Congratulations on your engagement! After securing a wedding venue, the next major step is sending out save the dates.
This important piece of stationery allows your guests to start making any necessary travel arrangements and planning their trip to celebrate with you. Think of save the dates as a heads-up for your guests to mark their calendars for your special day.
Save the dates also let your loved ones share in your excitement. Many couples choose to use their save the dates as a way to announce both their engagement and the upcoming wedding date. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to share the news and provide guests with necessary information. Your save the dates will let guests know that more details will follow, and remind them to be on the lookout for the invitation.
Your Names
It’s traditional to list the bride’s name first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples, consider alphabetical order.
The Wedding Date
Save the dates should be sent out only once you have your wedding date nailed down.
The Wedding Location
List the city and state (or country) where your wedding will be. You don’t need to add the venue name or address as this will be included in your wedding invitation.
Your Wedding Website
If you have a wedding website, make sure that it's up to date before you share the URL.
"Invitation To Follow"
This lets guests know they should expect a wedding invitation in the weeks or months to come.
Formal
Save the Date
for the wedding of
Jane Ellen Sandoval
and
Paul Joseph Jones
Saturday, the seventh of June
Two thousand and twenty-five
Austin, Texas
Formal invitation to follow
Traditional
Save the Date
Alexandra and Miguel
are getting married!
September 6, 2025
Sedona, Arizona
Formal invitation to follow
Casual
She said “Yes!”
Samantha and Josh
10.25.24
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Invitation to follow
Destination
Save the Weekend!
August 15-17, 2025
Sophia and Alejandro
are getting married
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Please see further wedding details at
weddingwebsite.com
Aim to mail your save the dates six to eight months before the wedding. This will give guests ample time to request days off from work and make travel plans, if needed. If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is a destination or summer wedding, consider sending them nine months to a year in advance.
It's best to be clear about who's invited to the wedding, even this far in advance. By including the names of every intended guest on the envelope, you can avoid any confusion or assumed invitees.
For singles, if you're extending an invitation to a plus on, add "and Guest".
For couples, traditionally the man’s name goes first, but you may write the name of the person you are closest to first. For couples with different last names, be sure to include both of their names on the envelope. Even if you only know one of them, writing both names extends a more personal invitation.
Navigating save the date etiquette might seem tricky, but sending them out early is the best way to ensure your favorite people can celebrate with you. What kind of save the dates are catching your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
