When should we send save the dates?

It's ideal to send out save-the-dates at least six to eight months in advance of the wedding date. If you have your venue booked early (or if you have a far-flung destination wedding or are hosting the event during a popular holiday period), it's a good idea to send them up to a year in advance.

Can we send an online save-the-date?

Yes, but make sure that everyone on your guest list is savvy with computers and smartphones first. If you have any concerns about particular guests receiving the save the date, make sure to follow up with a phone call or note.

Are save-the-dates necessary?

While save-the-dates are not mandatory , they're a helpful way for guests to mark the date on the calendar as soon as your venue is booked. Since they tend to be more casual than wedding invitations , a save-the-date can also be a fun and creative way to announce your engagement.

The 21 Best Save-the-Dates of 2024

As you kick off the wedding planning experience, the process of choosing (and sending) save-the-dates often marks an exciting transition. With an official date on the books, it's a point when everything you've envisioned for the big day starts to feel tangible.

For many couples, save-the-dates also serve as a hint of the overall tone and look of the wedding. They can act as an aesthetic foundation for the invites—not to mention all the other wedding-related stationery, from ceremony programs to place cards and menus. If you already know the vibe you're going for, let your save-the-dates announce it loud and clear. If you're still unsure of your overall wedding aesthetic, don't be afraid to experiment (adding a cute couple photo is always a good move).

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Stationary expert Katie Fischer Cohen recommends mailing save the dates out six to eight months in advance of the wedding date. For destination weddings, or if you're hosting a wedding during a popular weekend, send them up to a year in advance. After you have your venue and guest list finalized, it's time to select the design of your save-the-dates. When browsing options, consider the paper type and format (postcards, cards with envelopes, etc.), as well as the font, readability, and price for how many you need.

Read on for the best save-the-dates.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For in Save-the-Dates
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Minted

View On Minted $165

A modern update to a classic photo card, this save-the-date is anything but ordinary. Featuring several different font types, from script to block lettering, it bridges the gap between old-school and contemporary styles. In addition to the various color palettes available, it's also possible to totally customize the hues to your liking—and you can even change the silhouette of the card itself. Send it as a postcard or opt for the magnet option so your guests can easily hang it on their fridge.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Signature, Recycled, Pearlescent, DoubleThick +more

Minted

View On Minted $165

The name of this design says it all. The focus is all on the graceful font as it flows across the page, accented by modern block type to spell out the important details clearly. The result is a perfect marriage of styles that balance and elevate each other. Featuring a wide range of color palette customization options, this save the date is a foolproof winner. You can add a photo to the back or keep it simple with a pattern or color.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Signature, Recycled, DoubleThick, Pearlescent +more

Minted

View On Minted $165

Your photo may be the star, but the streamlined typography and modern text placement make this card stand out from the rest of the pack. Choose from six different paper options—from the thick signature cardstock to a soft pearlescent paper, which adds a luminous glow to your favorite portrait. Like other save-the-dates from Minted, this one is also available as a magnet.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Signature, Smooth Signature, Recycled, Pearlescent +more

zola

View On Zola $2

This save-the-date lets your favorite photo take center stage. Add your image and text, then customize it to your liking, choosing everything from size to paper type and shape. The best part? You get a free wedding website with your purchase! Plus, free change-the-date stationery currently comes with all save-the-dates and invites, which is a major win if plans need to shift.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 5.5, 5 x 7 inches | Paper Style: Smooth, eggshell, recycled, linen, pearlescent + more

Lucky Lady Paper Boarding Pass Save the Date Boarding Pass Invitation

Etsy

View On Etsy $2

Planning a destination wedding? These clever save-the-dates will set the travel plans in motion. Inspired by the shape and design of old-school boarding passes (remember those?), they're the perfect way to get your guests excited about the fun travel to come. They feature plenty of customizable space where you can add all of the important details, and even the envelopes are on-brand with a colorful map emblazoned on the inside.

