Save the date: what it is, when to send it and what to say

A save the date is a short notice sent months before the invitation so your guests keep the day free. It's especially common for destination weddings, summer weddings and bank holiday weekends.

What is it for?

Just one thing: making sure nobody makes other plans that day. You don't need the menu, the shuttle or the exact ceremony time yet. Your names, the date and the town are enough.

It's especially useful if:

• The wedding is in another city or abroad and people need to book flights or hotels.
• You're getting married in peak season (May to September) or on a long weekend.
• Many of your guests live far away.
• You're still months away from having all the invitation details.

When should you send it?

• Local wedding: 6 to 8 months before.
• Wedding away from home or in peak season: 8 to 12 months before.
• Destination wedding abroad: up to a year before.

The invitation with all the details follows later, about 3 to 4 months before the wedding.

What to include

• Your names.
• The date.
• The town or venue (even roughly).
• A line saying the invitation will follow.

A digital save the date can do a little more: a countdown, your song playing when it opens or a button to add the date to the calendar.

Save the date wording examples

Save the date!
Emma and James are getting married
12 · 06 · 2027 · Oxford
Invitation to follow.

We're getting married and we want you there.
Keep 12 June 2027 free.
More details soon.

Save the date
Emma & James
12 June 2027 · Ashby Manor
Formal invitation to follow.

Spoiler: you've got a wedding on 12 June 2027.
Emma and James

Paper or digital save the date?

Paper ones are lovely, but they take time to print and post, and you need everyone's address. A digital one is sent in a minute by WhatsApp or email and your guests always have it on their phone.

Our save the dates are little hand-illustrated websites: you pick one of the watercolour designs, give us your names and date, and within 7 to 10 days we send it to you ready to share. You can add music, a countdown or your own colour. And if you then make your wedding website with us too, you get 25% off.

Should every guest get a save the date?

Only the people you're sure you'll invite. A save the date is a promise: whoever receives it expects an invitation to follow. If you're unsure about someone, wait for the invitation.

Save the date vs invitation

The save the date gives notice; the invitation invites. The first is short and early; the second comes later with everything: times, venues, directions, menu and RSVP. If you're ready to prepare the invitation, our guide on how to make a digital wedding invitation takes you through it step by step.