Finding the right words can make all the difference when inviting someone to an important event. The phrase “Save the Date” is widely used, but sometimes you might want something more personal, thoughtful, or unique. Whether it’s for a wedding, birthday, corporate event, or family gathering, the right phrase sets the tone and shows how much you care.
In this guide, we’ll explore 30 other ways to say “Save the Date“ along with examples and explanations to help you choose the best fit.
What Does “Save the Date” Mean?
The phrase “Save the Date” simply means to reserve a specific day for an upcoming event. It’s often used as a friendly and thoughtful reminder that something important is on the horizon—like a wedding, birthday, reunion, or even a corporate function. Think of it as a pre-invitation, letting people know the details will follow but that the day itself is already special. By sending a “Save the Date,” you’re essentially saying, “This day matters to me, and I’d love for you to be there.” It strikes a balance between warmth and courtesy, giving recipients plenty of notice so they can keep their calendars free.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Save the Date”?
Yes, it’s both professional and polite. The phrase has become a standard in personal and professional event invitations. However, for very formal business contexts, you may choose alternatives like “Mark Your Calendar” or “Please Hold This Date.”
Advantages or Disadvantages of Using “Save the Date”
Advantages:
- Universally recognized.
- Short, clear, and polite.
- Works across both personal and professional settings.
Disadvantages:
- Can feel overused or generic.
- May sound less warm compared to personalized alternatives.
- Doesn’t always convey excitement.
Synonyms For “Save the Date”
- Mark Your Calendar
- Please Hold This Date
- Circle the Date
- Don’t Forget the Date
- Keep This Date Free
- Block Off This Day
- Remember This Date
- Reserve This Date
- Set This Day Aside
- Big Day Alert
- Lock In the Date
- Put This Day in Your Planner
- We’ve Picked the Date
- The Day Is Set
- Jot This Down
- The Countdown Begins
- Our Special Day Is Coming
- Can’t-Miss Date
- Book This Day
- Add This to Your Calendar
- The Date Is Official
- Set Your Schedule
- Make Space for This Day
- Date to Remember
- Clear Your Schedule
- This Day Belongs to Us
- We Can’t Wait for This Date
- Remember to Join Us
- Upcoming Celebration Date
- Time to Celebrate—Mark the Date1. Mark Your Calendar
Meaning: A friendly request to note the event in your schedule.
Definition: A way of ensuring people don’t forget the date.
Detailed Explanation: More casual than “Save the Date,” but still professional enough.
Scenario Example: “Mark your calendar for July 14th—we’re celebrating James’s graduation!”
Best Use: Birthdays, graduations, casual corporate events.
Tone: Friendly and upbeat.
2. Please Hold This Date
Meaning: Asking guests to keep the date free for your event.
Definition: A polite phrase that emphasizes courtesy.
Detailed Explanation: Often used for formal occasions like weddings or galas.
Scenario Example: “Please hold this date: September 2nd, for our annual fundraising dinner.”
Best Use: Weddings, charity events, formal invites.
Tone: Polite, formal.
3. Circle the Date
Meaning: Encourages someone to highlight the date on their calendar.
Definition: A playful alternative.
Detailed Explanation: Works well for personal celebrations with a fun tone.
Scenario Example: “Circle the date—October 10th—for Emma’s big birthday bash!”
Best Use: Birthdays, parties, informal gatherings.
Tone: Lighthearted, cheerful.
4. Don’t Forget the Date
Meaning: A reminder to remember the occasion.
Definition: Slightly more casual and direct.
Detailed Explanation: Works well when you want to make sure guests remember.
Scenario Example: “Don’t forget the date—November 18th—we’re hosting Friendsgiving!”
Best Use: Informal events.
Tone: Playful and casual.
5. Keep This Date Free
Meaning: Asking people not to book anything else on that day.
Definition: A direct request.
Detailed Explanation: Common in both personal and corporate settings.
Scenario Example: “Keep this date free: January 10th, for our New Year’s celebration.”
Best Use: Both formal and informal gatherings.
Tone: Neutral and clear.
6. Block Off This Day
Meaning: Telling people to set aside the date.
Definition: Slightly modern and casual.
Detailed Explanation: Popular in digital invites.
Scenario Example: “Block off this day—June 30th—for our summer beach party.”
