The Art of the Save the Date
When to Send Save the Dates, What to Include, and Why It Matters
Your Save the Date Sets the Tone
One of the first questions couples ask me is, “When should we send our save the dates?”The answer depends on your wedding date, location, and guest list — but it’s also your first opportunity to set the tone for the celebration ahead.
This is where your story begins. The colors, typography, and paper choice offer a glimpse into what’s to come — and give your guests a sense of anticipation and belonging long before the invitation arrives. You don’t have to know what all of your design choices will be yet, a general idea is good. Start with a color palette and one other design element that you will want to carry in to your invitations and wedding day details.
As with everything in wedding stationery, intentional design is key. It’s not about following trends; it’s about crafting something that feels like you.
When to send your Save the Dates
Your timeline can vary, but here’s a simple guide:
12+ months before — Begin designing your save the dates and finalizing your guest list.
10–12 months before — Mail for destination weddings or events that require travel.
8–10 months before — Mail for local weddings or those within driving distance.
If you’re newly engaged this fall or planning a 2026 or 2027 wedding, now is the perfect time to start designing. Fall and winter provide a quieter, more thoughtful space to collaborate — ensuring your stationery is printed and ready to send before or after the holiday card rush.
What to include
Keep your save the date simple, but intentional. At minimum, include your names, wedding date, city and state, and “Formal Invitation to Follow”. Optional additions that are nice to include if you have the information: your wedding website, early travel information, and a meaningful design element.
Even the simplest save the date can feel deeply personal through thoughtful choices in paper texture, printing method, and color.
Making it personal
A well-designed save the date doesn’t just inform — it invites. Consider incorporating colors that hint at your wedding style, season or setting. You might want to include a personal element such as monogram, a subtle nod to your venue (possibly a small illustration or architectural design element), or a flower that will be appearing throughout your bouquet and wedding florals.
These quiet details make your guests think, “This feels so them.”
Save the Date designs from the Curated Collection
If you’re ready to explore design options, we can create something entirely custom for you or you can take a look at the Curated Collection which offers artful save the dates that are designed to be cohesive with our Curated Invitation Collection. Each design can be customized with your wedding colors, print method, and optional embellishments — a simple way to achieve a cohesive, elevated look.
Planning your Save the Dates and want to dive deeper? Don’t miss our Top Save the Date Tips post — it’s filled with helpful tips, design ideas, and real examples couples have loved.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re planning an intimate garden celebration or a weekend in the mountains, your save the dates do more than announce a date — they begin your story.
If you’d like help choosing the right design or perfecting your stationery timeline, I’d love to guide you.
