Matching Save-the-Dates and Invitations You Should Definitely Consider for Your Wedding

When it comes to your wedding, there are a host of things to think about: budget, guest list, venue, just to name a few. But other items on your to-do list may require a little more effort than you might think. When it comes to matching save-the-dates and invitations, you probably have a few questions concerning overall style, timing and whether save-the-dates and wedding invitations have to match.

That's where The Knot comes in. We created this guide to help you decide whether your save-the-dates and invitations should match and to inspire ideas for your invitation suite. Once you check out a few of our favorites below, head to The Knot Invitations for even more inspiration.

In this article: Do Save-the-Dates and Invitations Have to Match? | Matching Save-the-Dates and Invitations | Where to Buy Matching Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Do Save-the-Dates and Invitations Have to Match?

When it comes to wedding planning, there are very few things you're "required" to do. Your wedding should be yours—and that includes everything from the venue all the way down to your invitations. "Your save-the-date is often the first introduction to the wedding, so it can set a tone or simply hint at the style to come," explains Julian Leaver, founder and principal of Julian Leaver Events based in Dallas. "The invitation suite carries more weight and can be more formal or more detailed. Some couples like the freedom to play with two different aesthetics, while others prefer a unified story from start to finish. Both approaches are completely acceptable." For inspiration, check out The Knot Invitations, and be sure to check out the array of wedding websites on The Knot if you want to have that match as well.

Tips If You Don't Want Matching Save-the-Dates and Invitations

If you don't want matching wedding invitations and save-the-dates, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Keep the colors in the same family. They don't have to both be purple or green, etc., but they should complement each other and feel cohesive when displayed next to each other—like on someone's fridge.
2. Save-the-dates are typically more casual (check out some save-the-date etiquette), so if you want to use a photo from your engagement or an engagement shoot, do so on the save-the-date rather than the invitation, as that should remain a bit more formal.
3. "Choose one or two elements that stay consistent, such as a color family, a monogram or a type style, then let the rest evolve," Leaver recommends. "Think of the save-the-date as an appetizer and the invitation as the main course. They do not need to be identical, but they should feel like they belong to the same celebration." Understanding the differences between save-the-dates and invitations will help you narrow down the choices.

Matching Save-the-Dates and Invitations

"Matching pieces create an immediate sense of cohesion and polish," Leaver says. "Guests instantly understand the tone, formality and style of the event, which strengthens the overall impression. It can also make the stationery process easier because the design direction is already established."

If you've decided matching save-the-date and wedding invitations is the way to go, check out the save-the-dates on The Knot to get inspiration or begin shopping for your favorite design or style. And before you make your final pick, be sure you have a clear timeline in mind, depending on your event, so you know when to send wedding invitations.

Newspaper Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

Extra extra, read all about it! It's big news that you're getting married, so your matching invitations and save-the-date cards should reflect that—literally. It's your wedding, and you deserve to be on the front page, so why not create your own? It's a fun and unique way to get the party started.

Botanical Frame Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

The sketched botanicals and delicate leaves framing the invitation and save-the-date wording are the perfect addition to a garden wedding or an outdoor celebration. Choose from a variety of shapes and paper types with these affordable wedding invitations.

Minimal Wildflower Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

Put your love front and center with an image of you both surrounded by foil florals. The whimsical and delicate details on the save-the-date and matching wedding invitation put the information guests need to know as the primary focus, with a touch of artistry.

Coastal Love Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

If you're having a celebration by the sea or lake, this airy coastal watercolor illustration gives the save-the-date and invitation a nautical feel. While the navy hue is a perfect complement, it's also available in four other colors.

Vintage Island Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

For those destination wedding couples, why not lean into the tropical island vibe with these fun and punchy matching save-the-date postcards and wedding invitations? The colorful sunset scene and palm trees set the scene for a fun and exciting event to come.

Foil Lace Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

This elegant pattern of foil florals gives off a simple yet elegant vibe. The information for your big day remains front and center, while the design acts as an accent. This versatile save-the-date and invitation suite can be used for a variety of wedding styles.

Starry Photo Foil Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

The foil-golded star motifs shimmer and bring your romantic image to life. Whether you choose gold, rose gold or silver for the accents, this suite takes your romantic photo to new heights. It'll almost look like the stars were there the whole time.

Mountain Escape Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

Whether you're getting married among the mountains or in the winter, consider this save-the-date and wedding invitation combination featuring a gilded mountain scene at the bottom. The shimmering foil frame makes your wedding information stand out in the middle.

Handwritten Love Note Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

Give your save-the-dates and invitations a personal touch with a handwritten font, paper-textured background and a scrapbook-inspired image. For couples that love reading and writing, this is a great way to nod to your passion as you invite loved ones to your wedding.

Vintage Flourish Invitation Suite

Photo: The Knot

This flourishing, sweeping script is a work of art in itself. This invitation suite gives a timeless luxury feel, perfect for a glamorous or traditional wedding. Romance is definitely in the air when these hit the mailbox. This suite is also available with matching save-the-date magnets and wedding invitations.

Where to Buy Matching Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Matching save-the-dates and wedding invitations aren't hard to come by. In fact, there are a plethora of options to consider when you're on the hunt for a vendor.

• The Knot Invitations: Not only does The Knot Invitations offer a range of matching save-the-date and invitation styles, but you can also get accessories such as envelopes, liners, reply cards and more in the same style and color. You can filter by shape, color, style, price, season, foil or no foil—the options are bountiful. Plus, once you figure out your save-the-date and invitation set, find the matching wedding websites.
• Etsy: If supporting small artisans is important to you, Etsy's the place to be. If you're thinking of something a bit more custom or you want to work on crafting something totally unique, Etsy vendors are more than willing to work with you on your vision. You can filter by price, color, season, style and more to make sure you get the save-the-date and invitation set you want.
• Minted: Minted is another great online marketplace to visit if you're looking to support a small business. They let you see what your mock looks like before it's printed, and it has the feel of a very high-end, luxe invitation but the down-to-earth vibe of a local artisan. You can shop by style (bold and typographic, simple and minimalist), printing type (standard, letterpress, foil-pressed, gloss-pressed) and venue.