Choosing the right save the date wording is one of the earliest—and most exciting—steps in your wedding stationery journey. Your Save the Date card is the first glimpse your guests get of your big day, so getting the details right matters. This guide covers what to include, what to avoid, and provides plenty of sample save the date wording ideas to help you craft the perfect message.
What to Include in Your Save the Date Card Wording
No matter your style—formal, casual, romantic, or playful—your save the date card wording should always include a few key details. Think of it as a simple heads-up, not a full invitation.
The essentials are:
- Names of the couple
So guests instantly know who is getting married. - Wedding date
This is the entire point of the Save the Date! - City or general location
Especially important for destination weddings or when most guests are traveling. - A line like “Formal invitation to follow”
This reassures guests that more details will come with the official invitation.
These elements form the backbone of any save the date wedding invitation wording. Keeping it simple ensures clarity and avoids overwhelming guests with information that belongs on the full invitation suite.
Optional Details You May Include
For most weddings, additional details are unnecessary. However, for destination weddings or events during peak travel seasons, you may wish to add:
- Travel suggestions
- Nearby accommodation
- A wedding website
- Early notes on transportation or peak-season booking
These extras are helpful when guests must plan far in advance.
What to Leave Off Your Save the Date
Traditionally, some information is considered inappropriate or premature for Save the Date cards. To keep your invitation save the date wording elegant and clear, avoid including:
- The exact ceremony or reception time
- Specific venue names or addresses (unless essential for travel planning)
- Gift registry or money requests—a big no for this stage of communication
Save the dates should provide enough information to mark the calendar—not more.
Finding the Right Save the Date Wording Style
Save the Date cards are one of the easiest pieces of your wedding stationery to write. If you’re unsure, the simplest and most timeless approach is:
Your names + the date + the location.
But you can absolutely express your personality—whether elegant, minimalist, humorous, or romantic. Below are save the date card wording ideas to inspire your options.
Before you start writing, consider:
- Have you already sent engagement announcements?
Avoid duplicating that wording too closely to prevent confusion. - What is the overall tone of your wedding?
Your Save the Date should reflect your style from the very beginning.
Once you have your tone in mind, you’re ready to start crafting wording that fits.
Elegant Save the Date Wedding Invitation Wording
If your wedding leans traditional or formal, choose save the date wording that feels refined and timeless. Longer, more ceremonial language works beautifully with premium paper stocks, letterpress, or foil stamping.
Example (formal, elegant):
The presence of John and Elizabeth Bradbury
is requested on the sixteenth of December
two thousand and fifteen,
for the wedding of Emma Ray and Lucas Davenport.
Please reserve the date.
Formal invitation to follow.
This style sets the tone for an elevated event and pairs perfectly with classic or luxury stationery designs. Even a shorter message can feel elegant when paired with premium design elements.
Casual Save the Date Card Wording
For relaxed, modern, or fun weddings, your save the date card wording can be light, friendly, and informal. Feel free to incorporate humour, inside jokes, song lyrics, or elements of your love story.
Example (casual & simple):
Please save the date!
Luke and Sydney are getting hitched
on January 21, 2016.
Pencil it in—we’ll share more details soon!
Example (casual & warm):
Save the date!
Daniel and Jessie are tying the knot in Ballarat
on June 3, 2016,
and we’d love for you to celebrate with us.
Invitation to follow.
These relaxed formats help set expectations for a joyful, easygoing celebration.
Need Inspiration? Mix & Match Phrases
To help you create your own personalised save the date wedding invitation wording, here are snippets you can combine:
- “Mark your calendar…”
- “We can’t wait to celebrate with you…”
- “Pencil us in…”
- “Join us as we begin our forever…”
- “Adventure begins…”
- “We’re getting married—save the date!”
These short lines are perfect for couples who want a simple but stylish message.
Your Save the Date is the first chapter of your wedding story. Whether you choose elegant, traditional wording or something fun and modern, what matters most is clarity and authenticity. Keep your message simple, thoughtful, and reflective of your style, and your guests will be excited to join you on your big day.