We’ve all been there: you’ve got an exciting event coming up, and now it’s time to let your friends, family, or colleagues know about it. The phrase “Save the Date” is a classic standby. It’s clear, direct, and easy to understand.
However, sometimes you might want to get a bit more creative, personal, or formal with your message. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a business event, or a casual gathering, there are several effective and thoughtful alternatives to “Save the Date.”
In this article, we’ll explore 15 alternatives, each with examples, so you can choose the one that best fits the occasion. By the end, you’ll be armed with a range of options to help you communicate your upcoming events with flair!
Quick Summary
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick look at 15 alternative ways to say “Save the Date”:
- Mark Your Calendar
- Set the Date Aside
- Block Off Your Schedule
- Hold the Date
- Pencil It In
- Circle the Date
- Put This Date on Your Radar
- Don’t Miss This Date
- Keep This Date Free
- Reserve This Day
- Clear Your Schedule
- Save the Spot
- Lock It In
- Ring in Your Calendar
- Make a Note of This Date
Each of these alternatives serves a different purpose depending on the tone, formality, or the type of event. Let’s break them down in more detail!
Why the Confusion?
Why do we need so many alternatives to “Save the Date”? The phrase itself is widely understood and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. But for anyone looking to make their event communication a bit more engaging, there are valid reasons to explore other options.
- Tone and Formality: The level of formality can drastically change the tone of your message. For example, “Mark your calendar” might be appropriate for both business and personal settings, but “Pencil it in” is more informal, ideal for a gathering with close friends.
- Variety and Creativity: Variety adds color and excitement to any communication. By mixing up your event reminders, you keep the recipient engaged and invested in what you’re announcing.
- Engagement: The phrase “Save the Date” is quite straightforward, but sometimes a bit of creativity can make your message feel more personal, memorable, or fun.
Understanding when to use each of these alternatives is key to striking the right balance between formality and creativity. Let’s explore how to properly use them in various contexts.
Detailed Explanation & Correct Usage
Let’s take a deeper look at how each of these alternatives works in practice and why they may be better than “Save the Date” in certain scenarios.
1. Mark Your Calendar
This is one of the most universally applicable alternatives to “Save the Date.” It’s clear and direct, yet formal enough for business or personal events.
Example:
Subject: Mark Your Calendar for Our Annual Charity Event!
Dear [Name],
Please mark your calendar for our Annual Charity Event on [Date]. We look forward to your participation in this important cause. Further details will follow soon.
2. Set the Date Aside
A bit more formal and elegant, “Set the date aside” works well for events that are meant to feel significant, like weddings or formal parties.
Example:
Subject: Set the Date Aside for Our Wedding Celebration!
Dear [Name],
We are excited to announce our wedding on [Date]. Please set this special day aside for us—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
3. Block Off Your Schedule
This phrase conveys a sense of urgency and commitment, making it perfect for business events or workshops.
Example:
Subject: Block Off Your Schedule for Our Conference
Dear [Name],
Please block off your schedule on [Date] for our upcoming conference. We have an exciting agenda planned, and we’d love for you to attend.
4. Hold the Date
“Hold the date” is formal yet polite, commonly used in professional settings or important celebrations, such as milestone anniversaries or corporate events.
Example:
Subject: Hold the Date for Our Company’s 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
Dear [Name],
We’re celebrating our 10-year milestone on [Date]. Please hold the date as we’d love for you to join us in commemorating this special occasion.
5. Pencil It In
This more casual and flexible alternative suggests a tentative arrangement but still encourages people to remember the date.
Example:
Subject: Pencil It In for Our Summer Picnic!
Hi [Name],
We’re planning a casual summer picnic on [Date]. Pencil it in for now, and we’ll confirm the details as we get closer to the date!
6. Circle the Date
With a bit of visual imagery, “Circle the date” is engaging and playful, suitable for informal or personal events.
