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DIY Wedding Forum
Christmasbride2017
member
Opinions on Save the Date idea?
So my fiance and I decided we wanted to make save the date ornaments, and we wanted to at leasttest out the idea of making 3D plastic ones usinv shrinky dinks, because we have most of the materials already. I made a test run, and I would be making the bottom piece longer to have the words showing at the bottom.
I'm just worried they're too tacky. Thoughts?
I'm just worried they're too tacky. Thoughts?
Re: Opinions on Save the Date idea?
Also, what are people supposed to do with them any other time? I mean, presuming they want to put them on their tree, what happens after they take the tree down in about 4-5 weeks? Where does the ornament go? The thing about magnets and postcards, is they are things that are easily put on the fridge to remind people to save the date. Also, are people going to want to have an ornament keepsake putting a save the date ornament on their tree once the date has passed? I mean, I guess it's no different than any other save the date that gets put in the trash after it has served its purpose, but then it seems like a bit of a waste.
I also agree you run into a logistical issue with how do your guests keep the STD after? Presumably they are keeping this for 6-12 months, so what about when Christmas is over?
Purchase some Swedish (or Scandinavian) straw ornaments that are light and thin enough to put in an envelope, such as these. https://scandinavianshoppe.com/products/straw-ornaments.html?gclid=CK_GjrXjydACFYM2gQodtaoIrA
https://scandinavianshoppe.com/products/straw-heart-ornaments-8-pc.html?gclid=CKH_lKHjydACFZSMaQodTwcJgw
Then I'd find a cute image of a Christmas tree (or take a picture of your own), use Shutterfly to make a holiday photo card or postcard or whatever, and put a message on it about sharing an ornament to trim their tree and hoping next year they will save the date and celebrate with you.
People get something to put on their fridge to remember to save the date and the ornament is much more likely to actually be put to use.
EDIT: I'm not personally endorsing that site - it was just the first one that came up with ornaments similar to what I have gotten from people in the past (not for save the dates - I have a couple friends who attach them to Christmas presents).
Perhaps more importantly, though, an ornament will get put away once Christmas is over, and people won't necessarily think to keep it out as a reminder of your wedding date. Since you are getting married at a very busy time of year, it's especially important that people remember when it is so they don't go ahead and make other plans or forget about it entirely. I suggest you just do cards or magnets that will be stuck on the fridge and stay there until your wedding date.
Regardless of the execution of the ornament, there's the practical purpose of the STD cards. There are many ways to make cheap STD's that people will have access to and won't cost you a fortune, a quick picture in the park on a business card size fridge magnet from Shutterfly or even DIY is a better way to go. Also, remember, ONLY give STD's to people without a question if stuff hit the fan and you couldn't afford to invite anyone, who would you still find a way to serve pizza and Pepsi to in order to attend. Those are the only people to give a STD card to because those of us who have been around forever have experienced many posters coming on here with "Plan's changed! (someone got sick, someone backed out of finances, you/fi lost a job, Previously invited guest is BSC and you don't want them there, etc.)"...
I also love jacques27 idea. Another solution is to use ornaments for your favors. I'd skip anything too personalized (your names or dates) and just use nice ornaments. I'd likely remember they were from your wedding when I hung it on my tree.
I decided to skip favors for our wedding, but did consider this favor/seating chart idea.
Also, don't get your heart set on people keeping them and using them as a memento. A lot of people will likely throw them out. Many people have specific styles or types of decor they use, and that may not fit in with it.
Consider a regular STD card with an ornament of another type, or even this shrinky dink type along with so people can keep the card on the fridge or wherever if they don't want to keep the ornament.
I agree with PPs that most people don't keep their tree up much past Christmas and I doubt they'll move the ornament to the fridge or something. Also seconding the idea of putting at least the city and state.
It's a cute idea, and maybe if your wedding is near a holiday, holiday-themed favors (without your names & wedding date) would be in the budget?