How to Address Save the Dates

About 8-12 months before your wedding, you’re going to want to give friends and family a heads up so they can begin making arrangements. Although it’s not completely necessary, most couples choose to do this by sending save the date cards to everyone on the guest list.

But you already knew all that, right? (I thought so.)

Last week we answered the top save the date questions we hear all the time (everything from when to order them to whether or not you even need them). But if you’ve already bought your cards and you’re getting ready to mail ’em out, chances are you’re just wondering how to address save the dates properly.

Read on and we’ll teach you how to address save the dates in 5 minutes flat.

How to address save the dates

The good news is that addressing save the dates is a lot like addressing wedding invitations. The only difference being that save the dates aren’t quite as formal. While I recommend using titles and specifying plus ones, others might say that those are optional and at the discretion of the couple.

Just think of it this way: it’s practice for addressing your invitations. Don’t worry about making it perfect and if you make a mistake, chalk it up as a learning experience.

There is one caveat, though: To avoid confusion later and give guests enough time to make travel and childcare arrangements, it’s best to be as specific as possible.

Always write out each guest’s name on the envelope and specify a plus one if you’re able to commit this early in the game. This will save your sanity later when RSVPs start rolling in.

Best practices

1. For anyone over the age of 18, use titles such as Mrs., Mr., Doctor, etc (optional).
2. Spell out names completely. You may use nicknames, if you like, but only on the save the date, not on the invitation.
3. Use “and guest” to specify a plus one*.
4. If inviting children, spell out their names directly underneath their parents.
5. Write out the address (including the street), city and state completely.
6. Don’t forget to include your return address either on the front left corner or back flap.

Should you include a plus one?*

Yes, in the following cases:

• For anyone who is married, engaged, or living together
• For members of the bridal party, regardless of relationship status
• For everyone else, include if you’ve booked the venue and are positive about the budget (if things change, you can’t uninvite them later!)

No, if:

• Guests are single or casually dating
• You haven’t booked a venue
• Your budget isn’t 100% set in stone
• You’re worried that you may have to trim the guest list later

The information contained on this Website and the resources available for download through this website are for educational and informational purposes only. I am only sharing what worked for me, and as such, I cannot guarantee that any products or processes will give you the same results.