Mrs. Dalmatian, Nashville, TNAge and Occupation: 23, Pediatric NurseFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Computer Engineer and Entrepreneur Engagement Date: April 13, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: Historic CedarwoodAbout Me: I am a Northern girl from Chicago who is planning a wedding filled with Southern charm in Nashville, Tennessee. I love dogs, the White Sox, Full House reruns, and anything with ruffles on it. Mr. Dalmatian is my computer-genius problem-solving fiance who is constantly teaching me new things and making me a better person. We live with our adopted pup Echo, who is very excited that his parents are getting married!
Unique and adorable save the dates that are definitely DIY-able? YES PLEASE!
I first came across the idea of using vintage keys for a save-the-date when I was reading Handmade Weddings. Then, as usual, I searched the internet to see similar projects. In general, they look a little something like this:
When I first saw this idea, I was completely smitten. I loved how the key brought in a little vintage flair and would serve as a sweet keepsake for our guests.
I immediately began contemplating what my shopping list would look like to create these (which was pretty easy since Handmade Weddings includes a list of supplies and instructions), and what kind of dent it would put in my budget. Read more…
Miss Doe, Northern CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 24, Real Estate AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Recycling ManagerEngagement Date: December 25, 2010Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: Monte Verde InnAbout Me: I’m a Rat Pack fan and a Christmas nut that loves to read, good wine, cheesy ’80s movies and ’90s sitcoms. My wiener dog with an attitude problem and lazy basset hound are my constant source of entertainment. He's a hunter and I like cooking so it's not rare to see wild game on our dinner menu. Both of us were born and raised in a small historic farming town where our feet are still firmly planted. We have been together for nearly a decade and have shared many life experiences together, including birthdays that are only one day apart. We are two old souls that are creating our long-awaited wedding with loads of tradition that blends our two styles into rustic elegance in the foothills of Northern California.
My dad and I have what some might consider an irrational level of expectation for customer service. It might be a sickness—I’m not sure. I like to think of it as expecting the best from people. My family thinks we both are a little cuckoo. We keep a running list of all the companies that we have personally boycotted due to bad customer service. I mean, really, is it that hard to run a company with good ethics and have people answer the phone who are nice? Apparently for some it is difficult. Typically, though, the boycotts run their course and for some reason or the other we need something from that company and then—whoops—the boycott ends.
That being said, when there is a company who exceeds our expectations then you know it is a good place to do business with. Today I would like to share with you a company that has received five stars in my book.
When I started researching options for save the dates, I was flabbergasted by some of the prices. I really wanted to do magnets, but not if it was going to cost me an arm and a leg. I came across a website called Magnet Street, a company that prides itself on having products that are completely customizable. I began browsing their website and noticed their prices were very reasonable. On top of that they will send you free samples, which includes a coupon to use if you decide to order with them. You can even order a customized sample and they will credit the six-dollar cost to your final order, which means essentially it is free. This all seemed really fantastic but, come on, there had to be a catch. In my experience the companies that have affordable products tend to skimp on other areas such as quality and customer service.
Miss Doe, Northern CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 24, Real Estate AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Recycling ManagerEngagement Date: December 25, 2010Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: Monte Verde InnAbout Me: I’m a Rat Pack fan and a Christmas nut that loves to read, good wine, cheesy ’80s movies and ’90s sitcoms. My wiener dog with an attitude problem and lazy basset hound are my constant source of entertainment. He's a hunter and I like cooking so it's not rare to see wild game on our dinner menu. Both of us were born and raised in a small historic farming town where our feet are still firmly planted. We have been together for nearly a decade and have shared many life experiences together, including birthdays that are only one day apart. We are two old souls that are creating our long-awaited wedding with loads of tradition that blends our two styles into rustic elegance in the foothills of Northern California.
What’s that, you ask? Why those are our save the dates! After weeks of assembling, printing envelopes, stuffing, stamping, checking names, and rechecking names, we finally were finished. We decided to celebrate with some of my new favorite wine from Amador County. Yes it comes in a jug. Yes that makes it taste better. Don’t ask me how, it just does.
