Everything You Need to Know About Save the Date Cards
(A mindful guide to sharing your joyful news with ease)
Your engaged!!!! YAYYYYY
Before the deep dive into venues, florals, guest lists, budgets, and ALL THE THINGS, there’s one joyful little task that sets everything in motion: your Save the Date cards.
If you’re wondering when to send them, what to include, or whether you even need them, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through everything you need to know - simply, intentionally, and without overwhelm.
What a Save the Date Card Actually Is
A Save the Date is a small but meaningful gesture - it lets your guests know to mark their calendars before formal invitations go out. Think of it as your wedding’s first impression: a little sneak peek into the celebration ahead.
What to Include
Keep it simple! You only need the essentials:
Your names
Your wedding date
The city (or destination) of the celebration
“Formal invitation to follow”
That’s it! You don’t need venues, dress codes, or RSVP details yet - this is just the joyful and fun head’s up, we’re getting married! (and we want you to celebrate with us)
When to Send Save the Dates
A good rule of thumb I tell my couples:
Local weddings: 6–8 months before the big day
Destination weddings: 8–12 months in advance
If your guests will need to travel, book accommodations, or arrange childcare, err on the earlier side.
Designing Your Save the Date
THE FUN PART! Your Save the Date is often the first tangible expression of your wedding aesthetic - it sets the tone for your wedding. But also, no pressure, because nothing is set in stone yet.
A few tips I love to share with my clients:
Stay true to your story. If you’re a playful, carefree couple, lean into that energy! That is the MOST IMPORTANT THING.
Less is more. Clean layouts, intentional color choices, and simple fonts always feel timeless and gives you more breathing room down the road.
Have fun with it. Choose a style that you both LOVE, and everything else will fall into place. Promise!
If you’re using Canva, you can start with a template (like the ones in my FlourishWhereYouAre shop) and personalize it with your colors, fonts, or engagement photo.
Printing or Sending Digitally
You have options for sending your Save The Dates - and either is great!
Printed cards feel timeless and tangible. They make lovely keepsakes and feel extra special when guests receive them in the mail.
Digital Save the Dates are more budget-friendly and sustainable - perfect if you prefer a minimalist, modern approach.
Whichever you choose, focus on what feels aligned with you.
Final Thoughts
Your Save the Date isn’t just another wedding task - it’s a joyful milestone and the first step of a beautiful wedding planning experience :)
It’s that moment when your wedding becomes real to your guests, and to you both!
Take your time, choose a design that makes you smile, and send it with love. Everything else will fall beautifully into place.
If you’re ready to start designing, explore my collection of playful and elegant Save the Date templates - easy to edit, personalize, and print.
