Essential Save-the-Date Checklist: Must-Have Details Every Bride Should Include

Planning a wedding is a huge milestone, and Save-the-Date cards are a big part of building excitement for the event. These cards serve as the first formal communication with your guests and give them a heads-up to pencil in your big day! But figuring out what exactly to include on them can feel like a bit of a puzzle. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the essential elements every bride should include on her Save-the-Dates to ensure they’re both stylish and informative.

Why Are Save the Dates Important?

Before we jump into the “what,” let’s talk about the “why.” Save-the-Dates are an informal announcement that gives your guests time to plan ahead. Whether they need to book travel, arrange accommodations, or simply block off the date, your Save-the-Dates are key to making sure your friends and family can attend your celebration.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what should go on them!

1. The Names of the Happy Couple

This one’s pretty obvious, right? But it’s important to mention! Your Save-the-Date should clearly state both you and your partner’s names. Whether you choose to go formal with your full names or keep it casual with first names is entirely up to you and the vibe you’re going for.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning a more formal event, using full names might set the tone. For a casual or rustic wedding, first names could feel more fitting.

2. The Date (Of Course!)

The date is the essential part of any Save-the-Date. Make sure it’s easy to read and stands out. You want your guests to instantly spot the day, month, and year without having to squint. If you haven’t nailed down the exact time of your ceremony yet, don’t worry—Save-the-Dates don’t typically include times. Just the date will suffice for now!

3. The Location (Even if It’s Just the City or State)

While you may not have finalized your venue yet, it’s a good idea to include the city or general area where the wedding will be taking place. Especially for destination weddings or events that require travel, guests will appreciate knowing where they’ll need to go.

For example, simply saying:
“Wedding in Charleston, South Carolina”
…works perfectly fine for a Save-the-Date.

Later on, your formal invitations will provide all the detailed location info like the venue name and exact address.

4. A Note That a Formal Invitation Will Follow

Most Save-the-Dates include some form of “Invitation to follow” or “Formal invite coming soon” note. This lets your guests know they’ll receive more details (like venue, time, dress code, etc.) in the future, so they don’t feel left in the dark.

You could phrase it simply like:
“Formal invitation to follow.”
Or get creative:
“Can’t wait to celebrate with you! Stay tuned for more details.”

5. Your Wedding Website (If You Have One)

If you’ve already set up a wedding website, this is the perfect opportunity to share it with your guests. Wedding websites can be super handy for providing travel tips, accommodation options, a registry, and more. Adding your URL or QR code to the Save-the-Date means guests have access to all the info they need as it becomes available. Plus, it keeps you from having to cram tons of info onto one small card!

6. Optional: Fun Engagement Photos

While this isn’t strictly necessary, many couples choose to include an engagement photo on their Save-the-Dates. It adds a personal touch and gives guests a sneak peek into your love story. Plus, who doesn’t love a cute couple’s photo on their fridge?

If you haven’t had your engagement photos done yet, don’t stress! Save-the-Dates can still look fantastic with creative designs or simple typography.

7. Optional: RSVP Instructions (For Digital Events)

For some couples, especially those having smaller or digital events, asking for early RSVPs on the Save-the-Date can be helpful. If you’re going this route, consider adding an RSVP link or note, asking guests to confirm their attendance sooner rather than later. However, this is totally optional and not expected for most weddings!

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Save the Dates

Now that we’ve gone over what you should include, let’s take a quick look at a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Not Double-Checking the Details: You’d be surprised how many couples send out Save-the-Dates with the wrong date or misspelled names! Make sure you proofread and, if possible, get a second pair of eyes on them before they go out.
• Sending Them Too Late: Ideally, you should send out your Save-the-Dates 6 to 8 months before your wedding. For destination weddings, you might want to aim for 8 to 12 months to give your guests more time to plan.
• Not Considering Digital Alternatives: While printed Save-the-Dates are the traditional route, you can also opt for digital ones. They’re eco-friendly, cost-effective, and super quick to send out.

Save-the-Date Etiquette: FAQs

Q1: Do I need to send Save-the-Dates to everyone on my guest list?
Yes, but only to those you’re absolutely sure you want at the wedding. Once you send a Save-the-Date, it’s basically a promise they’ll be invited!

Q2: Can I send digital Save-the-Dates?
Absolutely! Digital Save-the-Dates are growing in popularity and can be a more budget-friendly and environmentally friendly option.

Q3: What if we haven’t finalized our venue?
That’s okay! Just include the city or general location. Once you finalize your venue, that information will go on the formal invitation.

Q4: Should I include my registry on the Save-the-Date?
It’s best to save registry details for your wedding website or formal invitation. The Save-the-Date is more about letting your guests know the basics.

Sending out your Save-the-Dates is one of the first exciting steps in your wedding journey! By including the essential details—like your names, date, and location—you’ll make sure your guests are well-informed and ready to celebrate with you. Whether you opt for classic designs, fun photos, or sleek digital versions, these cards are a key part of your big day’s success.

Take the time to craft your Save-the-Dates thoughtfully, and your guests will be excited to count down the days to your wedding!