Designer save the dates on a DIY budget.
Ola collection description
Ola is a dreamy and ethereal collection featuring a softly blurred background that creates a sense of romantic mystery. The elegant, flowing script for the couple's names is beautifully paired with a delicate serif font for a look that feels deeply poetic and serene. We think it’s perfect for couples planning an intimate, romantic celebration or an artfully modern wedding. This suite was created in collaboration with Maria Hilas Louie (@maria.hilas.louie.design), a graphic designer from the SF Bay Area who loves minimalist stationery design, but strives to be more of a maximalist.
Brume collection description
Brume is a vibrant and charming collection that features an intricate, hand-drawn botanical border woven with delicate vines, blossoms, and fresh citrus fruits. The pairing of a whimsical script with an airy, spaced serif typography creates a joyful and relaxed feel that beautifully frames your wedding details. We think it’s perfect for cheerful outdoor celebrations, destination weddings, or couples seeking a touch of Mediterranean-inspired romance. This suite was created in collaboration with Stellax Creative (@stellaxcreative), a Maryland-based graphic design studio specializing in invitations, greeting cards, and art. Its owner, Anna, draws inspiration from nature and architecture.
Stelo collection description
Stelo is an airy and romantic collection featuring an intricate, stamp-style floral and tropical foliage border that frames a clean, spacious layout. The combination of delicate, flowing script for your names and structured serif typography evokes a sense of breezy elegance and refined charm. We think it’s perfect for destination weddings, tropical celebrations, or couples looking to bring a lush, botanical feel to their big day. This suite was designed in collaboration with Becky Nimoy, an illustrator and stationery designer based in San Pedro, California. She’s inspired by all things vintage and hiking coastal trails in her small port town.
Flor collection description
Flor is a charming and joyful collection featuring a delicate, painterly bouquet illustration paired with a double-line painted border. The elegant cursive script layout evokes a sense of whimsical romance and effortless grace. We think it’s perfect for casual garden weddings or couples looking for an artistic, cheerful touch to their celebration. This work was created in collaboration with Katherine Roberts (@katrobertsart_), a graphic designer and fine artist residing in North Carolina. She enjoys exploring different mediums and styles in her work and is frequently influenced by her travels as well as organic elements found in nature.
Ocaso collection description
Ocaso is a vibrant and breezy collection featuring hand-drawn palm tree illustrations and playful, casual typography. The sketch-style artwork and relaxed layout evoke a sense of warmth, romance, and carefree celebration. We think it’s perfect for destination weddings, beachside nuptials, or couples seeking a modern tropical aesthetic. This suite was designed in collaboration with Maria Denisco of Blush and Blue Designs (@blushandbluedesigns), a Clearwater, Florida-based artist, calligrapher, and graphic designer. She specializes in fine art watercolor stationery, one-of-a-kind acrylic paintings, and pet portraits.
Melissa collection description
Melissa is a vibrant and romantic collection featuring a lush border of citrus fruits and blossoms that beautifully frames your wedding details. The elegant script lettering and classic serif fonts pair with a uniquely shaped central frame to evoke a sense of sun-drenched, Mediterranean charm. We think it's perfect for summer celebrations, destination weddings, or couples seeking a lively yet sophisticated botanical look. This suite was created in collaboration with Lissa Anglin, a Texas-based designer who creates imaginative designs that make every day more extraordinary. She utilizes hand-lettering and illustration to add interest to her work and prioritizes functionality and fun as she creates.
Save the date cards should be simple and fun. This is just a quick way to let guests know a wedding is on the horizon and to keep their calendar clear. Personalization is a great way to express yourself without having to say a lot.
Start off by choosing a save the date template design that matches your wedding theme. Whether it’s a vintage postcard with rustic details, a greenery save the date featuring watercolor accents, or a formal save the date design echoing your elegant wedding day, find a save the date for every budget and style.
At Zola, you can customize your wedding save the dates with a favorite photo, font, or template. Personalize your invitation wording, choose from beautiful paper types (like recycled, pearlescent, and linen), add custom foil, and even make it a magnet! Save the date magnets are a popular way to announce your upcoming wedding. No one will forget your wedding date if it’s posted on their fridge!
Laura & Kwame
Zola is such a timesaver
We loved that our save the date had matching invitations AND a wedding website. We made one decision and crossed three things off our to-do list, which is always awesome.