Miss Fox, Washington DC/Havre de Grace, MDAge and Occupation: 26, Massage TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Field Support EngineerEngagement Date: April 18, 2010Wedding Date: June 2012Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m a dancer turned massage therapist who was born and raised in New York. Alas, true love has brought me “south” where I still maintain my penchants for pretty shoes, wine, crossword puzzles, cherry blossoms, and the Mets. I own more sunglasses than a normal person should and don’t eat red meat (though I make up for it by eating my weight in sushi). I tend to be a big planner who likes to get things started early, but generally end up being indecisive and procrastinating when it comes down to it. I have a (not so) secret crush on Chris Carrabba, but my loyalty and love ultimately goes to the future hubs, of course! Together, my Foxy man and I love to discuss (read: debate) politics and current events, have Mario Kart and Scrabble duels, and just laugh. A lot. We’re hoping and planning for a laid back, fun, summery, rustic vibe to our June wedding that will be genuinely “us” – that is, if we finally make some decisions. Huzzah!
That’s the most creative I can be with a title for the first of what I’m sure will be 473,982 posts about save the dates, or as us bees like to refer to them, STDs. And yes, like most people, that still cracks me up. They really need to give you a manual before you start delving into the whole online wedding world. I was severely confused with all the acronyms here on Weddingbee for a good two weeks when I first started reading. [Editor's note: If you're feeling confused about wedding acronyms, check out the Weddingbee Abbreviations Wiki!]
Anyway, you should all know by now that I’m a planner. When I first started seriously thinking about the save the dates, we still had 18 months until the wedding, at which point we also already had a venue, invites, preliminary guest list, DJ, possible photog, and my dress. #overachiever
I quickly came to the conclusion that we MUST have save the dates 1.) because I like making pretty things and 2.) because 99% of our guests are out-of-towners, coming from Philly and various parts of New York. And I was determined for them to be a DIY.
At first I was thinking about doing something with a Scrabble board:
Mrs. Aardvark, Beaver Dam, WIAge and Occupation: 23, Assistant Product ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Business Analyst Engagement Date: May 28th, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: St. Philip Catholic Church/Arcadia Brewing Co.About Me: I am a resourceful lady who love surprises and adventure. At the same time, I value traditions, family and friends. I like to make crafty messes, sometimes, clean them up, and do pretty much anything outdoors. The Mister and I are pretty avid cyclists---we have nine bikes in our home right now...and one motorcycle! We both enjoy eating food we can't pronounce (language doesn't really matter) and going places we've never been. We currently reside in rural Wisconsin, enjoying the cheese and beer it has to offer, and getting outside whenever we can!
Mrs. Skunk, AtlantaAge and Occupation: 23, Post baccalaureate studentFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Mechanical DesignerEngagement Date: February 13, 2011Wedding Date: November 2011Venue: Neverland Farms About Me: I’m a Georgia peach born and raised in the dirty dirty. I love reading, baking lots of sweets and forcing them on my friends, and most of all, rock climbing. I am in the process of applying to graduate school in physical therapy and I work at farmers’ markets around town selling bread for a local bakery. The mister and I met while rock climbing just over two years ago and have been inseparable ever since. Our climbing friends mean the world to us and have played an integral role in our relationship. We’re planning a barnyard shindig filled with good food, good friends, and lots of love.
I can’t use the abbreviation for save the dates. I’m seriously a 12-year-old boy at heart and would just giggle through this whole post, so for seriousness’s sake, we’re going to talk about save the dates.
I ripped the idea for our save the dates from another bride. A former roommate was sent a save the date, and I fell in love and knew we had to use it. Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, “Originality is the art of concealing your sources.” So when friends ask, I just pretend I’m super creative.
So with this idea in mind, I got one of my photog friends to bring his gear to the gym one night. We got BM C. Koala to do the writing/makeup, and her hubby GM J. Wasp held the flash and lighting. Together with our crew, we ended up getting a whole file of great shots.
We ended up choosing the black and white version. We decided to save some money by getting them printed on postcards, added some text to the back, and six months to the day they were out the door.
Mrs. Porcupine, NYC/Lancaster, PAAge and Occupation: 26, Sales Coordinator/PublishingFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Assistant Manager/SalesEngagement Date: August 8, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Riverdale ManorAbout Me: I'm a born and bred New Yorker with a love/hate relationship for the city I have always called home. Although I may seem quiet from afar, I have a loud personality once you get to know me. I am a book nerd at heart, but love a night out in the city with good friends. I have a serious addiction to all things cheese, chocolate, cardigans, Mexican food, and reality TV. The future hubs and I met in college, settled in New York, and decided to go with a rustic/peacock infused wedding in Lancaster, PA, right near his hometown. Come the big day, we will be together 5 years, and we're looking forward to making it official!
