Save the Date Cards

Save the Dates are an important part of wedding planning, giving your guests early notice of your wedding date so they can plan accordingly. If most of your guests are local, sending Save the Dates 4–6 months before your wedding is usually sufficient. This gives guests enough time to mark their calendars and make any necessary arrangements. For destination weddings, it’s best to send Save the Dates at least 9 months in advance. This extra time allows your guests to arrange travel, accommodations, and request time off work if needed. Early notice is especially important for guests who will need to book flights and hotels in advance.

Traditionally, the bride’s name appears first on Save the Dates and wedding invitations. This comes from classic etiquette, where the bride’s family typically hosted the wedding. These days, many couples choose the order that feels best for them. Whether you put the bride’s name first or list names alphabetically, what matters most is that your Save the Date clearly shares all the key details about your wedding.

Save the Dates are meant to give your guests an early heads-up about your wedding. Be sure to include your names, the wedding date, and the location (city or region). Since Save the Dates are more casual than formal invitations, you don’t need to share every detail just yet. It’s helpful to let guests know that a formal invitation with all the details will be sent later. Adding your wedding website URL is a great idea, so guests can easily find more info like travel tips, accommodation options, and the latest updates about your big day.

Absolutely, sending digital Save the Dates is a perfectly acceptable and increasingly popular choice. Digital Save the Dates are budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and super convenient. They also make wedding planning easier by connecting guests directly to your wedding website, where they can RSVP and find all the details. Just remember, some guests—especially those who aren’t as comfortable with technology—may need a reminder to check their email. To make sure everyone gets your Save the Date, consider sending a follow-up or offering another way for guests to confirm they’ve received it.

There’s no strict rule about the design or style of Save the Dates. Your design should reflect your personal taste and your wedding theme. Save the Dates can be formal, casual, whimsical, or traditional—it’s entirely your choice. Many couples choose designs that match their wedding theme or give guests a preview of the event’s style and tone. Whether you prefer a minimalist look, a vibrant photo, or a classic script, the main goal is to share the essential details and give your guests a hint of what’s to come.

While it’s not required, it’s definitely helpful. Since Save the Dates are typically sent out 4 to 6 months before your wedding and are less formal than printed invitations, it’s a good idea to have your wedding website ready by then. That way, you can include the URL on your Save the Dates and give your guests lots of time to check out all your wedding details.

Adding a photo to your Save the Date brings a personal touch and helps make your announcement truly memorable. Many couples like to showcase an engagement photo or a favourite picture that captures their relationship. Photos can help your Save the Date stand out and give guests a sneak peek at the couple they’ll be celebrating. If you include a photo, make sure it fits the design and doesn’t distract from the key details. The right photo can elevate the look and make your Save the Date even more inviting.

Your Save the Date wording should be clear and concise, focusing on the key details. For example: "Save the Date: [Your Names], [Wedding Date], [Location]. Formal invitation to follow." You can also add a personal touch with a short message or quote that reflects your personality. The main thing is to give your guests the essential details while keeping the tone in line with your wedding style.

While your Save the Dates and invitations don’t have to match exactly, a cohesive look is always eye-catching. Many couples choose to coordinate the design of their Save the Dates with their wedding invitations for a consistent vibe. That said, it’s totally fine to go with different designs as long as they work well together. What matters most is that both clearly share the key details and capture your wedding style.

Save the Date cards are usually available in standard sizes like 5x7 inches, which is popular and easy to mail. You can also pick a size that fits your design and budget. Smaller options like 4x6 inches or larger ones like 6x8 inches work too, depending on your style. Just make sure your chosen size matches your overall design and is simple for guests to handle and keep.

Joy’s built-in Contact Collector makes it simple to gather all your guests’ contact info right in your guest list. Just share your magic link, your guests fill out a quick form, and your list updates automatically. Every Joy Save the Date comes with free recipient and return address printing that works seamlessly with your contact list.

While the choice is yours, we strongly suggest including Save the Dates as part of your wedding announcement suite. This ensures your guests get all the key details—who, what, where, and when—as soon as you have them. Adding your wedding website link to your Save the Dates also lets guests find more info and RSVP online with ease.

Absolutely! Coordinating your Save the Dates and invitations gives your wedding announcements a polished, unified look. Many couples opt for matching or complementary designs for both to keep things consistent. This not only sets the tone for your big day, but also creates a cohesive visual experience for your guests. Working with the same designer or template provider makes it easy to ensure your Save the Dates and invitations are perfectly in sync.

Picking the perfect Save the Date template is a key part of planning your wedding. It sets the tone for all your wedding communications and gives your guests their first peek at what’s ahead. Joy offers a wide selection of Save the Date templates to match every style and preference. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic countryside wedding, a chic city celebration, or a relaxed beach gathering, you’ll find a template that suits your vibe. Joy’s Save the Date templates are thoughtfully designed for both style and practicality. Choose from hundreds of beautifully made designs, each with unique features you can personalize to fit your wedding theme. From elegant calligraphy to fun illustrations, Joy has options for every taste. Plus, you can add your favourite photos for a personal touch that makes your Save the Date truly special.

Joy wedding websites, planning tools, registry, and online RSVP are all free! Paper wedding invitations come in a variety of prices and styles, and every order includes free back-of-card printing, plus free recipient and return address printing. Working with a tight budget? Mix and match Joy’s digital and paper cards to save on printing and postage. You can also choose from hundreds of digital wedding invitation designs to send for free.

Absolutely! Our fantastic support team is here for you 24/7, including weekends, to make sure your questions are answered. Just email us at support@withjoy.com.

Save the Date magnets aren’t a must-have, and they can cost more than classic paper cards. If you’re watching your budget, paper Save the Dates are totally fine. Most guests won’t mind if it’s a magnet or paper—the important thing is that your Save the Date matches your style and shares all the key wedding details.

Only send save-the-dates to people you plan to invite to your wedding. Everyone who receives a save-the-date should also get a wedding invitation.