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I made the decision a while back that save-the-dates were pretty much non-negotiable. Even though most of Mr. Hawk’s family is located in and around the Richmond area, my family is quite spread out. (California, Arizona, Georgia…need I go on?) So deciding to send them was the easy part. In what form to send them was where I got stumped. I wanted to go somewhat of a traditional route and have nailed it down to two options: the postcard or the magnet.
I kind of love the idea of a postcard. It’s more unique and a little retro, and I like the idea of being able to include a short message on the back. (Plus, they are an affordable option!) I just love this design from Wedding Paper Divas. It fits our theme and location, and it’s pretty much already in our colors!
Image via Wedding Paper Divas
My only concern is that they might have a higher probability of getting lost in the shuffle. If y’all are anything like me, then you H.A.T.E. junk mail. It barely makes it into the house before getting trashed. And my concern is that something as thin as a postcard might be less noticeable than a card or magnet in an envelope. I would be devastated if they inadvertently ended up in the trashcan. So, this brings me to the other option, the magnet.
Who doesn’t love magnets? They’re trendy and actually very useful! (I have several on my fridge from weddings that have long since past.) And with a magnet, there really is no worry of it being discarded. They’re heavy enough not to be missed. Here is the design I’ve been eyeing from Magnet Street:
The only downfalls to the magnet route are: 1.) Are magnets overdone? In the past couple years, every wedding I have been invited to featured a STD magnet except one, and 2.) They are almost double the cost of the postcard option, not including extra postage if necessary. (I haven’t really looked into that aspect yet.)
I’m still holding out on making a final decision. I’m hoping when I get access to my full engagement session photos that perhaps they will steer me one direction over the other.
Did you send STDs? Do you think my postcard worries are justified?
I sent post card save the dates and everyone loved them!! I have not heard from anyone that they were thrown out by accident, or lost in the shuffle, although I can see how that can concern you. If you are able to design a post card by yourself in illustrator, photoshop, or publisher, I found Vistaprint to be extremely inexpensive for 100 postcards- and they will allow you to upload any of your own designs.
Good luck!
I had the same postcard worries, but I used them anyway, and so far I’ve only heard of one guest not getting one (though that could be for a number of reasons). I ordered from Vistaprint so they were free too!
I went the post card option and everyone loved them. I had your same concern that they may get lost in the junk mail shuffle, but everyone we sent them to received them. We designed our own and put a picture of the wedding venue on the front - we wanted people to get a glimpse of their trip to Florida for our wedding weekend. Good luck with your decision. I’m sure whatever you choose will be lovely.
I also went with post cards from vista print and had no troubles with anyone missing them. The other thing to keep in mind with magnets, they need to be hand cancled because they can’t go through the machine and I think that costs more too. Best of luck! Can’t wait to see what you end up with!
Just so you know, another downfall to the magnet is that those people you are inviting to your wedding with stainless steel refrigerators…the magnets don’t work on those. So then the question becomes, does that just get lost in the shuffle too?
That’s the dilemma I am currently having.
I really like the designs Wedding Paper Divas have. When we sent out our save the dates, we heard a few comments that people thought they were junk mail advertisements until they took a closer look. As far as we know none accidentally got tossed though.
Go with the postcard! Your lovely (and familiar) face will easily distinguish it from junk mail. Use the money you would’ve spent on magnets on something more fun, like shoes.
Check out vistaprint! our magnet save-the-dates were only 70 cents each! cheaper than the postcards.
we just got the business card size though, not the larger photo magnet. I felt it was too big and a bit “show-off-y”. (I know that’s not really a word, but…)
Magnets will definitely stick around in your guest’s homes longer than a postcard which will end up in recycling sooner than later.
Hi Miss Hawk from a Richmond native. It’s great to see a bee from my hometown featured.
The magnets are slightly overdone, I agree. BUT I think that it keeps your wedding more “fresh” in people’s minds because they more than likely are seeing your face everyday 
I also think it gives people more of an incentive to keep your save the date afterwards. We spend so much money on Save the Dates and so much time pouring over the details, and often people don’t even keep them! So I think a magnet slightly helps that.
I like the idea of a personalized note on the back, you could always include a small piece of DIY stationary with a personalized note to make each guest’s save the date special.
We went the magnet route. Even with a carrier card (I was afraid they would wind up sticking to the postal machines!) they still were only one stamp. More than a postcard since that would only be a postcard stamp but definitely not extra postage beyond one stamp!
Postcards were the way to go for us - most people knew they were coming, and we didn’t have anyone lose them. Maybe we were just lucky?
@cott619: Thanks for the vistaprint recommendation. I’ve heard good things!
@Miss Unicycle: I’m glad to hear that they’re not getting lost!
@WinterWhite2012: Love your idea of featuring the venue on your STD!
@Miss Aardvark: Apparently Vistaprint is where it’s at! I’ll have to look into the hand-canceling. Thanks for the tip!
@musictchr25: I also worried about stainless steel…
@Miss Raccoon: Wedding Paper Divas has great designs! I’ve spent waaaay to much time looking at their options!
@oatmealpie: Thanks for your input! 
@mtnhoney: I agree with you that magnets stick around longer and I like that about them!
@thePYT: Yay for RVA brides! Good point on the inclusion of a note also being an option with the magnet…
@calypso0712: Thanks for sharing! The extra cost of postage was a concern of mine.
@Mrs. Jaguar: I hadn’t thought of that aspect. Since I’ve been collected addresses, pretty much everyone will be on the lookout.
I love both options personally. Could you put the postcard in an envelope to make sure it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle?
I too was concerned about sending the postcard and having it be confused as junk mail and tossed out. So instead, we ordered envelopes (they actually came with our order from the photographer) and stuck the postcards in the envelopes and sent them that way.
In the area where it allows for the recipient’s name and address we wrote a little personalized message.. Such as “Hope to see you there!” or “We can’t wait to share this special day with you!.” ..Our guests loved them!! ….And.. they are a whole bunch cheaper than magnets!
I also ordered my STDs from Vistaprint and used the heaviest paper I could get. My next dilema is whether or not to use them for something as important as the response cards…..I’m leaning towards no…
My friend included a guitar shaped magnet with hers (she got married here in Nashville too) - it was really cute and I hung the card on the fridge with it. It wouldn’t help cost wise, because you would have to do a card and the magnet in an envelope, but it is something a little different than other magnet STDs. I think a postcard or a magnet would be cute!
Not sure if this is true or not (and the previous poster who said that magnets have to be hand-canceled makes me think it’s an old wives tale)…but I read somewhere about magnet save the dates getting stuck to the inside of mail boxes.
I think the post cards are really cute and we’ll likely go this route.
I think both options are great.. we almost went with a postcard! They’re kind of retro and neat and I love the design you picked!
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Miss Hawk, Richmond, VA Age and Occupation: 26, Finance Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, District Supervisor Engagement Date: March 13, 2011 Wedding Date: May 2012 Venue: The Chapel of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, 2007 Legacy Hall About Me: I’m an Arizona-born girl who has spent the majority of my life living below the Mason-Dixon line. The South has definitely earned a special place in my heart (alongside my Virginia born and bred fiance, of course!). We are planning a traditional Christian ceremony at my alma mater in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, followed by a rocking reception filled with Southern cooking and vintage/shabby chic details. When we’re not wedding planning, we enjoy spending time with our three dogs, going for runs together, watching plenty of football (or baseball depending on the season), and sampling new wine.
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