When the box arrived with our save the dates, I was overly excited. The packaging itself (once you got inside the brown packing box) was too cute. This was my first Etsy purchase, and it immediately got me hooked (and wondering what talent I could use to open a shop on this site)!
So without further ado, I’ll let the pictures do the talking. Please don’t mind my lame-o squiggly deleting Photoshop technique over the personal info I blurred.
Mrs. Porcupine, NYC/Lancaster, PAAge and Occupation: 26, Sales Coordinator/PublishingFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Assistant Manager/SalesEngagement Date: August 8, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Riverdale ManorAbout Me: I'm a born and bred New Yorker with a love/hate relationship for the city I have always called home. Although I may seem quiet from afar, I have a loud personality once you get to know me. I am a book nerd at heart, but love a night out in the city with good friends. I have a serious addiction to all things cheese, chocolate, cardigans, Mexican food, and reality TV. The future hubs and I met in college, settled in New York, and decided to go with a rustic/peacock infused wedding in Lancaster, PA, right near his hometown. Come the big day, we will be together 5 years, and we're looking forward to making it official!
When it came to save the dates, I knew I wanted to do something different. With an influx of engagements and weddings only a few years out of college, I soon found my refrigerator in a sea of save-the-date magnets. I love magnets and will gladly snatch up any free magnets you give me, but I decided if I was going to do this whole wedding thang I would switch it up a bit. (Although I’m quite aware everyone sticks all save the dates—regardless of magnetization—to the fridge.)
I don’t even remember where the original idea behind the inspiration came from, but one of the first things I wanted to do was a photo strip. At first I wrangled with the idea of doing a completely DIY save the date. I Googled photo-booth locations around the city and was convinced we would scout out places and get a real strip (and then possibly a strip steak?). I figured I would scan the puppy in and edit it to my liking.
A quick Etsy search later, after months of putting off the task, and I found a designer with my EXACT concept—a photo-strip bookmark complete with the little ribbon hangy-ma-bob on the top. I thought the bookmark was the perfect touch since I work in publishing and love books. On top of that, I think a photo strip is also very “us” since we are a bit wacko and I associate photo booths with goofy faces and ridiculous poses. (It can’t just be me—can it?)
Mrs. Warbler, Long Beach/MalibuAge and Occupation: 24, Quality Assurance EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Handheld AdministratorEngagement Date: December 7, 2010Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: Calamigos Ranch MalibuAbout Me: I’m a Korean BBQ loving, cheesecake enthusiast bride living in the LBC! By day I write and edit for an online search engine marketing company. By night I am a volunteer food taster of all that is delicious. I am fortunate to be marrying an amazing man who loves me and my quirky ways. I love food, books, indie music, and Harry Potter. We are planning a small, intimate wedding up in the Malibu Hills with our closest family and friends. With the help of my wonderful fiance, our loved ones, and red velvet cheesecake, our wedding will be glorious!
With our business cards tucked safely away inside the envelopes, I drove to the post office. I was on the hunt for the new Garden of Love stamps. I was in luck! My post office had just gotten them in that week. So I did what any bride would do and bought five booklets.
Mrs. Warbler, Long Beach/MalibuAge and Occupation: 24, Quality Assurance EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Handheld AdministratorEngagement Date: December 7, 2010Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: Calamigos Ranch MalibuAbout Me: I’m a Korean BBQ loving, cheesecake enthusiast bride living in the LBC! By day I write and edit for an online search engine marketing company. By night I am a volunteer food taster of all that is delicious. I am fortunate to be marrying an amazing man who loves me and my quirky ways. I love food, books, indie music, and Harry Potter. We are planning a small, intimate wedding up in the Malibu Hills with our closest family and friends. With the help of my wonderful fiance, our loved ones, and red velvet cheesecake, our wedding will be glorious!
I’ve been a bad bride blogger. Our business cards arrived awhile ago. I’ve been meaning to show them to you but haven’t gotten around to it. What with my recent dress purchase and shoe crusade, I figured lousy business cards could wait! But now that I’ve sent out our save the dates (yay!), I might as well show you the business cards.
Mrs. Warbler, Long Beach/MalibuAge and Occupation: 24, Quality Assurance EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Handheld AdministratorEngagement Date: December 7, 2010Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: Calamigos Ranch MalibuAbout Me: I’m a Korean BBQ loving, cheesecake enthusiast bride living in the LBC! By day I write and edit for an online search engine marketing company. By night I am a volunteer food taster of all that is delicious. I am fortunate to be marrying an amazing man who loves me and my quirky ways. I love food, books, indie music, and Harry Potter. We are planning a small, intimate wedding up in the Malibu Hills with our closest family and friends. With the help of my wonderful fiance, our loved ones, and red velvet cheesecake, our wedding will be glorious!