Best Use: Social or corporate events.
Tone: Casual, direct.
7. Remember This Date
Meaning: Encourages people to commit the date to memory.
Definition: More personal than “Save the Date.”
Detailed Explanation: Adds a warm reminder tone.
Scenario Example: “Remember this date: February 14th—we’ve got something special planned.”
Best Use: Romantic or close-family events.
Tone: Warm and personal.
8. Reserve This Date
Meaning: Ask guests to treat the date as booked.
Definition: Formal version of “Save the Date.”
Detailed Explanation: Best when you want certainty of attendance.
Scenario Example: “Reserve this date: October 12th for the Johnson wedding.”
Best Use: Weddings, conferences.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
9. Set This Day Aside
Meaning: Similar to reserving time specifically for the event.
Definition: Slightly softer than “Reserve This Date.”
Detailed Explanation: Gentle but clear.
Scenario Example: “Set this day aside—December 25th—for our family gathering.”
Best Use: Personal, family-oriented events.
Tone: Warm, inviting.
10. Big Day Alert
Meaning: Signals that the day is important.
Definition: Fun and modern expression.
Detailed Explanation: Adds excitement to the invitation.
Scenario Example: “Big Day Alert: May 15th—we’re getting married!”
Best Use: Weddings, milestone birthdays.
Tone: Energetic, fun.
11. Lock In the Date
Meaning: Encourages people to confirm the date in their calendar.
Definition: A confident phrase that suggests finality.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in corporate or event planning contexts to emphasize commitment.
Scenario Example: “Lock in the date—March 22nd—for our annual company retreat.”
Best Use: Corporate events, professional meetings.
Tone: Direct, confident.
12. Put This Day in Your Planner
Meaning: A request to write the date down.
Definition: A personal, thoughtful reminder.
Detailed Explanation: Works best in more casual or friendly invitations.
Scenario Example: “Put this day in your planner—August 5th—for my baby shower!”
Best Use: Personal, semi-formal events.
Tone: Warm, approachable.
13. We’ve Picked the Date
Meaning: Announces that a date has been chosen.
Definition: A celebratory way to reveal the big day.
Detailed Explanation: Great for engagements, weddings, or milestone events.
Scenario Example: “We’ve picked the date! October 20th—join us for our wedding celebration.”
Best Use: Weddings, engagements.
Tone: Excited, joyful.
14. The Day Is Set
Meaning: Tells guests that the decision is finalized.
Definition: Simple and clear phrase.
Detailed Explanation: Works for both formal and informal occasions.
Scenario Example: “The day is set: December 31st—ring in the New Year with us!”
Best Use: Personal or business invitations.
Tone: Neutral, clear.
15. Jot This Down
Meaning: Playfully asks someone to make a note of the date.
Definition: Casual, friendly alternative.
Detailed Explanation: Feels less formal but adds charm.
Scenario Example: “Jot this down—April 16th—our spring picnic is happening!”
Best Use: Friendly, informal events.
Tone: Casual, cheerful.
16. The Countdown Begins
Meaning: Announces excitement leading up to the event.
Definition: Builds anticipation and energy.
Detailed Explanation: Great for weddings, birthdays, or product launches.
Scenario Example: “The countdown begins! 90 days until our wedding—June 12th.”
Best Use: Big milestones and exciting events.
Tone: Energetic, celebratory.
17. Our Special Day Is Coming
Meaning: Invites guests to share in a meaningful occasion.
Definition: Puts emphasis on emotional significance.
Detailed Explanation: Often used for weddings or anniversaries.
Scenario Example: “Our special day is coming—May 22nd—we’d love to celebrate with you.”
Best Use: Weddings, anniversaries.
Tone: Heartfelt, warm.
18. Can’t-Miss Date
Meaning: Highlights the importance of the event.
Definition: A persuasive phrase to boost attendance.
Detailed Explanation: Works well for exciting events or launches.
Scenario Example: “Can’t-miss date—July 8th—our grand opening celebration!”
Best Use: Promotions, launches, milestone parties.
Tone: Bold, enthusiastic.
19. Book This Day
Meaning: Encourages guests to officially schedule the date.
Definition: Similar to “reserve this date” but more modern.
Detailed Explanation: Clear and professional enough for business but also personal.
