Save The Date" Etiquette: Crafting The Perfect Wedding Emai

Save-the-date emails are a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional paper invitations. They are faster, less expensive, easier to manage, and more environmentally friendly. However, they are generally considered less formal, and some older relatives may prefer a printed invitation.

When sending a save-the-date email, it is important to keep the message concise and to the point. Include essential details such as the location of the wedding, the date, and a link to your wedding website. It is also good etiquette to mention that a formal invitation will follow. Avoid including venue or travel information, hotel suggestions, or your gift registry in the save-the-date email.

The subject line of your email should be clear and attention-grabbing. You can use phrases like Save the Date, Mark Your Calendars, or We're Tying the Knot.

It is recommended to send save-the-date emails six to eight months before the wedding for local celebrations and nine to twelve months in advance for destination weddings.

What to include in the email

• The location of the wedding: This is especially important if you're having a destination wedding.
• The wedding date: You don't need to include the start time, just the date is enough.
• The names of the couple: It's traditional to list the bride's name first, followed by the groom's name. Same-sex couples may opt for alphabetical order.
• The wedding website link: This is where guests can find more information.
• "Invitation to follow" wording: It's proper etiquette to let guests know that a formal invitation will be sent at a later date.
• A note about a plus-one, if applicable: It's a nice courtesy to include this information, but it's not required.
• A photo or illustration: This could be an engagement photo or a fun illustration that alludes to the wedding locale.
• A quote or poem: This is optional, but it can add a personal touch.
• Travel information: If your wedding is taking place in a far-off destination or most guests will be travelling, it's helpful to share details on airports and hotels.
• A note about the dress code: However, this information can also be included in the formal invitation.

What not to include

• Venue, hotel, or travel info: You don't need to include information about your venue, hotel suggestions, or travel tips yet. The only goal at this stage is to get your guests to block the date on their calendars.
• A link to your gift registry: It's considered tacky to include this in your save-the-date email. If guests want to find this information, they can do so via your wedding website.
• Lots of text: Keep your save-the-date email concise and to the point. Don't share stories about how you met or how the proposal went.
• An RSVP request: This is too early for an RSVP request. You'll send this with the formal invitation.
• Matching colours/fonts to your wedding theme: You don't need to include this, especially if you haven't finalised these details yet.
• A survey: Avoid including a survey with your save-the-date email. If you want to send a survey, do so in a separate email.

Subject line ideas

The subject line of your save-the-date email is the first thing your invitees will see, so it's important to make it attention-grabbing, clear, and concise. Here are some ideas for subject lines that fit the tone of your wedding:

• For a fun tone: "It's happening!" or "Are you ready!?!" followed by the names of the couple and the wedding date. For example, "It's happening! Jane & John are tying the knot – 6/30/23".
• For a romantic tone: Use phrases like "tying the knot" or "share in our love." For example, "Jane & John are tying the knot – 6/30/23".
• For a formal tone: Spell out the month and use punctuation to create a more formal feel. For example, "Save the date: Jane & John's wedding | June 30th, 2023".
• For a large guest list: Include the names of the couple in the subject line to add context, especially if your guests might not know that you're getting married. For example, "Save the date! Jane & John's wedding 6/30/23".
• With personalization: Using the guest's first name in the subject line will definitely grab their attention. For example, "John — Save the Date! 6/30/23".
• Tease the destination: Use an emoji to hint at your wedding destination and get your guests excited to open your email. For example, "Save the date! 👰🏼🌴 6/30/23".
• Alternative wording: If you feel that "save the date" is overused, you can use alternative phrases like "mark your calendars." For example, "Mark your calendars: Jane & John's wedding 6/30/23".

Email message templates

Casual Wedding Template

We're so excited to celebrate with you!

Save the date: [date]

[wedding website URL]

Invitation to follow

[Include a photo with this template]

Some other options for your first line:

• Come celebrate with us!
• We're taking the leap!
• You're invited to the best day ever, ok?!
• Come tie the knot with us! (No knot-tying experience required.)
• Finally! We're getting married.
• Well, this just got real.
• Free drinks (and we're getting married)
• [Something related to your photo, e.g. if you're jumping in a lake holding hands, say "We're taking the plunge."]

Formal Wedding Template

Save the date for the wedding of

[wedding website URL]

Formal invitation to follow

[Include a photo with this template. If you include a photo, go for a serious one—if you have taken engagement photos, there should be one that works.]

Some other options for your first line:

• Please save the date for the wedding of
• Kindly save the date for the wedding of
• Save the date for the wedding ceremony of

Personalised Wedding Template

We're so excited to celebrate with you, [guest name] and [partner's name]!

Save the date: [date]

[wedding website URL]

Invitation to follow

[In this email, mention the person by name. You can also mention their significant other and a guest.]

Personalised Wedding Template with Individual Message

We're so excited to celebrate with you, [guest name] and [partner's name]!

Save the date: [date]

[wedding website URL]

Invitation to follow

[In this save the date, write a short personal message to each person. You can also use a default personal message in case you don't have something to say. Crafting those personal messages will take a bit of extra time — but they're a great way to make the guest feel especially valued.]

Design ideas

The design of your save-the-date email is important, as it will be the first impression of your wedding for your guests and will reflect your personal style as a couple. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Custom Designs: You can create a unique design that matches the tone and style of your wedding. Consider using colours, fonts, and styles that reflect your personality as a couple. You can also reach out to a professional design service for custom designs.
• Pre-made Templates: If you're short on time or design ideas, consider using pre-made templates offered by online services such as Paperless Post, Zola, With Joy, or Greenvelope. These services provide a variety of designs and templates to choose from, and you can easily personalise them with your wedding information.
• Photographs: Consider including pictures of you and your partner in your save-the-date email. This adds a personal touch and makes your guests feel more connected to your special day. You can use engagement photos or other favourite photos that capture your personalities.
• Background Colours: Play around with background colours to set the tone and mood of your email. For example, brown is considered the most romantic colour. You can also try contrasting background colours to make your email stand out.
• Canva: Canva is a great free tool that allows you to design your own save-the-date invitations. You can choose from various free templates, upload your own photos, and customise the text, colours, and layout to create a unique design.
• Fonts and Text Styles: Experiment with different fonts and text styles to add visual interest to your email. You can use bold, italics, and different font sizes to highlight important information or create a hierarchy of information.
• Animations: Consider using animated Flyer save-the-date designs to add a touch of movement and interactivity to your email. This can be especially effective if you want to create a fun and playful impression.
• Matching Stationery: For a cohesive look, consider matching your save-the-date design with your wedding stationery, such as invitations, RSVP cards, and thank-you notes. This creates a unified theme for your wedding and makes your save-the-date email feel like an integral part of your wedding branding.

Remember, your save-the-date email design should reflect your personal style and the tone of your wedding. Have fun with the design process and don't be afraid to get creative!

Frequently asked questions