Finding the right words to invite someone to a special event is more than just etiquette it’s a way to show warmth, care, and thoughtfulness. Sometimes, “Save the Date” can feel too formal, impersonal, or even a bit stiff, so it’s worth exploring other ways to convey the same message.
Here, we’ve compiled 35 unique and heartfelt ways to ask someone to mark their calendar for your big day. Each alternative offers a fresh tone, a personal touch, and the right amount of enthusiasm to help you connect with your guests. Let’s dive into creative phrases and explore how to use each one!
What Does “Save the Date” Mean?
At its core, “Save the Date” is a polite and effective way to request that someone reserve time on their calendar for an event in the future. This phrase is especially common for weddings, but it’s also used for any important gatherings, like birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events.
When to Use “Save the Date”
“Save the Date” is best used when planning a significant event well in advance. It signals to guests that they’ll receive more details soon but encourages them to hold the date on their calendars. Typically, this phrase is sent several months before the official invitation, helping guests make travel arrangements and adjust their schedules if necessary.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Save the Date”?
Yes! “Save the Date” is both polite and professional. It’s widely accepted across personal, corporate, and formal events. However, if you’re aiming for a more personal or conversational tone, there are other ways to express this that might feel even warmer and more inviting.
Pros and Cons of “Save the Date”
Pros:
- Widely recognized, clear, and polite
- Short and to the point
- Appropriate for both personal and professional settings
Cons:
- Can feel impersonal or overly formal
- Lacks originality and warmth
- May not fit all types of events
Save the Date Synonyms:
- Mark Your Calendar
- Hold the Date
- Keep This Day Free
- Put This Date Aside
- Block Off the Date
- Reserve This Day
- Circle This Date
- Don’t Miss Out
- Jot This Down
- Set This Date Aside
- Set This Date Aside
- Save This Special Date
- Hold This Day Close
- Hold This Day Close
- Plan to Be There
- Keep This Day in Mind
- We’re Counting on You
- Join Us for Something Special
- Don’t Forget This Date
- Date Reserved Just for You
- Get Ready to Celebrate
- Mark This Day as a Special
- A Day to Remember Join Us!
- Pencil Us In
- Save This Moment for Us
- Look Forward to This Day
- Time to Celebrate Together
- Prepare for a Special Day
- Mark This Milestone
- Celebrate This Day with Us
- Hold This Date in Your Heart
- Celebrate with Us on This Day
- Anticipate This Joyous Day
- This Date is for You
- Reserve This Date in Your Heart
Mark Your Calendar
Meaning:
This straightforward phrase encourages recipients to note the date on their calendars without committing to a formal event.
Explanation:
It’s a gentle nudge, perfect for friendly gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Example:
“We’d love for you to join us please mark your calendar!”
Best Use:
Informal family events, and birthday parties.
Worst Use:
Highly formal occasions or corporate events.
Tone:
Friendly and approachable.
Hold the Date
Meaning:
This phrase encourages reserving the date, subtly hinting at a special occasion.
Explanation:
“Hold the Date” has a slightly mysterious quality that can intrigue guests.
Example:
“Hold the date for something special we can’t wait to celebrate together!”
Best Use:
Weddings, anniversary parties, or other personal events.
Worst Use:
Corporate gatherings.
Tone:
Warm and slightly suspenseful.
Keep This Day Free
Meaning:
This phrase is a polite way of asking guests to reserve a day without adding pressure.
Explanation:
It feels more personal and relaxed, suggesting a casual yet meaningful invitation.
Example:
“We’d love to have you with us please keep this day free!”
Best Use:
Small gatherings, intimate celebrations.
Worst Use:
Highly formal or corporate events.
Tone:
Inviting and relaxed.
Put This Date Aside
Meaning:
A polite suggestion to set the date apart for a special occasion.
Explanation:
This phrase works well for more intimate or personal gatherings.
Example:
“Please put this date aside we’d be honored to have you join us!”
