Save the Date Examples and Etiquette

Modern life keeps us all terribly busy (whether we like to keep busy or not!), which is why sending save the dates is a great way to pre-warn guests that they need to keep your wedding date free within plenty of time. Plus, sending a save-the-date will probably be the first glimpse for your guests to see what’s in store, what the vibe might be, and an opportunity for them to set the tone ahead of the wedding day(s).

Here we will be sharing the key information that should be included on your digital save-the-date and the details that can be left out, as well as some save-the-date wording examples AND a few top tips on save-the-date etiquette. Basically - we’ve got you covered!

First things first, though, you must remember, even in your early wedding planning bubble, that your save-the-date does not need to include all the bells and whistles of a formal invitation. In fact, its sole purpose is to just tell guests the most basic of facts; who is getting married and when. Simple!

Save the date examples

So, with that in mind, here’s what you should include: both your and your partner’s names, the date of your wedding day (or weekend), the city or area location (which doesn’t need to be exact), and your wedding website link. Honestly, this is all that needs to be included.

If you have chosen to go down the traditional route of sending formal wedding invitations, instead of including the link to your wedding website, you could include a QR code, or you can simply state that a formal invitation will follow at a later date.

Here are some save-the-date wording ideas to get you started:

1. Save the Date for the wedding of Amelia & Sean, (insert wedding date), Melbourne, Australia. Formal invitation to follow
2. Jennifer and Adam are getting married (insert wedding date) in London, UK
3. Pencil us in! Ashley & James are getting married and would love you to be a part of it (insert wedding date). Invitation to follow
4. Save the Weekend! (insert wedding date) Frankie and Tom are getting married at (insert wedding venue), Mexico. Please see more wedding details on: (insert wedding website).

Save the date etiquette

Timeframes: Here at Say I do, we advise our wedding planning couples to send save the dates approximately 6 months before the wedding if they are on a 12-month wedding schedule. This gives guests plenty of time to book time off work, arrange childcare and/or book travel and accommodation if necessary, allowing everyone to feel as prepared as possible ahead of the big day. Sending this initial save the date to everyone who is invited ensures all your loved ones can make plans as early as possible in order to be with you on your special day.

Destination weddings: If you're hosting a destination wedding, then don't be shy about giving your guests (and yourselves) as much notice as possible to get organised. We'd recommend sending your save the dates out 9–12 months ahead of the wedding. There are way more logistics and planning involved (for everyone) if you're choosing to get married abroad; the more time you give everyone to get organised, the better. Don't forget to factor in time for printing and posting if you're sending traditional printed stationery out, including save-the-date cards and wedding invitations.

Offer plus ones: It's also just as important to put some thought into how you address your save the dates. This is the perfect time to consider if a guest has a plus one or not and whether you will be inviting children to your big day or having an adult-only celebration.

Leave off gift registry information: Avoid giving any information on your gift registry information at this point. Your wedding website is the perfect place to give guests information on your gift wish lists, but you can always include this later down the line once the official invitations have been designed and sent.

Go digital: If you are a couple interested in keeping things simple and more eco-friendly, we would always recommend sending your save the dates digitally. Choosing to go online with your wedding stationery via a personalised wedding website can ultimately save money and trees, which is an excellent result for everyone! Honestly, it couldn’t be easier. Say I do’s wedding website set-up process is super simple, creating a BEAUTIFUL planning hub in just a few easy steps. You can make it totally bespoke, send your official wedding invitations through here too, track RSVPs, gain access to your own personalised wedding planning checklist and keep in touch with your guests via email, all in one place.

Stay true to yourself

However you choose to send your wedding save the date; remember it is your special day, so keep them as simple (or not!) as you please. The most significant advantage though, is keeping everyone aware of the date of your wedding in plenty of time so that as many of your nearest and dearest can make your wedding, making the celebrations truly unforgettable.