Getting married is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it needs to be memorable. Not only should your wedding decor and dress be everything you dreamed of as a little girl, but your save-the-date cards should also be to perfection. The reason is simple- your save-the-dates creates your guests' first impression; it gives them a peek at what your wedding ceremony will look like. After picking a wedding date, many brides keep their friends and family in the loop by sending them a save-the-date card so they can clear their schedule. We've searched the internet for the best, most creative save-the-date ideas that will key into your wedding theme –from unconventional and crazy to traditional and cozy. Whether you're the DIY type or you'll hire a designer, these save-the-date ideas are both affordable and easy to make.
Let The Sparks Fly- Literally
This type of save-the-date isn't your regular paper card. It goes without saying that the couple is in love, and sparks are flying between them. Anyone receiving this doesn't need to be told that the wedding will be heated and passionate.
This save-the-date isn't even a card. All you need to do is buy a couple of match boxes and print the major details on them– the date, venue, and your names. You could add any other catchphrase that keys into your wedding theme.
Blow Up Your Wedding Details
This save-the-date idea is a perfect combination of conventional and spontaneous, pointing to the couple's personality. It shows that the couple isn't so rigid; they have flexible styles. This type of save-the-date makes the receivers anticipate a fun wedding.
The card gives general details, while the balloon gives the vital details of your wedding. The receiver will have no idea about what's to come until they inflate the balloon. They'll have to save the 3D save-the-date to remember the information.
Tie The Knots Before Tying the Knot
This is one of those creative save-the-date ideas that will make your guests giggle once they see it. This style shows that the couple is romantic and organized. Based on this card, they should expect an orderly and lively wedding.
To make this, you need some raffia and brown cards. You can make some small designs around the text. To incorporate the 'tying the knot' style, make a loose knot in the middle, so that as the card is opened, the knot tightens.
Use Beard Art
This is one of those save-the-date styles that are anything but traditional. It's a little weird, but also very practical because almost all of the information can still be seen. This is an excellent idea for eccentric couples.
If the groom-to-be has a full beard, use that to your advantage. Simply shave out your wedding date and take a couple's picture afterward. This will save you money on a calligrapher, but you might have to go to the barber.
Make Your Guests Unroll Your Message
This save-the-date idea will wow your friends and family as they unravel the message. Who would associate a wedding with a film canister? A save-the-date like this makes for a picture-perfect moment and love only found on film.
All you have to do is replace the regular film strip with paper strips. However, you'll have to write more than your wedding date- you wouldn't want the receiver to roll out long, empty strips. One or two short phrases will do.
Photo Strips Can Candidly Relay Your Message
This is one of those save-the-date ideas that involve your engagement photos. When guests see something like this, they anticipate a beautiful and cozy wedding. Incorporating cute photos like this shows that the couple is youthful and creative.
To make photo strips like these, take pictures with your partner, holding a cardboard or white paper with the wedding date, and print them out on a strip/card. Then attach it to a brown paper with more information using twine or string.
Use Colorful Imagery and Text
People who have attended many weddings know what to expect; they know it's not always like in movies. This save-the-date style builds upon that reality. It shows that the couple is blatantly funny and chill.
You could use some glitter to write on the card or just print it like in the image. Whichever method you're using, it is important to use different bright colors. This makes the couple's names and the event date & venue more subtle.
Keep it Traditional With an Added Flare
This save-the-date follows the normal style but with an added flavor. This card makes the receiver imagine a freestyle type of wedding ceremony. It shows that the couple are traditional people who are also free spirits.
This card has one of the most uncomplicated designs as far as save-the-date cards are concerned. You only need watercolor paint, a brush, and a marker or calligraphy pen. You can make the watercolor background the color of your wedding theme.
Simple but Elegant Tags
This simple save-the-date concept tells your guests all they need to know at a first (or second) glance. This style is perfect for a minimalist couple that prefers classy to elaborate. It hints at a private, romantic wedding.
You don't need to be artistic to pull off this save-the-date card perfectly. With gift tags, stamps, and ribbons, you can make these cute tags yourself. You don't have to write much on it either– just the basic details are enough.
Give A Sneak Peak Into Your Love Timeline
This card style gives your close friends and family insight into your couple. The card style tells the receivers that the couple is carefree and playful. The guests will definitely expect the wedding to be entertaining.
