If you’re newly engaged, you may be wondering what kind of wording you should include on your save the date cards. You only get one chance to get it right… and you’re probably hoping to avoid making any mistakes. That’s where we come in! We’ll walk you through exactly what to write in a save-the-date card so you can avoid any errors. It’s easy, straightforward, and we’ll even provide you with a specific save the date wording template and examples so you can follow it exactly.
After you read this article, you’ll feel confident in the way you’re worded your save the date cards and be ready to send them to guests.
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. Let’s tackle what a save the date includes and why it matters.
What Does a Save the Date Need to Say?
At its most basic terms, a save the date needs to say the following: who is getting married, when, and where. That’s it. That’s really all you need. If you include nothing else, and you stop reading here, let it be those three wording essentials!
You’ll see it on this template: Jordan + Leo, 10.14.25, Seattle. Nice and simple.
A save the date is not an invitation (read the difference here). It is, however, the first formal announcement to guests that you’ve not only set the date but you have a specific location planned.
But if you want to explore more, here’s what to write in a save-the-date card.
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What to Write in a Save The Date Card
A proper save the date card includes five key points:
1. Names
Who is getting married?
It’s obvious, but you may be surprised how many people omit this simple wording from their save-the-dates.
You’re only going to use your first names. Keep it nice and simple.
Wording for the names can be as simple as, “Emma and Andrew are getting married”
If you’re choosing a more casual tone, opt for your names, then, “We’re getting hitched”, “Tying the Knot”, “Let’s Do This Thing!”, “Let’s Get This Party Started!” You get the idea.
This reminds me: whose name goes first on a save the date? Traditionally, the bride’s name goes first on a save the date.
Alternatively, you can put the names in whichever order sounds best when they are being said out loud. Additionally, if you’re wondering whose name goes first on a save the date for same-sex couples, you’ll do the same thing: pick which order of names flows the best when it is read. Easy!
2. Date
What is your wedding date? Make sure you include the date on your card, as that’s pretty much the most important part other than your names. ;)
Make it big and bold, if you’d like!
3. Location
There’s no need to reveal the specific venues yet, but you will need to include a location on your save the date cards.
The proper wording of a save the date will include the location of the ceremony. If you’re getting married in San Francisco, indicate it on your save-the-date card.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Puerto Rico, you’ll want to include that information on your cards so guests have ample time to plan their trip.
You’ll provide more details as the invitations are sent, so don’t worry about any other wording than the general location.
4. The Wording: “Save the Date”
Ah, the words “Save the Date” often go missed when couples create theirs! It may not be obvious to all guests, so ensure the simple wording of “Save the Date” is included on your cards so guests know what the announcement is — and will put it on the calendar.
This is one of the alternate save the date wording templates, but it still includes the main point: save the date! I like how it says, “At Last” at the top… very sweet!
The same applies to this card: “we are really, really ready to celebrate” and then instructs guests to, “please save the date for…”
5. The Wording: “Invitation to Follow”
Finally, many people forget to include this important save-the-date wording: “formal invitation to follow”. If your wedding is more casual you can omit the formal wording and just say, “Invitation to follow”.
Save the date cards are popular and common these days, but not every guest may be familiar with how they work and may assume this is the invitation. Since it is really just a forerunner to the formal invite, you’re giving a heads up that the invitation will be sent at a later date.
What should you NOT include on a save the date?
It is just as important to know what wording is NOT to be included on a save the date.
We showed you what to write in a save-the-date… now, here’s what to avoid.
-DON’T include registry information
This will be provided on your wedding website. If you include a link to your wedding website (you can do it with QR code save the dates here) you may, and it will provide your registry link.
-DON’T include travel accommodations yet
Save any hotel blocks/travel accommodations until the invitations are mailed. This information can also be posted on your wedding website at any time.
-DO include a wedding website address (optional)
You should get a free wedding website if you don’t already have one. A wedding website is a fun and interactive way to include guests on other pertinent details of the wedding, as well as keeping things like venues, times, maps, and more just a smartphone away.
-DON’T include your specific venue name just yet
-DO indicate if children are invited by addressing your cards specifically to invited guests
When addressing save the dates, be sure to clearly indicate whom is invited. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Jones and Family vs. Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Jones indicates an adult only reception.
-If inviting a guest AND a plus one, be sure to indicate “and guest”.
-If including kids, indicate “and family”.
-Include a return address on the upper left-hand corner on the front of your envelope OR the back outer flap of the envelope.
And last but not least… as this one is very important:
-DON’T send a save the date unless you’re 100% sure they’re invited to the wedding
Need help cutting your guest list? Read this!
Save the Date Wording Template
Now that you know the general rules of wording, let’s dive into specific save the date wording templates. You’ll notice there are various ways to word your cards, whether you’re planning a formal event or a laid-back reception.
Save the Date Wording Template
Typically, you’ll see save the dates printed like these templates. We’ll show you text wording examples along with some printed card templates so you know exactly what to say in your save-the-date cards.
“SAVE THE DATE, WE’RE GETTING MARRIED
EMMA & ANDREW
DECEMBER 5, 2025
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
FORMAL INVITATION TO FOLLOW”
or
“WE’RE GETTIN’ HITCHED
DECEMBER 5, 2025
EMMA & ANDREW
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
INVITATION TO FOLLOW”
or
“HE ASKED, SHE SAID YES
THEY SET A DATE!
(date/name/location)”
or
“A MILLION TIMES YES”
as shown in this sweet example.
or
“SAVE OUR DATE”
or
“WE DO
EMMA & ANDREW
DECEMBER 5, 2021
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
INVITATION TO FOLLOW”
As an alternative to save the date wording, you can say something like:
“LET’S DO THIS”
or
“ADVENTURE AWAITS”
or
“WE CALL DIBS”
Love this template!
You can browse more save the date templates here so you can purchase cards with the wording already set up properly! No need to stress out about how you’ve worded it: simply go into the template of your choice, edit the details, and order them in time to mail to guests.
It’s easy — and you won’t make any mistakes!
Not sure which style to send? You can get a free sample to see it in person.
TL;DR
Skimming the article? Here are the important facts to include on wedding save-the-dates:
1. WHO: Who is getting married
2. WHAT: There will be a wedding
3. WHEN: When it will take place
4. WHERE: The ceremony location
5. HOW: Invitation to Follow
If your cards follow these things, your save the dates are worded perfectly.
Need expert advice? Use Minted’s Wedding Concierge service where you set up an appointment to discuss your save the date cards. A pro from their team will work one-on-one with you to properly word, style, and edit your save the date template so the wording is on-point. :)
• Schedule your appointment today!
If you need more inspiration, there are hundreds of designs waiting for you: click here to browse the latest cards for 2023!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
This is a sponsored post.
