Save The Date: What Details Do You Need?

Save-the-date cards are an increasingly popular way to give your wedding guests a heads-up about your big day. They are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding, or nine to twelve months in advance if your wedding is overseas, a destination wedding, or on a popular weekend.

Save-the-date cards should include your names, the wedding date, and the location (city and state). It is also a good idea to include a note that a formal invitation will follow. You may also want to include your wedding website, but it is considered bad etiquette to include your registry link.

Names of the couple

The names of the couple are one of the most important pieces of information to include on a wedding save-the-date. Here are some tips and guidelines to consider when listing the names:

Names and Formatting

• Be sure to include both the names of the couple. This may seem obvious, but it is crucial that your guests know whose wedding it is and whether they are acquainted with either partner.
• Traditionally, the bride's name is listed first, followed by the groom's name. However, for same-sex couples, consider alphabetising the names or listing the person you are closest to first.
• When it comes to formatting, you can include the couple's first and last names only, or add prefixes such as "Mr." and "Mrs." before their names. For female guests, use "Ms." if they are over 18 and "Miss" if they are under 18. For male guests, the standard prefix is "Mr." regardless of age.
• If the couple has distinguished titles, such as doctors or military personnel, you can include these titles before their names. For example: "Dr. Ellie Scott and Mr. Weston Scott".
• If the couple has different last names, be sure to include both last names to avoid any confusion. For example: "Anna Krups-Smith and Danny Smith".
• You can also include a picture of the couple on the save-the-date, especially if the design warrants it. This can be a cute engagement photo or a favourite photo of the couple.

Plus Ones and Guests

• If you are extending a plus-one option to single guests, add "and Guest" after their name on the save-the-date. For example: "Ashleigh Nichol and Guest".
• For couples who are sharing an invitation but not a last name, include both of their names on the save-the-date. This is more personal and ensures that the guest cannot bring a different plus-one if the relationship ends before the wedding.
• When addressing a married couple or long-term partners, you only need to send one save-the-date. Include both names, with the person with the distinguished title first (if applicable). For example: "Mr. John Chan and Mrs. Lucy Chan".
• If you are inviting entire families, you can list the last name followed by "family", or list out each family member's name. Including children's names makes it clear that they are also invited.

Remember, the most important aspect is to ensure that the names are visible and stand out. You may want to consider using a different font or style for the names so that they are easily noticeable.

Date of the wedding

The date of your wedding is the most important piece of information to include on your save-the-date cards. After all, the whole point of sending them is to ensure your loved ones save the date in their calendars.

It's important to have a date set before you send out your save-the-dates. This can be tricky if you're planning a destination wedding or trying to accommodate guests' schedules, but it's crucial to have a date settled.

Spell out the entire date if you prefer a formal tone. You can abbreviate the day of the week (e.g. Sat.) if needed to fit everything on one line.

If you're having a multi-day celebration, make it clear when the ceremony is. If your wedding is only one day, you can simply write "Save the date". However, if it's a multi-day event and you want to invite guests to every part of it, you can write "Save the weekend".

If you're having a destination wedding, you can include a hint about what guests can expect. For example: "Join us for a weekend of sun and fun in paradise!"

Location of the wedding

The location of the wedding is an important piece of information to include on your save-the-date cards. This will give your guests a chance to make travel arrangements and take time off work.

The level of detail you go into about the location is up to you. If you know the exact venue, you can include it, but it is also fine to just include the town or city. If you are having a destination wedding, it is a good idea to include the country as well.

• "Save the date for the wedding of [your names] in [city], [state/country] on [date]."
• "Join us to celebrate the wedding of [your names] in [city], [state] on [date]. Formal invitation to follow."
• "We're getting married! [Date] in [city], [state]. More details to come, but save the date!"

If you are having a destination wedding, it is a good idea to send out your save-the-dates earlier (8-12 months in advance) to give your guests more time to plan their travel. You may also want to include additional information on your wedding website, such as accommodation options and things to do in the area.

Formal invitation to follow

"Formal invitation to follow" is a key phrase to include on your save-the-date cards. This is important because it lets your guests know that they will be receiving a formal invitation to your wedding with more details in the weeks or months to come. It also reminds them to be on the lookout for the invitation and avoids any potential confusion or questions.

"Save the Date for the wedding of [Bride] and [Groom] [Date] [Location] Formal invitation to follow"

"Save the Date [Bride] and [Groom] are getting married! [Date] [Location] Formal invitation to follow"

"Save the Weekend! [Date] [Bride] and [Groom] are getting married [Location] Please see further wedding details at [wedding website] Formal invitation to follow"

"Pencil us in [Bride] and [Groom] [Date] [Location] Invitation to follow"

When creating your save-the-date cards, it's important to keep the wording short, simple, and to the point. You don't need to include all the specific details of your wedding day, just the key information such as your names, the wedding date, and location (city and state). You may also choose to include your wedding website URL, but avoid including registry information, hotel information, venue details, or specific times.

Save-the-date cards are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding, or earlier if you're having a destination wedding or your wedding falls on a popular weekend. They are a great way to give your guests a heads-up and allow them to plan their travel arrangements and request time off work.

Wedding website

A wedding website is a great way to share all the information about your wedding and is a useful resource for guests. It's a good idea to set up your wedding website before sending out your save-the-date cards so that guests can get to know you better as a couple and learn about the type of wedding you're planning.

Your wedding website can include more in-depth information about your big day, such as registry and dress code info. It's also a good place to share details on accommodations and travel, especially if you're having a destination wedding.

You can generate a QR code for your wedding website and include it on your save-the-date cards, making it easy for guests to access on their mobile devices.

Some couples choose to include their wedding website URL on their save-the-date cards, while others opt to create a QR code. Either way, make sure your wedding website is up-to-date before sharing it with your guests.

Frequently asked questions