How to Choose the Perfect Save The Date Design

Published on January 1, 2025

One of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding is letting your guests know when the big day is happening. And what better way to do that than with a beautifully designed Save The Date? Your Save The Date card is the first official glimpse of your wedding style that your guests will see. It's like a teaser trailer for your special day—a small but powerful way to build excitement!

But with so many design choices available, how do you pick the perfect one? Whether you're going for a classic, modern, rustic, or whimsical look, choosing the right Save The Date design requires thoughtful consideration. Below, we'll guide you through everything you need to know so you can create a design that truly reflects your love story.

1. Consider Your Wedding Theme and Colors

The Save The Date card is often the first impression guests get of your wedding theme. Whether you’re planning a romantic garden wedding, a glamorous black-tie event, a rustic barn wedding, or a tropical beach getaway, your design should hint at the overall aesthetic. Think about:

• Color palette: Choose colors that match your wedding decor.
• Font style: A playful script might work for a boho wedding, while sleek typography fits a modern affair.
• Graphics & illustrations: Watercolor florals, geometric accents, or vintage-inspired borders add personality.

For example, if your wedding colors are blush pink and champagne gold, you might want your Save The Date to incorporate those shades to create a cohesive experience for your guests.

2. Decide on a Photo vs. Illustration-Based Design

A big decision is whether to use a photo-based Save The Date or an illustration-based design. Here are some things to consider:

📸 Photo-Based Save The Dates

If you’ve had an engagement photoshoot, this is a fantastic way to show off your love. A high-quality image of you and your partner instantly makes your Save The Date personal and heartfelt.

Pros:

• Visually engaging and unique to you.
• Feels warm and personal.
• Gives guests a sneak peek at your couple aesthetic.

Cons:

• Requires high-quality photography.
• Some design templates may not work well with photos.

🎨 Illustration-Based Save The Dates

If you prefer a minimalist, artistic, or custom-designed card, consider an illustration-based design. Some couples opt for hand-drawn sketches, watercolor florals, or even a custom map of their wedding location for a creative touch.

Pros:

• Elegant and timeless.
• Works well for any wedding theme.
• Allows full customization without needing a professional photographer.

Cons:

• Might lack the personal touch of a real couple’s photo.
• Custom illustrations can take more time (if hiring an artist).

3. Choose the Right Typography

Typography is just as important as the design itself. The fonts you choose convey a mood and style. Here’s a general guide to picking the right typography for your Save The Date:

• Classic and Romantic: Calligraphy, cursive, or script fonts (e.g., "Dancing Script" or "Allura").
• Modern and Chic: Sans-serif fonts (e.g., "Montserrat" or "Poppins").
• Rustic or Vintage: Handwritten or typewriter fonts.

Make sure the font is easy to read, especially if you’re including details like names and wedding dates.

4. Select the Best Format and Size

Save The Date cards come in many shapes and sizes. Consider the following:

• Postcard Style: A simple, cost-effective option.
• Magnet Save The Date: A fun keepsake your guests can stick to their fridge.
• Folded Card: Great for adding extra details, such as a short love story or a personal note.
• Digital Save The Date: Eco-friendly and easy to send via email.

Each option has its own charm, so pick what best fits your wedding style and budget.

5. Don’t Forget the Essential Information

No matter how stunning your design is, it won’t be effective unless it includes the necessary details:

• Names of the couple: “Julia & Mark” or “Emily and Jake are getting married!”
• Wedding date: Make sure it's easy to read!
• Location (optional): If it’s a destination wedding, guests may want early travel details.
• “Formal invitation to follow” text: This lets guests know an official invite will come later.

6. Order Early and Review Before Printing

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is waiting too long to send their Save The Dates. Aim to send them out 6-8 months before the wedding, or even earlier if it’s a destination wedding. Before printing, triple-check for any typos, incorrect dates, or layout issues.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect Save The Date design is all about expressing your unique love story and giving guests a sneak peek at your wedding. Whether you opt for a photo-based card or an illustration, the most important thing is that it feels right for you.

Need an easy way to design? Use our Save The Date Designer to customize your card effortlessly! 🎉