Save the Date!

I actually mailed these out in March, but I decided to write about my experience with the service I used to create and send my save-the-dates. I decided early on to send save-the-dates because ALL of our guests are coming from out-of-state. I really liked the idea of sending postcards, both for th novelty feel and the cost savings. My future SIL told me to check the USPS personalized postcard website, where I set about making my STD's. The website was fairly user-friendly, though the username and password had irritatingly strict standards. They allow you to use one of their preset designs or to upload your own. I wanted a somewhat more unique design than what the website offered, but every time I tried to upload anything the DPI was inadequate. Because I was too lazy to figure out how to fix that (and too frustrated with my lack of design skill), I ended up going with this standard but still lovely design:



I like the fact that it is fall-themed and coordinates with our colors, so I added our date to the front and made the back a bit more modern-looking:



Overall, I'm happy with how they turned out. The entire process- design, product, and postage for 53 postcards- was a total of about $75.00. When ours came in the mail, I was surprised at how large it was- but it's my own fault for not actually blocking out the measurement (I'm not a spatial person- I can't see these things in my head!). I was also frustrated with how long it took for all the postcards to be mailed- a guest in Sau Paulo, Brazil received theirs before our in-laws in Florida did! It took about a month before everyone had their card. I was billed by "Amazing Mail, Inc." which is apparently the company the USPS uses for this service. Iw ould recommend this route to anyone who is uncomfortable with DIY design but also wants to save money. Otherwise, I would say to look elsewhere.

What did you do for your STD's? Were you happy with the amount of money you spent on them?