Save the date: when to send it and what it should say
Updated 27 September 2026 · by Lysela
A save the date is a wedding's first hello to its guests, long before the invitation is ready. It only needs the date, the place and your names, so guests can keep the weekend open. Here is when to send it, what it should say, and whether it should be digital or on paper.
When should a save the date go out?
Six to twelve months ahead is common, earlier if many guests live far away or need to book flights and time off work. If you are marrying on a popular summer weekend or during peak travel season, send it towards the earlier end of that range, so guests have time to lock in both the date and somewhere to stay.
What should the card say?
Both your names
So nobody is left wondering whose wedding it is.
The date and the place
The town or area is enough, an exact address can wait for the invitation.
A line saying more is coming
A short sentence noting that details and the RSVP will follow, so guests know this is only the first word.
A link or address to keep
If your wedding website already exists, guests can go straight there to add the date to their calendar.
Digital or on paper?
A digital save the date arrives faster and costs nothing to post, which makes it easy to resend if a date changes. A paper card feels more ceremonial, for guests who like something to put on the fridge. Plenty of couples do both: a digital version that goes out straight away, and a printed card for relatives who appreciate one.
A save the date that grows into the invitation
Rather than sending the save the date and the invitation as two separate things, they can share one address: guests open the same link throughout, and the page fills in with venues, the schedule and the RSVP as you go. That saves you keeping track of two separate mailings, and guests are not left hunting for the right email once the invitation arrives.
A save the date that becomes the invitation, with Lysela
With Lysela, the save the date and the invitation are the same page at the same address. You put up your names, the date and the place now, with a button that adds the day to a guest's calendar, and fill in venues, the schedule and the RSVP when you are ready, without guests ever needing a new link.
Frequently asked questions
Does every guest need a save the date?
No, just the ones you already know you are inviting. If the guest list might still grow, it is fine to wait until it is more settled.
Is the date and place enough, or should we include the venue?
The date and place are enough. The exact ceremony and reception addresses belong in the proper invitation, once the times are fixed.
What if the date changes after we have sent the save the date?
Send an update as soon as possible, ideally digitally, since it reaches everyone straight away and can go out to the whole list at once.
Can we send a save the date before we have booked a venue?
Yes, as long as you are confident about the date and the place. Everything else can wait for the proper invitation.