Save the Date Examples and Etiquette

Save the Date Examples and Etiquette

In a whirlwind of wedding planning, save the dates are your early warning system! Discover the key details to include, get inspired by save-the-date examples, and master the etiquette of sending out these essential reminders.

Modern life keeps us all terribly busy (whether we like it 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 and what the vibe might be, and it will be an opportunity for them to set the tone ahead of the wedding day(s).

Here, we will be sharing helpful save-the-date examples and etiquette tips - you'll find all the key information that should be included on your digital save-the-date and the details that can be left out. Basically - we’ve got you covered!

First things first, though, at this stage in the wedding planning process, you must remember that your save-the-date does not need to include all the bells and whistles of a formal invitation - your guests don't need to know the time of your wedding ceremony, the dress code or gift registry details yet. In fact, the sole purpose of your save-the-date is to tell guests the most basic facts: who is getting married and when. Simple!

Save the date examples

So, with that in mind, what information should you include on your save the dates? Essentially, all you really need to include right now is your and your partner’s names, the date of your upcoming wedding celebration, the city or area location (which doesn’t need to be exact), and your wedding website link. Honestly, it really is that simple!

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 with more detailed information will follow at a later date.

Here are some save-the-date wording ideas to get you started: Save the Date for the wedding of Amelia & Sean, (insert wedding date), Melbourne, Australia. Formal invitation to follow Jennifer and Adam are getting married (insert wedding date) in London, UK Pencil us in! Ashley & James are getting married and would love you to be a part of it (insert wedding date). Invitation to follow 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).

A personal touch

Your save-the-date is the first real glimpse your guests get into your wedding, so don’t be afraid to make it personal! Whether you opt for a formal tone, a fun and quirky message, or even a playful photo of you and your partner, this is a chance to set the tone for what’s to come. If you’re planning a themed wedding or a unique destination celebration, your save-the-date design and wording can hint at what’s in store, adding to the excitement. While keeping things simple is key, infusing your personalities into your save-the-date will make it even more special for your guests—and will likely have them counting down the days until they celebrate with you!

Save the date etiquette

Please remember, sending your save the dates out doesn't have to be super complicated; it's the complete opposite, in fact! There are, however, a few pieces of save-the-date etiquette that you'll want to be aware of - these are more helpful guidelines than hard and fast rules, but they're worth bearing in mind anyway!

Timeframe

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.

Plus ones for your wedding date

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.

Make full use of your wedding website

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

Whether you choose to send printed save the dates or go digital, remember it is your special day, so keep them as simple (or not!) as you please. The most significant advantage, though, is keeping everyone on your guest list 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!