Cheap Ways to ‘Save the Date’
A savvy Cheap Ways To reader named Buddy Overstreet sent in this fabulous tip. I love the creativity and the excellent and economical execution of the idea. Enjoy!
“I really enjoy your ‘Cheap Ways To’ ideas and wanted to share our recent ‘cheap’ success.
“We were looking for an economical ‘save the date’ card to mail to our guests for our summer wedding. I dabble in graphic design so I was convinced we could do something on the cheap. We liked the idea of a photo booth concept so I put my design skills into action. We took a bunch of photos of us in different fun poses holding the signs ‘we're’ ‘getting’ ‘married’, and the date. I then laid it out in photoshop with the look of a strip of photos from a photobooth. So far no money spent, but no product yet either.
“The savings really happened on the printing. I laid my finished product out on a 4X6 file (I could fit two strips) and uploaded the jpg to snap fish. I then ordered the prints from snapfish and was able to pick them up in an hour from my local Walgreens. I got 150 photos (300 total photostrips) for $30 and I didn't even have to pay for shipping. I thought this was an incredible value for the quality of a photo print job. It definitely beats the printing on the home deskjet. I included a picture of our card.
“Thanks for all the economical inspiration.”
Thanks for sending this in, Buddy!
Comments
This is a wonderful idea!
So, did you mail those out in stamped envelopes or did you hand them out? Did you have anything written on the back?
Posted by: DK | April 13, 2007 12:02 AM
the photobooth pics were one part of our mailout. we also did a save the date card front and back (4x6) size and put both pieces in an envelope.
we thought about putting a magnet on the back of the photo strip. people have also said they make good bookmarks/prayer/thought reminders. It's hard to write on the photo strip because it would be like writing on the back of a photograph (it's a tough writing surface).
hope that helps.
i got a good template for making the photostrip from istockphoto.com. they have great images for around $1 a piece.
buddy
Posted by: Buddy Overstreet | April 13, 2007 08:23 AM
Awesome idea, and variations of it could be used for tons of things: we've moved cards, open house cards, baby shower invites, etc.
Love it.
Posted by: GradGirl | April 13, 2007 09:44 AM
FANTASTIC idea. i'm a wedding planner and always looking for clever ideas - this is marvelous! happy wedding!
Posted by: simone | June 18, 2007 03:42 PM