Best Use:
Weddings, reunions, family celebrations.
Worst Use:
Business meetings, work events.
Tone:
Respectful and warm.
Block Off the Date
Meaning:
An invitation to “block off” time in one’s schedule.
Explanation:
Slightly less formal than “Save the Date,” but still effective.
Example:
“We’re planning something wonderful please block off the date!”
Best Use:
Personal events, celebrations with close friends.
Worst Use:
Formal corporate gatherings.
Tone:
Friendly and enthusiastic.
Reserve This Day
Meaning:
Encourages the recipient to hold the day for a future event.
Explanation:
“Reserve this day” is often used for personal celebrations.
Example:
“It won’t be the same without you reserve this day!”
Best Use:
Weddings, milestone celebrations.
Worst Use:
Very casual gatherings.
Tone:
Thoughtful and inviting.
Circle This Date
Meaning:
This phrase suggests marking a date as special in a casual and fun way.
Explanation:
It’s playful and works well for more informal gatherings.
Example:
“Circle this date you won’t want to miss it!”
Best Use:
Parties, family events, reunions.
Worst Use:
Business events, formal occasions.
Tone:
Lighthearted and casual.
Don’t Miss Out
Meaning:
A way of emphasizing the excitement of the event and encouraging attendance.
Explanation:
This phrase is direct, drawing guests’ interest with a bit of urgency.
Example:
“Don’t miss out mark your calendar now!”
Best Use:
Parties, social gatherings, fun events.
Worst Use:
Formal or corporate events.
Tone:
Enthusiastic and slightly urgent.
Jot This Down
Meaning:
This phrase is a casual way of suggesting that the date is worth noting.
Explanation:
It’s lighthearted and hints that there’s something fun coming up.
Example:
“Big plans ahead jot this down!”
Best Use:
Casual get-togethers, friendly events, reunions.
Worst Use:
Formal ceremonies or business events.
Tone:
Playful and casual.
Set This Date Aside
Meaning:
Encourages setting the date apart for a memorable event.
Explanation:
A gentle way to hint at a gathering without making it too formal.
Example:
“Please set this date aside. We’d love to have you with us.”
Best Use:
Family events, milestone celebrations, weddings.
Worst Use:
Business meetings, office events.
Tone:
Warm and thoughtful.
Make Time for Us
Meaning:
Implies the importance of the guest’s presence.
Explanation:
Makes guests feel valued and wanted.
Example:
“We can’t celebrate without you. Please make time for us!”
Best Use:
Weddings, family gatherings, intimate events.
Worst Use:
Corporate events, distant acquaintances.
Tone:
Heartfelt and appreciative.
Save This Special Date
Meaning:
Slightly more formal, emphasizing the significance of the event.
Explanation:
Indicates that it’s a special occasion worth remembering.
Example:
“Save this special date we’re planning something wonderful!”
Best Use:
Weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays.
Worst Use:
Casual gatherings, last-minute events.
Tone:
Formal and celebratory.
Hold This Day Close
Meaning:
Suggests the importance of both the date and the people invited.
Explanation:
This phrase conveys a sense of sentiment and togetherness.
Example:
Hold this day close. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
Best Use:
Weddings, family reunions, personal events.
Worst Use:
Casual or work-related events.
Tone:
Sentimental and personal.
Lock in the Date
Meaning:
A phrase that encourages setting the date firmly in their schedule.
Explanation:
Adds a slight sense of urgency, perfect for events where planning is key.
Example:
“It’s official! Lock in the date and join us!”
Best Use:
Weddings, corporate gatherings, significant parties.
Worst Use:
Last-minute or informal events.
Tone:
Assertive yet friendly.
Plan to Be There
Meaning:
A gentle way of encouraging attendance by suggesting it’ll be worthwhile.
Explanation:
Shows that the presence of the guest is important and valued.
Example:
“We’d love to see you! Plan to be there!”
Best Use:
Personal celebrations, reunions, birthdays.
