Save The Date Ideas That Will Excite Your Wedding Guests

Have you considered that your save-the-date card is likely to be the first impression your guests will receive ahead of your wedding? It's the first piece of wedding stationery you're going to send; therefore, it's the perfect chance to set the tone, give guests a taste of what's to come, and, most importantly, drum up excitement ahead of the big day! So, why not think outside the box and send something memorable and fun, leaving your guests wanting more and ensuring they book your wedding date off work straight away so that they can be there to celebrate with you in style?

Before we discuss some original save-the-date ideas that will spark anticipation ahead of your upcoming nuptials, we'll cover what you actually include on your save-the-dates and when's the right time to send them.

What to Include on Your Save the Dates?

Honestly? There's no reason to make your save-the-dates overly complicated. All the wedding day details you need to include are your name(s), the wedding date, and, if everything is all signed and sealed, the specifics of the venue. It's always a good idea to include a link to your wedding website on your save the dates too. This doesn't necessarily mean that the website will be complete; it's just the perfect time to share it (you can keep updating, tweaking, etc., as you go along!). Finally, it's helpful to include a small note, such as 'Formal invitation to follow', to let your guests know that the official wedding invitations will be with them in due course.

When To Send Your Save-the-Dates

This really depends on how long it is until you get married, but we would always recommend sending them as soon as you have a date. We all lead such busy lives these days that there's really no downside to sending them out promptly. Generally, they can be sent between 6 and 9 months before the wedding, but if you're having a destination wedding, we would recommend giving your guests a little more time to prepare and save up, so in this instance, send your save the dates out between 9 and 12 months beforehand.

Now for the fun bit: some unique save-the-date cards that will get your guests talking!

Photo Save the Dates

You should definitely show off the lovely engagement photos you shot! A great way to do this is with a photo save-the-date card. Guests will be swooning over the adorable couple you are together! If you're on a budget and aware of the planet, go ahead and send them via email. You can also see this as the perfect time to collate email addresses if you're going to send your wedding invitations online, too.

Save the Date Magnets

Have you ever considered non-paper alternatives for save-the-date cards? When the date is stuck to your guests' fridge or any other magnetic surface, they won't forget about your impending marriage, making a magnetic announcement a practical and original choice!

Boarding Pass Save the Date

A fun idea, especially if you're hosting a destination wedding, is to create a save-the-date card that looks like a boarding pass. It's a clever way to get guests excited about a trip to celebrate your love. You could have it feature a stamp with both of your names, the location/destination, and the wedding date.

Paper Aeroplane Save the Date

Another really unique save-the-date idea to symbolise a destination wedding is to send it shaped like a paper aeroplane. You can choose a traditional folded paper aeroplane or have custom wooden aeroplanes made that include all important details embossed on the plane. Cool, huh?

Save the Date Postcard

Another classic option, if you're planning a destination wedding, is sending guests a postcard with save the dates as a themed introduction to your celebration plans. You'll have your guests planning their beach dress wardrobe in no time! Again, if you prefer, this could be sent online to save on printing and posting costs.

Illustrative Custom Save the Date Cards

If you didn't have an engagement shoot, you could commission a custom illustration of each of you to showcase your artistic side for a cute save-the-date idea. You could also create a custom illustration of your wedding venue, pets, or soon-to-be shared family crest.

Polaroid Save the Dates

A printed (or online) save-the-date in the style of Polaroid is a classic way to mark your upcoming wedding date. Choose a photo of the two of you that you love, and you could quite simply include the wording 'save the date' and your chosen date. Simple, classic, but very effective!

Bookmark Save the Date

A save-the-date that's unique and useful! Create a save-the-date that's in the shape of a bookmark that your guests can admire and use! Go as far as you want with decorations such as tassels, gold foiling, and fancy fonts, but be sure to include the essential details: the date, location, and your wedding website.

Pet Portrait Save the Date

This super cute save-the-date idea is ideal for animal lovers or couples who may want to bring their pets into their wedding theme! One side of the save the date could be with a photo of you, your fiancé, and your pet(s), and the other with custom-drawn pictures of your pets next to wedding day information. Stay on the pet theme with the wording suggestions of "Our humans are engaged!" or "My parents are engaged!".

The main thing is to have fun with it and ensure that your guests get a flavour of you and what they might be able to expect from your upcoming nuptials!