20 Other Ways to Say “Save the Date” (With Examples)

Are you tired of using the same old “Save the Date” phrase for your events? Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday bash, or business gathering, it’s time to freshen up your invitations. Let’s explore 20 creative alternatives that’ll make your event stand out and get people excited to mark their calendars.

Is It Professional to Say “Save The Date”?

No, it’s not professional. “Save the Date” is fine for casual events like birthdays or weddings. It’s easy to understand and works well for friends and family. But for work events like big meetings or conferences, it’s too casual.

Business events need more details. They should say what the event is about, what people need to do to get ready, and exactly when and where it will happen. For work stuff, it’s better to use more formal language and give more information.

What to Say Instead of “Save The Date”

• Mark Your Calendars
• Reserve the Date
• Lock It In
• Clear Your Calendar
• Set a Reminder
• Put It on Your Schedule
• Circle the Date
• Block Off the Day
• Make a Note of It
• Pencil Us In
• Stake Your Claim
• Plant the Seed
• Ink It In
• Flag This Day
• Earmark the Occasion
• Etch It in Stone
• Spotlight This Date
• Carve Out Time
• Bookmark This Moment
• Anchor Your Plans

1. Mark Your Calendars:

“Mark Your Calendars” gives a clear call to action. It’s straightforward yet effective, urging your guests to literally mark the date on their calendars. This works well for both formal and casual events, reminding people to make your occasion a priority.

It’s a bit more active than “Save the Date,” implying that guests should take immediate action.

Example: Email

Subject: Big News – Mark Your Calendars!

Hey Team,

We’ve set a date for our annual company picnic! Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 15th. We’re planning a day full of fun, food, and team-building activities. More details to come, but for now, just make sure you’ve got it noted. Can’t wait to see you all there!

Cheers, 

Sarah from HR

2. Reserve the Date:

“Reserve the Date” adds a touch of exclusivity to your announcement. It suggests that your event is important enough to warrant reserving time in advance. 

This phrase works particularly well for formal events or occasions where you want to emphasize the significance of the day. It’s a polite way to ask guests to keep that day free.

Example : Formal Invitation

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Thompson,

We cordially invite you to reserve the date of September 3rd, 2024, for the grand opening of the Springfield Art Museum’s new wing. Your presence would be greatly appreciated as we celebrate this momentous occasion in our city’s cultural history.

Formal invitation to follow.

Sincerely, The Board of Directors Springfield Art Museum

3. Lock It In:

For a more casual and modern approach, “Lock It In” is a great choice. It’s punchy, direct, and has a sense of finality that can create excitement. 

This phrase works well for younger audiences or for events with a more relaxed vibe. It conveys a sense of commitment and enthusiasm about the upcoming occasion.

Example : Text Message

Hey Alex! 🎉 Lock it in – May 20th is my big 3-0! Planning an epic bash at Rooftop Bar. You in?

4. Clear Your Calendar:

When you want to emphasize the importance of your event, “Clear Your Calendar” makes a bold statement. It suggests that your occasion is worth prioritizing over other potential plans.

This phrase works well for significant life events or when you’re organizing something that requires a full day or more of attendance.

Example : Social Media Post

🚨 Attention all book lovers! 📚 Clear your calendar for the weekend of October 12-13! The Annual City Book Fair is back and bigger than ever. Two full days of author meets, book signings, and literary discussions. You won’t want to miss a single minute!

5. Set a Reminder:

“Set a Reminder” is a practical and tech-savvy way to announce your event. It acknowledges our reliance on digital calendars and reminder apps. 

This phrase works well for professional events or when you’re targeting a tech-friendly audience. It’s also a subtle way to ensure your guests don’t forget about your event.

Example:Professional Email

 Subject: Quarterly Review – Set a Reminder

Dear Valued Client,

As we approach the end of the quarter, it’s time for our performance review meeting. Please set a reminder for Thursday, June 29th at 2 PM EST. We’ll be discussing your portfolio’s performance and strategizing for the upcoming quarter.

If you need to reschedule, please let us know at your earliest convenience.

Best regards, 

Jennifer Smith Financial Advisor

6. Put It on Your Schedule:

“Put It on Your Schedule” is a direct and practical way to ask someone to commit to your event. It’s less formal than “Save the Date” but still conveys the importance of the occasion.

