There are certain things about weddings that don’t need to be complicated.
For instance, save the dates.
Save. The. Date.
That’s all it is.
You’re literally saying: “Please save the date, we’re getting married so it’d be really cool if you kept this date open.” And that can be done in fewer words and without all the pomp and circumstance.
“It’s On”, for instance, illustrated below. Yes, now we’re getting somewhere!
You see, what started out as simple save the dates have turned into a wedding checklist staple and thus, chaos ensues. :)
But does that mean they need to be expensive? Over-the-top? A total hindrance to your growing list of things to do? Of course not! Let’s not be ridiculous.
Ah, this is a save the date card: the most basic form of wedding communication there is. There is no need to stress out when a simple card will do the trick.
Let’s discuss simple save the dates vs. complicated ones.
Simple Save the Dates
Easy save the date cards are the best solution for couples who crave a nice, stress-free wedding experience and simply want to share the date with guests in advance.
What makes simple save the dates a popular choice? Here are three reasons:
1. Simple Save The Date Cards Go With Everything
This minimalist style is extremely versatile: no need to worry about your theme or colors just yet. You do not need to coordinate save the dates with your invitations or the rest of your wedding, since many couples don’t have those things picked out yet.
Simple cards are also a perfect choice in case you change your mind about your colors or theme later on. It happens!
2. Faster Shipping
A standard card, no fancy printing, and colors that are not special order or require and particular printing process? This means the cards are printed and shipped to you faster: you can get those save the dates mailed out, stat. Look at you go!
3. Cheaper Save the Date Costs
A simple save the date card is lightweight, fits inside a standard envelope, and is mailed with one standard postage stamp.
If you choose save the date alternatives vs cards, as fun as that may be, the result can be a heavy item, which costs more money upon purchase and at shipping. If you’re into something more creative, that’s okay!
But for those looking to keep it simple, here’s the bottom line: you’ll spend less money on simple save the date cards.
Keep The Relatives’ Questions At Bay
And just for fun, no matter which route you go when you send out save the dates, there’s a major benefit to doing it! Save the date cards cut down majorly on the dozens of questions rolling in from well-meaning relatives, who are just super-excited for the big day and want to know all the details.
But maybe you need to buy more time, get things figured out a bit more, and you’re not ready to divulge much just yet.
Save-the-dates to the rescue!
When you send simple save the date cards, something magical happens.
Okay, it’s not quite magical, but something happens. Guests are — for a little bit anyway — satisfied with obtaining info on who, when, and where of your wedding. Now, that doesn’t mean they won’t call, text, or Facebook you for more specifics, but hey, you’re getting a mini-break. Take it! ;)
In this list, we’re sharing the top ten very easy, ridiculously simple save the date cards so you can cross them off of your list.
We’ll also answer the three following questions:
• Can I send virtual save the dates?
• Is it tacky to send email save the dates?
• How far in advance to send save the dates?
Simple Save the Date Cards
The best place to shop simple save the dates without sacrificing quality is Minted; their collection is amazing.
I would recommend this place to anyone, closest family members included. I have ordered cards, invitations, wall art, photo gifts, and more from their collection and the products always meet my expectations. They’ll even throw in FREE guest addressing ON YOUR ENVELOPES so they’ll look pretty and polished, ready for poppin’ in the mail.
Now your cards can be automatically addressed and printed so when they arrive, you’re able to assemble, add postage, and mail. It’s really that easy.
If you want minimalist cards with no photo, with a photo, a black and white save the date style, or you just don’t want a lot of fuss — maybe you haven’t selected wedding colors or a theme yet? — then look no further than ALL OF THESE.
PRO TIP: These were all curated from this huge sorted-out list, just in case it helps!
1. Eat, Drink, Dance Badly
Um, this is pretty perfect! It’s so warm and inviting, yet simple and direct. I like it. By Annie Clark.
2. Simple Save the Dates with No Photo
No photo? No problem. These very simple save-the-date cards are a quality choice. By Erin L. Wilson.
3. Classy Black and White Cards
These are elegant cards that go with everything. If a black-and-white color palette isn’t your thing, you can easily change up the colors in a click here. By Hooray Creative.
4. Kindly Save the Date
Ah, kindly save this date, won’t you? See? Nice + easy. By Jennifer Postorino.
5. Minimalist Script
This is shown in navy but is also available in other colors. I like the way this card looks with names in the script font and the main portion in an easy-to-read simple font. By Joann Jinks.
6. Cheap Simple and Elegant
For cheap simple save the dates, especially when you’re not sure about color palette or theme, choose these by Toast & Laurel. It puts the date front and center, which is the most important part of the card.
7. Greenery
For easy save the date cards in the spring, this greenery design is simply elegant. By Leah Bisch.
8. Simple Save the Dates with Photo
Have a favorite photo you’d like to include on your cards? This is an easy way to do it with simple text and styling. By Morgan Kendall.
9. It’s On
Simple and EXTREMELY to-the-point: I love this one. By Heather Cairl.
10. Bold Date
By Annie Clark.
11. Pretty and On-Point
By Jackie Crawford.
12. Radiant
This pretty card is easy to read and adds a pop of glamorous gold foil for fun. By Annie Mertlich.
13. Large + In-Charge
By Brooke Chandler.
14. Initials, Please
15. Free-Spirited
16. Give It An Edge
By Kelly Schmidt.
Easy Save The Dates
Lastly, let’s tackle those two burning questions. Virtual save the dates are a thing, but can you send them out — really? Without freaking out your mom and grandma? ;)
You can, but etiquette-wise, save the date cards are still the preferred method of sharing the big announcement with your guests, right through email. And who doesn’t love getting snail mail? It’s so old-school. ;)
If you want to balk tradition and save paper, more power to you: and hey, it’s your wedding, so you do whatever it is that YOU want.
Virtual Save the Dates
In this case, virtual save the dates like these are the ones we recommend because they’re as close to the real thing as possible. You can shop an extensive collection of virtual save-the-date cards here.
Is it tacky to send email save the dates? Not tacky per se, but not the recommended method of sharing the big news with your guests.
Now, let’s move on to traditional mailed cards.
When should you send out save the dates?
If you’re going the classic route — mailing save the date cards through the USPS — you’re probably wondering how far in advance to send save the dates.
That’s easy: you should send out save the date cards six to eight months before the wedding and up to a year if having a destination wedding (think: somewhere tropical, extensive travel required).
Now that you know a few more things about save the dates — how to keep it simple and to-the-point — what are some of your favorite designs here?
Do you have any tips to add or questions for us? Just leave ’em in the comment box below!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
This is a partnered post.
