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Save The Date Wording to Help Inspire You

July 24, 2024 | justine

Image by Dawn Photo

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.

Image by Beatrice Howell

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Modern Yet Natural Huerto de San Vicente Wedding

July 23, 2024 | justine

Gema and Jose are a fun-loving and adventurous couple passionate about design, fashion, music, and food. They wanted their wedding day to reflect their lifestyle and tastes with a modern, daring, yet elegant style that truly represented them. Starting with a venue that allowed them to bring all these elements together, their Huerto de San Vicente wedding featured dreamy florals, a contemporary aesthetic, and fashion-forward attire, perfectly embodying who they are.

The ceremony occurred in the property’s grove, surrounded by towering trees, creating a truly picturesque moment. The aisle followed the natural contour of the location, lined with dried grass and white blooms, and ghost chairs led to the altar. As guests moved to the reception hall, they were greeted by beautifully decorated tables filled with flowers and candles. Adding a final touch of elegance were towering arrangements that seemed to sprout from the ground, all tied together with raffia lamps.

Searching for ideas to combine modern elegance with natural beauty for your wedding? Your search ends here! These stunning photos by Junebug vendor Lara Onac are filled with inspiring details so you can visualize how to make them a part of your special day.

The Couple:

Gema and Jose

The Wedding:

Huerto de San Vicente, Valencia, Spain

Selecting Wedding Attire That Was Appropriate, Comfortable, and Reflective of Their Personalities

I’ve always loved wearing hats, especially headpieces. Eliurpi’s designs have fascinated me for years, so I knew I had to wear one of their creations for this special occasion. Edgar Molina designed an outfit that made the hat the focal point. I wore an elegant and simple dress with a silk cape to balance the look and added a bold touch with black shoes by Amina Muaddi. Later at the party, I opted for a more relaxed feel. I removed the hat, let my hair down, and wore a shiny bolero jacket that looked beautiful as I moved. José Miguel followed daytime wedding etiquette by wearing a morning coat—a three-piece suit with a long tailcoat custom-made by Seligra tailors. Our goal was to enhance our silhouettes while staying true to protocol and feeling comfortable so we could fully enjoy our big day. Working with Edgar Molina and Adrián Seligra on these custom designs was a wonderful experience, and we will happily repeat it.

How Their Wedding Planner Brought Their Dream Huerto de San Vicente Wedding to Life

Our wedding planner skillfully brought all our ideas to life on our special day. They utilized the estate’s spaces to enhance its architecture beautifully. For instance, during the ceremony in the grove, they creatively used the natural curves of the trees to create a stunning, organic aisle, complemented by clear acrylic chairs that added a magical touch. The gardens at cocktail hour were transformed with minimalist white and neutral-toned furniture, looking spectacular. The planner achieved a wow effect inside the hall with three long tables, including a gracefully curved central table. Floral arrangements sprouted elegantly from the ground, blending seamlessly with suspended raffia lamps. The curved table, adorned with ceramic candelabras, anthuriums, and candles, looked stunning. The overall ambiance was incredible, and the outcome was genuinely breathtaking.

Recalling Their Emotional and Unforgettable Huerto de San Vicente Wedding Ceremony

There were so many incredible moments, but if we had to pick one, it would be the ceremony. It was profoundly emotional yet filled with joy, simply beautiful. The first moment of walking out arm in arm with our parents and seeing everyone looking so happy and radiant was unforgettable. Walking to the tune of “A Thousand Years,” each step filled with joy, and singing the song in my head was incredibly special. And seeing him at the end of the aisle, so elegant and handsome, visibly moved with a huge smile and teary eyes, was a moment I’ll never forget. We enjoyed the entire ceremony together, listening to our story amidst knowing glances and smiles and sharing anecdotes until we exchanged our sincere vows.

A Venue That Ticked All the Right Boxes

We chose Huerto de San Vicente because its surroundings reflect our Mediterranean culture perfectly, surrounded by orchards and orange fields. The estate features expansive gardens with versatile spaces, including a charming grove and pine forest where we held our ceremony. Its spacious hall accommodated all 250 guests comfortably. We also loved the estate’s catering, which emphasizes local produce and offers meticulously crafted, exquisite gastronomy that resonated with our tastes.

