You’ve got the venue. You’ve picked the wedding date. Now you just need your guests to keep it free. That’s where save the dates come in.
Whether you’re posting something out, sending an online save the date, or designing your own card, your one job is simple: let guests know when (and roughly where) you’re tying the knot.
Here’s a list of save the date ideas that work. They look good, don’t cost a fortune, and are easy to personalise, whatever your wedding theme or style.
Stick it on the fridge and it stays there. Magnets are a solid way to keep your wedding save the date visible. Add your photo, the wedding date, and you’re sorted.
Lightweight, cheap to send, and just the right balance of formal and fun. Postcards are perfect if you’re planning a destination wedding or want a quick way to announce your big day.
If you’re doing a photo save the date or want to customise your own card, start here. There are lots of editable save the date templates and card templates in just about every wedding stationery style. Minimal, rustic, vintage, bold, you name it.
Ideal if you’re short on time or want a paperless post approach. Create a digital save-the-date and send online via WhatsApp, email, or your wedding website.
Film a quick video on your phone and send it to your nearest and dearest. You can include the date and location, or just say “save the date” and drop the formal invite later. Great for couples who want something low-key.
If your wedding theme is more party than posh, a festival-style wristband is a fun way to get guests in the mood. Add your names, wedding date, and a little message like “Save-the-Date for the party of the year.”
If you’ve already set up your wedding site, use it. Link to RSVP forms, guest info, and travel details. Some couples even skip printed invites and just update the site.
Simple but effective. A small card with a calendar and the wedding date circled. Ideal if you’re keeping it classy.
Get a magnet made with a photo or design that links to your wedding website. Add a QR code, and guests can RSVP in seconds. Clean and useful.
These fit perfectly if your wedding’s in a barn or manor house (like Leez Priory or Holmewood Hall). Add a clean serif font, your names, and the date. That’s it.
Yes, really. A quirky save the date idea that actually gets used. Best for more relaxed or countryside weddings.
Send your guests a small puzzle they piece together to reveal the date and invite. Suits smaller weddings or crafty couples.
Hire an illustrator to draw you both and add that to your save the date card. It’s fun, personalised, and feels a bit more special.
Flat, easy to send, and practical. Great if you’re trying to keep costs down but still want a thoughtful keepsake.
Use downloadable save the date card templates you can tweak in Word or PDF. Perfect for crafters, or if you want to batch print at home.
Having a beach wedding or something tropical? Mini bottles with a scroll inside are a nice touch. Add your wedding invitations info later.
Want something a bit more chic? Go with a clear acrylic card or metallic foil. These suit more formal venues like Gosfield Hall or Clearwell Castle.
Include a couple of small stickers with your save the date that guests can stick straight into their calendar. Especially handy for people who still use paper diaries.
Combine form and function. A slim bookmark-sized card with your date, names, and a scannable code linking to your site. Stylish and useful.
Keep it clean: bold font, just the names and date, maybe a soft colour wash. Let the design breathe. Works well with envelopes in tonal shades.
Classic folded cards still work. Add a short message inside (“We’re getting married! Please save the date.”) and you’re good. You can keep the tone formal or playful depending on your style.
It depends on your day, but here’s the general rule:
Your save the date doesn’t need to say everything. Keep it simple:
Do we really need to send save the dates?
If your wedding’s in summer, during school holidays, or on a weekday, then yes. Give guests time to plan.
Is it OK to send online save the dates instead of printed ones?
Yes. Many couples do both. Just make sure everyone on your guest list will open and read it.
Can I design my own save the date?
Absolutely. Use Canva or download editable card templates. Add your own design elements to reflect your personal style.
What’s the etiquette for evening guests?
Evening guests don’t usually get save the dates. Just send them the wedding invitations closer to the time.
Your save the date is the first thing your guests will see, but don’t overthink it. It doesn’t have to be expensive, clever or over-designed—it just has to be clear.
If you’re planning your wedding with Country House Weddings, ask your venue team for tips. We’ve seen every version of save-the-date under the sun, and we know what really works.
Want help matching your design to your venue at St Audries Park, Bourton Hall or any of our other houses? Just get in touch.
