When you’re planning an event or important occasion, it’s essential to communicate clearly, effectively, and with a sense of personal touch. Using the same phrases repeatedly, like “Mark your calendars,” can feel impersonal. To make your messages stand out, adding meaningful, warm alternatives can elevate your communication.
Whether you’re organizing a meeting, an event, or a special occasion, expressing urgency or excitement can be done in more engaging and thoughtful ways. This article explores 30 alternatives to say “Mark your calendars”, giving you fresh and creative ways to communicate dates, while keeping the tone personal and memorable.
What Does “Mark Your Calendars” Mean?
Before exploring alternatives, let’s break down the meaning of “Mark your calendars.” This expression is often used to notify someone of a future event or important date. It’s a gentle reminder to set aside time for something significant, typically implying that the event is worth noting and cannot be missed. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure people remember the important date.
When to Use “Mark Your Calendars”
You might use “Mark your calendars” when you’re about to announce important events, deadlines, or dates. Whether it’s a meeting, celebration, or deadline, this phrase is a call to action, encouraging people to prioritize and remember a specific day. However, using varied language can make your communication more interesting and impactful.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Mark Your Calendars”?
In most cases, “Mark your calendars” is friendly and casual. However, in professional settings, it may not always feel formal enough. Depending on your audience, you might want to adjust the tone to suit your company culture or communication style. If the event is official, formal alternatives might be more appropriate, but if you’re addressing close colleagues or friends, “Mark your calendars” can work perfectly.
Pros and Cons of “Mark Your Calendars”
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward.
- Widely understood.
- Clear call to action.
Cons:
- Can feel too casual for formal events.
- Repetitive if used too often.
“Mark Your Calendars”Synonyms
- Save the Date
- Don’t Miss This
- Circle the Day
- Hold the Date
- Make Time for This
- Jot It Down
- Block Off Your Calendar
- Add This to Your Planner
- Keep This Date Free
- Schedule It In
- Pencil This In
- Stick This on Your Calendar
- Book This Time
- Lock It In
- Highlight the Day
- Set It in Stone
- Put It on Your Agenda
- Be Ready for This Date
- Get Ready to Join Us
- Clear Your Schedule
- Don’t Double Book
- Commit This to Memory
- Count Yourself In
- Plan Around This Date
- Reserve the Day
- Pin It to Your Calendar
- Keep the Day Open
- Log This Date
- Prioritize This Day
- Save a Spot in Your Schedule
1. Save the Date
Definition: Save the Date means to reserve a specific day or period for an upcoming event.
Explanation: Often used in formal or semi-formal settings, this phrase suggests that the date is reserved for something special, and you should make time for it.
Scenario Example: “Save the date for our wedding on July 15th!”
Best Use: Weddings, anniversaries, and major events.
Tone: Warm, personal.
2. Circle the Date
Definition: Circle the Date invites the reader to physically circle a date on a calendar, emphasizing importance.
Explanation: This alternative adds a bit of fun and urgency, urging the recipient to pay attention to the date.
Scenario Example: “Circle the date! We have our annual meeting on September 20th.”
Best Use: Business meetings, family reunions, or big celebrations.
Tone: Casual, energetic.
3. Mark It Down
Definition: Mark it down is a call to action, urging the person to make a note of an important date.
Explanation: This is less formal than “Save the Date” but still communicates urgency and significance.
Scenario Example: “Make sure you mark it down on your calendar – the event is on March 5th!”
Best Use: Personal reminders or casual business events.
Tone: Direct, friendly.
4. Lock in the Date
Definition: Lock in the Date implies finalizing or securing a date for something.
Explanation: This phrase works well when you want to convey that the date is now official and should be set in stone.
Scenario Example: “Lock in the date – we’re meeting at 3 p.m. tomorrow!”
Best Use: Professional appointments or confirming meetings.
Tone: Assertive, organized.
5. Put It on Your Radar
Definition: Put it on your radar means to keep the event or date in mind, signaling that it’s important but not necessarily urgent.
Explanation: This alternative is a bit softer and less direct but still communicates significance.
Scenario Example: “Put it on your radar – our team lunch is on the 12th!”
Best Use: Casual settings, low-pressure events.
Tone: Relaxed, laid-back.
6. Set a Reminder
Definition: Set a reminder asks the person to schedule a notification or note about an upcoming event.
Explanation: This alternative focuses on utilizing technology to remember a date, ideal for digital reminders.
Scenario Example: “Set a reminder for our conference call on Thursday at 10 a.m.”
Best Use: Professional events or time-sensitive appointments.
Tone: Professional, proactive.
7. Keep the Date in Mind
Definition: This phrase is softer, suggesting that the recipient should consider the date without feeling pressure.
Explanation: It works well for non-urgent or informal situations.
Scenario Example: “Keep the date in mind – our gathering is next Friday!”
Best Use: Casual, friendly events.
Tone: Gentle, conversational.
8. Mark It on Your Calendar
Definition: This is similar to “Mark your calendars,” but phrased in a slightly different way.
Explanation: This phrase is clear and actionable, reminding someone to add the event to their schedule.