Setting the Mood with a Thoughtful Music Choices Throughout Their Huerto de San Vicente Wedding

Choosing the music was crucial for our wedding, especially during the cocktail hour and reception. We hired a Funky-Jazz band called Ay Trick for the cocktail hour, who got everyone dancing and enjoying themselves. After dinner, we brought in the Portuguese Marching band, Alta Cena, who energized us all and made the transition from dinner to the party unforgettable. We ended the night with a fantastic session by DJ Kid Rizzo, keeping the dance floor alive and ending the celebration on a high note.

Honoring a Legacy Through Their Wedding Favors

My aunt, a talented ceramicist, had a tradition of crafting wedding gifts for her loved ones, including traditional Valencian dolls. As the youngest in the family, I knew she would want to create something special for our wedding. Instead of dolls, we decided on a unisex design: a beautiful vase for guests to take home, part of the wedding decor. We collaborated closely on the design, and she lovingly created 250 glazed vases that adorned the reception hall’s tables. Just two weeks before our wedding, her passing was unexpected, but her presence was felt in every vase, each a piece of her final artwork. It made the gift even more meaningful, ensuring she remained in our hearts and memories and allowing each guest to take home a part of her legacy.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Team

Finding professionals who can capture your essence and align with your tastes is crucial. That’s why conducting thorough interviews and initial contacts is essential. It’s important to establish trust and feel a good connection with them. While conveying your ideas is essential, it’s also valuable to be open to their advice. On your special day, it’s about enjoying every moment to the fullest without worrying about the details, which is why entrusting the work to professionals is invaluable.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Lara Onac
Event Planning – Eventos Clandestine
Venue – Huerto de San Vicente
Floral Design – De Bohemia Lab
Bouquet – Floristeria Sayas
Catering – Gourmet Catering
Bartenders – Bartender Spot
Officiant – Meraki Plan
Light and Sound –  Gente De Bien
Live Band Cocktail – Ay Trick
Live Band Party – Alta Cena
DJ – DJ Kid Rizzo
Videography – Maiky Iglesias
Invitation Design – JDN Paper
Makeup Artist – Cristina Crespo Makeup
Hair Styling – Bigudies
Wedding Dress – Edgar Molina Atelier
Bridal Accessories – Amina Muaddi + Eliurpi
Jewelry – Moret Joyeros
Groom’s Apparel – Adrian Seligra
Rentals – Mafesa Integral + Tents and Events
Transportation – Cars and Love

 

Congratulations to Gema and Jose on their modern yet natural Huerto de San Vicente wedding. A heartfelt thanks to Junebug vendor Lara Onac for skillfully capturing all the beautiful details and creating unforgettable memories that this couple will cherish for a lifetime. Check out her profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

Your wedding day should be enjoyed to the fullest without worrying about the details, which is why trusting professionals is invaluable. Check out our list of top-notch wedding vendors to assemble your dream team.

Sponsors
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This Casa Adela Destination Wedding Was Bursting With Color

July 21, 2024 | justine

Josline and JJ had always dreamed of traveling to San Miguel de Allende, a city renowned for its colonial charm and stunning architecture. Captivated by its beauty, they knew it was the perfect place to celebrate their big day. With the help of Junebug vendor Bougainvillea Weddings, they ensured the florals and decor reflected their fun personalities. Their goal was to create a unique and memorable experience for their friends and family, and they successfully pulled off a breathtaking Casa Adela destination wedding bursting with color and style.

Surrounded by breathtaking 360-degree views of the high desert valley, the garden ceremony was a standout moment of the couple’s special day. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows under a trellis adorned with colorful drapery, garlands, and lush blooms. This was followed by a dreamy poolside reception featuring tablescapes of vibrant floral arrangements, earthy accents, and gold settings, all illuminated by string lights. It was a night of endless partying and dancing, creating unforgettable memories for everyone.

