How to Word Your Save-the-Dates (Plus Examples to Create Your Own!)
Most couples send save-the-dates before distributing their invitations to set their wedding’s tone. This tiny wedding stationery gives guests a heads-up to ensure calendars are clear for the big day. They can also make travel plans accordingly.
Since save-the-date cards are the first glimpse into your planning, you may feel pressured to get the wording right. So, we’ve prepared a beginner’s guide to sending save-the-dates.
What to Include on the Save-the-Dates
Ideally, keep everything short and sweet. And here’s what to include on save-the-date cards.
1. Warm Greeting
Start your date-the-date with a warm and inviting greeting to set a positive tone, like:
- Save the DateWe’re Getting Married
- Join Us in Celebrating
- Mark Your Calendars
2. Couple’s Name
Traditionally, the bride’s name is followed by the groom’s name. Consider alphabetizing for same-sex couples. For example:
- Emily Johnson and John Smith
- Together with their families, Jane and Sarah invite you to…
3. Date and Time Details
As a rule of thumb, send your save-the-dates cards 6 to 9 months before your wedding date. For dates that fall close to holidays or destination weddings, sending them 9 to 12 months in advance is thoughtful. Use phrases such as:
- Saturday, July 20th, 2023 at 6:00 PM
- Save the weekend of September 15-17, 2023
- 07.16.21
4. Wedding Location
You don’t need to mention the venue name or address until your formal wedding invitations. Instead, list the city and state. But you can include a clue about what your guests can expect. Examples include:
- San Francisco California
- On the sandy shores of a paradise
5. Invitation to Follow
Let your guests know that more details are coming soon with a formal invitation. You can add a line like:
- Details and formal invitation to come
- Formal invitation to follow
6. Wedding Website
If you have a wedding website, include the URL on the save-the-date card. This allows guests to find additional accommodation information, RSVP options, and more. For example:
- For more information, please visit [weddingwebsite].com
Save-the-Dates Wording Examples
Traditional Save-the-Date
Save the Date!
Together with their families,
Emily Johnson and Matthew Anderson
invite you to celebrate their wedding
Saturday, 15th of October, 2023, at 4 o’clock
Las Vegas, Nevada
Formal invitation to follow
Formal Save-the-Date
Save the Date
for the wedding of
Mary Williams and Joshua Smith
Saturday, 10th of June, Two thousand and twenty-three
Brooklyn, New York
Formal invitation to follow
Please see further wedding details at
[weddingwebsite].com
Simple Save-the-Date
A date to remember
Save the date for
Reese and Willow
09 August 2023
New York City
Invitation arriving soon
Casual Save-the-Date
Save the Date
Emily and Matt
Are tying the knot!
10.15.23
Orlando, Florida
Invitation to follow
Funny Save-the-Date
Mark your calendars
Laura and Robin
are getting married (finally!)
We promise there will be food, drinks,
and enough cake to make you smile
Join us on October 15, 2023
New Orleans, Louisiana
Formal invitation and dance moves to follow
Destination Save-the-Date
Love is in the air, so fly with
Samantha and Michael
for their Destination Wedding
23-25 July 2022
Costa del Sol, Spain
Invite to follow soon!
Crafting your save-the-date cards is an exciting opportunity to set the stage for your big day. You can always add personal touches to the texts and enjoy the process. Alternatively, you can choose from our Save-the-Date Wedding Stationery Canva Cards with various designs and customizable options. They easily fit your wedding theme or décor.
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