To DIY these, you can get blank library cards online. Then fill it with major milestones in your relationship, like the first date and proposal. Of course, the last entry should be your wedding date. Who wouldn't smile seeing one of these?
For the Punny Couple
This is one save-the-date idea that will make recipients laugh out loud. The concept reveals the goofy and sassy side of the couple. The fact that it involves acting makes it a very funny style; the wedding is expected to align.
This card is a single picture. You just need a good photographer to capture your 'date-saving' moment. You'll have to cut out figures of the date and add the 'save the date' caption. It's such a literal way to say save the date.
Let Your Wedding Date Grow on Your Guests
Speaking of literal save-the-date ideas, this card tops the list. It speaks to the couple's spontaneous nature and never runs out of ways to surprise others. Send this out, and your guests will expect more surprises at your wedding.
While the couple's names and wedding venue will be on the larger card, the seed paper is where the wedding date will be written. The seed paper comes with plants that will actually grow. What a functional card!
A Retro and Interactive Concept
Like your partner, this save-the-date is one-of-a-kind. This style isn't what an ordinary or conventional couple would incorporate. It tells the receiver that the couple is super creative and youthful. With this card, the guests anticipate exciting wedding decor and a theme.
If you and your partner can't draw the paper dolls yourselves, you can always get vintage paper dolls on eBay or Amazon. Instead of a regular white card, use reusable adhesive fabric so your guests can stick it on their fridge.
Have Guests Decode the Date
There is a kind of anticipation that builds up when someone is trying to decode a message. When you send this type of save-the-date card, it shows that you and your partner don't like to give it all away at once.
You could make the card yourself or have your designer help. The 3D glasses speak for themselves. It makes the receiver feel like they are decoding some type of confidential message. What could be more fun than that?
Tease Guests With This Set: They'll expect a feast
This is another save-the-date idea that doesn't involve an actual card. It is perfect for couples that are more of the realist types. Putting in the effort to make this save-the-date set means the couple is innovative.
To make this picnic save-the-date set, you need flat wood pieces to be carved into cutleries. Then you can print or engrave the wedding date and other vital details. Afterward, place the cutlery set on a napkin and tie it.
For the Vintage Aesthetic
This save-the-date idea is built on a vintage concept. It shows that the couple is graceful and loves high-quality classics. Your guests wouldn't be surprised if your wedding dress was vintage or inspired by the past.
The tags could be luggage tags or regular brown paper in the shape of tags. If you don't have vintage keys, you could try tea staining for the vintage effect. This style is so simple and direct- straight to the point.
Why Use Words When you Could Use These?
This save-the-date allows you to incorporate your wedding theme. The content of the box shows how the couple sees their wedding day- and that's what your guests will expect. This style is best suited for couples that love art.
To pull this off, you'll need small paper boxes. Aside from the strip where you'll write your name, wedding date, and venue, the box would be filled with figurines about your wedding; they could be a bride and groom, chapel, or pet.
These Cards are a Package Deal
This style is not so common when it comes to save-the-date cards. When you send this to your friends, they look forward to a simple but glamorous wedding ceremony. This card tells the receiver that the couple is conservative but creative.
Spinner cards are not just for kids' art and craft- you can use them to inform friends of your wedding date. There are many videos online to learn how to make spinner cards. They add whimsy and fun to your invite.
These Hearts Will Tell Guests What's About to Happen
Hearts, especially when painted a shade of red, are popular symbols used to refer to love. When a couple uses a heart theme, it portrays them as innocent and selfless lovers. Guests are expecting nothing short of a romantic wedding.
Use plain fabric to make the heart shape and stitch it around. You can also put magnets in the hearts so guests can stick them on the fridge. The attached strips should have the date on the front and your names on the back.
Confetti Doesn't Have to Wait Until the Wedding
It's now common for confetti to rain down on your wedding. However, why wait until the big day? Make confetti 'explode' at your guests' houses before. This save-the-date is perfect for over-the-top couples ready to start the party.
You can make any paper pattern and put them in the multicolored confetti. So, as the guests open the package and the rain of confetti falls, they see your wedding date and other main details connected by a rope.
