In professional and personal communication, it’s important to find ways to express essential reminders in a way that feels both clear and engaging. The phrase “mark your calendars” is commonly used to highlight important dates or events, but there are plenty of other ways to deliver this message with warmth and enthusiasm. Here are 30 alternatives that can help you communicate important reminders in a more thoughtful, memorable, and professional way.
What Does “Mark Your Calendars” Mean?
“Mark your calendars” is a phrase used to inform someone about an important date or event that they should make note of. It’s a way of encouraging someone to reserve time in their schedule for something significant. The phrase is often used for meetings, deadlines, celebrations, or other important events.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Mark Your Calendars”?
In most professional settings, “mark your calendars” is widely accepted as a casual, friendly way to share important dates. However, in more formal or business-focused contexts, it may be seen as informal. Depending on your audience, you might want to adjust the phrasing to suit the tone of your communication. Using alternatives can also help make your reminder sound fresh and considerate, while maintaining professionalism.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using “Mark Your Calendars”
Advantages:
- Direct and clear: It immediately draws attention to a date.
- Friendly: It’s casual and approachable, which can work well in informal or team settings.
Disadvantages:
- Overused: The phrase can sometimes feel tired or overly familiar.
- Too informal: In certain formal contexts, it might not carry the level of professionalism needed.
Synonyms For “Mark Your Calendars”:
- Save the Date
- Put It in Your Calendar
- Don’t Miss This
- Add This to Your Schedule
- Block Off Time
- Circle the Date
- Make a Note of This
- Reserve the Date
- Set Aside Time
- Save the Moment
- Clear Your Schedule
- Don’t Forget the Date
- Mark This as Important
- Lock It In
- Keep This on Your Radar
- Don’t Miss Out
- Make Sure You’re There
- Keep This Date in Mind
- Don’t Forget to Save the Date
- Reserve Your Spot
- Make This a Priority
- Clear Your Calendar
- Set a Reminder
- Hold That Date
- Get Ready for This Date
- It’s Coming Up Soon
- This One’s a Big Deal
- Put This on Your To-Do List
- This Date Is Coming Fast
- Get Your Calendar Ready
1. “Save the Date”
Meaning: A simple and direct way to ask someone to reserve a specific date.
Definition: A common phrase used for important dates, such as events or meetings.
Explanation: “Save the date” is one of the most well-known alternatives and is often used for both social and professional events.
Scenario Example: “We’re hosting a team meeting next Thursday. Save the date!”
Best Use: Formal events, meetings, parties.
Tone: Friendly, professional.
2. “Put It in Your Calendar”
Meaning: A more direct way of encouraging someone to enter a date into their calendar.
Definition: This phrase is slightly more specific, urging someone to make sure they add the date to their schedule.
Explanation: “Put it in your calendar” serves as a practical reminder to take action.
Scenario Example: “The project deadline is coming up. Put it in your calendar so you don’t forget!”
Best Use: Workplace reminders, meeting announcements.
Tone: Direct, clear, professional.
3. “Don’t Miss This”
Meaning: A catchy way to highlight an event or meeting that is particularly important.
Definition: This phrase adds urgency and excitement to the reminder.
Explanation: “Don’t miss this” can help grab attention and convey that the date is significant.
Scenario Example: “We’ve got an all-hands meeting next Friday. Don’t miss this!”
Best Use: Exciting events, major meetings.
Tone: Urgent, enthusiastic.
4. “Add This to Your Schedule”
Meaning: A professional way to ask someone to include a date in their plans.
Definition: This phrase makes the request clear without being overly casual.
Explanation: “Add this to your schedule” is a polite and professional way to encourage someone to prioritize a date.
Scenario Example: “The team presentation is next Wednesday at 10 AM. Please add this to your schedule.”
Best Use: Formal reminders, workplace events.
Tone: Professional, polite.
5. “Block Off Time”
Meaning: Suggesting that someone should reserve a specific block of time in their calendar.
Definition: This is a more precise way of telling someone to free up time for an event.
Explanation: “Block off time” is often used in professional settings, particularly when meetings or events require significant time commitment.
Scenario Example: “We’ll need a few hours for the workshop, so please block off time for it on Friday.”
Best Use: Meetings, workshops, training.
Tone: Polite, formal.
6. “Circle the Date”
Meaning: A fun and visual way to remind someone to remember a date.
Definition: A more casual and playful way to suggest that someone should mark a date in their calendar.
Explanation: “Circle the date” has a friendly, informal tone and works well for less formal events.
Scenario Example: “Our company’s annual retreat is coming up—circle the date!”
Best Use: Social events, team activities.
Tone: Friendly, informal.
7. “Make a Note of This”
Meaning: Encouraging someone to remember an important date.
Definition: A reminder to jot down an important event or meeting.
Explanation: “Make a note of this” is a polite way to encourage someone to keep track of a significant date.
Scenario Example: “The quarterly review is next Tuesday. Make a note of this.”
Best Use: Professional meetings, events.
Tone: Polite, considerate.
