Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting season of life. One of the first pieces of wedding stationery you’ll send is your save the date card. It may seem small, but it plays an important role in your wedding planning journey. A save the date is your chance to officially announce your wedding day and give guests plenty of time to plan. Whether your celebration is local or far away, these cards make sure the people you love can mark their calendars and be part of your big day.

In this post, we’ll walk through what a save the date is, when to send it, what to include, and how to make it feel personal. You’ll also learn about common mistakes couples make, so you can avoid them and feel confident sending yours.

What Is a Save the Date and Why It Matters

A save the date is a pre-invitation notice. Its purpose is simple: share the wedding basics—your names, the date, and the location. Think of it as your first impression. It’s a joyful announcement that gets guests excited while also giving them time to make travel and lodging plans.

Save the dates are especially helpful for destination weddings, holiday weekends, or busy travel seasons. Guests may need to book flights, request vacation time, or budget for the trip. By sending them early, you’re showing thoughtfulness and making it easier for your loved ones to attend.

When to Send Save the Dates

Local Weddings

Timing matters when it comes to save the dates. As a general rule, couples should send them about six to eight months before the wedding. This gives most guests plenty of time to prepare.

Destination Weddings

If you’re hosting a destination wedding or planning to marry on a holiday weekend, you may want to send them even earlier—nine to twelve months in advance. The extra time helps your guests organize travel, childcare, and time off work without stress.

Sending them too late can create challenges. Guests might already have commitments or find it harder to attend. Think of your save the date as a helpful way to honor their time.

What to Include on Your Save the Date

Your save the date doesn’t need to hold all the details. Instead, focus on what matters most:

• Your names
• The wedding date
• The city and state of the event
• An optional link to your wedding website

That’s all you need at this stage. Keep it short and sweet. Guests know that the full invitation with more information will arrive later.

Designing a Save the Date That Fits Your Style

Your save the date sets the tone for your wedding. It’s the first stationery piece your guests will see, so it offers a glimpse into the style of your day.

Some couples choose to include engagement photos, while others prefer custom artwork or monograms. Your color palette can also hint at the theme of the celebration. Whether your style is classic and timeless, whimsical and romantic, or colorful and bold, your save the date should reflect your personality as a couple.

Working with a stationer allows you to bring those personal touches to life. You can choose paper textures, fonts, and embellishments that make your card feel unique. A thoughtful design not only shares the date but also becomes a keepsake for your guests.

Starting to design your wedding invitations? Check out these invitation design ideas for every wedding theme!

I designed this save the date for my own micro-wedding reception in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The color palette and watercolor artwork matched my wedding style perfectly!

Common Save the Date Mistakes to Avoid

Even though save the dates are simple, there are a couple common mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t send them too late. Without enough notice, guests may struggle to attend.
• Avoid packing in too much information. The main invitation will provide all the details, so keep your save the date simple.

Some couples skip save the dates altogether. While not required, they are a thoughtful courtesy your guests will appreciate—especially if travel is involved.

Avoiding these mistakes will help your stationery process feel smoother and more intentional.

Final Thoughts

Your save the date is more than just a card. It’s the first chapter of your wedding story, a joyful way to invite loved ones into your celebration, and a thoughtful tool that helps them plan ahead. With the right timing, a clear message, and a design that feels personal, your save the date will set the perfect tone for what’s to come.

If you’re ready to create a save the date that reflects your love story and gives guests something they’ll remember, I’d love to help design one that feels uniquely yours. Inquire today so we can bring your vision to life. Let’s make this exciting first step of your wedding stationery as meaningful as the rest of your journey!

Working on your wedding invitations next? You’ll want to check out these posts!

• Wedding Invitation Suite Checklist
• Wedding Invitation Etiquette Guide