Worst Use:
Very formal or corporate events.
Tone:
Friendly and inviting.
Keep This Day in Mind
Meaning:
Suggests that something important is coming up without being too direct.
Explanation:
Adds an element of curiosity, making it suitable for surprises.
Example:
“Keep this day in mind more details soon!”
Best Use:
Surprise parties, family celebrations, holiday events.
Worst Use:
Strictly formal gatherings.
Tone:
Lightly mysterious and casual.
We’re Counting on You
Meaning:
This phrase emphasizes how meaningful their presence would be.
Explanation:
Shows that the guest’s attendance is crucial to the event.
Example:
“We’re counting on you to make this day unforgettable!”
Best Use:
Close family or friends’ events, small gatherings.
Worst Use:
Corporate or formal events.
Tone:
Heartfelt and engaging.
Join Us for Something Special
Meaning:
A personal way to hint at an event without revealing too much.
Explanation:
Works well for personal occasions where you want guests to feel special.
Example:
“Join us for something special. We’d love to see you there!”
Best Use:
Weddings, anniversaries, family gatherings.
Worst Use:
Professional or very formal events.
Tone:
Inviting and heartfelt.
Don’t Forget This Date
Meaning:
A straightforward reminder to mark the date on their calendar.
Explanation:
A bit more casual, this phrase suits both informal and formal occasions.
Example:
“Don’t forget this date we can’t wait to celebrate with you!”
Best Use:
Any celebratory event where you want to ensure attendance.
Worst Use:
Office events with mandatory attendance.
Tone:
Friendly and casual.
Date Reserved Just for You
Meaning:
Suggests that the event is tailored with the guest in mind.
Explanation:
This phrase is especially warm and personalized, showing that their presence matters.
Example:
“This date is reserved just for you. Hope you can make it!”
Best Use:
Weddings, intimate gatherings, exclusive events.
Worst Use:
Large, impersonal gatherings or corporate events.
Tone:
Personalized and warm.
Get Ready to Celebrate
Meaning:
Implies an exciting event ahead without specifically saying “save the date.”
Explanation:
Builds anticipation and enthusiasm.
Example:
“Get ready to celebrate with us mark your calendar!”
Best Use:
Birthdays, parties, holiday gatherings.
Worst Use:
Very formal or corporate events.
Tone:
Excited and upbeat.
Mark This Day as a Special
Meaning:
Suggest the importance of the event and the guest’s role in it.
Explanation:
This phrase works well for events where you want the guest to feel valued.
Example:
“Please mark this day as special we’d love to celebrate together.”
Best Use:
Weddings, anniversaries, family events.
Worst Use:
Informal or small-scale gatherings.
Tone:
Formal and appreciative.
A Day to Remember Join Us!
Meaning:
Suggests that the event will be memorable.
Explanation:
Conveys that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth attending.
Example:
“It’ll be a day to remember hope you can join us!”
Best Use:
Weddings, milestone celebrations.
Worst Use:
Casual, small events.
Tone: Inspiring and celebratory.
Pencil Us In
Meaning:
A more casual way to suggest marking the calendar.
Explanation:
Suited for relaxed events where attendance is encouraged but not formalized.
Example:
“We’d love to have you please pencil us in!”
Best Use:
Casual gatherings, small celebrations.
Worst Use:
Formal events or business gatherings.
Tone:
Relaxed and friendly.
Save This Moment for Us
Meaning:
Emphasizes that the event will be a memorable, shared experience.
Explanation:
Conveys that the gathering is about making memories together.
Example:
“Save this moment for us we’d love to have you there!”
Best Use:
Weddings, milestone anniversaries, family events.
Worst Use:
Business or corporate functions.
Tone:
Sentimental and warm.
Look Forward to This Day
Meaning:
Suggests excitement for a future event worth anticipating.
Explanation:
Adds a personal touch, showing guests they’re important to the event.
