While you want your save the dates to be one-of-a-kind, “custom” can often equal major dollar signs. Weddings are expensive enough, so save money where you can by opting for unique DIY save the dates. Check out these incredibly creative ideas that you will actually prefer over the expensive store-bought ones. I know I do.
When you think about it, these DIY save the dates really set the tone for your wedding. They are going to be your guests’ longest lasting impression before the big day, which goes by in a blur. So, why not make them unique and memorable?
Unique DIY Save the Dates
1. Embroidered DIY Save the Dates
These DIY save the dates are a labor of love. Using vintage postcards and embroidering them for an extra homemade touch, each one of these is truly one of a kind. (via The Salty Canary)
2. Soundtrack to Your Lives
This idea will take you back to your mix-tape making high school days. Easily create your own save the date soundtrack for a lasting memento with these amazing free templates. You can go the nostalgic route and include songs that tie to memories of the two or you can go for classic wedding related songs. You can even include a “CD jacket” that includes little blurbs about why you chose each one. (via Brooklyn Bride)
3. DIY Felt Heart Save the Date Magnets
Make sure your guests don’t forget about your wedding date by keeping it front and center on their fridge with this DIY magnet save the date idea. While the front of refrigerators tend to no longer be magnetic, we still hang up our save the dates on the side of our fridge. (via Project Wedding)
4. Sparkly Hanging Save the Date
Break out of the card or magnet shaped save the date mold and make these fun, hanging DIY save the dates. There is a time in our lives when it feels like all of our friends are getting married, so make your save the dates stand out from the others by being different. (via Heart Love Always)
5. Pencil Us In
Perhaps this especially appeals to me because my first date with my husband was mini golf and I cheesily still have our scorecard from the game (can’t let him forget I won 😉 ). ((via Smitten on Paper)
6. Artistic DIY Save the Dates
Perfect for the artistic couple, these mini canvas & easel save the dates are just so darn cute. What is it about things shrunk down that makes them so cute? Am I the only one who follows Tiny Kitchen’s Instagram feed? (via Brooklyn Bride)
Destination Wedding DIY Save the Dates
7. Luggage Tag Save The Dates
If you’re planning a destination wedding, these DIY Save the Dates are perfect! While you can buy them, you can also customize them yourself by hand stamping leather. It’s nice to go the extra mile for destination weddings since they tend to be a bit smaller and those coming are investing a bit more on travel to come. (via @fourteen_forty)
8. Mini Toy Car Magnet DIY Save The Dates
It wasn’t too long ago that I was recently engaged and hunting all over Pinterest to find a unique Save the Date idea that hadn’t been done a million times before. Well, this is exactly the type of idea I was looking for. You can send out a gorgeous Save the Date card and then include this unique car magnet to really make it stand out. (via A Subtle Revelry)
9. Pack Your Suitcase Save the Date Idea
There are a number of confetti-filled DIY save the dates out there, but this one is my favorite I’ve seen. Perfect for a destination wedding and anyone can make these at home. (via Ruffled Blog)
10. Unique Travel-Inspired Save the Dates
This idea also plays on the luggage tag theme, but these ones are more decorative than intended for actual use. What I really adore about this idea is the envelope holding the save the date. The initialed logo is brilliant in its simplicity and creativity. (via Wedding Bells)
DIY Save the Dates Made with a Cricut Explore
11. Unique Cut-Out Save the Dates
If you have a Cricut Explore, this is the perfect option for you. You can easily make these unique DIY Save The Dates for a fraction of a price of buying them. Even if you don’t have one, it may be smarter to invest in one and make your own save the dates. That way you have something you can years to come after the wedding for about the same investment. (via Michelle Edgemont)
12. Colorful Mexican-Inspired Save The Date
Are you planning to head to Cabo for a destination wedding? These gorgeous, colorful DIY Save the Dates are perfect. This design uses a Cricut Explore to get the gorgeous cutout detailing. I have seen so many incredible DIYs using the Cricut that I may need to add to my birthday list this year! (via Bespoke Bride)
Easy to Make DIY Save the Dates
13. Cute Balloon DIY Save the Dates
“Please inflate & save the date!” I love a good cheesy pun, but that’s not the only reason I like these DIY save the dates. I love interactive save the date ideas where people have to do something to reveal the full message. They also use a personalized stamp to create their DIY save the dates, which is a great idea for it to look homemade without having to handwrite each one. (via Bloved Blog)
14. Free Printable Save The Dates
Short on time, but still looking to save some cash? These free printable DIY save the dates may be a smart choice. They are a simple & cute, floral design and you can’t beat the convenience. Plus, postcards are a great way to go to save extra money on envelopes. (via Mountain Modern Life)
Looking for other free printable options? Check here. Let me know if you’d like to see a whole post on various free printable save the date template options.
15. Unique Photostrip DIY Save the Dates
These DIY save the dates are a great combo in that it is such a unique design that I hadn’t seen before and yet they would be super easy to make yourself. All you need to do is take the photos, print and attach to a save the date card. (via Oh So Beautiful Paper)
16. Velum Covered DIY Save the Dates
Do you have a gorgeous photo that you want to make into a save the date, but feel stuck? This option is incredibly easy and looks great. Rather than trying to add text to the photo itself, print it on velum and attach to the photo with a little gold brad. It even comes with a free template! IN fact, you can use this technique on cards and invitations for years to come. (via Pipkin Paper Company)
17. Original Initial Inspired Save the Date Photo
You may want to feature one of your engagement photos on your save the dates, but in a unique way like this one. Check out the link to see some other amazing inspiration from the brilliant design duo Love vs. Design & Max Wagner. (via The English Wedding Blog)
No Paper Required Save the Dates
18. Save the Date Cookies
Do you love to bake? These DIY save the dates are so cute that you could eat them up (literally). Although, you may want to include a simple card with the cookies that lists the date or your wedding website for that very reason. All you need is a cookie cutter and stamp set. Then whip up your favorite sugar cookie recipe for this sweet idea. (via Sweet Diaries)
19. Custom Chocolate Bar Save the Dates
For DIY save the dates that melt in your mouth, create custom chocolate bars. This is much easier than you think. Simply design a custom chocolate bar wrapper, print out and tape on your bars. Probably best for sending in cold weather so they melt in your mouth, not in the mail. (via Un Beau Jour)
20. Wes Anderson Inspired Save The Date Video
If you want to do something completely different than traditional Save the Dates, you may opt for a unique Save the Date video instead. This one is so creative and has a Wes Anderson feel to it. I love how they have the split screen of all their favorite things of their individual lives and then the symbolism of them coming together to get married.
Weddings can be so stressful, so it is smart to pick and choose the wedding DIYs you will have time for. However, I think Save the Dates are a perfect thing to make yourself because they are so far in advance. The real crunch time comes later because there are inevitably so many things that can’t be done well in advance. While things are calm, enjoy the process and make these unique DIY Save the Dates that everyone will remember.