How To Make DIY Save the Date Magnets

For more DIY wedding ideas, visit our resources page.

Overview

Save the date announcements help reduce scheduling conflicts and remind friends and family when the wedding is to be. Magnets tend to work well for "save the dates".

Save the date magnets can be purchased through a vendor, or they can be fully customized by making them yourself. This page provides instructions on how to make your own save the date magnets.

Click images to see larger versions of the pictures.

Supplies

• Photo editing software - There are many options, but here are a few to consider:
  • Adobe Photoshop - Powerful, but not free
  • GIMP- Powerful and free, but takes some time to learn
  • Microsoft Paint - Available on Windows computers, but limited in ability


• Magnets - There are 3 basic types that are often used:
  • Business card magnets
  • Printable magnet sheets
  • Magnet rolls
  The easiest to use may be the printable magnet sheets, but they also tend to be the thinnest. We found that the non-adhesive magnet rolls to be the best price, and we were able to cut these to the exact dimensions we wanted.


• Adhesive
  This is only needed if your magnets do not have an adhesive backing. Rubber cement works well.


• Printer
  This is only needed if you print your design at home. You can also get these printed at a print shop. Our photographer was willing to print ours as uncut wallet sheets.


• Paper cutter
  If you need to cut the magnets to a smaller size, be sure that you have access to a paper cutter with a very good blade.

Process

1. Decide what type of magnet sheet you wish to use. This will determine the dimensions your design should fit within.


2. Using the software of your choice, design your save the date magnet. Ensure your design fits your desired dimensions. Include the following information:
   • Purpose of reminder (wedding)
   • Current first and last names of the bride and groom
   • Date of the wedding
   • Note stating that formal invitation will come later (optional)
   • Where to get more information (optional)
   • Eye catching graphic, picture, or photograph


3. Print your design. For the most professional look, print at photo quality on photographic paper. Some software will allow you to easily print the same image multiple times on the same sheet with a specified height and width. You can do this at home, at a print shop, or you can see if your photographer would be willing to have these printed for you.


4. Attach your prints to the magnets. If your magnets are precut to the size you need, then you will need to cut your prints to the correct size and carefully align and attach. If you are working with magnet rolls or sheets, then you should attach the prints before cutting them apart. The way you attach the prints will also depend upon your magnets. If they have adhesive backing, then simply remove the backing and attach. Otherwise, you will need to use your own adhesive.


5. Let your magnets dry. If you are working with precut magnets, you are done.


6. If you are working with magnet rolls or sheets, use your paper cutter to separate the finalized magnets. Since the magnet and the prints are being cut together, you should have very clean edges.

Final Product

With care and attention to detail, you can create your own professional looking save the date magnets at a fraction of the cost that you would pay by ordering them. By making them yourself, they will be much more personalized and can include details not available in the basic templates. Have fun, be creative, and enjoy the process.

For more DIY wedding ideas, check out our resources page.