Save the Dates
Quick answer
Save the dates are sent 12 months before your wedding (or up to 18 months for destination weddings) to give your guests a heads-up before the formal invitation arrives. They typically include your names, the date, the location, and a note that more details are coming. Every Hawthorne and Ivory design collection includes a matching save the date card.
What is a save the date?
If you're planning a wedding, you might have heard the term "save the date" thrown around. But what exactly is a save the date, and do you really need to send them? Well, let's start with the basics. A save the date is a card you send to your guests to inform them of your upcoming wedding before you send their invitation. It typically just includes the date and location of your wedding and a note that more information will be coming.
So, why should you send save the dates? They allow you to give your guests plenty of notice of your wedding date without needing to worry about any of the finer details just yet. This is especially important if you're having a destination wedding, have booked a wedding date in peak holiday season or over a bank holiday weekend, or if many of your guests will be traveling from further afield.
Save the dates are also an absolutely fantastic way to build excitement for your big day. They can set the tone for your wedding and give your guests a taste of what's to come and also calm any questioning friends and family quizzing you for your wedding date!
But do you really need to send them? Well, it depends. If you're having a small, intimate wedding with mostly local guests, you might be able to get away with just sending formal invitations closer to the date. However, if you're inviting a lot of guests who don't live locally or if you want to make sure everyone definitely has plenty of time to plan, save the dates are worth considering.
When should you send save the dates?
Destination weddings
If your guests need to book flights and accommodation, give them as much notice as possible.
Most UK weddings
The sweet spot for the majority of couples. Enough time for guests to mark their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements.
Formal invitations follow
Your full invitation suite- with venue details, RSVP cards, and all the finer details- goes out closer to the day. See the full stationery timeline.
Find your perfect save the date
Every collection in the Design Shop includes a matching save the date card, so your stationery tells one beautiful, cohesive story from first glimpse to final thank you.
What goes on a save the date?
Keep it simple- a save the date is a teaser, not the full invitation. Here's what to include:
Your names- first names or full names, whichever feels right.
The date- the most important part!
The location- city or region is fine at this stage. Full venue details come with the invitation.
"Invitation to follow"- so guests know to expect more details later.
Wedding website (optional)- handy if you have one set up already.
Not sure what goes on the invitation itself? Have a read of what to include on your wedding invitations.
Want something completely unique?
If none of the semi-custom collections are quite right, I can design a completely bespoke save the date built around your venue, your colours, and your story. It's one of my favourite things to create- a little illustrated love letter that lands on your guests' doormats.
Save the date FAQs
When should you send save the dates?
It's best to send save the dates about 12 months before the wedding. For destination weddings, consider sending them up to 18 months ahead to give guests plenty of time to book flights and accommodation. For the full stationery timeline, have a read of my ultimate stationery timeline guide.
What information goes on a save the date card?
A save the date typically includes your names, your wedding date, the city or venue location (full address isn't needed yet), and a note that a formal invitation will follow. Some couples also include their wedding website URL.
Do you need save the dates if you have wedding invitations?
Save the dates and wedding invitations serve different purposes. Save the dates are an early heads-up (sent around 12 months out) so guests can block the date, while invitations (sent 4-6 months before) contain full details and ask for an RSVP. You don't strictly need both, but save the dates are especially helpful for destination weddings, peak-season dates, or when many guests are travelling from further afield.
Can I get save the dates that match my wedding invitations?
Yes- every design collection at Hawthorne and Ivory includes a matching save the date card. This means your save the dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and on-the-day stationery can all share the same illustrated design, creating a beautifully cohesive look from start to finish. Browse all collections.
How much do save the date cards cost in the UK?
Save the dates at Hawthorne and Ivory start from £2 per card for collections from The Design Shop. For 65 guests you might budget around £70-£90. For a further breakdown, have a read of how much do wedding invitations cost.
Do I need to send save the dates to evening-only guests?
Evening-only guests don't typically need a save the date, as they'll receive an evening invitation closer to the wedding. The exception is when the date itself is exceptional- for example a New Year's Eve wedding, where you really need to give guests as much notice as possible. In those cases, send 'save the evening' cards specifically labelled as such, so it's crystal clear they're being invited to the evening reception only.
Should I include 'and guest' on save the date cards?
Only add 'and guest' if you've definitely decided to extend a plus-one to that person. Once a save the date goes out, it's effectively a commitment- you can't easily take a plus-one back later. If you're unsure, leave the 'and guest' off the save the date and clarify any plus-ones on the formal invitation, when your final guest list is locked in.
How many save the date cards should I order?
Order one save the date per couple, household or family- not one per guest. So for 100 guests, you typically need around 55-60 save the dates. Add 5-10 spares for keepsakes, anyone you might need to add to the list later, and your photographer.
Ready to give your guests a gorgeous first look at your wedding? Drop me a message- I'd love to help you choose the perfect save the date design.
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