If you and your partner dream of a romantic wedding in a beautiful location, you’ll fall in love with these stunning photos captured by Carolin Volker. This is the ultimate inspiration for your perfect destination wedding.

The Couple:

Josline and JJ

The Wedding:

Casa Adela, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

How They Brought Their Dream Casa Adela Destination Wedding to Life

San Miguel de Allende has been a city high on our bucket list of places to travel together. We also knew we wanted to create a unique and memorable experience for our friends and family when they attended our wedding. We were immediately drawn to the colonial-style charm and architecture of the city, as well as the romantic gardens displaying the most stunning florals and trees. We found all that and more. Once we finalized our venue, it was easy to envision the vibe of our perfect day. We couldn’t wait to get married under the romantic sunset in San Miguel. Our guests had such a fantastic experience and are already planning their return.

Advice for a Memorable and Stress-Free Wedding Day

The best advice I can give any future bride and groom is to remember the reason for your wedding day—to celebrate the love you share and declare your commitment to one another. Friends and family will have a lot of input about the details of your wedding, but try not to sweat the small stuff and stick to what makes you, as a couple, happy. If your budget allows, find a wedding planner whose portfolio reflects your envisioned wedding day. Our incredible planners, Bougainvillea Weddings, turned our dreams into reality. Every aspect of our wedding weekend was planned down to the last detail, and we were lucky enough to have the most talented photographer and videographer capture these special moments in film.

Celebrating Vibrant Personalities Through Vibrant Floral Displays

We are most proud of the beautiful floral arrangements created by Bougainvillea Weddings for our special day. We have never seen such an elegant display of floral decor. I would like to think that my husband and I have fun, colorful personalities, and it was important to us that our florals and decor reflect that. Our planners took our inspiration and created the most beautiful arrangements. In fact, I took my bridal bouquet back to Texas so we could preserve it and display it in our home.

How Casa Adela Became Their Dream Wedding Venue

We were completely enamored by Casa Adela as soon as we saw photographs of the venue and property. Casa Adela offers simplistic and artfully designed spaces that allow the beauty of San Miguel de Allende to shine through. When we rented the property, we were excited to be able to host our families for the whole weekend. Beyond that, the intimate courtyard and stunning views from the terrace were exactly what we were hoping for. We experienced exceptional care and hospitality from the staff, and we cannot wait to return.

Exceptional Wedding Planning with Junebug Vendor Bougainvillea Weddings

We were so pleased with our exceptional experience with our wedding planners at Bougainvillea Weddings. We met with Estela Maldonado, director of Bougainvillea, in a virtual call and knew she and her team could turn our dream into reality. Their ability to offer “turn-key” wedding planning services is precisely what we needed. They create florals and decor, offer catering and bartending services, and coordinate all the logistics of your wedding events (welcome party, rehearsal dinner, wedding day). I don’t know what I would have done without their expertise, and we are forever grateful for the amazing experience Bougainvillea Weddings created for us and our families. 

Recommended Reading: Everything You Should Know About Your Wedding Cake

Recommended Reading: From DJs to Fireworks: The Best Wedding Entertainment Ideas to Consider

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Carolin Volker
Event Planning – Bougainvillea Weddings
Venue – Casa Adela
Videography – Amour Films
Makeup Artist – Adriana Abraham
Wedding Dress – Bridal Boutique Lewisville

Congratulations to Josline and JJ on their Casa Adela destination wedding bursting with color. Thank you to Carolin Volker for capturing every special moment and beautiful detail that made their intimate celebration truly memorable. And a special shoutout to Junebug vendor Bougainvillea Weddings for bringing to life their dream celebration. To see more of their work, check out their profile in our directory of planners from around the world.

Choosing a wedding venue is often a sentimental decision. However, if you and your partner are adventurous, tying the knot somewhere new could be perfect for you, just like what this couple did. Regardless of the location, a reliable local planner and vendors are essential to bringing your vision to life. Start your search by exploring our curated list of the best wedding pros!

Sponsors
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