You’ve got the ring, you’ve announced the exciting news, and you’ve set a date. Congrats! What a whirlwind! Wondering what’s next? Now it’s time to get inspired with creative save the date ideas.

You’ve probably already searched the best save the date ideas Pinterest has to offer… but looking through dozens of cards left you feeling overwhelmed — and underwhelmed. Where are the fun save the dates? What kinds of unique save the date ideas are out there? Well, we’re here to help! In this post, you’ll find a handful of creative save the date ideas online to announce the upcoming date to your family and friends.

If you’re wondering what save the dates are, when you need to send them, and where to find unique save the dates to spread the word to family and friends, you’ll find it all right here. You’ll see where to buy fun, modern, and non-boring save the dates your guests will love receiving in the mail. Let’s get started!

Ah, yes, we’re throwing the 4 W’s your way to give you everything you need to know about save the date cards. Here’s the basics, in nice bite-sized answers (because we know you’re freaking busy!) We’re also throwing in a “how” — how to save money on save the dates.

o WHO receives a save the date?

Everyone on your guest list should receive a save the date. DO NOT send a save the date to someone unless you’re 100% positive they’re going to be on the guest list.

You may skip a save the date for someone you’re not sure is going to be invited; however, you can’t send one to someone and then not invite him or her to the wedding.

o WHAT is included on a save the date card?

The save the date is very short + sweet: your names, your wedding date, and location. The location is simply city and state. No need to name any venues yet! Keep that info for your invitations.

o WHEN do you send save the dates?

Save the dates are sent approximately 6 to 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you may send them out earlier, 8 to 12 months before the date, for guests to have a head-start on booking travel accommodations.

o WHY do you send save the dates

The question of why do you send save the dates at all is a frequently asked one. Who wants to spend money they don’t need to spend? The good news is, sending save the dates is really a solid investment. It gives you a head-start on prepping your guest list, so you’ll have a more accurate headcount early. Mostly, it gives your guests advanced notice to a) keep the date open, b) make any arrangements if needed to attend the wedding, and c) get everyone excited about the big day.

We worked with a bride recently who wanted to send save the dates ASAP to announce the news to extended family and friends. By wanting to do so, she and her fiance were proactive and toured venues right away — and set the date! So, in a way, save the dates are great wedding planning motivators. :)

Essentially, save the dates are a necessity and are a worthwhile investment. When selecting save the date cards, be sure to choose a style that is reflective of you as a couple, perhaps even ties in your theme, and sets the tone for the wedding ahead. If you wish to go less formal than your invite, now is the time to do it; save the date cards definitely leave plenty of room for fun, as you’ll see in our round-up below.

If you don’t have a wedding theme or colors picked out yet, don’t sweat it. It’s still very early and your save-the-dates do not need to coordinate with your entire wedding.

o HOW to save money on save the dates

You can get a sweet 25% discount from Minted on save the dates through 12/26 with code: ENGAGED18.

Okay, now that you know the basics — right down to where to buy save the dates online and save money doing it — let’s get on with some fun! Here are creative save the date ideas you’ll definitely want to use right now. They’re all shoppable, too, simply by clicking on a photo below. From library card inspired save the dates to photo ideas, you’ll find creative cards right here. Take a look!

1. Library card save the date

Love to read? This library card save the date is a sweet way to announce your upcoming wedding and even perhaps hint at your book theme. By SimpleTe Design.

2. Boom Champagne Heart-shaped Cards

Pop the champagne — a date is set! These cards are heart-shaped and incredibly lovely. By Erika Firm.

3. Flowchart

This flowchart save the date is one of the most creative ways to tell guests your story! Fill in your own details, choose your favorite color, and send. By Brooke Chandler.

Here’s a closer look:

4. Minibook

Want to tell your family and friends all about the proposal, your planned wedding weekend, and share a few photos? Then a save the date minibook is a perfect choice for you! This is just one style example. By Hooray Creative.

5. There Will Be Cake

This is a playful and fun twist to a traditional save the date card. And seriously, is there anything more delicious than wedding cake?! I think not. By Erin L. Wilson.

6. Compass

Get your adventure on with this compass inspired save the date. By Annie Holmquist.

7. Retro Movie Poster

For the movie-loving couple, this poster is designed with a retro inspired feel. By Bumble Ink.

8. Open bar

This is our favorite for funny save the date ideas. Tell guests to save the date, throw in a hashtag, and let them know it’s definitely open bar! ;) By Jennifer Lew.

9. Big and bold date

Make your wedding date big and bold with cards like these! By My Splendid Summer.

10. Photo save the date cards

Use your favorite engagement photo to announce the big news to family and friends with a chic and stylish card, like this one. By Lauren Chism.

11. Passport ticket

This save the date may be just the ticket! This is a themed idea for couples looking to tie in a travel themed design. By Paper and Parcel.

These go great with luggage tag favors.

12. Save the Date O-Matic

From choices like “we genuinely like you” to “your dance skills are unparalleled”, this save the date is a fun and whimsical way to get guests geared up for the fun ahead. By Erin Pescetto.

13. Storybook Save the Date

Planning a book themed wedding? These are the cards for you! By Becca Thongkham.

14. Sea you there

Planning an oceanside excursion? A destination beach wedding These themed save the dates are a nice way to set the tone and theme of your upcoming nuptials. By Gwen Bedat.

And… don’t forget! At Minted, you get FREE envelope addressing and a FREE wedding website with your order. That’s serious savings vs. the competitors. Find out more here!

Get free save the date samples

You can get free save the dates with samples before you buy here. This is a great way to see the style in person, get a feel for the paper, the design, and the price before you buy them all.

Ready to send save the dates?

Visit here to get started! And congrats — it’s one of the best feelings to tell your family and friends about your official date!

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

P.S. Need some wedding tips? Read this!

P.S.S. FYI: Here’s how to save money on invitations.