Scenario Example: “Book this day—September 1st—for our charity walk.”
Best Use: Fundraisers, conferences, weddings.
Tone: Professional yet approachable.
20. Add This to Your Calendar
Meaning: Directly tells guests to record the date.
Definition: Neutral and universally understood.
Detailed Explanation: Common in digital invites and emails.
Scenario Example: “Add this to your calendar—January 15th—for our team strategy session.”
Best Use: Corporate or digital invites.
Tone: Neutral, practical.
21. The Date Is Official
Meaning: Announces final confirmation of the date.
Definition: A definitive statement.
Detailed Explanation: Great for when details are finalized.
Scenario Example: “The date is official: August 20th—our wedding celebration.”
Best Use: Weddings, official announcements.
Tone: Formal, celebratory.
22. Set Your Schedule
Meaning: Reminds guests to plan around the date.
Definition: A polite call to action.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests preparation and planning.
Scenario Example: “Set your schedule—November 3rd—for our leadership summit.”
Best Use: Conferences, retreats.
Tone: Professional, directive.
23. Make Space for This Day
Meaning: Encourages guests to keep the day open.
Definition: A considerate reminder.
Detailed Explanation: Works for both casual and formal events.
Scenario Example: “Make space for this day—December 24th—for our family Christmas dinner.”
Best Use: Personal, family gatherings.
Tone: Warm, considerate.
24. Date to Remember
Meaning: Suggests the day will be significant.
Definition: A poetic and thoughtful phrase.
Detailed Explanation: Adds emotional weight to the invite.
Scenario Example: “A date to remember—June 5th—when our journey as a couple begins.”
Best Use: Weddings, milestone birthdays.
Tone: Sentimental, elegant.
25. Clear Your Schedule
Meaning: Tells guests to prioritize the date.
Definition: Strong and assertive request.
Detailed Explanation: Works when attendance is important.
Scenario Example: “Clear your schedule—March 18th—for our product launch event.”
Best Use: Business events, must-attend occasions.
Tone: Direct, firm.
26. This Day Belongs to Us
Meaning: Personalizes the importance of the date.
Definition: Emphasizes exclusivity.
Detailed Explanation: Romantic or intimate.
Scenario Example: “This day belongs to us—September 14th—our wedding day.”
Best Use: Weddings, anniversaries.
Tone: Romantic, intimate.
27. We Can’t Wait for This Date
Meaning: Shares excitement and anticipation.
Definition: Adds a personal emotional touch.
Detailed Explanation: Makes the invitation feel warm and genuine.
Scenario Example: “We can’t wait for this date—June 10th—please join us for the celebration!”
Best Use: Weddings, birthdays, milestone events.
Tone: Excited, heartfelt.
28. Remember to Join Us
Meaning: Encourages participation on the chosen date.
Definition: Friendly and welcoming.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on the guest’s presence.
Scenario Example: “Remember to join us—August 30th—for our engagement party.”
Best Use: Informal celebrations.
Tone: Friendly, warm.
29. Upcoming Celebration Date
Meaning: Announces the date of a big celebration.
Definition: A simple and formal phrase.
Detailed Explanation: Works for announcements and reminders.
Scenario Example: “Upcoming celebration date: December 1st—our silver anniversary.”
Best Use: Milestones, anniversaries, formal invites.
Tone: Neutral, polished.
30. Time to Celebrate—Mark the Date
Meaning: Combines joy with a clear call to action.
Definition: A lively and fun invitation line.
Detailed Explanation: Works for casual or festive events.
Scenario Example: “Time to celebrate—mark the date: May 25th for our family reunion!”
Best Use: Birthdays, reunions, parties.
Tone: Joyful, celebratory.
Conclusion
Choosing the right words for an invitation is about more than just logistics—it’s about tone, warmth, and personality. While “Save the Date” is a reliable classic, these 30 alternatives allow you to tailor your message to the occasion, whether you want it to feel professional, playful, heartfelt, or formal.
Grace Marie is a skilled grammar expert at Grammar Apex, dedicated to helping writers of all levels refine their language skills. With a passion for clarity and precision, she offers insightful tips and easy-to-understand explanations to make even the trickiest grammar rules simple. Whether you’re crafting professional documents, academic essays, or everyday writing.