You’ve set the date, booked the venue and now it’s time to tell everyone. Save the dates are the first piece of wedding stationery your guests see, and they give people time to book flights, arrange childcare and clear their diaries.
This guide covers when to send save the dates, what to put on them, who should get one and 19 wording examples you can use for classic, fun, photo and destination weddings.
Do you need save the dates?
They’re not required, but they’re a big help if your wedding is on a holiday weekend, during a busy season, abroad, or if many guests will need to travel. For a small local wedding with plenty of notice, you can skip them and send invitations instead.
When to send save the dates
According to The Knot, the ideal window is six to eight months before the wedding, and not more than a year ahead. If your wedding is less than four months away, skip the save the date and send the invitations.
| Type of wedding | Send save the dates | Send invitations |
|---|---|---|
| Local wedding | 6–8 months before | 6–8 weeks before |
| Destination or holiday weekend wedding | 8 months or more before | 8–12 weeks before |
| Wedding less than 4 months away | Skip them | As soon as possible |
What to include on a save the date
- Your names. First names are fine, or first and last names for a more formal card.
- The date. Day, month and year.
- The location. The town or city is enough. You don’t need the full venue name yet.
- “Formal invitation to follow”. So guests know more details are coming.
- Your wedding website, if you have one, for travel and hotel information.
Leave out RSVP details, the full schedule and registry information. Those belong on the invitation or your website.
Who should get a save the date?
Only send save the dates to people you’re sure you’ll invite. Once someone has one, they’ll expect an invitation, so finalise your guest list first. If a guest can bring a plus-one, write it on the envelope, for example “Alex Turner and Guest”, so there’s no confusion later.
Classic save the date wording
- Save the date
Emily Carter & James Walker
are getting married
Saturday 18 September 2027
Bath, England
Formal invitation to follow - Please save the date for the wedding of
Sophie Turner and Daniel Brooks
June 12, 2027 · Charleston, South Carolina - Save the date
Olivia & Matthew
05.22.2027
Napa Valley, California - Together with their families
Grace Hall and Thomas Reed
invite you to save the date
Saturday 4 September 2027 · Edinburgh - Kindly save the date
Charlotte and William
are tying the knot
October 9, 2027 · Boston
Fun and casual save the date wording
- We’re getting hitched!
Hannah & Jake · 08.14.2027 · Austin, TX - Mark your calendar, clear your schedule
and practise your dance moves!
Lucy & Ben are getting married - Finally!
After ten years and one very patient dog,
Chloe and Sam are getting married - Save the date (and your appetite)
Megan & Chris · May 2027 · Cotswolds - It’s official!
Zoe and Ryan said yes, now we need you to say yes too
June 2027 · Denver
Destination wedding wording
For a destination wedding, add your website so guests can start planning travel and accommodation early.
- Pack your bags!
Amelia & Oliver are getting married in Santorini
September 2027 · Details at [website] - Save the date for a weekend in the sun
Isla and George · Lake Como, Italy
10–12 June 2027 - Grab your passport!
Rachel & Tom are tying the knot in Cancún
March 2027 · Travel info at [website] - Join us by the sea
Lily and Jack · Cornwall, England
Saturday 21 August 2027
Photo save the date wording
With a photo card, keep the text short and let the picture do the work.
- We said yes!
Ella & Harry · 07.10.2027 - Save the date
Mia + Noah · Chicago · Fall 2027 - Our next adventure
Ava and Liam · April 2027
“Change the date” wording
If plans change after save the dates have gone out, send a short update as soon as you can.
- Change of plans!
Emily & James have a new wedding date
Saturday 2 October 2027 · Bath
Formal invitation to follow - Please change the date
Sophie and Daniel’s wedding will now take place on
August 28, 2027
Save the date tips
- Collect addresses early. A shared spreadsheet makes this much easier.
- Order a few extras for keepsakes and last-minute additions.
- Check the date twice. Make sure the day of the week matches the date.
- Match your style. Your save the date doesn’t have to match your invitations exactly, but a similar colour palette looks polished.
- Consider digital for overseas guests. A digital save the date arrives instantly, wherever people live.
Design your save the dates
Pick a design, add your names, date and location, then print or send digitally. When it’s time, our wedding invitation templates are ready too.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should you send save the dates?
Six to eight months before the wedding is ideal. For a destination wedding or a holiday weekend, send them eight months or more ahead.
Do you have to invite everyone who gets a save the date?
Yes. A save the date tells someone they’re invited, so only send them once your guest list is final.
Can you send save the dates by email?
Yes. Digital save the dates are popular and useful for guests overseas. Some couples send printed ones to older relatives and digital ones to everyone else.
Should the venue go on a save the date?
It’s optional. The city or town is enough, and the full venue details can go on the invitation.
Your save the date is the first exciting step of the celebration. Congratulations, and happy planning!