Scenario Example: “Don’t forget to mark it on your calendar for our project deadline on March 25th.”
Best Use: Work or personal deadlines.
Tone: Clear, straightforward.
9. Don’t Miss It
Definition: Don’t Miss It stresses the importance of the event by telling someone they should attend or participate.
Explanation: This expression carries urgency and excitement, ensuring the recipient doesn’t overlook the date.
Scenario Example: “Don’t miss it – the seminar is on June 10th!”
Best Use: High-energy events like concerts or launches.
Tone: Excited, motivating.
10. Block the Date
Definition: Block the date suggests that the recipient should reserve the day exclusively for the event.
Explanation: This is more assertive than “Save the Date” and works when you need to ensure the date is prioritized.
Scenario Example: “Block the date! We have a team retreat on October 5th.”
Best Use: Professional events or important social gatherings.
Tone: Strong, commanding.
11. Don’t Forget the Date
Definition: Don’t forget the date is a gentle reminder that stresses the importance of remembering the upcoming event.
Explanation: A simple yet effective alternative, this phrase is often used when you want to emphasize that the event or deadline is not to be missed.
Scenario Example: “Don’t forget the date – our annual charity gala is next Saturday!”
Best Use: Friendly, personal reminders for social events.
Tone: Casual, encouraging.
12. Keep It on Your Calendar
Definition: Keep it on your calendar suggests maintaining awareness of an upcoming event without specifically highlighting the urgency.
Explanation: This alternative works when you want to keep the event visible but without added pressure.
Scenario Example: “Keep it on your calendar – we’re having a staff meeting on Monday at 10 a.m.”
Best Use: Low-pressure, work-related events.
Tone: Calm, organized.
13. Jot It Down
Definition: Jot it down is a casual way of asking someone to write something down quickly and easily.
Explanation: This phrase adds a sense of informality while still encouraging action to remember the date.
Scenario Example: “Jot it down – we’re meeting for coffee at 2 p.m. on Thursday.”
Best Use: Personal and casual events.
Tone: Friendly, relaxed.
14. Get Ready for the Date
Definition: Get ready for the date is an exciting alternative that builds anticipation for the upcoming event.
Explanation: This phrase adds an element of preparation and excitement, encouraging the recipient to plan ahead.
Scenario Example: “Get ready for the date – our vacation starts on July 5th!”
Best Use: Fun and exciting events like vacations, parties, and get-togethers.
Tone: Enthusiastic, motivating.
15. Set It in Stone
Definition: Set it in stone indicates that the date is confirmed and should not be changed.
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the certainty of the date and suggests that it’s official and unalterable.
Scenario Example: “Set it in stone – the presentation is on August 25th.”
Best Use: Formal events or meetings that cannot be rescheduled.
Tone: Firm, professional.
16. Don’t Let This One Slip By
Definition: Don’t let this one slip by highlights the importance of not missing the event, while suggesting a sense of urgency.
Explanation: This phrase implies that the event is too important to forget or ignore.
Scenario Example: “Don’t let this one slip by – our team building event is on October 12th!”
Best Use: High-importance events or dates that need attention.
Tone: Urgent, motivating.
17. Make It a Priority
Definition: Make it a priority encourages the recipient to prioritize the date by putting it at the top of their to-do list.
Explanation: This phrase is often used when you want to communicate that the event is not just important, but it should be given high priority.
Scenario Example: “Make it a priority – our annual planning meeting is next week.”
Best Use: Business meetings, critical deadlines.
Tone: Serious, focused.
18. Hold the Date
Definition: Hold the date is similar to “Save the Date,” suggesting that the recipient should reserve time for a future event.
Explanation: It’s a polite and somewhat formal way to let someone know they should plan for a specific day.
Scenario Example: “Hold the date – we have an important conference scheduled for December 3rd.”
Best Use: Weddings, conferences, formal events.
Tone: Respectful, considerate.
19. Block off Your Calendar
Definition: Block off your calendar means to reserve a certain amount of time to focus solely on the event.
Explanation: This phrase works when you need to make sure someone sets aside time specifically for the event.
Scenario Example: “Block off your calendar – we’re having a strategy session on Friday at noon.”
Best Use: Professional events, workshops.
Tone: Professional, organized.
20. Pencil It In
Definition: Pencil it in is a more flexible alternative, suggesting that the recipient should tentatively schedule the event, with the possibility of change.
Explanation: It’s often used in less formal situations or when the event’s timing might shift.
Scenario Example: “Pencil it in – we’ll be having a team lunch on Friday, though it might change.”
Best Use: Casual events with uncertain timings.
Tone: Informal, flexible.
21. Save the Day
Definition: Save the day is an energetic and fun way to let people know to remember an important event.
Explanation: While similar to “Save the Date,” this phrase adds a bit more enthusiasm and excitement.
Scenario Example: “Save the day – we’re hosting a special event on March 22nd!”
Best Use: Parties, social events, holidays.
Tone: Cheerful, motivating.
22. Book It on Your Calendar
Definition: Book it on your calendar means to schedule the event officially, as if you’re booking an appointment.
