Save the Date Etiquette: What to
Write & When to Send
A Guide To Save The Date Etiquette & Wording
Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, filled with moments you'll cherish
forever. One of the most meaningful parts of a wedding is having all of the
people you love in one place. Many will travel from near and far to give a hug,
raise a glass, and celebrate a new chapter in a story now written together.
Rarely ever are so many friends and family gathered at once, which makes coordinating their attendance an undertaking in itself. To make sure calendars are clear for the big day, many couples send save the dates before sending wedding invitations. These notes give guests a simple heads-up, so they can mark the day and plan accordingly.
It might be one of the smaller considerations on the wedding to-do list, but save the date wording can be tricky. (After all, it’s not something you do every day!) In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about save the date etiquette, from when to send them to how to word them and more creative ideas.
Rarely ever are so many friends and family gathered at once, which makes coordinating their attendance an undertaking in itself. To make sure calendars are clear for the big day, many couples send save the dates before sending wedding invitations. These notes give guests a simple heads-up, so they can mark the day and plan accordingly.
It might be one of the smaller considerations on the wedding to-do list, but save the date wording can be tricky. (After all, it’s not something you do every day!) In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about save the date etiquette, from when to send them to how to word them and more creative ideas.
Table of Contents:
- Save the Date Timeline
- Save the Date Mailing Etiquette
- What To Include on Your Save the Date
- Save the Date Wording Ideas
- What To Avoid on Save the Dates
- Elopement Announcement Etiquette
- Destination Wedding Save the Date Etiquette
- Social Media Announcement Etiquette
- FAQs - Common Questions About Save the Dates
- All Set - Do You Have Your Date?
Save the Date Timeline
Planning the timing of your save the dates is crucial to ensure your guests have
ample time to prepare for your big day. Let's dive into the details of when you
should send out save the dates.
When To Send Out Save the Dates
As a rule of thumb, save the dates should generally be ordered, designed, and
sent six to nine months before the wedding date. Your guests will appreciate
your consideration of their time as they request off work and make travel plans.
For destination weddings or dates that fall near holidays, it’s thoughtful to
send save the dates even further (nine to twelve months) in advance.
Save the Date Mailing Etiquette
Properly addressing your save the dates adds a personal touch to your wedding
preparations. Here's how to address them with etiquette in mind.
How To Address Save the Dates
Wedding invitations traditionally include formal titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr.,
Rev., etc.), but these are optional for addressing save the dates. It’s
ultimately up to you, but for guidance on how to invite different kinds of
guests, read on.
Single Guests
Single guests can be addressed simply with their first and last names, or with a
singular title, if preferred. If you’re extending an invitation for a plus one,
add “and Guest” after their full name.
Examples:
Examples:
- Kara Benson
- Ms. Kara Benson
- Miss Kara Benson
- Kara Benson and Guest
Married Couples
Married couples can be listed plainly or include titles as well. If the couple
has distinguished titles (such as doctors, reverends, or military personnel) and
you'd like to include them, it’s appropriate to list the person with the formal
title first.
Examples:
Examples:
- Weston and Ellie Scott
- Mr. and Mrs. Weston Scott
- Mr. Weston Scott and Mrs. Ellie Scott
- Dr. Ellie Scott and Mr. Weston Scott
If a couple is sharing an invite, but not a last name, be sure to include both
of their names on the envelope. You may only know one of them, but writing both
names extends a more personal invitation — especially if the couple has been
together for some time. Write the name of the person you are closest to first.
If you’re close to both, traditionally the man’s name goes first; if you’re
addressing a same-sex couple, you can list in alphabetical order.
Examples:
Examples:
- Julia Harlow and Reid Aupperle
- Ms. Julia Harlow and Mr. Reid Aupperle
Entire Families
To invite entire families, you can simply list the last name followed by
“family,” or list out each name. For families with young children, listing out
children’s names makes it clear that children are invited.
Examples:
Examples:
- The Garcias
- The Garcia Family
- Tony, Ana, Katie and Peter Garcia
- Mr. Tony, Mrs. Ana, Katie and Peter Garcia
What To Include on Your Save the Date
There are a lot of options for save the date wording, but we recommend keeping
it short and sweet. There are three things your save the dates must include:
It can be tempting to provide all of the details you’ve worked hard to arrange so far, but details are best suited for the actual invitation. Some couples opt to include a personal website, linking to wedding information such as hotel accommodations, venue, and registry. If you have a website, feel free to include the URL near the bottom of the save the date. Another option is to add, “Formal invitation to follow,” reassuring guests that details are on their way.
- Your Names: It’s traditional to list the bride’s name first; for same-sex couples, consider alphabetizing.
- The Wedding Location: You’ve likely booked the venue at this point, but don’t include the address just yet. City and state are all that’s needed for now.
- The Wedding Date: (So guests can save it!)
