Last Updated on July 29, 2025 by Joy Editors
Looking to create save the dates that leave a lasting impression? You’re not alone.
The save the date announcement becomes your first opportunity to amaze your guests and sets the mood for your wedding celebration. Most couples choose to send these announcements roughly 10-11 months ahead of their special day. Destination weddings need a longer timeline of 8-12 months.
Your wedding date and location remain the only must-have elements. The design possibilities are endless and completely depend on you and your partner’s vision. This creative freedom lets you explore countless unique ideas beyond traditional paper cards.
Our Joy collection features 27 stunning options for 2025 that will excite your guests. We offer everything from photo-based designs to innovative materials that match every couple’s style and budget perfectly.
Photo Save the Dates
Image Source: VistaPrint
Picture this: your love story captured in a single image that announces your special day. Photo save the dates have become the top choice for couples, and with good reason too.
What makes Photo Save the Dates unique
Photo save the dates tell your story without words. They use colors, layout, and images that set the perfect tone for your wedding celebration. Text-alone announcements can’t match the personal connection these create. These visual announcements become digital keepsakes you’ll treasure long after the wedding.
Best for Photo Save the Dates
Photo save the dates are perfect for couples who:
- Had their engagement photos taken recently
- Want to show off their unique personalities and relationship
- Love giving guests a peek into their love story
- Have a special wedding theme they’d like to preview
Design tips for Photo Save the Dates
Quality matters when it comes to photos – you’ll need at least 300 pixels per inch resolution. The lighting makes all the difference, especially during golden hour – that magical time an hour before sunset. Your faces should stand out to create that special connection with your guests.
Pricing for Photo Save the Dates
You’ll find options for every budget. Minted’s classic 7″ x 5″ photo save the dates cost $1.54 each when you order 100 cards. Postcard versions are more affordable at $1.09 each. Magnetic options cost a bit more, starting at $2.28 each for the same quantity.
Where to find Photo Save the Dates
The market has some great vendors for photo save the dates. Joy stands out with modern, customizable templates that showcase engagement photos beautifully. Minted has earned its reputation for artist-designed options, while Papier lets you try their first samples free. Most services now include free recipient addressing that saves you tons of time.
Magnet Save the Dates
Image Source: VistaPrint
Your refrigerator door probably works as your family’s command center. A magnet save the date puts your wedding right where guests can’t miss it, so they’ll remember your big day.
What makes Magnet Save the Dates unique
These magnets stick right to metal surfaces, unlike paper announcements that often get lost in the shuffle. Your guests will see them every day on their fridge instead of losing them under a pile of mail. These magnetic announcements also become keepsakes that guests hold onto long after your wedding.
Best for Magnet Save the Dates
Magnet save the dates really shine for couples who:
- Need their date to stick in guests’ minds
- Want to give a useful keepsake
- Have destination wedding details to share
- Like something different from regular paper cards
These announcements come in all shapes and sizes, making them perfect for any wedding style.
Design tips for Magnet Save the Dates
A clean, simple design works best – just focus on your names, wedding date, and location. Quality matters a lot with photos – fuzzy or pixelated images won’t look good. Double-check all your dates and details before you place that order.
Pricing for Magnet Save the Dates
Different vendors have their own price points. Truly Engaging’s magnetic save the dates start at $1.05 each. They offer three sizes: 3.5″ x 4″, 4″ x 5.5″, and 5″ x 7″. Minted makes theirs 4.25″ x 6″ with rounded corners that feel nice to handle. Regular postage usually covers shipping, but heavier magnets might need extra postage.
Where to find Magnet Save the Dates
Joy creates beautiful magnetic save the dates you can easily customize to match your style. You’ll also find great options from Truly Engaging, which keeps prices budget-friendly. Minted features artist-designed magnets that include white envelopes. Ann’s Bridal Bargains helps couples save even more. Most companies now address your envelopes for you, which saves tons of time.
Postcard Save the Dates
Image Source: Basic Invite
Postcard save the dates blend simplicity with nostalgia to create a practical and memorable announcement for your special day.