Example:
Subject: Circle the Date for Our Baby Shower!
Hey [Name],
We’re throwing a baby shower for [Name] on [Date], and we’d love for you to join us. Circle the date, and get ready for a fun celebration!
7. Put This Date on Your Radar
“Put this date on your radar” is modern and somewhat informal. It’s perfect for tech-savvy audiences or for casual but important events.
Example:
Subject: Put This Date on Your Radar – Product Launch Event
Dear [Name],
Our much-anticipated product launch is on [Date]. Put this date on your radar—you won’t want to miss the unveiling of our latest innovations!
8. Don’t Miss This Date
Adding a sense of urgency, “Don’t miss this date” is great for events that are exclusive or have limited availability, like concerts or special invitations.
Example:
Subject: Don’t Miss This Date – VIP Concert on [Date]
Dear [Name],
We’ve secured exclusive access to a concert featuring [Artist] on [Date]. Don’t miss this date—tickets are limited!
9. Keep This Date Free
“Keep this date free” is straightforward and works well for both formal and informal gatherings when you want to ensure someone is available.
Example:
Subject: Keep This Date Free – Our Annual Family Reunion
Hey [Name],
Our family reunion is set for [Date]. Keep this date free for a day of fun, food, and family bonding. We’ll have more details soon!
10. Reserve This Day
“Reserve this day” is formal and a little more serious. It’s ideal for corporate events, grand openings, or other significant milestones.
Example:
Subject: Reserve This Day for Our Grand Opening!
Dear [Name],
We are thrilled to invite you to our grand opening on [Date]. Please reserve this day for an exciting celebration. We’ll see you there!
11. Clear Your Schedule
An informal and urgent call to action, “Clear your schedule” demands attention and suggests that the event is important.
Example:
Subject: Clear Your Schedule for Our Workshop!
Hi [Name],
Please clear your schedule on [Date] for our exclusive workshop. It’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss!
12. Save the Spot
This is a casual and modern way to ask someone to keep a space in their calendar for your event, without being overly formal.
Example:
Subject: Save the Spot for Our Dinner Party!
Dear [Name],
We’re hosting a dinner party on [Date] and would love for you to be there. Save the spot—we’ll follow up with more details soon!
13. Lock It In
“Lock it in” is used to indicate that the date is confirmed and should be set aside without question. It’s firm and final.
Example:
Subject: Lock It In – Our Annual Gala!
Dear [Name],
Our Annual Gala is confirmed for [Date]. Lock it in on your calendar for an evening of elegance and entertainment.
14. Ring in Your Calendar
This is a fun and creative alternative that combines the idea of “marking” with a bit of flair, perfect for personal celebrations.
Example:
Subject: Ring in Your Calendar – New Year’s Eve Party!
Hey [Name],
Don’t miss our New Year’s Eve celebration on [Date]. Ring it in your calendar—we’ll have a night to remember!
15. Make a Note of This Date
This simple, yet effective alternative is perfect for both informal and professional settings.
Example:
Subject: Make a Note of This Date – Our Conference!
Dear [Name],
Please make a note of [Date] for our upcoming conference. It promises to be an event full of learning and networking.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Whether you’re organizing a wedding, a corporate event, or a casual get-together, knowing how to craft an engaging and appropriate reminder is crucial. While “Save the Date” is reliable, exploring alternatives can add personality and tone to your invitations. From formal announcements to informal reminders, you now have 15 effective ways to let people know about your upcoming events.
When choosing the best alternative, consider your audience, the formality of the event, and the level of excitement you want to convey. Each of these phrases offers its own flavor, helping you communicate your special event with clarity and style.
Emily Hudson, the creative mind behind “English Summa,” is a passionate English language educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Teaching Certification. Dedicated to making the intricacies of English accessible to learners, Emily brings a blend of expertise and enthusiasm to her readers. Follow English Summa for insightful language tips, literary explorations, and a shared love for the beauty of English.