It can be tempting to provide all of the details you’ve worked hard to arrange so far, but details are best suited for the actual invitation. Some couples opt to include a personal website, linking to wedding information such as hotel accommodations, venue, and registry. If you have a website, feel free to include the URL near the bottom of the save the date. Another option is to add, “Formal invitation to follow,” reassuring guests that details are on their way.
Save the Date Wording Ideas
Save the dates can also give a sneak peek into the style of your wedding. The
more formal invitation will follow, so wording-wise, this is the time to be
creative! Feel free to use the limited text you have to match your wedding style
and add a personal touch. Here are a few wording examples to get you started.
Classic and Formal
Leigh Grace Torwalt and Joshua Mason Young
Request your presence
at their wedding ceremony
December 5th, 2025
New Orleans, Louisiana
Formal invitation to follow
Request your presence
at their wedding ceremony
December 5th, 2025
New Orleans, Louisiana
Formal invitation to follow
Pronounced Save the Date
Modern and Minimal
Save the Date
Benjamin + Sage
August 16th, 2025
Sedona, AZ
Formal invite to follow
benandsage.com
Benjamin + Sage
August 16th, 2025
Sedona, AZ
Formal invite to follow
benandsage.com
PENCIL US IN SAVE THE DATE CARD
AMPERSAND SAVE THE DATE CARD
Playful and Fun
Pencil us in.
Katie Bergwall and Eric Andersen
July 26th, 2025
Dubuque, IA
Invitation to follow
Katie Bergwall and Eric Andersen
July 26th, 2025
Dubuque, IA
Invitation to follow
What to Avoid On Save the Dates
While there are many creative options for save the date wording, there are also
some pitfalls to avoid:
- Overloading Information: Keep it concise; save the details for the formal invitation.
- Misspelled Names or Dates: Double-check for accuracy.
- Inadequate Timing: Send save the dates with enough lead time for guests to plan (at least six months).
Elopement Announcement Etiquette
If you're planning an elopement, there are special considerations for sharing
the news. Here's how to handle elopement announcement etiquette:
- Timing: Share the news with close family and friends before making a public announcement.
- Invitations: Send formal invitations for a post-elopement celebration if desired.
- Personal Messages: Consider personal messages or phone calls to loved ones who might be surprised by your elopement.
- Elopement Cards: Spread the word of your newlywed status with a formal elopement announcement.
Destination Wedding Save the Date Etiquette
Destination weddings come with unique considerations. Here's how to navigate
save the date etiquette for destination weddings:
- When to Send: Send save the dates even earlier, around nine to twelve months in advance.
- Include Travel Information: Provide details about accommodations, travel, and local attractions.
- Addressing International Guests: Address international guests with extra care, considering their cultural preferences.
Social Media Announcement Etiquette
In the age of social media, it's common to share wedding updates online. Here's
how to handle save the date etiquette in the digital realm:
- Event Pages and Hashtags: Create event pages or hashtags for your wedding and share them on your save the dates.
- Sharing Updates: Share your joy, but be mindful not to overshare sensitive information.
- Privacy Settings: Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your wedding updates.
FAQs - Common Questions About Save the Dates
As you plan your wedding, you may have questions about save the dates. Here are
answers to some common inquiries:
Q: Are electronic save the dates acceptable?
A: Yes, electronic save the dates are becoming more popular and eco-friendly. Just ensure they are well-designed and easily accessible to all guests.
Q: What if we need to change the wedding date?
A: If unforeseen circumstances require you to change the date, promptly inform your guests with revised save the dates or formal invitations.
Q: How should we handle RSVPs for save the dates?
A: Save the dates don't typically require RSVPs. Include RSVP information in the formal invitations, closer to the wedding date.
Q: Are electronic save the dates acceptable?
A: Yes, electronic save the dates are becoming more popular and eco-friendly. Just ensure they are well-designed and easily accessible to all guests.
Q: What if we need to change the wedding date?
A: If unforeseen circumstances require you to change the date, promptly inform your guests with revised save the dates or formal invitations.
Q: How should we handle RSVPs for save the dates?
A: Save the dates don't typically require RSVPs. Include RSVP information in the formal invitations, closer to the wedding date.
All Set - Do You Have Your Date?
Wading through wedding save the date etiquette advice can be overwhelming, but
sending these notes early goes a long way in making sure those you love are with
you on the big day. With these save the date tips and guidelines, you’re ready
to send your first short and sweet announcement. Once you’ve landed on wording
and style, all that’s left to do is find the right card.
Don't forget to check our wedding print timeline and checklist for a full guide to your wedding stationery needs. And if you're looking for creative save the date ideas, we have you covered there too.
Don't forget to check our wedding print timeline and checklist for a full guide to your wedding stationery needs. And if you're looking for creative save the date ideas, we have you covered there too.