What makes Postcard Save the Dates unique
Physical postcards stand out in today’s digital world. People love getting them in their mailbox, and they create an instant connection. These postcards don’t need envelopes, which makes them an efficient all-in-one solution. The authentic postcard feeling becomes even more special especially when you have photos of your location or yourselves as a couple.
Best for Postcard Save the Dates
Postcard save the dates work perfectly for:
- Budget-conscious couples who want to cut costs
- Destination wedding planners who wish to showcase the location
- Couples who prefer a relaxed, casual approach
- Anyone who needs to send many announcements
These postcards serve couples who love simple yet stylish approaches beautifully.
Design tips for Postcard Save the Dates
Your postcard save the dates need just the basics: names, wedding date, and location (city and state will do). The design should reflect your personality through photos, colors, and font styles that match your taste. Destination wedding couples can add location images to get guests excited about the trip. The back needs enough room for addressing, postage, and postal markings.
Pricing for Postcard Save the Dates
Postcard save the dates offer great financial benefits. A batch of 100 costs around 60¢ per postcard, making them cheaper than traditional cards or magnets. You’ll need only a 35¢ stamp instead of the 55¢ for regular mail. Joy’s customizable postcard save the dates provide excellent value without sacrificing quality or design choices.
Couples with large guest lists can save money by choosing postcards. After all, every penny helps during wedding planning.
Vellum Overlay Save the Dates
Image Source: Cards & Pockets Design Idea Blog
Vellum overlay save the dates bring a unique dimensional beauty to your wedding announcement. The translucent elegance sets them apart from other styles.
What makes Vellum Overlay Save the Dates unique
The smooth translucent paper creates a luxurious layered look when combined with fine stationery. Modern vellum has come a long way from its calfskin origins. Today’s version is environmentally friendly and made from plasticized cotton or cellulose fibers from plants and trees. The paper’s see-through quality comes naturally – manufacturers press air out of cellulose fibers to make it 100% recyclable. A sheer layer adds softness and texture that standard cards can’t match, and it creates amazing depth without hiding your design.
Best for Vellum Overlay Save the Dates
These beautiful overlays are perfect for couples who:
- Want their engagement photos to shine while keeping wedding details visible
- Love the idea of giving guests something interactive to touch and feel
- Need a polished yet personal announcement style
- Care about using eco-friendly stationery
More couples are discovering the creative possibilities of these overlays, which explains their growing popularity.
Design tips for Vellum Overlay Save the Dates
To name just one example, see these creative approaches:
- Text overlays let key details pop while your photo shows through beautifully
- Your favorite engagement photo can take center stage right on the vellum
- Different typography styles layered together create stunning 3D effects
Joy’s customizable vellum overlay save the dates help you strike the perfect balance between elegance and personality. Your first wedding announcement will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Foil Press Save the Dates
Image Source: Etsy
Foil press save the dates blend luxury with metallic brilliance. This centuries-old printing technique adds an undeniable elegance to your wedding announcement.
What makes Foil Press Save the Dates unique
Gold leaf adorned Bible covers in the twelfth century, and foil stamping has evolved into a modern luxury. This technique creates a raised, three-dimensional metallic effect that catches light and naturally raises your announcement’s appeal. Foil pressing has symbolized importance and marked the difference between ordinary and extraordinary through history. Modern methods have made this once-exclusive finish available to couples looking for something special.
Best for Foil Press Save the Dates
These stunning announcements are perfect for couples who:
- Love sophisticated, upscale esthetics
- Want their celebration to set an elegant tone
- Have formal or black-tie weddings
- Need their announcements to stand out from standard cards
Design tips for Foil Press Save the Dates
Beautiful metallic options come in several varieties:
- Classic: gold, silver, rose gold
- Unique: bronze, ice blue, black, glittery silver/gold
Providers like Basic Invite let you customize specific text or design elements with live previews. This helps you see exactly how your foil elements will shine.
Pricing for Foil Press Save the Dates
The specialized process makes prices start higher than standard printing. Joy’s foil-pressed options give excellent value while maintaining that signature metallic shine that makes these announcements memorable.
