How to Create Your Own Save the Date Cards
Planning Your Raleigh Area Wedding
Planning your dream wedding in the Raleigh area is no small feat. You’ve set the date (yay!), booked the venue, and now it’s time to spread the word. First impressions matter, and your save the date cards are the perfect way to kick off the celebration! They set the tone, get your loved ones excited, and ensure busy guests mark their calendars.
But why spend a fortune when you can make your own custom save the dates? With a little creative effort, you can design cards that reflect your personality, love story, and wedding vibe, all while staying on budget.
As artists and creatives away from the venue, we're excited to share these creative tips with you. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to create save the date cards for your Raleigh area wedding. Whether you’re a creative DIY-er or just simply someone who values the warmth of adding a personal touch to their wedding announcements, we’ve got you covered!
Why DIY Save the Date Cards?
Creating your own save the date cards allows you to infuse your unique personality into every detail. It’s also an opportunity to set the tone for your wedding day, reflecting your style and vision.
Here’s why DIY is the way to go:
Budget-friendly: Professional stationery can be pricey. Designing your own cards can help save money for other wedding expenses.
Personalized touch: DIY cards allow you to showcase your unique style, whether that’s modern, rustic, chic, or completely offbeat. A personal touch makes your cards truly unforgettable.
Enjoyable experience: Crafting your save the dates can be a fun pre-wedding activity, especially if you involve your partner or family.
Flexibility: You’re not bound by templates or limitations. You can truly create something that shouts YOU.
Now, Raleigh area brides, grab a cup of coffee (or sweet tea) and get ready to bring your vision to life.
Somos Family Weddings & Events is a beautiful and affordable venue near Raven Rock State Park.
📷: Jessica Creech Photography
Step 1. Gather Inspiration
Before you start designing, spend some time collecting ideas. Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs are fantastic resources for save the date inspiration. Raleigh is brimming with character, making it the perfect muse for your save the date cards. Here are a few ideas to inspire your design:
Classic Southern Elegance: Planning a black-tie affair for your wedding? Opt for elegant calligraphy, rich textures, and timeless color schemes like gold, navy, or blush. Incorporate magnolia flowers, lace textures, or antique cameo motifs to evoke timeless Southern grace.
Modern Chic: Think sleek fonts, clean lines, and minimalist designs if you’re hosting your wedding in one of Raleigh’s contemporary downtown spaces.
Rustic and Romantic: If you're planning a cozy barn wedding, an outdoor ceremony surrounded by natural beauty, or just going for an outdoorsy feel, feature woodgrain textures, greenery, and soft, earthy hues to reflect Raleigh's beautiful parks and farms.
Playful and Whimsical: Inspired by Raleigh's vibrant murals? Bring your quirky personality to the forefront with bold colors, playful fonts, or illustrations. Perfect for a laid-back outdoor wedding or a quirky, Raleigh-flavored event reminiscent of downtown Raleigh's lively atmosphere.
Take note of designs, fonts, colors, and layouts that catch your eye. This will give you a clear sense of direction for your own cards. Take a moment to visualize your wedding day. How do you want guests to feel when they first open your save the date card? That’s your starting point.
Your save the date will give guests their first glimpse into your wedding’s theme. Think of it as a sneak preview of your big day!
Step 2. Decide on Your Format
Save the date cards come in many shapes and sizes. Here are a few popular options to consider:
Traditional cards: A classic choice that works for any wedding theme.
Postcards: Budget-friendly and simple—no envelopes required!
Magnets: A fun and functional idea that guests can stick on their fridge.
Digital e-cards: Perfect for tech-savvy couples or last-minute announcements.
Choose the format that works best for your style, timeline, and budget. Raleigh brides, don’t be afraid to mix it up and make it uniquely yours!
Step 3. Gather Your Details
Before jumping into design mode, make sure you have all the key details ready to go. Your save the date should include these elements:
Your Names: First names are usually enough, but feel free to include both full or shortened versions.
Wedding Date: The day to mark on the guests’ calendars.
Location (City/Town): Raleigh or nearby locations—no need for the full venue address at this stage.
“Formal Invitation to Follow” Line: This lets your guests know more details are coming.