 “Put It on Your Schedule” works well for business events, recurring meetups, or any situation where you want to emphasize planning and organization.

Example: Team Chat Message

 channel Hey Marketing Team! 📊 Our monthly strategy meeting is coming up. Put it on your schedule: Wednesday, Aug 17, 10 AM-12 PM. We’ll be brainstorming for the fall campaign, so bring your creative hats! 🧢💡

7. Circle the Date:

“Circle the Date” evokes a nostalgic feeling of physically marking a paper calendar. It’s a warm, friendly way to announce your event that works well for both formal and informal occasions. This phrase can create a sense of anticipation and importance around your event date.

Example : Wedding Website Announcement

 🗓️ Circle the Date: June 8th, 2025

Dear friends and family,

We’re over the moon to announce that we’ve set a date for our wedding! Please circle June 8th, 2025 on your calendars. We can’t wait to celebrate our love with all of you in the beautiful Sunset Valley.

Stay tuned for more details!

Love, 

Emma and James

8. Block Off the Day:

When your event requires a significant time commitment, “Block Off the Day” is an effective phrase to use. It clearly communicates that you’re asking guests to dedicate the entire day to your event. 

This works well for all-day events like weddings, conferences, or day-long celebrations.

Example : Event Invitation Email

 Subject: You’re Invited to Our Family Reunion!

Hey Johnsons!

It’s that time again – our bi-annual family reunion is just around the corner! Block off the day on Saturday, July 22nd. We’ve got a full day planned with games, barbecue, and plenty of catching up to do. The fun starts at 10 AM and goes until the last person leaves!

Can’t wait to see how much the kids have grown!

Love,

 Aunt Martha

9. Make a Note of It:

“Make a Note of It” is a gentle, non-pushy way to announce your event. It’s less demanding than some other phrases, making it suitable for more casual or tentative event planning. 

This phrase works well when you’re giving advance notice for an event that doesn’t require immediate commitment.

Example : Community Newsletter

🏘️ Oakville Community News

Neighbors, make a note of it: Our annual Spring Clean-Up Day is scheduled for April 15th. Let’s come together to spruce up our beautiful neighborhood! More details on meeting points and supplies will be shared closer to the date.

Together, we make Oakville shine! ✨

10. Pencil Us In:

“Pencil Us In” is a casual, friendly way to ask someone to tentatively commit to your event. It acknowledges that plans can change while still expressing hope that the person will attend. 

This phrase is great for informal gatherings or when you’re in the early stages of planning an event.

Example : Group Chat Message 

Hey gang! 👋 Thinking of throwing a little housewarming party next month. Can you pencil us in for Friday, Sept 8th? Nothing fancy, just good food, drinks, and company. Let me know if that date works for most of you!

11. Stake Your Claim:

“Stake Your Claim” adds a fun, adventurous twist to your event announcement. It suggests that guests should quickly claim their spot at your event, creating a sense of excitement and urgency. This works well for popular events where space might be limited.

Example : Social Media Post

Attention music lovers! Stake your claim for the hottest concert of the year! The Melodic Mavericks are coming to town on August 12th. Don’t miss your chance to rock out with us! Tickets go on sale next week. Who’s in? 🎸🎉 

12. Plant the Seed:

“Plant the Seed” is a gentle, nature-inspired way to announce your event. It implies that you’re giving early notice, allowing the idea of your event to grow in people’s minds. 

This phrase works well for events that are still in the planning stages or for save-the-dates sent well in advance.

Example : Email

Subject: Plant the Seed – A Garden Party is Coming!

Dear Green Thumbs,

We’re planting the seed for a blooming wonderful event! Our annual Community Garden Party is set for May 15th. As we nurture our plans, we hope you’ll let this date take root in your calendar. More details will sprout soon!

Happy gardening, 

The Park Avenue Gardening Club

13. Ink It In:

“Ink It In” suggests a stronger commitment than “penciling in” an event. It’s a catchy, slightly edgy way to ask guests to make a firm commitment to your date. 

This phrase is great for events where you need a solid headcount or for occasions you want to emphasize as unmissable.

