What to Include on a Save the Date Card
A save the date card should include the names of the hosts or couple, the event date, the city or general location, and a note that a formal invitation will follow. These key details help guests plan ahead without overwhelming them with information meant for the full invitation.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, milestone birthday, mitzvah, or business event, a save the date gives guests an early heads-up so they can mark their calendars and make travel plans if needed.
Below, we’ll walk through exactly what to include on a save the date card, what to leave off, and share wording examples for different types of events and styles.
Must-Have Details to Include on a Save the Date Card
Every save the date card should include a few essential pieces of information. These details ensure your guests know what they’re saving the date for, even if the full plans aren’t finalized yet.
Event date
This is the most important detail. Always include the full date and double-check it carefully before printing or sending.
Names
Include the names of the couple, host, or honoree. This makes the card feel personal and clearly identifies who the event is for.
Type of event
Let guests know what they’re being asked to save the date for. A simple phrase like “Save the Date for Emily and James’ Wedding” or “Save the Date for Ava’s Birthday Celebration” is enough.
City or general location
If your venue is confirmed, you can include the city and state. If not, a general location is perfectly fine and still helpful for travel planning.
“Formal invitation to follow”
This lets guests know that more details are coming later and sets the expectation that this is an early notice, not the full invitation.
What Not to Include on a Save the Date Card
Save the date cards are meant to be simple. Many details are best saved for the formal invitation or event website.
You can leave out:
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The full venue address
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Start and end times
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Dress code information
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Meal details
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RSVP instructions
Keeping the card focused helps avoid confusion if plans change later.
Save the Date Wording Examples
Save the date wording can be formal, casual, modern, or playful depending on the tone of your event. The most important thing is clarity — guests should immediately understand what the card is asking them to do.
Formal wording
“Please save the date for the wedding of Emily Watkins and Sean Barnes on Saturday, May 23, 20XX, in Charleston, South Carolina.”
Casual wording
“Save the date! We’re celebrating Sarah’s birthday on June 10 in Austin, Texas.”
Modern wording
“06.06.XX
Amanda + Jules
Save the Date
New York City”
Fun wording (kids’ birthdays)
“Hold the date! Liam is turning 5.
June 14 | San Diego, California”
A small change in wording can completely shift the tone, so choose a style that matches the feel of your event.
A save the date is just the beginning. This personalized photo wedding stationery set shows how your save the date can coordinate seamlessly with your invitation, details card, thank you card, ticket, and sticker — all customized with your own image for a cohesive look from start to finish. Explore this photo wedding invitation suite with personalized picture.
Save the Date Checklist: Before You Send
Before your save the date cards go out, use this quick checklist to avoid common issues:
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Confirm the event date is final
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Check spelling of all names
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Include a city or general location
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Add “formal invitation to follow”
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Send early enough for travel planning
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Only send to guests you plan to invite
Taking a moment to review these details can save confusion later.
Who Should Receive a Save the Date Card?
Save the date cards are most helpful for events where timing or travel matters. While they’re most commonly used for weddings, they’re also a great option for:
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Milestone birthdays
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Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
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Anniversary celebrations
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Business events and corporate gatherings
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Destination or holiday-weekend events
Only send save the date cards to guests you’re confident will be invited to the event.
When Should You Send Save the Date Cards?
Timing plays an important role in how helpful your save the date will be.
As a general guideline:
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Send them 6–8 months ahead for local events
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Send them 9–12 months ahead for destination events or busy travel seasons
If your event falls near a major holiday or during peak vacation time, sending them a little earlier can be especially helpful.
Personalized Save the Date Cards for Any Event
Printed save the date cards can be personalized to suit your event style and overall vision. Details such as wording, colors, and layout can be adjusted to coordinate with your invitation suite and color palette, helping create a cohesive look from the very beginning.
If you’re looking for printed options, you can explore our collection of save the date cards designed for weddings, birthdays, mitzvahs, and special events.
More Invitation Planning Guides You May Find Helpful
If you’re planning a wedding or formal event, these guides may also be useful:
Destination Wedding Invitations: When to Send and What to Include
When to Send Bridal Shower Invitations
What Size Should Your Wedding Invitation Be?
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