
YOU’LL LOVE THESE MODERN FREE PRINTABLE SAVE THE DATES!
As you guys know we did our annual reader survey a few weeks ago and a couple of the things you were asking for were more free printables and more stationery so I thought I would combine the two and create a pretty & modern save the date card! All you need to do is download it here and then print them onto card!
Once they’re printed you simply circle (or heart) around the date that you’re getting married, and add your names at the bottom! Then pop them in the post and voila! Save the dates DONE!
Printable save the dates are like the warm-up act before the main event. They set the tone, tease the vibe, and—let’s be real—give your guests a heads-up that something fabulous is coming (and they better not book a ski trip that weekend). I’ve been blogging about weddings for 13 years, and let me tell you, printable save the dates have gone from frilly fridge clutter to full-blown personality pieces. Especially the printable ones.
A few years ago, my cousin sent out a printable save the date featuring her cat, Earl, in a bowtie, holding a tiny heart. It was cute, chaotic, and somehow incredibly her. That’s when I realised: these little pre-invites are more than just info cards—they’re an expression of you. Like a trailer for your wedding day.
Tips and Ideas for PRINTABLE SAVE THE DATES
Tip #1: Choose a design that speaks your truth
Don’t feel boxed in by the usual Pinterest-perfect florals (unless you love florals—then absolutely go wild). Your save the date can be retro, punk rock, celestial, minimalist, maximalist, illustrated, or themed after your favourite 90s sitcom. Whatever fits your love story. Websites like Canva (https://www.canva.com/) and Templett (https://www.templett.com/) are brilliant for creating and customizing printable save the dates that don’t require a design degree.
Tip #2: Size matters. So does paper.
This is where people get tripped up. You download a stunning design, print it on the cheapest copy paper, and suddenly your luxe boho chic vision looks like it was made in Microsoft Paint in 2004. Always test-print. I recommend a heavier cardstock—matte or textured if you want that “oh this is fancy” feel. And stick with standard sizes so you’re not paying double for odd envelopes.
Tip #3: Timing is everything.
Send them out too early, and they’ll get lost in the Christmas card pile. Too late, and Aunt Janice has already booked a yoga retreat in Bali. Aim for 6–8 months before the big day (or 8–10 if it’s a destination wedding). I once sent mine out 4 months before and spent the next month fielding confused texts. Lesson learned.
Tip #4: Add a QR code. Seriously.
Yes, it sounds techy, but hear me out. A QR code that links to your wedding website makes it easy for guests to RSVP, find accommodation details, or stalk your engagement photos. Sites like QR Code Generator (https://www.qr-code-generator.com/) let you customise the look, so it doesn’t scream “IT DEPARTMENT” in Comic Sans.
Tip #5: Personalise, but don’t overthink it.
It’s easy to spiral. I once spent two days debating between blush and dusty rose. Your guests won’t care if it’s #F7CAC9 or #FADADD. What they’ll remember is how the card made them feel. Did it make them laugh? Smile? Call their partner and say, “We’re definitely going to this one”?
Surprise element? Print a few extras with a twist.
One couple I featured last year included a mini playlist on their save the date. A QR code linked to a Spotify list of their favourite songs. Another added a scratch-off section revealing their wedding location. I gasped. The creativity. The commitment.
Reflecting back…
Looking at my own wedding planning journey, the printable save the date was the first time I saw our personalities on paper. My partner and I both love retro horror films, so we styled ours like an old-school movie poster. Some guests still have them up on their fridge, six years later. It was fun, unexpected, and totally us. That’s what makes PRINTABLE SAVE THE DATES shine—they’re not just pretty, they’re personal.
So go ahead, make it yours. Make it loud or subtle, weird or wonderful. Just make sure it prints well.
And if you’re still on the fence about design or wording, here’s a little secret: the best printable save the dates are the ones people remember.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our printables here! xx