Are you wondering what goes on save the dates? It is equally important to know what goes on a save the date as it is to know what to avoid.
In this blog post, we’ll share exactly what goes on save the dates so you don’t forget a thing. Before you create yours, read this article and you’ll know exactly what to put on them. Let’s go!
What Goes on a Save the Date Card: The Ultimate Guide
Planning your wedding day involves a lot of moving parts. In addition to wedding invitations, save the date cards are an important component in your stationery suite. Is a save the date essential? What is it? Let’s discuss it.
What is a Save the Date?
A save the date is a way to announce your official date and what you have in mind for the upcoming wedding without being too specific. A save the date card gives your guests a “heads up” so they can keep the date available for the wedding and also clues them in about some travel arrangements they may or may not need to make.
A save the date is a great way to share the news with your guests. They’re also the easiest way to give advance notice to your loved ones to prepare for things like travel, lodging, childcare, time off from work, etc.
Are save the dates mandatory?
► For local weddings, save-the-date cards aren’t technically required; however, they’ve become mainstream nowadays and are practically expected by guests. I think they’re a nice touch and highly recommend sending them.
► For destination weddings, they are essential in order to give your guests plenty of notice for travel arrangements.
Suggested Elements
Wondering what goes on a save the date? Here’s exactly what to put on save the date cards.
1. The words: “Save the Date”
Many couples forget to add the words “save the date” or “save our date” but it is essential to do so.
Without including those words, many guests get confused and assume it is the invitation. Unless you like fielding all kinds of phone calls and texts, add “save the date” somewhere on the card’s design. ;)
2. Your Names
Put your names on your save the date card. I highly recommend including both first and last names.
3. The Wedding Date
The date! It’s important. Don’t forget to put your date on the save the date cards.
4. Location
You’ll put the location on save the dates, but nothing too specific just yet. A city and state or general area for a destination wedding is all you need. Do not include any information just yet about the ceremony location or reception venue.
5. Website Address
Include your wedding website address on the save the date card. This can be done on the front or back of the card. You can kick it old school with a traditional URL or make it fun and trendy with a tech-savvy QR code.
PRO TIP: Still need a wedding website? It’s simple, quick, and FREE: make yours here! You can even find one to perfectly match your save the date and invitation.
OPTIONAL: The Words: “Invitation to Follow”
At the bottom of the card, I encourage you to include the words “invitation to follow”. This makes it concise for guests who may be wondering if this is the invitation and there are papers missing. Nope! The invitation will be sent at a later date. If your guests won’t question it, you can omit this option.
What to Put on Save the Date Cards for Destination Wedding
For a destination wedding, you’ll include above PLUS a more specific location. Don’t just put “destination wedding”, but rather, “Italy”, “Dominican Republic”, “Cabo San Lucas”, Malibu, etc.
Here’s an example of what to put on a save the date for a destination wedding with design by Eric Clegg.
Words like, “Meet us in Mexico” is a nice touch, as well as an airplane motif for added charm. This card by Olivia Raufman is a great choice: it includes both! You can edit the save-the-date card to reflect your destination.
Save the Date Design Ideas
When it comes to your save the date design, the sky’s the limit! You can include unique motifs, photos, and even fun messages to make it your own. Here are some suggestions.
Come for the Vows, Stay for the Cake
This adorable card is a cute way to announce the happy news! By Jackie Crawford.
Bold Date Letterpress
A modern style and a beautiful letterpress finish! By Erica Krystek.
Picture Perfect
Include minimalist typography and a beautiful photo underneath. By Ani Somi.
Are You In?
Guests will anticipate the fun ahead with this card by Sara Hicks Malone.
Initials or Monogram Motif
Put your personal spin on it with a monogram or initial motif that follows through your entire invitation suite. By Meagan Christensen.
What to Include on the Envelope
On the envelope, you’ll include the guests’ name(s) and their mailing address. Place a postage stamp in the upper right-hand corner. Finally, add a return address to the upper left-hand corner of the envelope when you’re sending save the dates.
It’s important to put your return address on save the date envelopes to ensure you have the proper address. Consider this a run-through ahead of the wedding invites. If anything comes back undelivered due to the wrong address, it’s a good time to know now to make any corrections before the invitations are mailed out.
When to Send Save the Dates
► For a local wedding, mail save the date cards 6 to 8 months before the wedding.
► For a destination wedding, send your save the dates 8 to 12 months ahead of the wedding date.
Tips for Writing a Heartfelt Message
Keep it simple and lighthearted! A save the date is not as formal as a wedding invitation. Therefore, you can have some fun with it! Add a special note for guests such as, “Hope to see you there” or “Can’t wait to party” or “We can’t say ‘I Do’ without you”! This card is by Robert and Stella.
As you’ve seen here, save the dates will give you the opportunity to tell your story and give your guests advance notice of the big day. It’s important to include the above elements to make sure yours don’t go missed. Be sure to include your names, the date, and the location; those special words “save the date” and “invitation to follow” are important, so don’t skip them.
► Now that you know exactly what to put on save the dates, it’s time to get yours. Visit Minted to see the newest design styles and trends.
This is a sponsored post.
