Save-the-dates are optional, but many couples, especially those planning destination weddings, send them out before the formal invitations. These cards give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location, helping them start planning travel and accommodations. Sending them a few months after your engagement helps ensure your loved ones can mark their calendars and avoid scheduling conflicts.
Since these cards are often the first glimpse your guests will get of your wedding, you might wonder how to word them. Here’s what you need to know about save-the-date wording and some examples to spark your creativity.
What Are Save the Dates?
Save-the-dates are announcements—either physical cards or digital versions—that tell your guests the date and location of your wedding. Unlike formal invitations, they are brief and to the point.
There are some key differences between save-the-dates and invitations. Invitations are more detailed and formal, while save-the-dates are simple and concise. The timing is also different. Local weddings typically send save-the-dates six to eight months in advance, while destination weddings might send them out a year ahead. Invitations are sent closer to the event, usually six to eight weeks before the wedding.
What to Include in Your Save-the-Date Message
Your save-the-date wording needs to convey essential information to your guests clearly. Here’s what to include and what to leave out:
Essential Information
- Names: Traditionally, the bride’s name goes first, followed by the groom’s name. For same-sex couples or those with different last names, you can list names alphabetically or however you prefer.
- Wedding Date: Make sure you have a firm wedding date before sending save-the-dates. You can spell the entire date for a formal feel or abbreviate to fit your design.
- Location: Include the city and state where the wedding will take place. The exact venue details can wait for the formal invitation. For destination weddings, a hint of what to expect (like “Join us for a weekend of sun and fun in paradise!”) can be a nice touch.
- Wedding Website URL: If you have a wedding website, include the URL. This is an excellent way for guests to find all the details about your wedding. Consider adding a QR code for easy access on mobile devices.
- “Invitation to Follow” Wording: Let guests know they will receive a formal invitation with more details later.
Details That Can Be Included With Your Invitations
- Venue Details: There’s no need to include the venue name or address on your save-the-date. The city and state are enough for now. You can provide full venue details with your formal invitations.
- Accommodation Information: Hold off on sending hotel and accommodation details with the save-the-date. Include this information in the invitation or on your wedding website.
- Ceremony and Reception Times: Save the specifics about ceremony and reception start times for the formal invitation.
- Dress Code: Details about the dress code can wait until you send the invitations, or you can add them to your wedding website.
- RSVP Requests: It’s too early to ask for RSVPs with the save-the-date. Guests will respond once they receive the formal invitation.
Save the Date Wording Samples
Formal
If you’re planning a black-tie affair, set the tone with formal wedding save-the-date wording. Keep it polite and concise.
Mary Josie Watson and Peter Harker
are getting married!
Save the date: Saturday, the fourteenth of February
Two thousand twenty-four
Queens, New York
Invitation to follow.
Mary Josie Watson and Peter Harker
request the pleasure of your company
at their wedding celebration
on Saturday, the fourteenth of February
Two thousand twenty-four
Queens, New York
Invitation to follow.
Please save the date
for the wedding of
Mary Josie Watson and Peter Harker
Saturday, the fourteenth of February
Two thousand twenty-four
Queens, New York
Invitation to follow.
Casual
For a more laid-back vibe, your save-the-dates can be fun and informal.
Mary and Peter are tying the knot!
Save the date: 02/14/2024
Queens, NY
More details to come.
We’re getting hitched!
Mary & Peter
02.14.2024
Queens, NY
Invitation to follow.
Guess what?
Mary and Peter are getting married!
Save the date: 02/14/24
Queens, NY
Details to follow.
Destination
For a destination wedding, make sure your save-the-dates reflect the multi-day celebration and need for advance planning.
Pack your bags!
Mary and Peter are getting married
on February 14, 2024
in the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Join us for a weekend of celebration!
Invitation to follow.
Escape with us!
Mary & Peter
are getting married in Marrakech, Morocco
February 14, 2024
Save the date for a weekend of fun!
Details to follow.
Join us for a destination wedding!
Mary and Peter
are getting married on 02.14.2024
Phuket, Thailand
Invitation and travel info to follow.
Unique
Add a personal touch or theme for unique save-the-dates to make them stand out.
Paws up! Our humans are getting married!
Mary & Peter
Save the date: 02/14/2024
Brooklyn, NY
Invitation to follow.
Passport ready?
Mary and Peter’s adventure begins
on 02/14/2024
in Brooklyn, NY
Invitation to follow.
A new chapter begins!
Mary & Peter
Save the date: 02/14/2024
Brooklyn, NY
Invitation to follow.
Quotes
Use quotes from movies, TV shows, or song lyrics to make your save-the-dates “aww”-worthy:
“You complete me.” – Jerry Maguire
Mary and Peter
are getting married!
Save the date: 02/14/2024
Brooklyn, NY
Invitation to follow.
“Love is all you need.” – The Beatles
Mary and Peter
are getting married!
Save the date: 02/14/2024
Brooklyn, NY
Invitation to follow.
“I have crossed oceans of time to find you.” – Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Mary & Peter
are tying the knot!
Save the date: 02/14/24
Brooklyn, NY
More details to come.
“You’re my end and my beginning.” – John Legend, “All of Me”
Save the date for the wedding of
Mary & Peter
February 14, 2024
Brooklyn, New York
Invitation to follow.
“Take my hand, take my whole life too.” – Elvis Presley, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
Save the date for the wedding of
Mary & Peter
February 14, 2024
Brooklyn, New York
Invitation to follow.
Now that the save-the-dates are out of the way, it’s time to dive into the rest of your wedding planning. Check out our wedding planning checklist to get started. We’ve got thoughtful advice and tips to help make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.