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This cost breakdown for our save the dates only includes the items I bought specifically for the project. I already had a paper cutter, embossing gun, embossing powder, double-sided tape, and bone folder.
My table below includes a lot of shopping around. I went to my local paper warehouse store. They were very helpful and had a lot of stock for me to touch and feel. But I did find other online stores to have more competitive prices for some items.
You’ll notice that for the paper, I took the price per ream and divided it by the number of sheets in the pack to get the price per sheet. Then for the white paper, I divided it by 3 because each sheet printed three STDs. These were the best prices I could find for the items I needed. It was a bit of a pain to find the right items at the lowest cost, but I think the price breakdown makes it all worth it.
For those who are looking to buy embossing powder and heat guns, I highly recommend searching eBay. I bought my heat gun used on ebay for $10. As a reward for having read all the way through my math nerdiness and bearing with me, I’m giving away what I believe is one of my best secrets when it came to all of my DIY paper products:
The best prices for regularly priced double-stick tape comes from Target. They come 2 rolls to a pack for $4.42. I hope I don’t go to Target next time and find them all sold out! 
What are you best kept secret places to buy DIY goods?
wow thanks for the breakdown and recommendations. i personally think online/ebay is the way to go.
This breakdown was so helpful and easy to read! Thank you!
Wow - thanks for sharing! Looks like you got some great deals!
ooh, such a detailed breakdown–it’s oddly very appealing! awesome job on making the save the dates for such a great price! they definitely don’t look $1 each!
Wow, for how great they look, I thought the cost per would be WAY more than $1. Great job!
i use ebay for my DIY goods also. I can’t believe how more eclectic save the dates & other paper goods are when they are handmade!
: )
Elizabeth
Wow, $1 per STD? That’s impressive! My preferred money-saving places are eBay, thrift stores, and Dollar Tree. It’s crazy what you can find for a steal!
I wish so badly I had discovered weddingbee before I sent my save the dates!!! I came up with mine just in Microsoft Word and printed them out, thinking that they’ll either go on peoples fridges or be forgotten… but it makes such a difference!!
I’m not going to make that mistake again! I’m definately going to DIY all the other paper goods. Programs, signage, guestbook, EVERYTHING! Now my only problem is I’ve never used an embossing gun and after the wedding, probably never will again!
We’re destined to be friends. I love that you put that into spreadsheet form.
i love cost breakdowns, and yours is super thorough! now I need to go to target and get me some tape!
Such an orderly breakdown! $1.00 per STD is definitely worth it — and thanks for the head’s up on the double stick tape (I’m all out!).
What an amazing cost-breakdown. I bow down to your frugal skillz!
i am the queen of spreadsheets so i’m happy to see i’m not the only one out there. for a while, FI was saying i was a bit obsessive, but i just wanted to know where all the money was going 
These look great - but may favorite thing of all is the tiny can of Diet Coke in the first photo. I love those!
yay for spreadsheets! and super affordable awesome std designs
Wow, you are such a good bargain shopper! $1 per STD is amazing!
What a great deal, and they turned out great, too, which is even better!
[...] in, Keep It Simple, Stupid! I lack the crafting skills of say, Miss Hot Wings or Miss Cola. They (along with many many other bees and many of you lovely readers) are [...]
[...] took Miss Hot Wing’s advice and went to Target for double stick tape. It was a pretty good price! Tape is always a solid, [...]
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Mrs. Hot Wings, Chicago/San Diego Age and Occupation: 28, Professor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Instructor Engagement Date: December 20, 2008 Wedding Date: August 2010 Venue: Ocean View Villas/Jasmine Seafood Restaurant About Me: I am a psychology grad student living in Chicago and planning my wedding to a fellow psych grad student. I am a Sunny So-Cal bred gal who trudged across the country to follow her love of psychology and ended up finding a partner in the process. I am overly passionate about anything I involve myself with. I am an activist, a foodie, a reality TV watching junkie, an over-analyzer, a photography obsesser, and am utterly cheesy to the core. This is a story of what happens when a boy and a girl meet, fall in love over academic dorkiness, and a shared love for life. We (mostly I) are planning our semi-destination wedding in my hometown of San Diego. We are excited to bring our families and friends together from across our lifespans to celebrate our future in a grand 400+ person culturally blended affair!
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