When planning events, meetings, or important dates, you might often hear or say, “Mark your calendars.” It’s a go-to phrase that gets the job done. But let’s be honest—using the same expression over and over can get repetitive. Whether you’re writing a professional email, sending out an event invitation, or simply reminding a friend, it’s helpful to have other ways to say mark your calendars that sound fresh, polite, and context-appropriate.
In this guide, we’ll explore what this phrase really means, whether it’s professional, and some of its pros and cons. Most importantly, you’ll find 20 creative alternatives to “mark your calendars”—each with a real-world example—so you can confidently vary your language depending on the setting.
What Does “Mark Your Calendars” Mean?
The phrase “mark your calendars” is a simple yet effective way to tell someone to note a specific date for a future event or deadline. It’s a friendly nudge to ensure they don’t forget something important coming up. People use it in both casual and formal settings—like reminding coworkers about a team meeting or inviting friends to a birthday party.
In essence, it’s a modern way of saying, “Please remember this date.” It implies that the event or activity is significant enough to deserve a spot on your calendar, whether that’s a physical planner or a digital app.
For example, if a company is holding a webinar on May 20th, an email might read, “Mark your calendars for May 20th—we’re going live with expert speakers at noon!” It’s direct, practical, and makes the event sound worth attending.
This phrase works especially well because it’s clear and universally understood. Everyone knows what a calendar is, and everyone gets the message instantly. But despite its simplicity, overusing it can sound dull or too informal in some contexts. That’s why exploring alternatives matters.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Mark Your Calendars”?
Yes, saying “mark your calendars” is generally considered professional and polite, but it depends on the tone and setting. In most office emails, newsletters, or group messages, it’s perfectly acceptable. It strikes a balance between being friendly and informative.
That said, it can feel a little casual in more formal or high-level professional communications. If you’re emailing an executive team or drafting a company-wide memo, phrases like “please save the date” or “kindly note the following date” might sound more appropriate. These alternatives carry the same intent but with a slightly elevated tone.
On the other hand, if you’re speaking to peers, clients, or a casual audience, “mark your calendars” feels welcoming and conversational. It avoids sounding robotic while still getting the point across.
So while the phrase isn’t impolite, context matters. You should always consider who you’re addressing and the formality of the message. Using varied, situation-specific language not only shows your communication skills but also keeps your content engaging.
Advantages or Disadvantages
Like many common phrases, “mark your calendars” comes with both upsides and downsides. Let’s break them down:
Advantages
First, it’s simple and universally recognized. There’s no confusion about what you mean when you say it. Whether someone uses a paper planner or a smartphone calendar, the action is clear.
Second, it’s warm and engaging. The tone usually feels encouraging, not commanding. That’s great when you want to come across as friendly without being overly formal or stiff.
Third, it’s short and effective. You don’t need a long sentence to remind someone of a date. “Mark your calendars” gets straight to the point.
Disadvantages
However, one downside is that it can sound repetitive or uninspired when overused—especially in newsletters, emails, or event communications.
Another disadvantage is that it might feel too casual in formal settings. For example, in a legal notice, using this phrase might reduce the seriousness of the message.
Lastly, it’s a bit generic. If you’re aiming for memorable messaging or strong branding, especially in marketing or client-facing content, more tailored alternatives can have a bigger impact.
So while “mark your calendars” is a solid default, switching things up can help keep your communication fresh and aligned with your audience.
Synonyms for Mark Your Calendars
1. Save the Date
2. Put It On Your Radar
3. Set a Reminder
4. Circle the Date
5. Make a Note
6. Block Off Your Calendar
7. Keep This Date Free
8. Save This Date
9. Keep In Mind
10. Don’t Forget
11. Save the Time
12. Block Your Time
13. Put a Pin in It
14. Mark the Day
15. Keep It in Mind
16. Set It in Stone
17. Jot It Down
18. Don’t Miss It
19. Clear Your Schedule
20. Put It On Your To-Do List
20 Other Ways to Say ‘Mark Your Calendars’
1. Save the Date
Definition: A polite way to ask someone to reserve a specific day for an event.
Explanation: Commonly used for weddings, parties, or major events, this phrase encourages recipients to block off time in their schedules.
Scenario Example: “We’re getting married next spring—save the date: April 15th!”
Tone: Friendly and formal
Meaning: Remind someone not to schedule anything else on that day.
