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Save the dates are an important part of the wedding planning process because it alerts your guests to your impending wedding, giving them plenty of time to clear their calendars and prepare for the wedding day. They come before the formal invitation, when the details are still hazy but you have a venue (or city) and a date.
While a simple physical or digital print is the most common way to send out a save the date, there are fun, whimsical alternatives that your guests are going to love and keep. These are guaranteed not to be thrown away and, in this way, the save the date becomes a keepsake of your wedding.
The 11 unique and creative save the dates we’ve listed below vary in price, style and materials but they all have one thing in common – your guests are going to love each of them.
Ready to check them out? Let’s go!
1- You can never have too many coasters.

Coaster save the date by Nesting Project Paper. Check it here.
We love this coaster idea because it’s functional and pretty. Made of sustainable materials, this coaster will be used every day and is the perfect reminder of your impending nuptials. It’s perfect for a relaxed, casual type of wedding with the natural material, colors and design.
Here’s what one user says:
I am obsessed with my save the dates as is everyone who got them. I’m sad my invites won’t live up to this amazing save the dates!
The line ‘love is brewing’ adds that extra touch and ties the concept of the coaster with marriage. Creative much!
2- Pencil in the date.

Pencil save the dates by Secret Creation. See it here.
These pencil save the dates are super creative, and your guests are sure to fall in love with them. They can be used and will remind your guests of your wedding each time they write with the pencil and if not, they’re beautiful enough to be kept as a keepsake. The pencils perfectly align with a rustic and bohemian styled wedding and are sure to garner you a lot of compliments.
3- Map it out

Map save the date by CW Designs. See it here.
Guide your guests with this creative map save the date that can have a range of information on it, including where the venue will be and other landmarks around the area. This is ideal for a destination wedding where your guests may be unfamiliar with the region. This is one save the date idea that can be framed and hung up somewhere by close friends and family to remember your special day.
4- Save the date, not the chocolate!

Save the date mini chocolates by Latelier Inspire. See them here.
I don’t like chocolate, said no one ever. With this innovative save the date idea, you can delight your guests and in case you were wondering how chocolate ties to the whole marriage idea, it’s all about sharing your ‘sweet moment’ together.
Says one guest:
This was the most unique save the date I’ve ever received. And the chocolate was delicious too!
5- Paper planes

Paper plane save the dates by Georgia Yates Design. See it here.
Indulge the inner child of your guests by sending them a DIY paper plane. They receive a flat piece of paper with instructions on how to turn it into a plane. Not only is this save the date idea cute but its also engaging and results in a beautiful keepsake that your guests will enjoy keeping around. This is ideal for a destination wedding with its connotations of flights, travel and holidays!
6- Puzzle pieces

Save the date fridge magnets by Wallfrog Graphics. See them here.
This save the date idea is bound to be one that your guests keep around for a long time. Cut into the shape of a jigsaw puzzle piece, these wooden designs come with or without the beautiful card, with a magnet attached to the back. This way, you get to have the traditional printed card and a more long-lasting keepsake. If you want to skip the card, you can go for just the magnet but we prefer the combo.
7- Hot and saucy

Hot sauce save the date by In Nonna’s Kitchen. See it here.
Another gastronomic delight, this clever save the date idea helps you spice things up with a little sauce for your guests. With a few different sauce types to choose from, you’re bound to get something your guests will actually use. Posting these could pose a challenge and be a little costly as well, but if you can work around that, this is one creative idea your guests will love.
8- Not just another mug

Personalized save the date mug by Awesome Peppers. Find it here.
Mugs are one of the most popular gifts because there’s just something cosy about them. A personalized save the date mug will be kept around for ages, long after your nuptials are over as a reminder and a talking point.
One reader says:
We absolutely loved the idea of a save the date mug because we had a really small and intimate wedding and wanted something special for our guests to remember the date by. This was perfect and they could use it every day after and remember us.
9- Calendar

Calendar save the date by My Favorite Party. See it here.
A more traditional idea, a Save the Date calendar often features the month of the wedding with the date marked clearly. This makes sure there’s no confusion regarding the date. Another option is to pick a calendar featuring the entire year would be more useful as that could be used every day.
10- Postcards

Save the date postcards by The Papered Wedding. See them here.
A cute idea and especially perfect for a destination wedding, a Save the Date postcard can be posted to your guests. This saves you having to buy envelopes and it also sets the tone for your wedding – casual, fun and exciting. You can have the picture customized with an image of the destination. Most people keep postcards as keepsakes, so this is one that will be kept and admired.
11- Personalized save the date tickets

Personalized tickets by Designs by Three Oh. See it here.
This Save the Date idea is perfect for a fun and creative wedding. It’s especially ideal for themed weddings or even formal, grander occasions, and brings a sense of excitement and anticipation that your guests will love.
Here’s what a reader says:
We knew we wanted a unique Save the Date and ended up going with personalized tickets. It was inexpensive and very different to what our guests had ever received before.
We hope we’ve got your creative juices flowing with this list of unique Save the Dates. The most important thing is to ensure that the Save the Dates match the tone and style of the wedding and is in line with your personal style and preferences.