The Ultimate Guide to Save-the-Date Etiquette and Trends
- vibevisuals
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 14
Hey there, beautiful bride! 💍 So, you’re engaged—congrats! Now comes the fun part: sharing the big news with your family and friends. One of the first steps in getting everyone excited about your wedding is sending out a save-the-date.
But with so many styles, trends, and etiquette rules out there, how do you know where to start? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about save-the-date etiquette and trends, plus I’ll share a FREE save-the-date template to make things super easy (and stunning!).
Let’s get started!
What Is a Save-the-Date Anyway?
A save-the-date is a pre-invitation. It’s a simple card (or digital invite) that lets your guests know when and where you’re getting married, way before the formal invitation arrives. It’s a heads-up so your loved ones can mark their calendars and start planning.
💡 Tip: Save-the-dates are a must for destination weddings or holiday weekends—like the romantic Bali wedding featured in the free template below!
When Should You Send Save-the-Dates?
Timing is key! Here’s a general rule of thumb:
Destination weddings: 8–12 months ahead
Local weddings: 6–8 months ahead
This gives guests plenty of time to request time off work, book travel, and get excited!
What to Say on Your Save-the-Date?
Keep it short and sweet. Here’s what to include:
Your names
The date
The location
A note that a formal invitation will follow
Example:
“Emma & Liam are getting married!
December 10, 2025 – Bali, Indonesia
Formal invitation to follow.”
✨ Pro Tip: Add a cute photo of you two for a personal touch—like the one in our free template.
What’s Trending in Save-the-Date Designs?
Want to wow your guests right from the start? Check out these top save-the-date trends for 2025:
📰 Vintage Newspaper Style – A fun, old-school vibe that makes a statement.
📷 Photo Save-the-Dates – Use your favorite engagement pics for a warm, personal touch.
🎨 Minimalist Designs – Clean, modern, and oh-so-elegant.
🌿 Eco-Friendly Digital Versions – Save paper, save money, save time!
P.S. The free template I’m sharing today nails that vintage newspaper style—perfect for creating excitement (and maybe a little romance!).
Save-the-Date Etiquette 101
✔️ Keep the info simple—no registry links or extra details yet.
✔️ Double-check the spelling of names, dates, and locations.
✔️ Only send them to guests you’re inviting to the wedding.
Download Your Free Save-the-Date Template!
Ready to get started? I’ve created a FREE save-the-date template in Canva that’s super easy to edit. It’s inspired by a vintage newspaper look, featuring a romantic photo and elegant fonts—just like the one Emma & Liam used for their Bali wedding.
✨Final Thoughts
Save-the-dates are the first sneak peek of your big day—and a chance to get everyone excited to celebrate with you. With a little planning, the right etiquette, and a gorgeous design, you’ll be all set to make a lasting impression. Happy planning—and enjoy the journey!
Comments