8. “Reserve the Date”
Meaning: Suggesting that someone should set aside time for a future event.
Definition: This phrase is commonly used for events that require participants to save time in advance.
Explanation: “Reserve the date” is typically used for social and professional gatherings that require commitment.
Scenario Example: “We have a company-wide meeting in two weeks. Reserve the date.”
Best Use: Important events, meetings.
Tone: Formal, polite.
9. “Set Aside Time”
Meaning: A professional way of suggesting that someone should allocate time for a specific event.
Definition: A way to ensure someone saves time in their schedule for something important.
Explanation: “Set aside time” implies that the event requires attention and should be prioritized.
Scenario Example: “Please set aside time for the team meeting on Monday.”
Best Use: Meetings, workshops, professional events.
Tone: Direct, respectful.
10. “Save the Moment”
Meaning: A creative way to ask someone to set aside time for something special.
Definition: A more poetic and casual way to indicate the importance of an upcoming event.
Explanation: “Save the moment” is often used for significant, once-in-a-lifetime events.
Scenario Example: “The product launch is happening next month. Save the moment!”
Best Use: Special events, launches, celebrations.
Tone: Warm, casual.
11. “Clear Your Schedule”
Meaning: A stronger suggestion to free up time for a specific event.
Definition: An assertive way of telling someone to make sure they are available for an event.
Explanation: “Clear your schedule” is more direct and can be used for important or mandatory meetings.
Scenario Example: “The CEO will be visiting next week. Clear your schedule for the all-hands meeting.”
Best Use: High-priority meetings, mandatory events.
Tone: Assertive, formal.
12. “Don’t Forget the Date”
Meaning: A simple reminder to ensure someone remembers the date.
Definition: A straightforward and gentle way of reminding someone about an important event.
Explanation: “Don’t forget the date” is effective for less formal contexts, adding a hint of warmth.
Scenario Example: “The team outing is on the 15th. Don’t forget the date!”
Best Use: Casual events, team activities.
Tone: Casual, friendly.
13. “Mark This as Important”
Meaning: A way to emphasize the significance of the event.
Definition: This is a more formal way of ensuring that someone takes notice of a specific date.
Explanation: “Mark this as important” communicates that the event or task should be prioritized.
Scenario Example: “Please mark this as important: the annual review meeting is scheduled for next Thursday.”
Best Use: Professional settings, key meetings.
Tone: Formal, serious.
14. “Lock It In”
Meaning: A fun, informal way to say you should confirm and commit to a date.
Definition: “Lock it in” implies a sense of finality or certainty, ensuring that someone doesn’t forget.
Explanation: It’s a more casual and upbeat way of confirming plans.
Scenario Example: “The strategy session is next Wednesday. Lock it in!”
Best Use: Casual work environments, social plans.
Tone: Informal, enthusiastic.
15. “Keep This on Your Radar”
Meaning: A way to say that someone should be aware of and remember an upcoming date.
Definition: A gentle reminder to keep an important date in mind without necessarily committing immediately.
Explanation: “Keep this on your radar” is often used for events that may not require immediate action but should be noted.
Scenario Example: “We’re planning a big announcement soon—keep this on your radar.”
Best Use: Work settings, upcoming deadlines.
Tone: Professional, neutral.
16. “Don’t Miss Out”
Meaning: A way to build excitement around an upcoming event.
Definition: A reminder not to let an important date pass by without participating or attending.
Explanation: “Don’t miss out” conveys a sense of urgency and importance, often used for events that are exclusive or highly anticipated.
Scenario Example: “The networking event is next Thursday. Don’t miss out!”
Best Use: Social events, limited-time offers.
Tone: Exciting, encouraging.
17. “Make Sure You’re There”
Meaning: A more direct invitation for someone to attend or be present at an event.
Definition: A polite way of encouraging attendance and participation.
Explanation: “Make sure you’re there” emphasizes the importance of showing up for the event.
Scenario Example: “The all-team briefing is next Monday. Make sure you’re there.”
Best Use: Important meetings, team briefings.
Tone: Professional, polite.
18. “Keep This Date in Mind”
Meaning: A gentle way to remind someone to remember an important date.
Definition: A mild reminder to stay aware of a future event.
Explanation: “Keep this date in mind” works well in more casual settings or when the event is important but not immediately pressing.
Scenario Example: “The conference will be held in July. Keep this date in mind.”
Best Use: Conferences, annual events.
Tone: Casual, neutral.
19. “Don’t Forget to Save the Date”
Meaning: A reminder to remember a specific event or deadline.
Definition: A friendly and polite way to ask someone to keep an important event on their calendar.
Explanation: “Don’t forget to save the date” is an enthusiastic way to help people prioritize an upcoming event.
Scenario Example: “Our office holiday party is on the 20th. Don’t forget to save the date!”
Best Use: Social events, office celebrations.
Tone: Warm, friendly.
20. “Reserve Your Spot”
Meaning: A way to encourage someone to confirm their attendance at an event.
Definition: This phrase implies that space or availability may be limited and should be confirmed.