Letterpress Save the Dates
Image Source: Dinglewood Design
Letterpress save the dates bring tactile elegance to life. These beautiful announcements combine historical artistry with deep impressions that your guests can feel with their fingertips.
What makes Letterpress Save the Dates unique
This relief printing technique traces back to the 15th century. Designs get imprinted on raised surfaces, inked, and pressed into paper to create distinctive indentations. Skilled artisans hand-print each announcement on antique Heidelberg Windmill presses, which keeps this centuries-old craft alive. The paper’s dimensional impression creates an unmistakable premium quality that stands out.
Best for Letterpress Save the Dates
These elegant announcements work perfectly for couples who:
- Love sophisticated traditional craftsmanship
- Want their guests to experience the announcement through touch and sight
- Have classical or whimsical wedding themes
- Appreciate keepsakes that become family heirlooms
Design tips for Letterpress Save the Dates
To name just one example, see these proven approaches:
- Heavy 100% cotton paper creates deeper impressions
- Custom-mixed inks match your wedding colors perfectly
- Simple designs showcase the beautiful texture
- Colored envelopes add striking contrast
Joy’s letterpress save the dates blend this timeless technique with modern designs. Your announcement will capture attention and create lasting memories.
Die-Cut Save the Dates
Image Source: Gold Image Printing
Die-cut save the dates make a bold statement through their unique shapes that set them apart from regular rectangular cards.
What makes Die-Cut Save the Dates unique
Die-cut save the dates break away from standard stationery with their non-rectangular silhouettes. These eye-catching cards feature elegant shapes – from scalloped edges and ovals to half-arches, circles, and waves. They add sophistication without looking overdone. Your announcement’s unexpected contours grab attention before guests read a single word.
Best for Die-Cut Save the Dates
These distinctive cards work beautifully for:
- Modern weddings that showcase sleek arch-shaped designs
- Beach celebrations with wave-inspired patterns
- Whimsical or boho weddings featuring circular formats
- Couples who want subtle personal touches without overdoing the design
Design tips for Die-Cut Save the Dates
Luxury paper finishes or foil printing enhance these distinctive shapes. The shape should reflect your venue or theme – waves capture beachside ceremonies while geometric patterns suit modern celebrations. Joy’s customizable die-cut save the dates blend unique silhouettes with practical features like durability and easy mailing.
Die-cut save the dates create that “wow” factor through shape alone. They’re perfect for couples who want their announcements to truly stand out from the stack.
Square Save the Dates
Image Source: Canva
Square save the dates break from tradition and catch everyone’s eye with their distinctive shape that sets your announcement apart right away.
What makes Square Save the Dates unique
These cards add a fresh twist to classic design that helps your announcement pop without going too far. The perfect 5.25″ x 5.25″ proportions create beautiful symmetry. Notwithstanding that, you’ll need extra postage to mail them because of their non-standard size.
Best for Square Save the Dates
Square formats shine for couples who want:
- A vintage look with modern flair
- Something fresh yet elegant
- Designs that showcase rounded corners or bold typography
- Photo-free layouts with striking illustrations
Design tips for Square Save the Dates
Paper quality options make a big difference. Standard card stock comes with warm-white Mohawk paper and matte eggshell finish (324gsm). Premium options feature ultra-white multiloft paper (650gsm) that adds luxury. Your choice of envelope matters too. Most square save the dates include free plain white envelopes. Joy’s customizable square templates tap into the full potential of this unique format while keeping appropriate printing margins.
A verified customer shared their experience: “They were the most affordable option I could find by far, and the best quality”.
Arched Save the Dates
Image Source: Etsy
Arched save the dates catch everyone’s eye with their elegant curves. These stylish announcements perfectly blend modern esthetics with classic design principles.
What makes Arched Save the Dates unique
The distinctive curved silhouettes of arched save the dates grab attention right away. A gentle arch creates a bridge-like frame that showcases your favorite photo or information beautifully. Bold stripes emphasize the character and add a chic touch to the layout. Simple, clean lines make these designs work well with various wedding styles. Some designs feature delicate gold lines that frame your photo within the arch.
