Brides / Lecia Landis
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 for your guests to mark on their calendars, it’s a point when everything you've envisioned for the big day starts to feel truly tangible.
For many couples, the save-the-date also serves as a hint of the overall tone and look of the wedding. It can act as an aesthetic foundation for the invites that will soon follow–not to mention all of the other wedding-related stationery, from programs to place cards to menus. If you already know the vibe you’re going for, let the save-the-dates announce it loud and clear. If you're still unsure of your overall wedding aesthetic, don't be afraid to experiment and explore (adding a cute couple photo is always a good move).
Stationary expert Katie Fischer Cohen recommends mailing them 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, you can send it out up to a year in advance. So make sure to get those save-the-dates out ASAP once you get your venue booked.
Now for the fun part! After you have your venue and guest list finalized, it's time to select the design of your save-the-dates. For the jet-setting couple planning a destination wedding, go with an on-theme option like the Lucky Lady Paper Boarding Pass Save the Date. If you want to show off your adorable engagement photos, we love the Minted Casual Save the Dates or the Minted Modern Classic Names Save the Dates.
Meet the Expert
Katie Fischer Cohen is a the founder of Katie Fischer Design, a Manhattan-based graphic design studio.
Read on for the best save-the-dates.
Zola Violin Save The Date
Courtesy of Zola
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 to 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 change.
Prices starting at: $0.99
Lucky Lady Paper Boarding Pass Save the Date Invitation
Courtesy of Etsy
Planning a destination wedding? You need these save-the-dates. Inspired by the shape and design of old-school boarding passes (remember those?), it’s 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.
Prices starting at: $1.16
Mallory Hope Design Polaroid Photo Save the Date Postcard
Courtesy of Etsy
Simplicity and elegance make this a top pick. The front of this card boasts your date in oversized romantic font, plus a calendar with the date highlighted. Customize the back to your liking–keep it simple with a pattern, add your favorite photo, or write a custom message to your guests.
Prices starting at: $44.85
Minted Wrapped Save the Dates
Courtesy of Minted
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. Choose from a variety of colors from dramatic midnight blue to soft blush.
Prices starting at: $221
Papier Wedding Photo Frame Save The Date
Courtesy of Papier
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.
Prices starting at: $28
Minted Leaves Save the Dates
Minted
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. Sign up here to receive 20% off of the Minted + Brides collection.
Prices starting at: $221
Minted Country Garden Save the Dates
Minted
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.
Prices starting at: $221
Minted Casual Save the Dates
Minted
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.
Prices starting at: $162
Minted Petal Toss Save the Dates
Minted
The loose, brushy florals on this 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.
Prices starting at: $162
Minted Beautifully Scripted Save the Dates
Minted
The name of this design says it all. The focus is on the scripted font as it flows across the page, accented by modern block type to spell out the important details. 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.
Prices starting at: $162
Minted Modern Classic Names Save the Dates
Minted
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 Minted style to a soft Pearlescent, which adds a luminous glow to your favorite portrait.
Prices starting at: $162
Allincork Save the Date Wine Corks
Courtesy of Etsy
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 date and come housed in a mini wood box to ensure they don’t get misplaced.
Prices starting at: $8.96
Minted Cordially Save the Dates
Courtesy of Minted
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.
Prices starting at: $221
Pamba Towels Save the Date Tea Towels
Courtesy of Etsy
Admittedly, most save-the-dates will end up in the trash or recycling at some point—but not this option! While obviously a bit pricier than a paper card, these screen-printed tea towels are an unexpected alternative for those seeking a more lasting option or who have a shorter guest list. They feature a floral design and come printed in eco-friendly inks in your choice of color.
Prices starting at: $12
Minted Capture Save the Dates
Courtesy of Minted
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.
Prices starting at: $162
Artifact Uprising Colorblock Save the Date
Courtesy of Artifact Uprising
For the couple who doesn’t want to go with a 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.
Prices starting at: $1.45
Zazzle Vintage Library Card Save the Date
Courtesy of Zazzle
Have your guests “bookmark” the date with this vintage 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.
Prices starting at: $2.81
Zazzle Vintage Postcard Save the Date
Courtesy of Zazzle
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 is an added bonus.
Prices starting at: $2.07
Paperless Post Rubell Save the Dates
Courtesy of Paperless Post
For eco-conscious couples or wedding planners on a budget, there’s no harm in opting 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.
Prices starting at: $10
Paperlust Modern Save the Date
Courtesy of Paper lust
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.
Prices starting at: $138
For Your Party Save the Date Matchbook
Courtesy of For your party
Adorable, practical, and affordable, we love the idea of swapping cards for a custom matchbook. Printed with your names and wedding date, it’s a fun new way to help keep your big day top of mind for your guests.
Prices starting at: $85.50
What to look for in save the dates
A 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—don't be afraid to be witty, creative, or out-of-the-box when you're coming up with ideas together.
The most important thing to include is, of course, the date of your wedding. Although the save the date can be simple in words and design, just make sure that it's legible and easy for all guests to understand.
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.