Example : Text Message

Hey Chris! 🖋️ Time to ink it in – July 3rd is locked for my graduation party! No excuses, I need my best bud there. Ceremony at 2, party starts at 5. You in?

14. Flag This Day:

“Flag This Day” creates a visual of marking an important day, similar to placing a flag on a map. It’s a unique way to highlight the significance of your event date.

 “Flag This Day” works well for patriotic events,international gatherings, or any occasion you want to mark as special.

Example : Company Newsletter

Attention Team Members!

Flag this day: September 20th. It’s our company’s 25th anniversary, and we’re planning a global celebration! Each office worldwide will have special events, and we’ll connect for a virtual toast at noon EST. 

Stay tuned for more details on how we’ll mark this milestone together!

15. Earmark the Occasion:

“Earmark” typically refers to setting aside funds for a specific purpose. Using it for a date gives a sense of reserving or designating time for something important. 

This phrase has a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for professional events or significant personal occasions.

Example : Formal Invitation

Dear Dr. Johnson,

We kindly request that you earmark the evening of October 5th for the Annual Medical Research Gala. Your presence would greatly honor our commitment to advancing healthcare. Formal invitation to follow.

Sincerely,

The Board of Trustees City General Hospital

16. Etch It in Stone:

“Etch It in Stone” plays on the idea of something being permanent and unchangeable. It’s a strong, compelling way to announce a date, suggesting that it’s firmly set and important.

Use this for events that are definitely happening and where you want to convey the date’s significance.

Example : Wedding Website

💍 It’s Official – We’re Getting Married!

Jessica and Michael are thrilled to announce that we’ve etched it in stone: June 17th, 2025 is our big day!

We can’t wait to celebrate our love with you. More details coming soon, but for now, please mark this special date. It’s going to be epic!

17. Spotlight This Date:

“Spotlight This Date” draws attention to your event like a spotlight on a stage. It’s a great way to make your announcement stand out, especially if you’re in a field related to entertainment or public speaking. 

This phrase creates a sense of importance and excitement.

Example :

🎭 Calling all theater enthusiasts!

Spotlight this date:

November 10th. The Downtown Theater Group presents our season opening night! Join us for a dazzling performance of “The Phantom’s Encore“, followed by an exclusive meet-and-greet with the cast. Don’t miss this star-studded evening!

18. Carve Out Time:

“Carve Out Time” suggests creating space in a busy schedule for something important. It acknowledges that people are busy but asks them to prioritize your event. 

This phrase works well for professional development events, workshops, or any occasion that requires a time commitment.

Example : Work Email

Subject: Important Team Building Workshop – Carve Out Time

Hello Marketing Team,

Please carve out time on Friday, August 4th, from 9 AM to 4 PM, for our annual team-building workshop. This year’s theme is “Creativity Unleashed“, and we have some exciting activities planned. Your participation is crucial for our team’s growth and success.

Best regards, 

Samantha Head of Marketing

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19. Bookmark This Moment:

“Bookmark This Moment” is a modern, tech-savvy way to ask people to remember your date. It’s a fresh take on saving important information. 

It is  perfect for a tech-friendly audience or for announcing digital events. This phrase also adds a touch of sentimentality, suggesting that the event will be memorable.

Example : Social Media Event Page

 📚✨ Book Lovers Unite!

Bookmark this moment: 

On September 1st, we’re launching our first-ever Virtual Book Club! Join fellow readers from around the world as we dive into this month’s pick: “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.

To join, simply click ‘Interested’ and we’ll send you all the details. Happy reading!

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20. Anchor Your Plans:

“Anchor Your Plans” gives a sense of stability and importance to your event. It’s a nautical-inspired phrase that suggests your event should be the central point around which other plans are made.

This works well for destination events, weddings, or any occasion that might require travel or extensive planning.

Example :

 Ahoy, friends and family! 🏝️⚓

We’re setting sail on a new adventure, and we want you aboard! Anchor your plans for our destination wedding:

Date: July 22nd-24th, 2025 Location: Sunset Beach Resort, Hawaii

We’re so excited to share this special moment with you. More details on accommodation and activities will be coming your way soon. Start planning your tropical getaway!

Love, 

Emma and Liam

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