Best for Arched Save the Dates
Arched designs work perfectly for:
- Sophisticated couples who love trendy yet elegant announcements
- Couples who want their names in handwritten-style script
- Weddings with architectural elements or venues that feature arches
- Couples who want a distinctive silhouette without going too unique
Design tips for Arched Save the Dates
Balance plays a key role in maximizing this shape’s appeal. Your names should stand out in script font, while wedding details work best in sans-serif below. The arch should frame your photo naturally and create a “bridge of loving words” that draws eyes to you as a couple. Joy’s customizable arched save the dates keep that perfect 5″ x 7″ size and let you match your wedding’s color scheme easily.
Watercolor Save the Dates
Image Source: Design Bundles
Watercolor save the dates blend artistic beauty with wedding stationery. Each announcement becomes a small masterpiece that sets a romantic mood for your special day.
What makes Watercolor Save the Dates unique
These beautiful save the dates showcase gentle color washes and painted designs that add romance and artistry to your announcement. The delicate brushstrokes create depth and texture you can’t get with regular printing methods. Many couples call them “tiny pieces of art” that each guest receives. Their endless customization options make them stand out from typical wedding stationery.
Best for Watercolor Save the Dates
These artistic announcements work beautifully for:
- Romantic garden or outdoor weddings
- Couples who want to highlight their venue’s landscape in illustrations
- Anyone planning a destination wedding who wants to give guests a preview
- Pairs looking for elegant style without strict formality
Design tips for Watercolor Save the Dates
Start by picking your theme – this helps narrow down choices from hundreds of available styles. Play around with color combinations using paint swatches as your guide. You might want to add venue sketches, local landmarks, or custom portraits of you both. Joy’s customizable watercolor templates combine artistic style with essential wedding details. Your announcements will look stunning while giving guests all the information they need.
Typography Save the Dates
Image Source: Greenvelope
Typography-focused save the dates let your font choices speak volumes about your style before your guests read a single word.
What makes Typography Save the Dates unique
These designs make use of fonts to show your wedding’s tone and how formal it will be. Unlike announcements that focus on images, these designs turn stylized lettering into the main visual element. The fonts become a powerful design tool that shares important details and reinforces your celebration’s style. Couples who pick typography-focused designs create an instant visual statement through smart font combinations and layouts.
Best for Typography Save the Dates
Typography save the dates work great for:
- Couples who love a modern, minimalist look with clean lines
- Anyone planning modern celebrations that need bold, distinctive statements
- Couples who want their announcement to feel more like a personal note than a formal card
- People who love editorial-inspired layouts that look like magazine designs
Design tips for Typography Save the Dates
Mix elegant script fonts for names or headings with simple sans-serif fonts for details to keep everything readable. You can also guide your guest’s eyes through key information by playing with font sizes and weights. Dark colors that stand out against the background paired with bold typography make everything easy to read. Joy’s typography-focused templates give you the perfect mix of visual appeal and clear communication.
Floral Save the Dates
Image Source: Hitched
Floral save the dates do more than just showcase bouquets and centerpieces. These beautiful announcements give your guests a sneak peek at your wedding’s botanical theme months before the big day.
What makes Floral Save the Dates unique
Beautiful blooms create an emotional connection right away. Your wedding’s theme shines through delicate flowers or bold botanical patterns. Natural elements add a warm, organic feel to your announcement. The versatility ranges from subtle floral touches to dramatic botanical displays. These timeless motifs work beautifully in any season – from bright sunflowers to classic magnolias.
Best for Floral Save the Dates
These botanical announcements are perfect for:
- Garden or outdoor wedding planners
- Couples who love floral-rich celebrations
- Anyone looking for romantic yet versatile designs
- Pairs ready to showcase their wedding style
Design tips for Floral Save the Dates
Here’s how to make the most of your floral design:
- Pick flowers that match your wedding season (summer sunflowers, rich fall blooms)
- Choose between soft watercolor florals or modern sketched elements
- Pick colors that enhance your wedding palette
Joy provides endless ways to personalize more than 1,000 floral templates. Start by picking your theme to narrow down options. Then play with color combinations using paint swatches as your guide. Save your favorite designs while browsing so you can easily find them later.