Origin: First popularized in wedding invitations, now widely used in general event planning.
Use: Great for formal invitations or announcements.
2. Pencil It In
Definition: A casual way to suggest tentatively adding something to a calendar.
Explanation: “Pencil” implies the event may change, so it’s not yet permanent.
Scenario Example: “Let’s pencil in lunch for Thursday at noon.”
Tone: Informal and conversational
Meaning: Suggest adding an event with flexibility.
Origin: Derived from the use of pencils before digital calendars, allowing changes to be made easily.
Use: Suitable for casual settings or flexible plans.
3. Don’t Miss This
Definition: A call to action emphasizing the importance of attending.
Explanation: Makes the event sound exciting or crucial.
Scenario Example: “We have a special guest speaker next Friday—don’t miss this!”
Tone: Excited and persuasive
Meaning: Urges someone to prioritize and remember the event.
Origin: Common in advertising and event marketing.
Use: Best for promotional materials and informal reminders.
4. Circle the Date
Definition: A visual phrase asking someone to highlight a specific day.
Explanation: Evokes the act of circling a date on a paper calendar.
Scenario Example: “Circle the date: our annual picnic is July 2nd.”
Tone: Playful yet clear
Meaning: Draw attention to a specific date.
Origin: From old-school calendar usage.
Use: Friendly emails, announcements, or posters.
5. Add It to Your Calendar
Definition: A direct instruction to schedule an event.
Explanation: Works well with digital calendars and scheduling tools.
Scenario Example: “Please add our Q3 review meeting to your calendar: August 9th at 10 AM.”
Tone: Professional and straightforward
Meaning: Make a formal note of the date and time.
Origin: Modern usage linked with digital scheduling.
Use: Excellent for corporate or team communications.
6. Make a Note of This
Definition: Ask someone to write something down for future reference.
Explanation: Can refer to dates, times, or specific tasks.
Scenario Example: “Make a note of this—our team retreat is set for November 12th.”
Tone: Friendly or neutral
Meaning: Encourage attention to a detail.
Origin: Derived from general note-taking practices.
Use: Good for both casual and semi-formal reminders.
7. Set a Reminder
Definition: Ask someone to create an alert or notification.
Explanation: Common in digital planning, especially on smartphones or apps.
Scenario Example: “Set a reminder for the webinar on April 5th at 3 PM.”
Tone: Practical and modern
Meaning: Use technology to ensure the event isn’t forgotten.
Origin: Evolved from alarm clock usage to mobile alerts.
Use: Great for tech-savvy users.
8. Keep This Date in Mind
Definition: A soft nudge to remember a specific day.
Explanation: Less assertive than other options but still effective.
Scenario Example: “Keep this date in mind: team building day is August 18th.”
Tone: Thoughtful and considerate
Meaning: Suggests gentle mental bookmarking.
Origin: Everyday speech and memory-related language.
Use: Friendly and non-intrusive messages.
9. We’re Counting Down the Days
Definition: Creates anticipation for an upcoming event.
Explanation: Emphasizes excitement and importance.
Scenario Example: “We’re counting down the days to our product launch on May 20th!”
Tone: Enthusiastic and forward-looking
Meaning: Highlights how close the date is.
Origin: Often used in marketing campaigns.
Use: Perfect for events people are excited about.
10. Lock It In
Definition: A firm request to secure a date.
Explanation: Implies commitment and certainty.
Scenario Example: “Let’s lock in the team dinner for October 7th.”
Tone: Confident and assertive
Meaning: Make the date official in your schedule.
Origin: Colloquial, often used in corporate or social planning.
Use: Ideal when plans are finalized.
11. Calendar Alert
Definition: A direct cue to activate a digital notification.
Explanation: Emphasizes tech-based planning tools.
Scenario Example: “Calendar alert: Quarterly sales meeting is May 2nd at 2 PM.”
Tone: Businesslike and precise
Meaning: Encourages proactive scheduling.
Origin: From digital calendar systems and apps.
Use: Efficient for workplace settings.
12. Set the Date
Definition: Confirms a chosen date for an event.
Explanation: Works when a decision has just been made.
Scenario Example: “We’ve set the date for the launch party: June 22nd.”
Tone: Decisive and excited
Meaning: Officially choose and announce a day.
Origin: Traditional event-planning language.
Use: Announcements, invites, or planning updates.
