age of tech where everyone is glued to their phones, it is worth considering online save the dates. You will save so much time and trouble by sending digital cards to your guest list.
ADVERTISEMENT
What to Include and don’t include in Your Save-the-Dates
Save the dates are quite different from wedding invitations, so it is important to note what should be included and what shouldn’t be on these cards.
What to include?
- Your name, in full for traditional cards.
- The wedding dates.
- The location of the wedding.
- A link to the wedding website.
- Note that a formal invitation will follow.
What not to include?
- The name of the venue
- Specific ceremony and reception times
- Registry information, etc
ADVERTISEMENT
Save-the-Date Examples
Save the dates come in different types. You could choose them to be fun, formal, classic, traditional and more. Have a look at some of the save the date wording samples we’ve collected.
Casual Save the Date Wording
Casual save the dates set the tone for an informal wedding, and be sent to close family and friends. Below is an example.
It’s finally happening!
Kendall and Kyle are getting hitched in Miami.
Save the date: 9.18.21
Miami, Florida.
Lookout for your formal invitation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Formal Save the Date Wording
Many couples choose to go with the formal save the date, especially if they’re having a traditional, formal wedding.
Save the Date
Tom Wilson and Brenda Black
request your presence at their wedding
on July 10, 2022
Austin, Texas
https://withjoy.com/TomandBrenda
Formal invitation to come
Religious Save the Date Wording
Save the dates for a religious wedding are usually not so different from formal save the dates.
Save the Date
Lily and Bash
Will be joined in holy matrimony
August 20, 2022
New York City
Formal invitation to follow
ADVERTISEMENT
Fun Save the Date Wording
Definitely, for a fun, laid-back wedding, a fun save the date might go like this.
He asked and she said “Yes!”
Josh and Amanda
September 4, 2022
South Beach, Florida
Invitation to follow
Destination Wedding Save the Date Wording
A destination wedding is one that most requires save the dates as guests need quite some time to decide.
Save the Date and pack your bags
Lisa and Cali
Are tying the knot!
August 15, 2022
Keystone Ski Resort
Keystone, Colorado
https://withjoy.com/LisaandCali
Formal invite to follow
Change-the-Date Examples
Especially with the recent global changes, many couples have had to postpone weddings, change venues, and so on and so forth. A simple change the date card can help you communicate these changes to your guests.
Change the date wording with a note about COVID-19 safety
This card would have all of the necessary information, along with some lines to keep pandemic precautions in mind. Here is a sample.
Come Join us in Celebration
We have had to postpone our wedding due to unforeseen circumstances, and hope to celebrate with you on the new date.
Good Shepherd Church
Chicago, Illinois
October 2, 2022
7:00PM EST
COVID-19 UPDATES: Please be assured that we will be taking necessary precautions for the care for the health of our guests at the event.
ADVERTISEMENT
Formal change the date wording
Formal change the date for a formal or traditional wedding.
This is to announce that the marriage of
Matthew Reeve to Melissa Hartman
has been postponed until Saturday, October 17, 2022
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church
Mercer Island, WA
Kindly reply by September 04, 2022
Funny change the date wording
Even though there is nothing fun about having to change the date of your wedding, you can still keep things light-hearted.
Don’t hold your breath, but
Save the Date
Our plans may have been changed by events of 2020, but we will still love to celebrate with you
September 14, 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
While saving the dates might seem simple and straightforward, sometimes it might not be as easy to find the right save the date wording. These tips and samples cover all you might need to get the necessary information to friends and family well ahead of your big day.
ADVERTISEMENT