Make a Movie Poster
If you and your partner have one movie that you both love, you could use this save-the-date concept. This type of card tells your guests that you and your partner are extra, and not ashamed. They won't be surprised if your wedding is movie-themed.
For this type of save-the-date card, take pictures that fit into the movie. If you're going with this type of card, you have the added benefit of more space for you to add any other additional information.
Have it Written On Your Face
Some save-the-date ideas are very straightforward. The guests don't even have to read before they know it's about a wedding. This idea falls into this category. It shows receivers that the couple is playful and carefree.
Most save-the-date cards need two items, at least. However, all you need for this concept is a marker. All you have to do is write the date and a short punny sentence. You don't have to include your names- they can see your faces.
Put it on Something Other Than A Card
This is another one of those save-the-date ideas that also serve as a gift. This concept makes the receivers see the stylish and homey side of the couple. It fits perfectly when the wedding theme is modern vintage.
Aside from getting vintage handkerchiefs, you don't have to incur high costs to get this save-the-date package done. You can print on the handkerchiefs and cards or only on the handkerchiefs. Most people throw away the cards, so handkerchiefs will be useful.
Partners in Crime
This type of save-the-date concept is both funny and artistic. It shows that the couple is dramatic. When guests receive save-the-date cards like this, they are not expecting a long, boring wedding but a perfectly lit and dramatic ceremony.
Of course, you wouldn't use an actual police station, so you'll need a backdrop or green screen. You could design it yourself, alongside the black card for your wedding date. You and your partner's outfits and gestures should also be dramatic.
A Cheesy Design is Still Far From Conventional
When it comes to unique and creative save-the-date cards, they don't always have to be perfect. This type of card will make your guests laugh as it shows that the couple is funny and doesn't take life too seriously.
This hilarious card is perfect for silly couples. The good thing about this save-the-date is that you don't even have to try; just play with colors, themes, images, and texts. Just don't forget to include your wedding date and your picture.
Make a Concert Promo
This is another one of those save-the-date ideas that your guests have never seen before. This design shows that there is no dull moment with this couple, so the guests are only looking forward to a lively wedding.
Every part of this card is busy, from bright color combinations to images and text. The picture should be in a performer's style, like a band, and the actual save-the-date message. You can draw different symbols that are musical to you.
Well, Weddings Aren't Kid Parties for a Reason
Save-the-date cards like these remind us that weddings are for adults. After making them scream and laugh, this save-the-date shows guests that the couple can be very expressive and spooky. They are definitely expecting to have a wild party at your wedding.
You have to get creative to pull this off. Aside from wearing your wedding dress or a costume, you have to do some dramatic makeup and editing. On top of horror, include the date, your name, the venue, and a short saying.
Assure Guests There'll be Nothing Traditional
You've probably never seen any invitation or card like this. The theme shows that the couple is a little out there and quirky. On receiving this card, the guests anticipate a comic-themed wedding; they wouldn't be surprised to see cartoon tablecloths.
You could use an animation application or send your pictures to an animator to create the perfect cartoon effect. The whole essence of the design is for the card to look like the front cover of a comic magazine or book.
What Could Be Hotter Than This?
A save-the-date card like this will shock your guests. This type of save-the-date theme shows receivers that the couple is a passionate power couple vibe. They should expect heat and romance at your over-the-top wedding.
There is probably no point in saying that this type of save-the-date design will involve editing skills. You could employ the help of a photo editor if you and your partner are not good with photo editing tools and apps.
For the True Crime Fans
Save-the-date cards like this can be so out there to the point of alarming people. However, they will laugh when reading the details. This type of card tells the receiver that the couple are total clowns.
The more your card looks like a real FBI document, the more it 'catches' attention. All you have to do is replace the original terms with words related to your celebration of love. It's easy to forget the date, so double-check.
Give your Guests Options
Save-the-date cards are usually made to tell the receiver to just save the date. However, this unique design adds an extra layer. When guests receive this card, they see how funny and unpredictable the couple can be.
You just have to print on paper- that's all for the work required to make this card. The options in this card don't mean the receiver can freely pick 'No.' The clause after the 'No' option will make the receiver avoid it.
