Save The Date: Essential Details For Your Wedding

Save-the-date cards are a valuable step in wedding planning, giving guests a heads-up about the date and location of your wedding. They are especially useful for destination weddings or peak travel times, allowing guests to book flights and hotel rooms in advance. While the format can be creative, there are a few key things to include on a save-the-date.

Names of the couple

The names of the couple are one of the most important things to include on a save-the-date card. Here are some tips and guidelines for how to format and present the names:

It is standard to include the names of both members of the couple on a save-the-date card. This may seem obvious, but it is crucial that your guests know whose wedding it is! Wedding planner Taylor Keenan suggests not only ensuring that the names are included but also making sure that they stand out and are clearly visible. Consider choosing a different font or size for the names so that they are easily noticeable. If you have an engagement photo, you may also want to include this on the card so that guests can put a face to the names.

When it comes to the order of the names, it is traditional to list the bride's name first, followed by the groom's name. However, for same-sex couples, consider alphabetising the names to avoid any potential issues. If the couple has the same last name, you can use their shared surname. Otherwise, list their first and middle names. For example:

• Everly Nicolette Beaumont and Marcus Trevor Davenport
• Benjamin and Sage
• Katie Bergwall and Eric Andersen

If the couple has different last names and you want to include both, you can format it like this:

• Reagan and Charlie
• Leigh Grace Torwalt and Joshua Mason Young

Formal Titles and Honours

If one or both members of the couple have a formal title or honour, such as Dr., Rev., or military rank, and you would like to include it, list the person with the title first. For example:

Dr. Ellie Scott and Mr. Weston Scott

Addressing the Envelope

When addressing the envelopes for your save-the-date cards, be sure to include the names of all intended guests to avoid any confusion. For couples sharing an invitation, write the name of the person you are closest to first. If you are equally close to both, traditionally, the man's name goes first, and for same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically. For example:

• Julia Harlow and Reid Aupperle
• Ms. Julia Harlow and Mr. Reid Aupperle

Wedding date

A save-the-date card is an optional but increasingly popular way to announce your wedding date and location and let recipients know they will be invited to the wedding. It is especially useful if you are planning a destination wedding or getting married during a busy travel period.

Your Names

It is traditional to list the bride's name first, followed by the groom's name. Same-sex couples may want to consider alphabetical order. If you have different last names, you can use your shared last name or just list your first and middle names. Make sure your names stand out and are clearly visible.

The Wedding Date

This is the most important piece of information on your save-the-date card. Spell out the entire date if you prefer a formal tone, or abbreviate the day of the week if you need to save space.

The Wedding Location

Include the city and state of your wedding. If you are having a destination wedding, you can add a hint about what guests can expect, for example, "Join us for a weekend of sun and fun in paradise!" There is no need to include the venue address or name—that can wait for the formal invitation.

"Formal Invitation to Follow"

This lets guests know that they should expect a wedding invitation in the coming weeks or months.

Your Wedding Website

Include the URL for your wedding website, if you have one, so that guests can find more detailed information about your big day, such as accommodation and travel recommendations, the dress code, and registry info.

• Hotel or accommodation information
• Ceremony and reception start times
• Dress code information
• An RSVP request

Location (city and state)

The location is a crucial element of a save-the-date card. It is important to include at least the city and state of your wedding venue to allow guests to start making travel arrangements.

The location of your wedding venue is an essential piece of information for your guests, as it will help them to understand the scale of the event and the travel required. It is considered good etiquette to include at least the city and state of your wedding venue on your save-the-date cards. This will give your guests a clear idea of how far they will need to travel and help them to start making arrangements.

For example, "Join us for our special day in Atlanta, Georgia." or "We're getting married in the city that never sleeps! New York, New York, here we come."

Including the city and state is especially important if your wedding is taking place in a different location to where you and most of your guests live. This will allow them to start planning any necessary travel, such as booking flights and accommodation. It is also helpful if your wedding is in a popular holiday destination, as guests may need to book their trip well in advance to avoid disappointment.

You do not need to include the exact venue address or name on your save-the-date cards, as this level of detail can be included on the formal invitation at a later date. However, if you are having a destination wedding, you may want to include a hint about what guests can expect. For example, "Join us for a weekend of sun and fun in paradise!" or "We're getting married in the mountains. More details to come!"

If you have a wedding website, it is a good idea to include the URL on your save-the-date cards so that guests can easily access further information about the location and other wedding details.

Wedding website

A wedding website is a great way to share all the information about your wedding and is an excellent resource for guests. It is a good idea to have your wedding website up and running before sending out your save-the-dates, so guests can get to know you better as a couple and learn about the type of wedding you are planning.

Your wedding website can include:

• Details about your wedding venue, including the address, and any relevant information about accommodation and travel.
• Your wedding date and timeline for the day, including any pre-wedding celebrations.
• Information about your gift registry.
• Dress code or attire specifics.
• A note that a formal invitation will follow.
• Any other details about your wedding that you want to share!

Formal invitation to follow

"Formal invitation to follow" is a key phrase that should be included on save-the-date cards. This phrase is important because it lets guests know that more details will be provided in the future and reminds them to be on the lookout for the formal invitation.

Save-the-date cards are typically sent out six to nine months before the wedding date, or even earlier for destination weddings. They are meant to be simple and provide guests with a heads-up about the wedding date and location so that they can start making travel plans. The formal invitation, on the other hand, is sent out much closer to the wedding date, usually six to eight weeks in advance.

The save-the-date card should include the names of the couple, the wedding location (city and state), and the wedding date. It can also include a personal website with more information about the wedding, such as hotel accommodations and the registry. However, it should not include hotel information, exact times, attire specifics, or registry information.

"Save the Date for the wedding of Sally Jane Smith and John Paul Jones, Saturday, the ninth of June, Two thousand and twenty-four, Los Angeles, California. Formal invitation to follow."

"Save the Date, Lauren and Samantha are getting married! September 2, 2024, New York City. Formal invitation to follow."

"Save the Date, Benjamin + Sage, August 16th, 2025, Sedona, AZ. Formal invite to follow, benandsage.com."

"Pencil us in, Katie Bergwall and Eric Andersen, July 26th, 2025, Dubuque, IA. Invitation to follow."

It's important to note that the wording of the save-the-date card can be creative and reflect the style of the wedding. The phrase "formal invitation to follow" can be modified slightly, such as using “invitation to follow” to make it sound less formal.

Frequently asked questions