Example:
“Look forward to this day with us it’ll be something special!”
Best Use:
Weddings, reunions, special family gatherings.
Worst Use:
Last-minute or very formal events.
Tone:
Positive and engaging.
Time to Celebrate Together
Meaning:
Implies an opportunity for togetherness and celebration.
Explanation:
Perfect for events that are centered around shared happiness and unity.
Example:
“It’s time to celebrate together save the day!”
Best Use:
Weddings, family reunions, birthdays.
Worst Use:
Corporate or strictly formal gatherings.
Tone:
Joyful and inviting.
Prepare for a Special Day
Meaning:
Indicates that the event is unique and deserves preparation.
Explanation:
Works well for significant celebrations where details are being planned out.
Example:
“Prepare for a special day with us we’re so excited to share it with you!”
Best Use:
Weddings, milestone birthdays, family events.
Worst Use:
Usual get-togethers.
Tone:
Warm and anticipatory.
Mark This Milestone
Meaning:
Indicates that this is a significant event or achievement worth celebrating.
Explanation:
Suitable for events that represent life milestones.
Example:
“Mark this milestone with us, we’d be honored to have you there.”
Best Use:
Anniversaries, graduations, retirements.
Worst Use:
Casual parties or informal gatherings.
Tone:
Celebratory and meaningful.
Celebrate This Day with Us
Meaning:
A straightforward yet warm invitation to celebrate together.
Explanation:
Directly suggests that the event is about sharing a joyous occasion.
Example:
“Come celebrate this day with us we can’t wait to see you!”
Best Use:
Birthdays, weddings, reunions.
Worst Use:
Formal work events or impersonal gatherings.
Tone:
Friendly and inclusive.
Hold This Date in Your Heart
Meaning:
A heartfelt way to express that this date is important to the sender.
Explanation:
Works well for deeply meaningful events, like weddings and close family gatherings.
Example:
“Hold this date in your heart we can’t wait to share this moment with you.”
Best Use:
Weddings, anniversaries, intimate celebrations.
Worst Use:
Corporate or casual gatherings.
Tone:
Sentimental and deeply personal.
Celebrate with Us on This Day
Meaning:
A warm invitation that’s straightforward to understand.
Explanation:
Encourages a sense of togetherness without being overly formal.
Example:
“Celebrate with us on this day we’d love for you to be there!”
Best Use:
Personal and family-oriented celebrations.
Worst Use:
Highly formal or corporate events.
Tone:
Friendly and warm.
Anticipate This Joyous Day
Meaning:
Invites the guest to look forward to a joyful event.
Explanation:
Suitable for events that are intended to be uplifting and celebratory.
Example:
“Anticipate this joyous day it’ll be one to remember!”
Best Use:
Weddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries.
Worst Use:
Low-key or informal gatherings.
Tone:
Enthusiastic and inspiring.
This Date is for You
Meaning:
Suggests that the event is being organized with the guest in mind.
Explanation:
Adds a sense of intimacy, making the guest feel valued.
Example:
“This date is for you hope you can make it!”
Best Use:
Weddings, personal celebrations, reunions.
Worst Use:
Corporate events, casual gatherings.
Tone:
Personalized and appreciative.
Reserve This Date in Your Heart
Meaning:
A poetic way to encourage holding the date as special.
Explanation:
Perfect for events that are deeply meaningful and memorable.
Example:
“Reserve this date in your heart we look forward to sharing it with you.”
Best Use:
Weddings, anniversaries, close family gatherings.
Worst Use:
Work events or distant acquaintances.
Tone:
Poetic and sentimental.
Conclusion
When planning a significant event, choosing the right words to invite someone can set the tone for the whole celebration. Whether it’s a wedding, family reunion, or a meaningful milestone, each of these alternatives offers a unique way to communicate warmth, excitement, and a personal touch.
No matter which option you choose, these phrases can help convey how much it means to have your guests by your side, making them feel valued and connected to the celebration.