Greenery Save the Dates
Image Source: Etsy
Natural elements add timeless charm to greenery save the dates. The lush foliage symbolizes growth and new beginnings as you begin your trip together.
What makes Greenery Save the Dates unique
Leaf motifs on greenery save the dates stay stylish beyond seasonal trends. These nature-inspired announcements let you customize endlessly while keeping their organic look. Your guests will mark their calendars and get a beautiful preview of your celebration. Couples can find designs that match their vision perfectly with over a thousand templates.
Best for Greenery Save the Dates
These botanical announcements work great for:
- Outdoor or garden weddings
- Nature-loving couples who care about the environment
- Any season’s celebrations
- Couples who want elegant designs without bold colors
Design tips for Greenery Save the Dates
Pick your theme first to make your template search easier. A clear vision helps you direct your search through the options. The next step is picking colors that work well together. The many choices might seem overwhelming at first. Paint swatches or meaningful objects can help you choose your perfect palette. The “favorite” feature lets you save designs you like and create a shortlist to compare later.
Joy’s greenery save the dates come with sophisticated leaf motifs. They strike the perfect balance between natural elements and your wedding details.
Rustic Save the Dates
Image Source: Ann’s Bridal Bargains
Rustic save the dates bring countryside charm to life. Natural textures and warm design elements create an inviting preview of your celebration.
What makes Rustic Save the Dates unique
Warm, nature-inspired design elements define rustic save the dates that reflect a relaxed, romantic countryside esthetic. Woodgrain textures, kraft paper, burlap, lace add character to these announcements. Design motifs like wildflowers, leafy greenery, antlers, mason jars, and barn-inspired backdrops set the perfect tone. These elements work beautifully for weddings in outdoor settings, barns, vineyards, or rural venues. Rustic designs capture simplicity’s charm with thoughtful, inviting esthetics rather than appearing too casual.
Best for Rustic Save the Dates
Rustic announcements work perfectly with:
- Countryside or barn weddings that need more than date reminders
- Couples who want to showcase their venue’s atmosphere early
- Garden ceremonies, barn venues, or woodland-themed celebrations
- Pairs looking for functional keepsakes guests will cherish beyond the wedding
Design tips for Rustic Save the Dates
Wooden magnets make unique materials, and their grain patterns ensure no two look similar. Kraft paper paired with rustic twine creates an eco-chic look that suits countryside celebrations. Pressed flower designs reshape simple stationery into botanical treasures. Joy’s extensively customizable rustic templates include all these options and more. You can create announcements that capture your countryside charm perfectly.
Modern Minimalist Save the Dates
Image Source: Zazzle
Modern minimalist save the dates turn simplicity into sophistication. Clean lines and purposeful design create announcements that make a lasting impression.
What makes Modern Minimalist Save the Dates unique
Modern minimalist save the dates showcase the “less is more” philosophy through clean layouts and thoughtful white space. These announcements combine modern esthetics with minimalist principles to create an elegant yet straightforward look. The Shira template’s punchy blue color adds a modern touch while its classic font and text-only format showcase true minimalism. Bold serif fonts with sharp typography become the centerpiece of these designs.
Best for Modern Minimalist Save the Dates
These refined announcements work best for couples who:
- Love clean, uncluttered esthetics that stand the test of time
- Haven’t locked in their complete wedding theme or style
- Want formal celebrations or black-tie events
- Value understated elegance over decorative details
Design tips for Modern Minimalist Save the Dates
Quality paper makes these designs shine. DoubleThick or Smooth Signature paper provides a sturdy, premium feel. Blind debossing adds subtle texture through clean impressions without ink. Typography balance is vital—bold dates complement simpler text for other details. Joy’s customizable minimalist templates feature clean fonts, sharp layouts, and elegant spacing that showcase sophistication through simplicity.
Vintage Save the Dates
Image Source: Brides
Vintage save the dates bring nostalgia to life by capturing yesteryear’s esthetic in announcements full of timeless charm and character.
