Save the Date

Wedding Save the Date Cards to Announce Your Big Day

Start the celebration early with Shutterfly’s custom save the date cards. These meaningful keepsakes do more than share your wedding date — they build excitement and set the tone for the big day to come. With designs that range from timeless and elegant to playful and modern, it’s easy to find a style that reflects your love story. With our easy-to-use design tools, you can add your favorite photo, choose your colors, and make it yours. With high-quality printing and premium cardstock, each card is a beautiful first step toward your wedding day.

Customize Your Save the Date Templates

Creating your save the dates should feel exciting—not overwhelming. With Shutterfly’s customizable templates, it’s easy to turn your vision into a reality. Our design tools let you personalize every detail so your card feels uniquely you.

Here’s what you can customize:

• Professionally designed templates: Start with styles that suit any vibe from classic, boho, modern, rustic, and more.
• Format options: Choose flat cardstock or magnet save the dates to match your style and how guests will display them.
• Upload photos: Show off your engagement shoot or choose a sweet snapshot that captures your love.
• Fonts and colors: Match your wedding palette or create a bold contrast that pops in the mail.
• Personalized text: Include your names, date, location, and a short message that feels like you.
• Paper types and trims: Select from luxe cardstock options like pearl shimmer, matte, or recycled paper. Add a finishing touch with trim styles such as rounded corners, scalloped edges, or ticket-style cuts.
• Foil accents: Add a touch of shine with gold, silver, or rose gold foil stamping for an elegant, eye-catching detail.

Shutterfly makes it easy to create a unique save the date card that’s personalized, polished, and completely your own.

Wedding Save the Date Ideas & Themes

Your save the date card is an exciting way to announce your big day and set the tone for your celebration. Whether you prefer a minimalistic approach or something more vibrant, Shutterfly offers a wide range of styles to match your wedding theme and aesthetic. Here are some popular options to inspire your template and design:

• Simple: Clean lines, subtle color palettes, and elegant typography for a modern, understated look.
• Botanical: Incorporate lush greenery, florals, or nature-inspired elements to create a fresh, organic vibe.
• Elegant: Classic and sophisticated designs, often with foil accents or intricate details, perfect for formal weddings.
• Modern: Bold colors, trendy fonts, and minimalistic designs that capture the essence of contemporary wedding style.
• Rustic: A charming, country-inspired aesthetic that evoke a warm, cozy feeling.

Each of these design themes can be customized with your photos, text, and choice of colors to create stationery that reflects your personal style and wedding vision. Get inspired with our guide on save the ideas to make your announcement truly unforgettable.

High-Quality Paper Types for Custom Save the Dates

At Shutterfly, we offer a variety of premium paper options to ensure your save the date invitations reflect the style and quality you envision for your big day. Whether you’re looking for something classic, elegant, or luxuriously eye-catching—or a more eco-friendly choice—our selection of cardstock will bring your wedding stationery to life.

• Standard Smooth Cardstock: A budget-friendly, versatile option with a smooth surface, perfect for vibrant colors and crisp text. Ideal for simple yet stylish designs.
• Signature Smooth Cardstock: Our most popular choice, featuring a smooth finish that highlights vibrant colors and details. A premium feel, ideal for photo save the dates.
• Pearl Shimmer Cardstock: Add elegance with a soft, luminous finish that catches the light. This cardstock offers a sophisticated sheen and a substantial feel, perfect for glamorous designs.
• Luxe Double-Thick Cardstock: For a standout, premium option, this double-thick paper provides a substantial, elegant feel with a weight of 240 lb. and 32 pt thickness.
• 100% Recycled Cardstock: Made from 100% post-consumer waste, this 110 lb. cardstock features a smooth, matte finish that works well with both classic and modern designs. It offers a great way to create beautiful cards while reducing environmental impact.
• Save the Date Magnets: A practical and fun alternative to paper cards, magnets are durable and photo-ready, making it easy for guests to display your wedding date on their fridge as a daily reminder of your celebration.

No matter which paper type you choose, each option ensures a high-quality finish that will make your save the date cards a lasting keepsake for your guests.

FAQ & Etiquette

When should I send save the dates?
Send save the dates about 6 to 8 months before your wedding. For destination weddings or events requiring significant travel, consider sending them 8 to 12 months in advance to give guests ample time to plan.

What information should be included on a save the date?
Your save the date should give guests the essential details they need to mark their calendars—while keeping it clear that a formal invitation will follow with more specifics. Keep it simple and focused:

• Couple’s names
• Wedding date
• City and state (or destination)
• Note that a formal invitation will follow

Avoid including:

• RSVP information
• Registry details
• Dress code or full event schedule

Save the dates are meant to be a heads-up, not the full story—leave the finer details for your wedding invitation or website. For help on what to say on your save the date, take a look at our handy guide on the topic. 

What’s the difference between save the dates and wedding invitations?
Save the dates are an early notice to let guests know when and where your wedding will be, giving them time to mark their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements. Wedding invitations, on the other hand, are sent closer to the wedding date and include all the important details like the venue, time, dress code, and RSVP instructions. Save the dates are more informal and don't require a response, while invites are formal and request an RSVP from your guests. Read our guide on Save the Dates vs Invitations for more information.

Can I request RSVPs on save the date cards?
It's uncommon to request RSVPs on save the dates. RSVPs are typically collected with the formal wedding invitation.

Do I need to send save the date cards to everyone?
Send save the dates to all guests who will receive a formal invitation. This usually includes close family and friends, as well as anyone you want to ensure has the date reserved.

Does Shutterfly offer envelope address printing?
Yes, Shutterfly offers free envelope addressing for your wedding stationery. You can easily add your guests' addresses during the ordering process, and we’ll print them directly on the

What other wedding stationery can I get with Shutterfly?
Along with save the dates and wedding invitations, Shutterfly makes it easy to create a full suite of matching wedding stationery. You can design coordinating menu cards for your reception tables, place cards to guide guests to their seats, and ceremony programs that outline the special moments of your big day. After the celebration, send heartfelt wedding thank you cards that match your wedding theme and showcase your favorite photos. From start to finish, Shutterfly offers everything you need to tie your wedding details together with a consistent, personalized look.