This Tells Guests to Prepare for Action
These types of cards show exactly what the receivers should expect- a party with all the groove and moves. This tells the guests that the couple is lively and energetic. The receiver is surely expecting good music and endless dance.
This card is mainly characterized by a photoshoot session and expert photo editing. You can use your and your partner's name as the main actors' names and your parents' names as the producers'.
Make it Look Organic
When you give someone this type of card, they don't have to be a poet or novelist to know the theme you're trying to recreate. They are surely expecting an artistically designed wedding hall. This card shows that the couple are avid readers.
This save-the-date style is based on 'Message in a Bottle.' And that's literally what it is. After writing your name, wedding date, and venue, roll the paper into a transparent bottle and pack it. This is perfect for a beach wedding.
Your Love is Permanent, But You Could Use These Temporary Sets
Your friends might think you got them an art piece upon opening the envelope. This type of save-the-date shows the receiver that the couple is witty. They will expect a kind of trendy wedding setting.
You could get already-made temporary tattoos like these or make your own with temporary tattoo inkjet papers. These cards give the receiver no chance of forgetting as they can stick them to their bodies or anywhere else. They are a fun memento.
Help your Guests Visualize Things
As much as there are save-the-date cards that paint vivid pictures, this one is unique. When you give your friends a save-the-date card like this one, they anticipate an interesting wedding party. The content of the card shows how detailed the couple is.
You have the freedom to 'freestyle' with this infographic card. You can include anything you want. The pie chart could be divided into more segments. You could also show off any other stat skills you've got.
Santa Isn't the Only One Who Has a Bag of Goodies
While this save-the-date concept involves a tag, the tag doesn't give details about the big day. As the receiver unravels this package, they imagine the theme of the wedding. A theme like this shows how particular and creative the couple is.
This Burlap pouch allows you to drop hints about your wedding theme. For instance, if you're planning a beach wedding, you could add seashells in the pouch. You could also drop little ribbons that hint at your wedding dress code.
Get Musical
This save-the-date concept is totally out-of-the-box. It is a perfect fit for couples that love music. This concept shows that the couple is playful and high-spirited. A save-the-date concept like this makes guests expect a lively, dope wedding.
If you're not artistic, show a graphic designer the image and let them help you. However, if you can pull it off (everything is paper), you should. The CDs are not meant to be played, by the way.
Mix and Match Items and Textures
For this save-the-date concept, you don't have to write anything. Seeing this creative save-the-date, the receiver (or viewer, if it'll be on your social media) will look forward to an exuberant ceremony. This concept shows how playful the couple is.
This save-the-date concept is one of those 'freestyle' types; you'll agree. You can make the letters with anything that can create their shapes, from cutlery to stones or pearls. You could also make it quite hard for a bit of suspense.
For the Vintage Music Lovers
This is another type of save-the-date concept that isn't a card. When they discover what it really is, your guests will be wowed. This concept shows that the couple is spontaneous and artistic- the wedding is expected to be similar.
On the carton cover, you can just make a vague design that won't give off the content inside. The contents should be on paper attached to the fake vinyl (which could also be paper). Print your message or write it.
Make it A Decorative Piece
This type of save-the-date isn't all about the message. This concept portrays the couple as considerate and cool people. A theme like this points to a warm and cozy wedding- the type where you ‘catch all the feels.’
With this type of save-the-date, you're also giving recipients a box of moss- which they will most likely transplant. The save-the-date note could be handwritten to give a more natural feel. This theme is perfect for a wedding in the woods.
Nothing Says 'Bold Invitation' Louder
This save-the-date card is vivid in every sense. It shows the receiver that the couple is confident and is not scared of stepping into the light. A card like this references pop culture and word play.
You could incorporate your favorite video games or action movies as long as it is flashy. The plate number style also stands out; you could use your wedding dates as the plate number. A colorful card like this will make people remember your wedding.
Your 'Announcement' Could be Attached to a Gift
This save-the-date idea focuses on the gift and not your note. It is a concept that tells the receiver that the couple is full of 'shockers.' This package makes the recipient expect a thrilling and eventful wedding ceremony.
The wildflower seeds may be in a test tube or a small paper box- as long as the save-the-date tag is attached to it. You could make the tag a color from your wedding theme to be a sort of hint.