Explanation: It’s a more direct way of asking someone to commit to a date.
Scenario Example: “Book it on your calendar – we have our quarterly review meeting on Friday at 9 a.m.”
Best Use: Business meetings, appointments.
Tone: Professional, direct.
23. Save the Date and Time
Definition: Save the date and time includes not only the date but the specific time for the event.
Explanation: This phrase can be used for events where both the day and time are equally important.
Scenario Example: “Save the date and time – our annual conference is on September 14th, starting at 10 a.m.”
Best Use: Formal events, conferences.
Tone: Precise, organized.
24. Get It in Your Diary
Definition: Get it in your diary suggests writing the event down in a personal or professional calendar.
Explanation: This is more common in British English and provides a more personal touch.
Scenario Example: “Get it in your diary – our product launch is on April 2nd!”
Best Use: Personal events or casual work-related events.
Tone: Friendly, informal.
25. Save a Spot for This Date
Definition: Save a spot for this date asks the recipient to reserve the day for the event, as though it’s a limited opportunity.
Explanation: This phrase is more relaxed and can be used for events with limited availability.
Scenario Example: “Save a spot for this date – our beach party is on June 17th!”
Best Use: Social gatherings, limited-entry events.
Tone: Casual, fun.
26. Set the Date in Your Schedule
Definition: Set the date in your schedule refers to officially marking the day in a calendar or agenda.
Explanation: It’s more formal and works well in professional settings or situations where time is critical.
Scenario Example: “Set the date in your schedule – our board meeting is on November 5th.”
Best Use: Business meetings, professional events.
Tone: Formal, organized.
27. Flag the Date
Definition: Flag the date encourages the recipient to highlight the important date on their calendar or in their mind.
Explanation: This is a casual, friendly way to ask someone to remember an event without sounding too formal.
Scenario Example: “Flag the date – our team is having a retreat on August 15th.”
Best Use: Casual business events or personal gatherings.
Tone: Casual, inviting.
28. Put It on Your List
Definition: Put it on your list is a simple way to ask someone to note down the event as part of their to-do list.
Explanation: This alternative works well for non-urgent dates, especially when someone has many things to remember.
Scenario Example: “Put it on your list – we’re having our annual picnic on September 6th.”
Best Use: Casual events, personal reminders.
Tone: Relaxed, friendly.
29. Keep This Date Open
Definition: Keep this date open suggests the recipient should keep their schedule free for the event, implying flexibility.
Explanation: This phrase works for events that may not have a fixed schedule but are important.
Scenario Example: “Keep this date open – we might have a surprise meeting on December 8th.”
Best Use: Uncertain schedules, surprise events.
Tone: Flexible, casual.
30. Put a Pin in It
Definition: Put a pin in it refers to saving or reserving a date for later action, but not committing yet.
Explanation: This can be used for events that aren’t entirely finalized but need to be considered.
Scenario Example: “Put a pin in it – we’re thinking about rescheduling the holiday party.”
Best Use: Casual, tentative events.
Tone: Informal, flexible.
FAQs About “Mark Your Calendars” Alternatives
1. Why should I use alternatives to “Mark Your Calendars”?
Using alternatives helps you sound more personal, professional, or creative, depending on your tone. Not every situation calls for the same language, and having a variety of expressions allows you to match your message to the moment—whether it’s a wedding, meeting, or birthday.
2. Are these alternatives polite enough for formal events?
Yes! Many of the alternatives like “Hold the Date,” “Set It in Stone,” or “Save the Date and Time” are perfectly suitable for invitations, corporate announcements, and formal emails. The key is choosing an expression that fits the tone of your audience.
3. Can I use these phrases in professional emails or work settings?
Definitely. Phrases like “Block Off Your Calendar,” “Make It a Priority,” and “Book It on Your Calendar” are frequently used in workplaces to convey respectful reminders while maintaining a professional tone. They’re polite, clear, and direct.
4. How do I know which phrase fits best?
Think about your audience, the context, and your desired tone. For example, if it’s a fun event, you might say “Save the Day” or “Jot It Down.” For something more serious, consider “Set the Date in Your Schedule” or “Make It a Priority.” Tone matters—so choose what resonates best.
5. Are there any phrases to avoid when replacing “Mark Your Calendars”?
Avoid overly casual or unclear phrases like “You know what to do 😉” if you’re writing to a formal audience. Make sure your message is always respectful, clear, and considerate. Choose phrases that communicate both when and why the date matters.
Conclusion
Choosing the right way to say “Mark Your Calendars” can add a personal touch and help you express the importance of an event in a more engaging and thoughtful way. Whether you need a formal tone for work or something more fun for a casual gathering, having a range of alternatives at your disposal allows you to communicate with clarity and care.
By carefully considering the context and your audience, these alternatives not only convey the message but also show respect and consideration for those you’re addressing. So, next time you’re preparing for an important event, try using one of these alternatives to make your message stand out and feel more meaningful.
Emma Brooke is the voice behind Grammarly Hub, where grammar meets clarity. With a deep passion for the written word, Emma helps readers navigate the tricky waters of English grammar, writing tips, and effective communication.