Keep the text short and clear—for example:
*"Save the Date!
Emily and James are getting married!
October 18th, 2025 | Raleigh, North Carolina.
Formal invitation to follow."*
If you have a wedding website or hashtag, this is a great place to subtly add it!
Step 4. Choose a Design Tool
You don’t need to be a professional graphic designer to create beautiful save the dates. There are plenty of easy and user-friendly tools out there to help you bring your vision to life. Here are some top recommendations:
Canva (www.canva.com): Tons of free and customizable templates to get you started.
Adobe Express (www.adobe.com/express): Easy-to-use design software with plenty of features.
Paperless Post (www.paperlesspost.com): For digital save the dates that are both stylish and simple to send.
VistaPrint (www.vistaprint.com): If you want affordable printing options, this platform combines design and print services.
Remember to match your design with your wedding color palette or theme for a cohesive look.
Step 5. Get Creative with Design
Your save the dates are your first opportunity to wow your guests, so don’t hold back on creativity!
Choose a Color Palette
Select colors that complement your wedding theme. Consider using Raleigh-inspired palettes—like soft greens and whites for a garden wedding or brick reds and blues for a city-chic wedding. Stick to 2–3 complementing colors to keep your design polished.
Pick Fonts and Layouts
Want a modern vibe? Opt for sleek, bold fonts. Gong more formal? Choose a romantic script font. Dreaming of a rustic and romantic wedding? Try handwritten or calligraphy-style fonts.
Play around with the layout to find a look that feels balanced and visually appealing. You can also play with font sizes to emphasize key details like the date or names.
Add Personal Touches
Include a photo of you and your partner—perhaps a shot from a recent engagement session. You can also add fun graphics, like hearts, florals, or whatever suits your style.
Keep it Simple
While it’s tempting to include every detail, save the date cards should be short and sweet. Save the specifics for the formal invitation.
Step 6. Print or Send
Once your design is complete, it’s time to bring it to life!
Printing Options: Choose a professional printer for high-quality results. Raleigh is home to some incredible local print shops that can help bring your design to life. Or, online services like VistaPrint and Moo work just as well.
Paper Type: Choose high-quality, thick cardstock that gives a professional and polished feel. Play with textures, like linen or hammered finishes, for an upscale look. Recycled paper is also an eco-friendly option for green-minded couples.
DIY Printing: Have a printer at home? Invest in high-quality paper and ink for great results.
If you’re going the digital route, simply upload your design to an e-card platform and send it to your guest list with a click!
Step 7. Mail Them Out
The earlier your guests know about your wedding date, the better! Sending your save the dates six to eight months before the wedding is a good rule of thumb. For destination weddings, aim for 8 to 12 months in advance.
Don’t forget to take a photo of your save the dates with your favorite Raleigh backdrop for a cute Instagram post. Use hashtags like #RaleighWedding and #DIYSaveTheDate to inspire other brides-to-be!
Celebrate Your Save the Dates
Creating your own save the date cards is more than just a money-saving hack—it’s an opportunity to put your personal touch on your wedding planning. Your save the date cards are the first step in inviting your guest list to celebrate your love. By creating them yourself, you’re setting the tone for a heartfelt, personal wedding that reflects your unique story. With locally inspired designs and heartfelt creativity, your guests will be just as excited about your big day as you are.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want an extra creative hand, why not connect with a local Raleigh artist or designer? You’ll support local talent while creating something truly extraordinary for your celebration.
For more wedding tips, themes, and step-by-step guides, be sure to follow our blog.
Happy planning!
Our venue, Somos Family Weddings & Events, is a locally owned, family business. When planning your wedding, choosing a locally owned venue can make your day even more special and meaningful. These venues offer a level of warmth and care that’s hard to find elsewhere, with personalized service that makes every detail feel uniquely yours. Additionally, booking a local venue directly supports the community, helping small businesses thrive and contributing to the local economy. By selecting a locally owned space, you're not just celebrating your wedding—you’re creating heartfelt connections with the people and the place that make it truly special. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.
Evermore Ridge
Black River Lodge
Legacy at Serenity Farms
The Hidden Gem of Gruene
Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast
SC Southern Charm Events
The Vineyard at St. Charles
