Any recently engaged couples out there?? Choosing a save the date is probably one of the first decisions you’ll make for your wedding! Save the dates can reveal a lot about your wedding, so it’s important to choose wisely. Will your wedding be casual or formal? Is it in the mountains or by the beach? Your save the dates should reflect the type of wedding you plan to have. And since there aren’t as many rules for save the dates as for the formal invitation, you have more freedom to play around with the design. So have fun and don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Here are a few modern and creative save the date ideas to get you started! – Annie

Love the bright splash of color in these modern watercolor save the dates! | Photography: Philip Ficks, Stationery: Swiss Cottage Designs via The Knot

The photo booth strip and handwritten text add a personal touch. | Stationery: Bird and Banner via Brides

Obsessed with these embroidered vintage postcards! | Embroidery: Sarah West Ervin via Green Wedding Shoes

Feel free to play around with unique wording! This infographic save the date makes me wish I was invited. | Stationery: Natalie Grosner via Natalie Grosner

Feeling inspired by the geographic location of your wedding? Go with a map save the date! I’d hang this map save the date on my wall! | Photography: Phil Chester via Green Wedding Shoes

How fun is this pinwheel design?! | Photography: Christa-Taylor, Stationery: Tie That Binds via Style Me Pretty

You can never go wrong with gold foil and bold type. | Photography: Ryon:Lockhart Photography, Stationery: Allison Rhodes Designs via Style Me Pretty

The combination of wood and gold calligraphy is stunning. | Photography: KT Merry Photography, Stationery: Anticipate Invitations, Calligraphy: Curlicue Designs Calligraphy via Style Me Pretty

Has anyone ever said no to chocolate? | via Un Beau Jour

Give your guests a sneak peek at the wedding destination with postcards. You can even order a custom rubber stamp with your details to add all your information on the back. (And you’ll save money on stamps.) | Photography: Patricia Heal via Brides

All you need is a Polaroid camera to make these cute DIY save the dates! | Calligraphy: A Fabulous Fete via 100 Layer Cake

The sheet of vellum adds an elegant touch to an already gorgeous save the date. | Photography: Jose Villa, Stationery: Amber Moon Designs, Calligraphy: Anne Robin via Martha Stewart Weddings

You can find more wedding invitation and save the date inspiration in our real invitations gallery right here!