How to Address and Send Save the Dates for Your Big Day

5+ PHOTOS
8 PRO TIPS
how to adress save the dates
Photo by

paperandinkstudioaus via Instagram

Save the dates are a critical part of wedding planning, as they let guests know well in advance when your big day will be. Addressing saving the dates properly is just as important as sending them out in the first place. Here are some tips on how to address save the dates with elegance and clarity.

ADVERTISEMENT

Frequently Asked Questions

When To Send Wedding Save The Dates

It’s best to save the date address etiquette to send your cards as early as possible. As long as you’ve chosen a date and the city where all the action will take place, you are safe to send. When sending save the dates, most experts agree that at least 6 months’ notice is needed to give your guests an appropriate amount of time to plan. 8 or even 12 months is even better.

ADVERTISEMENT

How to Address Your Save the Date Envelopes


How to address save the dates to:

  • A Single Female

The formal way to address a save the date card to a single female is Ms. First name Last name.

  • A Single Male

There is no distinction between a single and married man. Address his save the date as Mr. First name Last name.

  • Married Couples

This follows traditional rules, naming them as coupe as opposed to two individuals. Use the formal Mr. and Mrs. His name Last name.

  • Married Couples With Different Last Names

Sometimes you have to break from tradition. When a married woman has chosen to keep her last name. It’s still appropriate to cite the husband’s name first: Mr. His name Last name and Mrs. Her name Last name

  • Families

Start with the father and mother, following the same format mentioned above. For children, simply add their first names. For super formal circumstances, some brides can choose to add the “Master” designation for young boys: Mr. and Mrs. His name Last name. First name, First name, and First name.

You might also like
25+ Unique Save The Date Ideas & Etiquette Tips For 2025

25+ Unique Save The Date Ideas & Etiquette Tips For 2025

ADVERTISEMENT

What Info To Include On Save The Date Cards

There are several essential items that you must provide in a formal save-the-date card. These include:

  • The full names of the bride and groom
  • A formal request to “save the date” or a similar phrase
  • The date of the wedding
  • The city where the wedding will take place

Traditionally it’s the groom’s name whose name goes first on save the date, but modern times call for modern solutions. Unless your wedding is ultra-traditional, you probably won’t offend anybody by placing the bride’s name ahead of the groom’s.

ADVERTISEMENT

How To Adress Save The Date

Save the dates are a critical part of wedding planning, as they let guests know well in advance when your big day will be. Addressing saving the dates properly is just as important as sending them out in the first place. Here is some piece of advice to help you address your save the dates with elegance and clarity.

ADVERTISEMENT

How to Address Save the Dates for Plus One

In most cases, it’s fine to include a +1, but you wouldn’t write it that way. Rather, add “and Guest”. You would do this for engaged couples, serious long-term relationships, and married couples. You would also do this for the entire bridal party regardless of relationship status. For everyone else, it completely depends on your budget.

Ms. Tania Thompson and Guest.
Mr. Langdon Ulger and Guest.

Addressing Save the Dates for a Destination Wedding

If you’re planning a destination wedding, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind when addressing yours save the dates. Make sure to include information about travel and lodging options, and be sure to address you’re save the dates to international guests correctly.

Outer Envelope:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345

Inner Envelope:

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

ADVERTISEMENT

Tips on Addressing Your Save The Dates

  • The first thing to keep in mind when determining what to write on save the dates is that these are not your wedding invitations. Save the dates, on the other hand, have limited information and act as formal Heads Up so that your guests can begin making their arrangements for travel, childcare, and budgeting.
  • Gathering guest addresses is the first step. Create a list of full names and mailing addresses, using online collection tools or reaching out to guests individually.
  • The addressing style will depend on personal preferences and the formality of the wedding. Formats can be formal or informal, such as handwritten, labeled, or digital.
  • For formal events, follow addressing etiquette rules such as using full names and proper titles. For casual events, modern variations such as using nicknames are popular.
  • When addressing same-sex couples or non-traditional families, be respectful and inclusive, using appropriate titles and creative addressing if necessary.
  •  Double-check your spelling and accuracy, use proper titles and honorifics, and format the address in a way that is easy to read and visually appealing.

When choosing which words to use, make sure to follow your theme. Using the informal “taking the plunge” wouldn’t be appropriate for a formal wedding. Just the same, a super formal save-the-date card wouldn’t be fitting for a whimsical theme. Use the same logic for your save-the-date designs and how to address save-the-date envelopes. When in doubt, go with the most formal options. Follow this advice, and you’ll be just fine!

ADVERTISEMENT