Explanation: “Reserve your spot” often works well for events that require registration or booking in advance.
Scenario Example: “Seats for the workshop are filling up fast. Reserve your spot today!”
Best Use: Workshops, seminars, events requiring RSVP.
Tone: Urgent, professional.
Read More: 30 Other Ways to Say “No Worries” (With Examples)
21. “Make This a Priority”
Meaning: Encouraging someone to ensure they have time for an important event.
Definition: A reminder that something is significant and should be prioritized.
Explanation: “Make this a priority” underscores the importance of the date and suggests that it should take precedence over other commitments.
Scenario Example: “The team meeting is crucial this week. Make this a priority.”
Best Use: Meetings, important deadlines.
Tone: Assertive, professional.
22. “Clear Your Calendar”
Meaning: A direct way of asking someone to make sure they’re available for a date.
Definition: A strong suggestion that someone should free up their schedule for an important event.
Explanation: “Clear your calendar” is often used for crucial meetings or events that require undivided attention.
Scenario Example: “The board meeting is on the 18th. Please clear your calendar for it.”
Best Use: Critical meetings, executive events.
Tone: Assertive, formal.
23. “Set a Reminder”
Meaning: A suggestion to make sure someone doesn’t forget an important event.
Definition: A practical suggestion to use digital tools to ensure a reminder is set for a key date.
Explanation: “Set a reminder” is an actionable way of telling someone to make sure they don’t overlook an event or meeting.
Scenario Example: “Don’t forget to join the webinar on Tuesday. Set a reminder on your phone.”
Best Use: Digital or tech-based events, webinars.
Tone: Practical, friendly.
24. “Hold That Date”
Meaning: A more casual way of asking someone to keep a date available.
Definition: A less formal way to ask someone to reserve time for a future event.
Explanation: “Hold that date” works well when you want someone to save a date but don’t need them to fully commit yet.
Scenario Example: “We’re planning a brainstorming session. Hold that date for now.”
Best Use: Informal work settings, planning stages.
Tone: Casual, friendly.
25. “Get Ready for This Date”
Meaning: A way to build anticipation for an upcoming event.
Definition: A fun way to indicate excitement and readiness for something important.
Explanation: “Get ready for this date” builds excitement and indicates that the event will be significant.
Scenario Example: “The launch event is just around the corner. Get ready for this date!”
Best Use: Exciting product launches, major announcements.
Tone: Enthusiastic, informal.
26. “It’s Coming Up Soon”
Meaning: A subtle reminder that a date is quickly approaching.
Definition: This phrase signals that an important date is near and that action should be taken soon.
Explanation: “It’s coming up soon” is a way of keeping people alert without putting too much pressure on them.
Scenario Example: “The conference is coming up soon, so make sure you’re ready!”
Best Use: Conferences, upcoming deadlines.
Tone: Neutral, friendly.
27. “This One’s a Big Deal”
Meaning: A way to emphasize the importance of an upcoming event.
Definition: A more informal way to highlight that the event is significant.
Explanation: “This one’s a big deal” helps to add some excitement and urgency around the date.
Scenario Example: “Don’t forget the quarterly meeting on Monday—this one’s a big deal!”
Best Use: Important company meetings, annual events.
Tone: Casual, enthusiastic.
28. “Put This on Your To-Do List”
Meaning: Suggesting that someone should remember an important date by adding it to their tasks.
Definition: A helpful and organized way to indicate that an event should be noted as a task.
Explanation: “Put this on your to-do list” is more task-oriented, making sure the date is treated like any other important task.
Scenario Example: “The client presentation is next week. Put this on your to-do list.”
Best Use: Task-oriented settings, project deadlines.
Tone: Professional, organized.
29. “This Date Is Coming Fast”
Meaning: A sense of urgency to remind someone that the event is quickly approaching.
Definition: A more urgent reminder that time is running out before the event.
Explanation: “This date is coming fast” communicates that there’s no time to waste in preparing for the event.
Scenario Example: “The product launch is next week—this date is coming fast!”
Best Use: Urgent meetings, fast-approaching deadlines.
Tone: Urgent, professional.
30. “Get Your Calendar Ready”
Meaning: A playful way to prompt someone to prepare for an upcoming event.
Definition: A lighthearted way of saying that an important date is coming up and they should get ready.
Explanation: “Get your calendar ready” can be used when the event is exciting and the person needs to prepare to attend.
Scenario Example: “We’ve got a great event coming up—get your calendar ready!”
Best Use: Social events, team-building activities.
Tone: Fun, lighthearted.
Conclusion
Using alternatives to “mark your calendars” is a great way to add variety to your reminders while maintaining professionalism or infusing enthusiasm into your message. Whether you are announcing a business meeting, a team event, or a social gathering, there are plenty of ways to keep people engaged and prepared. By choosing the right phrase, you can ensure that your reminder is both effective and memorable.
Emma Rose is a dedicated language expert at Grammar Apex, committed to making grammar simple and accessible for everyone. With a deep understanding of language rules and a passion for clear communication, she provides expert guidance on everything from punctuation to sentence structure.