25 Classic Save-the-Date Ideas

Your save-the-dates are the first official wedding-related item your guests will see. In turn, you'll want to use them to convey your celebration's theme and prepare everybody for what's to come. While we've come across our fair share of unique, modern cards, we also understand the allure of classic paper goods—especially if you intend your event to feature classic details, too. Moreover, we know the word "classic" definitely isn't synonymous with the word "boring." These timeless wedding save-the-dates prove that.

Whether they feature elegant fonts, tried-and-true formats, or color combinations that will never go out of style, the following save-the-date ideas are all entirely faithful to tradition. Simultaneously though, they include fresh and unique design elements—like we said, classic doesn't have to mean boring. They also range from full-on fancy to slightly rustic, because any sort of wedding style can be personified by traditional paper goods if you play your cards right. Consider this first example: a refined white save-the-date in a bright envelope, which was created by Lettered Olive. The text and layout were very standard and befitting of a formal event. Meanwhile, the emerald envelope shade was surprising but still classic. Replicate the idea by commissioning simple cards for your own affair and pairing them with bold-but-timeless colors like green, red, or blue.

For more pretty and creative ways to send out classic wedding save-the-dates, keep clicking through our slideshow of inspiration. These stationery ideas may nod to the past, but they're definitely not stuck there.

Make your save-the-date shine with metallic details, as seen on this shimmering Jenna Stempel-Lobell card.

Opt for something that feels personalized, like these Plume Calligraphy save-the-dates, which resembled handwritten letters.

Navy is a classic text color. It looked elegant on this couple's Fine Print Stationery save-the-date.

Achieve an Old-World feel by using deckle-edge paper, which appeared on this Seniman Calligraphy save-the-date.

Foliage illustrations—like the green wreath wrapped around this Brown Linen save-the-date's text—are always beautiful.

Even the simplest of details can get your theme across. The bride conveyed this wedding's nautical vibe by designing save-the-dates in blue and white.

Spruce up a formal save-the-date with a custom monogram. Connor created this couple's.

Supplement minimalistic text with a standout border. How pretty did one look on this Seeds Paperie save-the-date?

Represent your venue abroad by writing your save-the-date two ways: in English and in the language of your destination. That's what this couple, who worked with Ink & Press Co., did.

Give your save-the-dates an edge by cutting them out in a unique shape, like this example.

An elegant font always looks elevated. Take this Shine Wedding Invitations example.

Tie your classic save-the-date up with ribbon that's just as refined, like Studio R did for this square card.

Love white, but don't want your save-the-date to blend in with the rest of your stationery suite? Pick two different shades. This Minted invite was stark white, while the save-the-date was off-white.

There's something so gorgeous about a letterpressed save-the-date. This one, by Dear Elouise, featured dark green Fleur de Letters calligraphy.

What's more glamorous than an Art Deco design, like on this Cheree Berry Paper save-the-date?

Classic save-the-dates can still be fun, which the sculpture-inspired edges of this Amber Moon Design creation proved.

Crests are definitively classic—even when slightly whimsical, such as the one on this couple's Every Little Letter save-the-date.

Have the landscape of your wedding venue painted as the backdrop of your save-the-dates, like this one by Julie Song Ink.

Kick off your stationery suite with a save-the-date card topped with a custom crest. Happy Menocal created this example.

Preview the wedding's bright color scheme in classic fonts, as shown on this couple's save-the-date from Paperless Post.

Or, hint at some of the flowers to come on the big day with a floral design similar to this one by Antiquaria.

Mix and match timeless fonts, like Tamra Evonne did for this couple.

Set the mood for a holiday wedding with classic themed motifs. Snowflakes came into play on this Christmas Cheree Berry Paper save-the-date.

Send out minimalistic save-the-dates, like these ones made by former Martha Stewart Weddings deputy art director Genevieve Panuska.