Save the date cards

When you begin to plan a special day, you often wonder what type of save the date card might send just the right message, and a “rustic” card often sets that personal tone from the start. Is “rustic” just a style, or does it mean something more in this case? It’s about giving people an honest feeling—something comfortable, natural, and real, which you can sense the second you see and hold the card.

If you consider the different options, you’ll notice that five card types stand out for those who want that countryside style: Saranac, Winslow, Verde, Velarde, and Kenton. Saranac features simple, natural texture with thoughtful print, Winslow uses soft, leaf designs, Verde often looks minimal with green accents, Velarde shows traditional borders with nature-inspired shapes, and Kenton has clean backgrounds that keep the focus on the people. Do any of these match how you want your day to feel—or would you rather see something else?

Frequently, you may wonder if you should include a photo on your card, or if a plain design might actually say more about you and your event. The numbers suggest about 37% select one strong photo while only 7% use a lot of pictures (many do not add images at all). Often, the use of a single photo lets a genuine moment or landscape stand out. Orientation also plays a role, since most couples (36%) choose vertical cards rather than horizontal (15%), as those tend to show nature or the two of you in a classic way.

You might ask what kind of style and detail people include in their rustic cards. While you might expect a lot of nature, most stick with less instead of more: frame details show up only 4% of the time, wreaths even less (just 1%), and decoration such as foil, arcs, or special print is hardly ever used at all. Most just want to keep the look real, natural, and open, letting texture and simple print set the mood as is.

Timing can make all the difference, especially if your day is in a smaller area or a place where people need to travel. If you’re having your event in a small town, at a farm, or in a spot that doesn’t offer much space, getting your save the date cards out 6 to 8 months before the main day gives everyone enough chance to plan. Is your event out in the land or farther from a city? In that case, earlier is often better.

Where will your day take place—at a barn, in a wooded space, near grape plants, or at the foot of mountains? Consider pairing the card style to the spot: rustic barns pair well with simple print and natural backgrounds (like Saranac); forest settings work nicely with Verde’s green leaf accents; a vineyard often looks right with Winslow’s plant detail; and Kenton’s clean style fits a mountain background.

The best rustic save the date doesn’t rely on extra touches—it’s simple and thoughtful as is. Usually, couples go with one main photo or none at all, use very little extra design, pick vertical layouts, keep print clean, and use natural shapes and shades that let the real sense of the area come through.

In the end, your save the date does more than just give details; it lets friends and family know what’s coming and helps set the mood for your countryside event. A simple, rustic card makes everyone feel at ease, and it shows guests what kind of day to expect—one that’s open, warm, and real. How will your card introduce your story?