Eco Friendly Save the Date Cards

Eco Friendly Printer prints custom save the date cards for weddings and other celebrations on recycled paper, cotton paper and plantable seed paper, using soy-based inks. Couples send save the dates months before the wedding so guests can hold the date and plan travel, and many choose recycled paper so the first piece of their stationery reflects the way they want the day to feel. We print flat cards with matching recycled envelopes, and postcards that mail on their own.

Save the date formats

• Flat cards printed on one or both sides, mailed in a matching envelope
• Postcards with your design on the front and the guest address and stamp on the back, so no envelope is needed
• Plantable seed paper cards that guests can soak and plant after the wedding
• Recycled cards with a small die-cut seed paper piece attached, for designs that need fine detail or a photo

Most save the dates include your names, the date, the city or venue, and your wedding website if you have one. A line such as "Formal invitation to follow" tells guests that the full details will come later.

Save the date sizes

The most popular size is 5 x 7 in, the same size as most wedding invitations, mailed in an A7 envelope (5.25 x 7.25 in). A 4 x 6 in postcard is the other common choice, because a card no larger than 4.25 x 6 in on standard card stock can mail at the USPS postcard rate. We also print A2 (4.25 x 5.5 in) and A6 (4.5 x 6.25 in) cards. Square cards stand out in the mail, but they need extra postage. Our guide to save the date sizes covers each size, its envelope and the mailing rules in more detail.

Paper and finishes

Save the dates are usually printed on 100 lb to 130 lb cover, or on 110 lb cotton for a heavier card. Our recycled cover stocks come in white and natural shades with smooth, felt, linen and vellum finishes, and recycled content ranges from 30% to 100% post-consumer waste depending on the sheet. Postcards need a stiff stock so they hold up in the mail without an envelope. For a formal suite, ask about letterpress, foil stamping, blind debossing and deckle edges. Matte and uncoated finishes print photographs and type cleanly and keep the card easy to recycle.

Envelopes and guest addressing

Flat save the dates come with matching recycled envelopes in white, natural or kraft. We can print your return address on the back flap. If you send your guest list as an Excel file, we can also print each name and address directly on the envelopes or postcards, which saves hours of hand addressing.

How the eco choices apply

Save the dates go to households rather than to individual guests, so count addresses instead of names and add a few extras for keepsakes and late additions to the list. A postcard uses no envelope, which saves paper and postage. Seed paper gives guests something to plant, although its soft, textured surface suits bold, simple designs in one or two colors better than detailed photographs. Our guide to eco-friendly save the dates compares these options.

Planning and file setup

Save the dates usually go out six to eight months before the wedding, and eight to twelve months ahead for destination weddings and holiday weekends. Set your file to the finished size and add 0.125 in of bleed if color runs to the edge. Keep text at least 0.25 in inside the trim. If you plan to order wedding invitations later, use the same fonts, colors and paper so the pieces match.

How ordering works

Send your artwork, or your names, date and photo if you need help with the design, along with the size, format and quantity. Use our quote form or call (904) 567-4166. We will confirm the paper, the envelopes and a price before anything is printed. Most orders are ready in one to two weeks from artwork approval, so tell us your mail date when you request a quote.

Common questions about save the date cards

What size is a save the date card?

The most common size is 5 x 7 inches, mailed in an A7 envelope. 4 x 6 inch postcards and A2 cards (4.25 x 5.5 inches) are also popular.

When should save the dates be sent?

Save the dates usually go out six to eight months before the wedding, or eight to twelve months ahead for destination weddings and holiday weekends.

Can a save the date be mailed as a postcard?

Yes. A card no larger than 4.25 x 6 inches on standard card stock can mail at the USPS postcard rate without an envelope.

Do save the dates come with envelopes?

Yes. Flat save the date cards come with matching recycled envelopes in white, natural or kraft.

Can you print save the dates on seed paper?

Yes. We print plantable seed paper save the dates. They work best with bold, simple designs in one or two colors.

Can you print guest addresses on save the dates?

Yes. Send your guest list as an Excel file and we will print each name and address on the envelopes or postcards.

• Flat cards, postcards and seed paper save the dates
• 5 x 7, 4 x 6, A6 and A2 sizes
• Recycled, cotton and plantable seed paper
• Matching recycled envelopes in white, natural or kraft
• Guest names and addresses printed from your Excel list
• Letterpress, foil and deckle edge options