Perfect. I’ll structure this as a true SEO-optimized blog post, naturally conversational, strong print authority voice, and include:
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Internal link to your Wedding Products page
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External link to your WeddingWire listing
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Both set to open in a new tab
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Strong call-to-action
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Clean H2/H3 hierarchy
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No mention of digital alternatives
Below is your refined, publish-ready version.
Save the Date Wording: What to Include, What to Skip, and When to Send
There’s something special about opening the mailbox and seeing a beautifully addressed envelope waiting inside.
Not a bill.
Not junk mail.
But something meaningful.
A save the date is the first tangible moment of your wedding story. It’s the first hint of what’s coming. And it quietly tells your guests:
This is important. Be there.
A group text at 10:42pm on a Saturday night?
That’s not the same.
If you’re planning your wedding and wondering exactly what belongs on a save the date — and what absolutely does not — this guide will walk you through it step by step.
What Is a Save the Date (And What It Isn’t)
A save the date is a pre-invitation announcement.
It is not:
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A full wedding invitation
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An RSVP request
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A registry insert
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A detailed event timeline
Its job is simple:
Names. Date. Location.
Everything else comes later.
What to Include on a Save the Date
Keep it elegant. Keep it intentional.
1. Your Names
You can go formal:
Emma Carter & Daniel Hughes
Or modern:
Emma & Daniel
Or playful:
Emma & Daniel are getting married!
Choose wording that matches the tone of your wedding — not just what’s trending.
2. The Wedding Date
This is the entire reason the card exists.
Spell it clearly:
October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 18, 2026
10.18.26
If you’re getting married in peak wedding season (spring and fall fill quickly), early notice makes a big difference.
3. City & State
You don’t need the venue address yet.
Simply include:
Savannah, Georgia
Atlanta, GA
Charleston, South Carolina
This tells guests whether travel plans are necessary.
4. A Simple Closing Line
Keep it short:
Formal invitation to follow
Invitation to follow
Details to come
That’s it.
White space is elegant. Overcrowding is not.
What to Skip on a Save the Date
This is where couples often overdo it.
Do NOT include:
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Registry information
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RSVP cards
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Ceremony time
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Dress code
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Reception details
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Menu selections
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A paragraph explaining your wedding website
Save the date cards are meant to breathe. Their purpose is clarity — not complexity.
When Should You Send Save the Dates?
Timing matters.
Standard Wedding
Send 6–8 months before your wedding.
Destination Wedding
Send 8–12 months before.
Holiday Weekend Wedding
Send 9–12 months before.
Flights increase. Hotels book quickly. Calendars fill fast.
The earlier you send them, the more likely your must-have guests will be there.
Save the Date Wording Examples
Here are a few styles couples love:
Classic & Timeless
Emma Carter and Daniel Hughes
Save the Date
October 18, 2026
Savannah, Georgia
Formal invitation to follow
Modern Minimal
10.18.26
Emma & Daniel
Savannah, GA
Invitation to follow
Southern Charm
Y’all save the date!
Emma & Daniel
October 18, 2026
Savannah, Georgia
More sweet details to come
Photo Save the Date
Emma & Daniel
Are getting married
October 18, 2026
Savannah, Georgia
Invitation to follow
Let the photography carry the emotion. Keep wording simple.
Why Printed Save the Dates Matter
A printed card feels intentional.
It sits on a refrigerator.
On a desk.
Tucked inside a keepsake box.
Paper communicates importance in a way nothing else can.
When guests hold your save the date, they feel the weight of it — literally and emotionally. It builds anticipation for the invitation suite to come.
If you’re just beginning your wedding planning journey, you can explore design styles, formats, and print finishes here:
👉 Browse Our Wedding Products & Invitation Options
From classic suites to elegant gate-fold designs, your save the date should be the first beautiful chapter.
Check us out here:
👉 See Our WeddingWire page
Should Save the Dates Match Your Invitations?
They don’t have to be identical.
But they should feel connected.
If your invitation suite will include:
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Letterpress
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Foil stamping
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Thick cotton paper
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Elegant script typography
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Gate-fold formats
Your save the date should hint at that design story.
Think of it as the preview — not the entire film.
Addressing Save the Date Envelopes
Proper addressing avoids confusion later.
Examples:
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hughes
Ms. Emma Carter
The Johnson Family
If children are invited, make sure the envelope reflects that clearly.
Small details now prevent awkward conversations later.
Common Save the Date Mistakes
Printing Before Your Date Is Fully Secured
Always confirm your venue contract first.
Sending Them Too Late
Guests need time to plan travel.
Sending Them to “Maybe” Guests
Only send to guests you are absolutely inviting.
Once mailed, it’s a commitment.
Quick Save the Date Checklist
Before approving your proof:
☐ Names spelled correctly
☐ Date confirmed
☐ City & state accurate
☐ Guest list finalized
☐ Address list verified
☐ Postage weighed
Details matter — especially in print.
Save the Date FAQ
Do we really need save the dates?
If you have out-of-town guests, a larger guest list, or a wedding during busy season — yes. They significantly increase attendance.
Can we include registry information?
No. That belongs with your formal invitation or wedding website.
What size is most popular?
5x7 and 4x6 are the most common.
Magnets are also popular because they stay visible for months.
What if our venue changes after sending?
That’s fine. Save the dates include city and state only. Your formal invitation will provide final venue details.
Should we use engagement photos?
If they match your style — absolutely. Just keep wording minimal so the image remains the focus.
Final Thoughts
Your save the date is the first printed promise of your wedding day.
It sets the tone.
It builds anticipation.
It honors your guests with advance notice.
Keep it simple.
Names.
Date.
Location.
Everything else can wait for the invitation suite.
And years from now, long after the cake is gone and the music fades, your printed pieces will still exist — tucked into albums and memory boxes.
That’s the power of doing it right the first time.