Mrs. Warbler, Long Beach/MalibuAge and Occupation: 24, Quality Assurance EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Handheld AdministratorEngagement Date: December 7, 2010Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: Calamigos Ranch MalibuAbout Me: I’m a Korean BBQ loving, cheesecake enthusiast bride living in the LBC! By day I write and edit for an online search engine marketing company. By night I am a volunteer food taster of all that is delicious. I am fortunate to be marrying an amazing man who loves me and my quirky ways. I love food, books, indie music, and Harry Potter. We are planning a small, intimate wedding up in the Malibu Hills with our closest family and friends. With the help of my wonderful fiance, our loved ones, and red velvet cheesecake, our wedding will be glorious!
OK, my maturity level seems to be dropping with every wedding task I complete. Seeing as how I’ll never get to make fun of the unfortunate save-the-date acronym again, dammit I am going to have my fun while it lasts! While brainstorming about our invitation and STD suite, I came across this lovely bit of inspiration:
Mrs. Petit Four, San Antonio/Isla MujeresAge and Occupation: 25, Technology teacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Math Teacher and Football CoachEngagement Date: Feb 13, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Zama Beach Club, Isla Mujeres, MexicoAbout Me: I am a polka-dot obsessed, destination wedding diva living and loving in the great state of Texas. I am an island girl at heart and I visit the beach as often as I can. I am a wannabe DIY goddess, but that doesn’t mean I won’t give it my best shot. I love pearl earrings, the color pink, and ruffles are a part of my everyday wardrobe. My wonderful fiance and I are planning a destination wedding with our closest family and friends and we’re leaving a trail of glitter in our path!
Remember my save-the-date hankies? Well, this is how I decided to send them! I bought the assorted-card-stock package at Hobby Lobby, which was really convenient.
Mrs. Sunhat, Dyer, IN Age and Occupation: 32, Tax AccountantFiance's Age and Occupation: 35, Landscape ForemanEngagement Date: September 25, 2010Wedding Date: December 2011Venues: St. Andrew the Apostle, Fiesta PalaceAbout Me: I'm a Midwest girl who grew up in the country and now works in the big city! I love cooking, entertaining, reading (addicted to my Kindle) and going to the movies. I don't miss an episode of Hoarders and I start cleaning every time I watch! My profession doesn't call for much creativity so wedding planning has been a great outlet. Mr. Sunhat and I met online three years ago, cheer for rival MLB teams and share a home with our dog, Wrigley. We are planning a traditional, Polish, Catholic wedding with lots of DIY elements and some fun surprises. I'm so excited to be married on New Year's Eve and we can't wait to ring in the new year as husband and wife!
I always knew I wanted to do photo save the dates. I liked receiving these types in the past and hanging them on my fridge.
Because we didn’t get our engagement pictures taken until May, it was already pushing the six-month mark by the time we settled on a design, finalized the guest list, and sent them on their way. I wish I had planned a little better and was able to spend more time on adding special touches to these, but I had to let it go. They still turned out great! Wanna see???
Mrs. Petit Four, San Antonio/Isla MujeresAge and Occupation: 25, Technology teacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Math Teacher and Football CoachEngagement Date: Feb 13, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Zama Beach Club, Isla Mujeres, MexicoAbout Me: I am a polka-dot obsessed, destination wedding diva living and loving in the great state of Texas. I am an island girl at heart and I visit the beach as often as I can. I am a wannabe DIY goddess, but that doesn’t mean I won’t give it my best shot. I love pearl earrings, the color pink, and ruffles are a part of my everyday wardrobe. My wonderful fiance and I are planning a destination wedding with our closest family and friends and we’re leaving a trail of glitter in our path!
Hey y’all! Hope you had a great weekend. My weekend was very productive, in fact. I mentioned that I got my “Vintage hankies” in the mail and I promptly got started washing them and ironing them out. I am so happy with they way they turned out! They are better than I could have hoped for!
Here’s what you’re going to need for this endeavor. Read more…
Unique Wedding Favors
Image via Hobby Lobby
Hey y’all! Hope you had a great weekend. My weekend was very productive, in fact. I mentioned that I got my “Vintage hankies” in the mail and I promptly got started washing them and ironing them out. I am so happy with they way they turned out! They are better than I could have hoped for!