What makes Vintage Save the Dates unique
These announcements capture the magic of bygone eras through their intricate details and distinctive design elements. You’ll find beautiful floral patterns, textures that give them an aged look, and classic typography that echoes the past. The designs often feature lace, ornate details, and traditional color schemes that stir up warm memories. These aren’t just old-fashioned designs – they create a perfect blend of nostalgia, romance, and elegance that promises your wedding will be unforgettable.
Best for Vintage Save the Dates
These nostalgic announcements are perfect for couples who:
- Have a soft spot for antiques, old books, and pastel colors
- Love classic, conservative charm with timeless elegance
- Dream of weddings with 1920s-inspired fashion and décor
- Want their announcements to become cherished keepsakes
Vintage-themed save the dates work beautifully in many styles – from glamorous Art Deco with bold geometric patterns to Victorian romance with delicate lace and floral motifs.
Design tips for Vintage Save the Dates
Here’s how to create authentic vintage appeal:
- Use serif fonts to get that classic feel or script fonts for elegant flair
- Pick traditional colors like ivory, champagne, and blush that ooze sophistication
- Get creative with real vintage postcards and custom stamping
- Choose quality paper like linen to get that authentic vintage texture
Joy’s customizable vintage save the date templates give you the perfect mix of old-world charm and modern convenience.
Destination Save the Dates
Image Source: Etsy
Destination save the dates take your wedding plans to the next level. These announcements give your guests vital advance notice about your celebration far from home.
What makes Destination Save the Dates unique
Standard announcements might work for local weddings, but destination save the dates are a great way to get your guests ready for travel. You’ll need to send these travel-focused announcements much earlier – 12 months ahead for domestic locations and 12-24 months for international weddings that need passports or vaccinations. These announcements pack more than simple details. Your guests will find travel information, accommodation options, and a preview of the event schedule.
Best for Destination Save the Dates
These travel-focused announcements shine when you’re:
- Planning a wedding that needs major travel arrangements
- Hosting celebrations that span multiple days with planned activities
- Giving guests enough time to request vacation days and save up
- Getting married somewhere that needs passports, visas, or vaccinations
Design tips for Destination Save the Dates
Your announcements should include key details to work well: both names, wedding date, destination (at least city and country), wedding website link, and a note about the upcoming invitation. The design should showcase your chosen location through passport styles, luggage tag layouts, or boarding pass themes. Joy offers customizable destination templates that bring your location to life with maps, landmarks, or scenic views—showing guests the adventure that awaits them.
Classic Save the Dates
Image Source: Etsy
Classic save the dates showcase timeless elegance with refined design elements that never go out of style.
What makes Classic Save the Dates unique
Classic save the dates stay true to formal traditions through clean fonts, crisp layouts, and elegant script that showcase sophistication. These designs feature traditional wording like “Save the Date” rather than casual phrases. Partners’ full names appear on separate lines connected by “and,” with “formal invitation to follow”. This straightforward approach emphasizes clarity and readability without unnecessary decoration. We focused on reducing decision fatigue during wedding planning while creating undeniable elegance.
Best for Classic Save the Dates
These refined announcements work perfectly for:
- Couples who plan traditional or black-tie weddings
- People who appreciate simplicity with sophisticated details
- Couples wanting announcements that remain elegant for decades
- Anyone needing a design that enhances other wedding elements
Design tips for Classic Save the Dates
Premium paper will raise your announcement’s quality—Joy offers these options:
- Smooth: Lightweight with elegant sheen
- Pearlescent: Glossy finish that adds subtle glamor
- Linen: Textured surface with vintage appeal
Black and white photography adds timeless sophistication to your design. Classic 7″ x 5″ save the dates cost around $1.54 each when ordering 100 pieces.