13. Put It in Your Planner
Definition: Suggests using a physical or digital planner to track the event.
Explanation: Ideal for organized individuals.
Scenario Example: “Put it in your planner—team review on September 12th.”
Tone: Informative and direct
Meaning: Reinforces written planning habits.
Origin: Popular before smartphones; still used by planner lovers.
Use: Friendly reminders.
14. This Is One to Remember
Definition: Highlights the significance of an upcoming date.
Explanation: Makes the event seem meaningful or fun.
Scenario Example: “This is one to remember—don’t miss our 10-year reunion on July 30th!”
Tone: Emotional and warm
Meaning: Encourages emotional investment.
Origin: Common in celebratory speech.
Use: Special events or personal milestones.
15. Plan Around This Date
Definition: Ask people to avoid scheduling other things.
Explanation: Frames the event as a priority.
Scenario Example: “Plan around this date: June 15th is our offsite retreat.”
Tone: Assertive yet polite
Meaning: Gives this date precedence.
Origin: Scheduling and productivity language.
Use: Useful in team coordination.
16. Highlight This Day
Definition: Draw extra attention to a specific calendar date.
Explanation: Suggests visual or mental emphasis.
Scenario Example: “Highlight this day—our product goes live on April 25th!”
Tone: Promotional and upbeat
Meaning: Emphasizes urgency or significance.
Origin: Inspired by highlighters used in notes and calendars.
Use: Great for big launches or deadlines.
17. Don’t Let This Slip By
Definition: Warns someone not to forget or ignore the event.
Explanation: Adds urgency or fear of missing out (FOMO).
Scenario Example: “Don’t let this slip by—RSVP before May 1st!”
Tone: Cautionary and persuasive
Meaning: Encourages attentiveness.
Origin: Casual conversational English.
Use: Effective in event promotion.
18. Keep This on Your Radar
Definition: Stay aware of the upcoming date.
Explanation: Good for long-lead or tentative events.
Scenario Example: “Keep this on your radar—we might have a client review in early August.”
Tone: Casual and informative
Meaning: Suggests mental bookmarking.
Origin: Military and aviation slang, adopted in business language.
Use: Flexible for uncertain or future plans.
19. Tag This Day
Definition: Associate a tag or label with an important date.
Explanation: Modern and often tech-inspired.
Scenario Example: “Tag this day for the grand opening: September 1st!”
Tone: Trendy and modern
Meaning: Treat this day as special or noteworthy.
Origin: Derived from social media and data tagging.
Use: Useful in digital marketing.
20. Remember the Date
Definition: Ask someone to actively recall a specific day.
Explanation: Simple and clear alternative.
Scenario Example: “Remember the date—our fundraiser gala is March 3rd.”
Tone: Classic and respectful
Meaning: Keep this date in memory.
Origin: Longstanding formal phrase.
Use: Good for both formal and informal communications.
Conclusion
“Mark your calendars” is a reliable, commonly used phrase—but it’s not your only option. Whether you’re writing for coworkers, clients, or casual contacts, switching things up can make your communication more effective and engaging. Now that you’ve seen 20 other ways to say mark your calendars, you can confidently choose a phrase that fits your tone, setting, and audience perfectly.
Remember, how you remind people of a date says just as much as what you’re reminding them about. Whether you’re inviting them to a webinar, announcing a launch, or organizing a meetup—your words matter. The right phrase can build anticipation, show professionalism, and create clarity.
Keep this list handy, and never feel stuck with the same old line again!
FAQ: 20 Other Ways to Say ‘Mark Your Calendars’
What is a formal alternative to “mark your calendars”?
“Please save the date” or “Kindly note the following date” are polite, professional alternatives often used in business or formal emails.
Is it rude to say “mark your calendars”?
No, it’s not rude. It’s generally seen as a friendly reminder. However, in some very formal settings, it may feel too casual.
Can I use “mark your calendars” in business emails?
Yes, it works well in team updates, internal newsletters, or friendly business messages. For executives or external clients, consider using a more formal phrase.
How can I make reminders sound less repetitive?
Vary your wording using phrases like “save the date,” “set a reminder,” or “lock in the date” to keep your messages fresh and engaging.
Do these phrases work in digital formats?
Absolutely. Whether it’s an email, text, calendar invite, or social post, these alternatives adapt well across all formats.
