Magnetic Save-The-Date Cards

Save-the-date cards have become a standard part of wedding planning. According to Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, Fifth Edition (copyright 2006), save-the-date cards are for "giving advance notice of an upcoming wedding [and] can be very helpful to guests who must make travel plans" (p.142). Though traditionally printed on postcard or single sided invitation card, save-the-date cards have recently undergone a magnetic transformation.

Save-the-date cards printed on magnets have become really popular lately. And it makes perfect sense! Who can keep track of a single sided invitation or postcard? No one, honestly. A magnet will be stuck right to your guests' refrigerators as soon as they come in the mail and be seen every time they grab a snack.

While magnetic save-the-dates are a really practical idea, ordering these from a professional printing service can cost a small fortune. Some online stores sell them for as much as $1.49 each, with a minimum order of 100. For the bride on a budget, this is simply out of the question. However, magnetic save-the-dates can easily be made at home.

You can purchase blank sheets of magnetic paper from most office supply stores. Avery offers such a product for ink jet users that can be found at Staples. Once you have the magnetic sheets, you simply need to design your save-the-date card in Publisher or another design software on your computer, like this one done by some friends of mine. Be sure to include the wording "Save the Date", the names of the bride and groom, the date of the wedding, and the location if you've decided on it. Dress up the magnet with images that represent you and your groom, making them both decorative and informative. Print several to a sheet, cut apart, and mail.

You'll have created not only a save-the-date card, but also a small keepsake from your wedding. Your guests will love how practical your save-the-dates are, and you'll love stretching your budget while still having a fun and interesting way to announce your big day.