Creative Save-The-Date Ideas

Thinking outside the box of stationery.

By Tara Mandy and Meredith Levy

Editors of BFFBridal.com

Save-the-date announcements aren't what they used to be. When they first appeared on the scene--about a decade ago--couples were sending them out with the sole intention of having guests, um, save the date. They were practical in nature.

Now they're a style statement. Save-the-dates are guests' first impression of the wedding, and a great opportunity for couples to have some fun and be creative. So while coordinating save-the-date cards with your invitation suite is classic and classy, here are some fresh ideas for couples that want to do something a little different.

Send a magnet. Websites like Magnet Street offer easy-to-follow templates (just type in the text and upload an image) as well as a custom option where you can work with a designer to create your own look (probably the more sophisticated way to go).

Find a vintage-style photo booth (Photobooth.net has a great locator application), and take some silly shots together. You can even use props (like signs with your wedding date, etc.) during the shoot. Convert your favorite strip to a postcard, affix hard copies to card stock, or scan it in for a digital invitation.

Create a customized picture calendar on photo sharing sites like kodakgallery.com, snapfish.com or shutterfly.com. Add a caption to your wedding date, or go retro and just circle it with a red marker.

Our favorite idea, albeit a bit over-the-top, is to send save-the-date wine bottles. Many companies offer personalized wine labels, but myweddingmywine.com is one of the few that has wine your guests will actually want to drink!

Get more scoop on hot trends and chic wedding day details at BFFBridal.com