Charlotte & Marco
Peace of mind
Because of the uncertainty of the last year, we were worried that our date might change. Including free change the dates with our order made us feel so much better.
Derek & Iain
Everything works together
Zola makes it easy to collect everyone’s addresses, and then fills out all your envelopes for you. Seriously, we were dreading it so much, but we barely had to do a thing.
When you first begin to plan your big day, what makes so many people send “save the date” cards before anything else? Often, this simple card is the first sign your friends will get about your event, since it both gives necessary information and shows a bit of what you have planned for the full party. It’s also a practical move: you want people to write your date on their calendar early, since many may have to organize travel or get time off. “Save the date” cards help make sure your family and friends are aware of your choice and don’t make other plans for that week.
When you ask about timing, it’s usually a good idea to send this card before the main invitation. For most weddings, you’ll want to mail “save the date” cards about six to eight months early, which allows people enough time to make plans. If the plan takes place somewhere far or if travel is needed, give your friends even more notice—eight to twelve months is best—so it’s not a mad rush for flights or places to stay. Thankfully, online shops are able to print quickly (often between five and ten business days), so even if your plans fall a bit late, you’ll still get the cards out on time.
What’s important for people to know when you send these cards? At the very least, you should write both your names, the date (not just hour or year but also the day), and the city or general area. The actual place or street can be shared later in the main invitation. Be sure to add the phrase “formal invitation to follow” so your friends know more information will come. Many will also add their website address at this stage, since a site can give direct access to travel facts, hotel details, and a gift list.
Trying to pick a design but not sure what’s in style? In the last year, straight portrait cards, clear and simple looks, and some with a bit of balance or unique flair have all been well-liked. Frames and classic features still appeal to those who want a more traditional feel. Nearly half of people choose to show an engagement photo, while some include more than one picture, which can add even more of a personal mark.
Do you want your card to stand out? Many choose photo cards, so their best moment is on display, while others use original marks such as a monogram or a symbol with real meaning for both partners. Sometimes, a digital card works best for quick news, and/or you may want a magnetic card so the date can stay in sight on someone’s fridge for months.
For those looking to save time with less stress, a few main websites offer strong options. The best online stores usually give things like free guest address printing (saving you time), printed samples for comparison, and the plus of uploading your own look. Often, you can get a matching digital and paper version, making your style the same on every platform.
By adding your website link, you give friends a simple way to see more details right away. Most wedding sites include travel help, maps, where to stay, and an early look at your gift list. If you put this step at the heart of your plan, not only do you make your event’s identity stronger, but you also give your friends what they need to set up their own plans—even before they get the full invite.
From bohemian and botanical to minimalist and modern, there are gorgeous save the dates of all styles on Zola.
Floral save the datesModern save the datesGreenery save the datesRustic save the datesWatercolor save the datesWhimsical save the datesCultural save the datesDestination save the datesBeach save the datesSummer save the datesWinter save the datesSpring save the datesElegant & Formal save the datesSimple & Minimalist save the datesTypography save the datesClassic & Traditional save the datesMonogram save the datesBoho save the datesMountains save the datesVintage & Retro save the datesMaximalist save the datesNautical save the datesBarn & Country save the datesBorder save the datesGeometric save the datesFall & Autumn save the dates
Whether you're going for classic white or a bright array of hues, Zola has save the dates of every color to match your wedding theme.
Multi save the datesBlue save the datesDusty Blue save the datesRoyal Blue save the datesNavy save the datesBlack save the datesRed save the datesBurgundy save the datesWhite save the datesPurple save the datesLavender save the datesPlum save the datesPink save the datesRose save the datesDusty Rose save the datesCoral save the datesPeach save the datesGreen save the datesEmerald Green save the datesTeal save the datesOrange save the datesYellow save the datesGrey save the datesBrown save the datesOff White save the dates
From traditional square save the dates to fancy arches, Zola has a variety of card shapes to choose from.
Standard save the datesRounded save the datesScalloped save the datesHalf-arch save the datesArch save the datesOval save the datesTicket save the datesDiamond save the dates
With so many features and finishes available, choosing save the dates can seem daunting. Narrow your search by combining your favorite design options.
Foil save the datesLetterpress save the datesSave the dates magnetsReception-only save the datesPhoto save the datesSave the dates without photosPortrait save the datesLandscape save the dates