Dimensions: 4 x 6 inches | Paper Style: Luxe Cotton, Stardream Shimmer, Matte Satin, Plain Jane

Minted

View On Minted $198

Simple yet unexpected, this option features the date of your big day in oversized, bold text with your names and location next to it. Not to mention, the metallic foil adds an understated touch of glam. It's everything you could need or want in a save-the-date, all wrapped up in a sophisticated little package. Plus, the minimalist aesthetic is guaranteed to pair well with pretty much any type of wedding vibe.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Signature, Recycled, DoubleThick, Pearlescent +more

Etsy

View On Etsy $2

Simplicity, elegance, and affordability make this option a top pick. The front of this card boasts your date in oversized romantic font, along with a calendar that features a highlighted date for your event. Customize the back to your liking–keep it simple with a pattern, add your favorite photo, or write a custom message to your guests. You can opt for traditional postcards, Polaroid-style photos, or print them out yourself to save money.

Dimensions: 5.25 x 5.25 inches | Paper Style: Postcard, Polaroid photo, or printable

Minted

View On Minted $198

Take your announcements to the next level with these super luxe and sophisticated save-the-dates. Hand-pressed with metallic foil for a bit of sparkle, we're especially obsessed with the color-rich background that frames your favorite photo. A variety of hues are available, from dramatic midnight blue to soft blush and moody black.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Signature, Smooth Signature, Recycled, Pearlescent +more

Artifact Uprising

View On Artifactuprising.com $3

For the couple who doesn't want to feature photo on their save-the-dates, these color-blocked, text-only cards are sure to please. Choose from any number of color combinations, as well as corresponding envelopes for an option that's perfectly suited to your style. We also like that these are printed on paper sourced from wood grown in responsibly managed FSC-certified forests.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Premium FSC-certified

Pappier

View On Papier.com $168

An almost identical replica of a Polaroid right down to the shape and size, we love the simple and vintage feel of this black and white option. In true Polaroid fashion, there's a space for a photo on the front and custom text on the back. The matte, eggshell finish and thick paper quality make it feel extra luxurious.

Dimensions: 5.25 x 5.25 inches | Paper Style: Single-thick, double-thick

Minted

View On Minted $198

With six different color palettes to choose from, this retro floral design is perfect for any type of garden party, from a magnolia-laden Southern event to a rose-filled Martha's Vineyard fête. Add a touch of metallic foil (there are eight hues available) to several of the leaves to make them pop. You can also add on wax seals or ribbon if you're feeling extra-fancy.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Signature, Recycled, Pearlescent +more

Minted

View On Minted $233

These minimalist save the dates set the tone for a rustic yet elevated ceremony. The muted earth-toned background and foil olive motif evokes an Italian countryside wedding (or choose white for a Greek island vibe). Part of the Minted + Brides Collection, this design makes a big impact with just a few hand-drawn strokes.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Signature, Recycled, Pearlescent, DoubleThick +more

Minted

View On Minted $165

Perfect for a spring or summer event, the loose, brushy florals on this watercolor-inspired save-the-date feel bold and bright—just like your love! If the vision for your wedding is a laidback, outdoor party, this design will set the scene. And if you're looking for something a bit more subdued, the monochromatic options (we especially love the blue) will do the trick.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Signature, Recycled, Pearlescent +more

Etsy

View On Etsy $12

This pick wins points for creativity! How perfect would these nifty save-the-dates be to announce a vineyard wedding? The corks are printed with your names and event date and come housed in a mini wooden keepsake box to ensure they don't get misplaced.

Dimensions: 1.75 x 0.9 inches

Minted

View On Minted $200

Looking for something with room for your engagement photo? This artful card is the perfect marriage of laidback vibes and sophistication. The casual script and graphic cut-out shapes add to the charm—it feels like a scrapbook of your favorite memories, ready to share with loved ones.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 inches | Paper Style: Signature, Smooth Signature, Pearlescent +more

Plus Paper Design Vintage Library Book Card Wedding Save the Date

Zazzle

View On Zazzle.com

If you prefer text over photos and like simple designs, have your guests "bookmark" the date with this vintage-inspired library book card. Perfect for bookworms or anyone planning a library wedding, this creatively themed save-the-date is one your guests are sure to remember.

