Save The Date Wording Ideas And Examples

You've chosen your wedding venue and set the date (exciting times!), so the natural next step is to notify your guests with save the date cards so they can mark their calendars for your big day. If you haven't planned an event quite as big as this before and perhaps haven't even attended that many weddings yourself, you might be wondering where to start when it comes to the save-the-date wording. Etiquette says that on your save the dates, guests just need the who, what, when, and where with no unnecessary bells and whistles. However, we think it's important for couples to use this opportunity to add their personal touch, whether that's in the design, style, or wording.

We've designed (and sent) thousands upon thousands of save-the-dates and digital wedding invitations through Say I do, so you're in the the right place! Keep reading for more on when to send your save-the-dates, a little bit on etiquette, and some save-the-date wording examples that you can take inspiration from. So, let's dive straight in!

What actually are save-the-date cards?

Ok, first things first, you may simply be wondering what 'save-the-date' invitations are. Well, the clue is kind of in the name - they do the job of notifying your future guests of your wedding date and therefore requesting that they keep the date free. They're basically a great way of saying, 'Pencil us in; don't book anything else on this day because we're getting married; more information to follow'. This early communication with your guests via save the dates will more than likely be the first part of your wedding stationery suite that you'll be putting out there, so ensure it reflects the impending celebrations - you want to build excitement and set the tone for the celebrations ahead!

Are wedding save-the-date cards really necessary?

While not absolutely essential, they can be very handy for weddings at certain times of the year. So, if you're planning your big day during the high summer wedding season, the sooner you can notify your guests, the better. You don't want to be scheduled beside your second cousin twice removed. The same is true if you get married around another busy time of year when families may be planning holidays. Consider whether your guests will need to schedule time off from work; occasionally, they may need to do so months in advance, and the formal wedding invitations might just not get to them in time.

When to send save the dates?

To get the most out of your save the dates, we would encourage you to get them out as soon as feasibly possible. You are basically ready to go as soon as you have secured your wedding date and venue. This is the only key information guests need to know at this point - where it's happening and when. Everything else can be added to your wedding website and/or your main wedding invitations when the time comes.

The most popular time to send save-the-date cards is 6 to 12 months before your wedding day. But if you're hosting a destination wedding, it's recommended that you send them out 9 to 12 months in advance.

A few dos and don't

What to include: Think of your save the dates as a brief note to inform your guests of the date and location of your wedding so that they have enough notice to book time off work and begin planning transport and accommodation. With this in mind, the following information should be included on your save-the-date cards:

• The happy couple's names

• The wedding date

• The location of the wedding (town, city, region, or country)

• Inform guests that your invitations will follow

• Offer plus ones, this is the time when you can address whether a guest has a plus one or not

What not to include: You don't want to give away too much detail at this time, and you may not have finalised the running order of the day etc., so here are a few things you don't need to mention on your save the date cards at this point in the planning process:

• Name of the venue(s)

• Ceremony or reception time

• Details on how to RSVP

• Registry information

Save the date wording examples

Depending on the kind of wedding you're hosting will depend on the language and wording you use on your wedding stationery. Here are a few save-the-date card wording examples to get the creative juices flowing. Feel free to adapt, tweak, and change until you feel it perfectly suits you and your day.

Formal

Save the Date for the wedding of Sophia Rose Smith and Griff Maxwell Harries
Saturday, the twenty-fifth of May, Two thousand and twenty-four
Sydney, New South Wales
Formal invitation to follow

Or

Please Save the Date
Sophia Rose Smith
and
Griff Maxwell Harries
May 25, 2024
Sydney, New South Wales
Invitation to follow

Traditional

Kindly Save the Date to share the joy of
Sophia Rose Smith and Griff Maxwell Harries
at their marriage on Saturday 25th May 2024 in Sydney
Formal invitation to follow

Or

Kindly save the date for the wedding ceremony and celebration of Sophia Rose Smith and Griff Maxwell Harries Join us on May 25th 2024 in Sydney, New South Wales

Casual

Save the Date!
Sophia and Griff are getting hitched!
Saturday 20th May 2024
Sydney
Invitation to follow

Or

It's finally happening! Sophia and Griff are getting hitched in Sydney
Save the date: 24.05.24 Sydney, NSW
Look out for your formal invite

Destination weddings

Save the date cards for a destination wedding will serve as the starting point for travel preparation. It's a good idea to let guests know where they can find important travel information, i.e., on your wedding website, that can be created through Say I do.

Pick a design and colour scheme that ramps up the excitement of your guests, and that perfectly reflects the essence of your destination and the wedding vibe you're going for!

Pack your bags...
Because Sophia and Griff are walking down the aisle!
Saturday 20th May 2024
Further wedding details: sayido.com/sophiaandgriff
Official invitation to follow

Or

To Our Favourite People, We invite you to join us in celebrating our love amidst the breathtaking island of Bali. We are planning to host our wedding on the weekend of 19-21 May 2024. Although we haven't set an exact location yet, we're excited to announce our Indonesian wedding and wanted to ensure you mark your calendars for this unforgettable occasion. Stay tuned for the formal wedding invitation, where we'll share all the exciting details of our summer wedding! Kindly RSVP by [date], so we can include you in our celebrations. With love and anticipation, Sophia and Griff.