Comparison Table
| Style | Key Features | Best Suited For | Design Tips | Price Range (via Joy & Others) |
| Photo | Creates personal connection through visual storytelling, works as a digital keepsake | Couples with engagement photos, people who want to show their personality | 300+ DPI resolution, golden hour shots, faces should stand out | $1.54-2.28 per card (100 qty) |
| Magnet | Practical memento, sticks to metal surfaces, stays visible daily | Destination weddings, couples who want lasting memories | Simple design, highlight what matters most, quality images | $1.05-2.28 per card |
| Postcard | Needs no envelope, brings nostalgic feelings, optimized design | Budget-aware couples, destination weddings | Make room for postal marks, stick to must-have info | ~60¢ per card + 35¢ postage |
| Vellum Overlay | See-through layered look, earth-friendly materials, adds visual depth | Earth-conscious couples, those who like interactive elements | Layer text and images thoughtfully, explore text overlay options | Not mentioned |
| Foil Press | Elevated metallic look, reflects light, adds luxury touch | Formal/black-tie weddings, couples seeking upscale style | Pick from gold, silver, rose gold, or unique metallic options | Premium pricing (exact range not specified) |
| Letterpress | Handcrafted, unique indentation, traditional artistry | Classical themes, craft appreciators | Use thick cotton paper, keep it simple | Not mentioned |
| Die-Cut | Custom shapes, non-standard edges | Modern weddings, beach events, playful themes | Add luxury finishes, match shape with venue/theme | Not mentioned |
| Typography | Font-driven design, modern look | Contemporary events, minimalist couples | Mix script with sans-serif fonts, build visual flow | Not mentioned |
| Watercolor | Gentle color blends, artistic motifs | Garden/outdoor weddings, romantic themes | Pick matching theme, play with color combinations | Not mentioned |
| Greenery | Nature-inspired, adaptable leaf designs | Outdoor/garden weddings, eco-minded couples | Work with matching colors, check paint swatches | Not mentioned |
| Modern Minimalist | Neat layouts, purposeful empty space | Formal events, fans of clean design | Pick quality paper, mix bold and simple fonts | Not mentioned |
| Destination | Send earlier, contains travel details | Weddings needing travel, multi-day events | Add travel must-knows, highlight the location | Not mentioned |
| Classic | Time-honored wording, refined elements | Traditional/black-tie weddings, timeless style | Choose premium paper, try black & white photos | $1.54+ per card (100 qty) |
Conclusion
These 27 unique save the date options will give you plenty of ideas to make that perfect first impression for your 2025 wedding. You might like classic designs or die-cut silhouettes. Your choice will end up setting the tone for your whole celebration.
Save the dates do more than remind people about dates – they give guests their first peek at your wedding style. The announcement you pick should show off your personality as a couple. This helps create a consistent feel throughout your wedding experience.
Photo save the dates add a personal touch that many couples love. Others lean toward specialty options like letterpress or foil stamping because they feel luxurious. If you’re watching your budget, postcard formats could be your best bet. They’ll save you substantially on printing and postage costs.
Planning a destination wedding? You’ll need to send announcements 12-24 months ahead so guests can plan their travel. Magnetic options are a chance to create something memorable that guests will keep on their fridges long after the big day.
Joy’s platform has templates for pretty much every style you can imagine. You can create customized save the dates that match your style perfectly. The design process is straightforward and will give a “wow” factor without destroying your budget.
Pick a design that feels true to you both. Your save the date kicks off your wedding story – it should start exactly as you foresee. Send these announcements 8-12 months before your celebration. This timing helps ensure you get the attendance and excitement your special day deserves.
Key Takeaways
Save the dates are your first opportunity to wow guests and set the tone for your entire wedding celebration. Here are the essential insights to help you choose the perfect announcement style:
• Send save the dates 8-12 months before your wedding (12-24 months for destination weddings requiring passports or travel arrangements)
• Photo save the dates remain most popular but unique options like magnets, die-cuts, and letterpress create memorable impressions that stand out
• Budget-friendly postcard formats cost just 60¢ per card plus 35¢ postage, making them ideal for couples with extensive guest lists
• Specialty finishes like foil pressing and letterpress add luxury through raised metallic effects and hand-pressed indentations that guests can feel
• Match your save the date style to your wedding theme – rustic for barn venues, watercolor for garden parties, minimalist for modern celebrations
• Include only essential information: your names, wedding date, location (city/state), and “invitation to follow” to avoid overwhelming guests
The key is selecting a design that authentically reflects your personality as a couple while providing guests with the practical information they need to mark their calendars and start planning to celebrate with you.