Dimensions: 4.2 x 5.5, 5 x 7, 8 x 4 inches | Paper Style: Standard matte, premium, felt, premium linen +more

IYHTV Designs Vintage Postcard Save the Date

Zazzle

View On Zazzle.com $3

Colorful and retro, this postcard is just begging to announce a warm-weather wedding. Whether you're throwing a seaside ceremony in Florida or planning a desert wedding in Palm Springs, the whimsical print featuring lobsters and palm trees will set the scene.

Dimensions: 4.2 x 5.5 inches | Paper Style: Matte, semi-gloss

Paperless Post

View On Paperlesspost.com

For eco-conscious couples or wedding planners on a budget, opt for a digital save-the-date. This invite is just as sophisticated as any paper print, with bold art deco-inspired gold and black font. There’s also a similar version where the text is set over a photo should you prefer to have a picture included.

Paper lust

View On Paperlust.co

Sometimes less really is more, which is why we love this design from Paperlust. With cute graphics to illustrate all the details, this option is a fun take on the classic save-the-date. Digitally printed, it's also a cost-effective and time-efficient choice.

Dimensions: 4.2 x 5.5 inches | Paper Style: Matte, linen

For your party

View On Foryourparty.com $43

Adorable, practical, and affordable—we love the idea of swapping cards for custom matchbooks. Printed with your names and wedding date, this is a fun new way to help keep your big day top of mind for your guests. You can opt for small matchbooks or spring for slightly larger matchboxes and customize them with a matte or foil exterior in your choice of 100 colors.

Dimensions: 2 X 1.9, 2.2 x 1.4, 2 x 1 inches | Paper Style: Matte, foil

View On Etsy

Make your wedding announcements loud and clear, emphasis on clear with these beautiful acrylic save-the-dates from this Etsy shop. Embossed with white lettering and floral decoration at the corners, these semitransparent cards put a modern spin on classic bridal colors. Plus, you can personalize the packaging with your choice of 20 envelope colors.

Dimensions: 5.314 x 7.48 inches | Paper Style: Frosted acrylic

What to Look For in Save-the-Dates

Style and creativityA save-the-date is an opportunity to be a bit more playful and less formal than a traditional wedding invitation. It's a place for your personality as a couple to shine—so don't be afraid to be witty, creative, or out-of-the-box when coming up with ideas. The style should reflect you as a couple, as well as the wedding festivities to come. Throwing a destination wedding? Go with the Lucky Lady Paper Boarding Pass Save the Date for a fun and unique way to greet your guests. Getting married at a beautiful vineyard? Choose something creative and on-theme, like Allincork Save the Date Wine Corks.
Readability: The most important thing to include is, of course, the date of your wedding. Although your save-the-date can be simple in words and design, just make sure it's legible and easy for all guests to understand. When in doubt, choose something with block lettering, like these Minted Casual Save the Dates.
Material and format: Pay attention to the material in terms of paper style, thickness, and finish, as this will affect the price and overall aesthetic. Save-the-dates are most often in postcard form, though they can be slightly fancier with envelopes, such as the Artifact Uprising Colorblock Save the Date. You'll also see various alternative formats, like magnets, matchbooks, and bookmarks.

FAQ

When should we send save the dates?

It's ideal to send out save-the-dates at least six to eight months in advance of the wedding date. If you have your venue booked early (or if you have a far-flung destination wedding or are hosting the event during a popular holiday period), it's a good idea to send them up to a year in advance.
Can we send an online save-the-date?

Yes, but make sure that everyone on your guest list is savvy with computers and smartphones first. If you have any concerns about particular guests receiving the save the date, make sure to follow up with a phone call or note.
Are save-the-dates necessary?

While save-the-dates are not mandatory, they're a helpful way for guests to mark the date on the calendar as soon as your venue is booked. Since they tend to be more casual than wedding invitations, a save-the-date can also be a fun and creative way to announce your engagement.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Her work has appeared in such digital and print publications such as Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Allure. Commerce writer Theresa Holland updated this story with additional buying tips and recommendations.