What to include on save the date cards (and what NOT to include)

Save the date cards are a great way to get an early marker in your guests’ schedules. The purpose of them is to do exactly that, to save the date for your wedding day. They don’t need to impart a whole raft of information, that will follow later in your formal wedding invitations. So with that in mind, here are my pro tips on what to include on save the date cards, and some pointers on details that aren’t necessary.

What to include on save the date cards: the essentials

Save the date cards really only need a basic amount of information:

• The date of the wedding
• The names of the couple

You can add words of your choice around these core details, to give context. Here are some examples:

Your guests might find it useful to see at a glance the day of the week that the wedding is taking place. For example: Tuesday 14th August 2025.

TIP
If you use a calendar format for your save the date cards, this should be even more obvious

Answers to all your other questions:

Being a wedding stationery designer, I get lots of questions all the time about additional details that should (or shouldn’t) be included on save the date cards. Here are some of those and my answers.

Do you put venue on save the date cards?

Venue or location is not an essential part of your save the date. But, if you think it will be helpful to your guests, then you can include it. You can be as specific as you like, and the main purpose of including this is so that your guests can start to make preliminary plans regarding travel and accommodation.

Do you need ceremony time on save the date?

All of the relevant timings, including ceremony and arrival times for your big day will be included in your wedding invitation. You don’t need to put these on your save the date cards.

Should you include hotel info on save the date?

Again, any details regarding accommodation and travel will be included in your wedding invitation. But, if you really want to you could include some advance info or recommendations to help your guests if they want to start making travel plans.

Do you put guest names on save the dates?

I don’t think you really need to include guest names on save the date cards. The specifics about who is (and isn’t i.e. plus ones, children etc) invited will be confirmed on the formal invitation. Just address the envelope.

Do you put RSVP on save the date?

No, you don’t need your guests to reply to a save the date. Again, this will come with the formal invitation. You might find though, if a guest receives a save the date and knows that they won’t be able to make it, they will let you know. You can then remove them from your guest list at an early stage.

What to include on save the date cards: a summary

So that’s my quick guide on what to include on save the date cards. Make sure you have the essential details: who is getting married and when. Add the venue or location if you think it will help your guests. Don’t worry about the specifics such as timings and accommodation, and you don’t need to include guest names or request a reply.

I do hope you’ve found this blog helpful. If you’re looking for more tips and advice about save the date cards, why not check out these other articles I have written.

Read more tips and advice about save the date cards on my blog here

If you’re ready to get started on designing your save the date cards, get in touch. I have a range of designs in my house collections, all printed onto recycled card or plantable seed paper. Or, I can work with you to create a bespoke design, unique to you and your wedding.

I am based just outside Cardiff in South Wales, in a little blue studio at the end of my garden. I love to meet and work with local couples, but can ship to anywhere in the UK.

Seed paper save the date cards

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House Collections

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Bespoke Design

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Read more tips and advice about save the date cards on my blog here

Want to save these tips for later? Pin the image below to your wedding stationery board on Pinterest. While you’re there, come over and see what other advice and inspiration I have there.