Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Save the Date
Among the many moving pieces in wedding planning, few things are as exciting—and essential—as sending out your save the dates. Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Save the Dates will help you navigate this early step with clarity and style, making sure your guests mark their calendars (and get a little preview of what’s to come)!
As a wedding accessories designer and the heart behind The Patterned Desk, I believe save the dates are more than just a heads-up, they’re your first chance to make an impression. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or a hometown celebration, a beautifully designed card sets the tone in a way that's memorable, personal, and uniquely you.
What Are Save the Dates?
Save the dates are your way of giving guests an early notice to hold your wedding date before the official invitation arrives. Think of them as a polite, stylish placeholder—especially helpful for long-distance guests, destination weddings, or holiday weekends when calendars fill up quickly.
They typically include:
Your names
The date of your wedding
The city and state (or country) of your event
A note that a formal invitation will follow
Optional: A wedding website link for more details like accommodations or a countdown (yes, we love a countdown).
When to Send Save the Dates
Timing matters. You want to give your guests plenty of time to plan, but not so much time that they forget.
Here’s a simple guide:
Destination weddings: 8–12 months in advance
Local weddings: 6–8 months in advance
Holiday weekends: 8–10 months in advance
Sending too early? It can get lost in the shuffle. Too late? Your guests might already have plans!
Why Design Matters
Save the dates are often the first piece of your wedding stationery your guests will receive, so it’s a great opportunity to reflect your style, theme, or even hint at your color palette! At The Patterned Desk, we use hand-drawn patterns printed on luxe paper, ceramic, or acrylic materials to make each piece feel intentional and high-quality.
This is where custom touches shine:
Your engagement photo
A unique monogram
A pattern or motif that will appear again in your signage, menus, or thank you cards
These small choices build excitement and create a cohesive experience from start to finish.
How to Make Your Save the Dates Personal
Beyond the basics, personalizing your save the dates makes them feel like a true reflection of your story. Here are a few ideas:
Choose a material that fits your vibe—paper for classic, acrylic for modern, cork for earthy/minimal
Add a custom illustration (maybe of your venue or florals)
Include a QR code to your wedding website or engagement gallery
Use typography that matches your invitation suite or signage
Everything we create at The Patterned Desk is designed to reflect who you are, from the big statement pieces to the smallest cards.
-A Few Extra Tips-
Double-check your guest list before printing—mistakes are easy to make early on
Include your return address in case of any delivery issues
Order extras—you’ll always want a few keepsakes and backups
Save the Dates That Set the Tone
At the end of the day, your save the dates should do more than tell people when and where, they should get them excited for what’s to come! With thoughtful design, quality materials, and your unique story woven into every detail, they become the perfect first chapter in your wedding celebration.
At The Patterned Desk, we specialize in creating wedding accessories that are both meaningful and artfully made. From save the dates to signage and favors, we’re here to help you tell your story beautifully, one piece at a time.
For our wedding packages, click here to view them!
For more tips, tricks, and inspiration click here. To inquire about our services, just click here!
Kind Words
“I loved the wedding favors and signage that I purchased from The Patterned Desk for my son’s wedding. The customized coasters were so unique and beautiful used in lieu of place cards. Vanessa was so easy to work with throughout the process. I highly recommend the Patterned Desk!”
-Kendra & Robert
