What to say instead of "save the date"?

Short answer

Say "please hold the date" or "we're getting married, keep the date free". Both are warm, clear and natural. You can also say "mark your calendar" or "we'd love you to join us on".

If "save the date" feels a bit formal or overused, try a friendlier phrase that still does the job. "Please hold the date" is polite and direct. "Keep the date free" is casual and easy to understand. "We're getting married, and we'd love you to be there" works well if you are sending a short message or a digital invite. You can also say "mark your calendar" or "put the date in your diary".

Whatever you choose, make sure the date is written clearly, including the day of the week, so guests can check their plans. If your wedding is on a bank holiday or during school holidays, say so, because that affects travel and childcare. You do not need to include the venue or time yet, but if you know them, it helps guests plan. If you are asking guests to travel, add a line like "more details to follow" so they know a proper invitation is coming.

Keep the tone consistent with the rest of your stationery. If your invitations are formal, use "please hold the date". If they are relaxed, "keep the date free" fits better. The goal is simply to give guests enough notice to make arrangements, without promising details you have not confirmed yet.