Budget-Friendly Save the Date Ideas Under $2

Wedding planning can get pricey, but your save-the-dates don’t have to!

If you’re looking for fun, creative, and affordable ways to announce your big day, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some cute and budget-friendly save-the-date ideas—all under £/$2 each!

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1. Pencil Save the Dates

A cute and practical way to announce your wedding! Get custom-engraved pencils with your names and date, then attach a little card that says, “Pencil us in!” It’s a fun, useful keepsake your guests will love.

Ordering in bulk is the best way to save money, but you can also buy plain pencils and add stickers or a simple tag with twine for a DIY touch.

If you’re feeling creative, consider stamping the pencils yourself using a simple alphabet stamp set. Etsy, Amazon, and bulk stationery suppliers are great places to find them.

2. Magnet Save the Dates

Magnets are the MVP of wedding reminders. Guests can stick them on their fridge, so they won’t forget your special day.

You can DIY them with magnetic sheets or order pre-made ones in bulk. Thin magnets are usually cheaper, but they may not hold well. If you’re making them yourself, printable magnetic sheets work great, but for a more polished look, professional printing ensures a longer-lasting finish.

If you’re looking for something extra creative, consider wooden magnets or clear acrylic magnets, which are often available in bulk at affordable prices.

Check out Zazzle, VistaPrint, or custom print shops for options.

3. Seed Packets or Plantable Cards

Perfect for nature-loving couples! Send guests a mini seed packet or a plantable paper card so they can grow flowers or herbs in honor of your wedding. For a budget-friendly option, buy plain seed packets and print custom stickers on Etsy or Zazzle.

If you’re feeling crafty, we have a tutorial on making your own! You can also buy pre-made plantable paper cards on Etsy or make your own using seed paper and a home printer.

If you’re making them yourself, consider choosing wildflowers, lavender, or herbs, as they are low-maintenance and grow in most climates. Botanical PaperWorks and Etsy are great places to start.

4. Mini Calendars with Your Date Highlighted

Keep it simple and stylish with a mini calendar featuring your wedding month. Highlight the big day and attach it to a cute little card.

Printing mini calendars on cardstock and using a heart-shaped stamp or sticker to mark your wedding date adds a nice personal touch.

If you want to add an extra layer of fun, include a tiny gold paperclip or a hole-punched ribbon so guests can easily attach it to their planner.

You can DIY these with Canva and a home printer or order through online print shops.

5. Photo Booth-Style Strips

Make it fun! Snap some cute pictures together and print them out in a photo booth strip format with your wedding date at the bottom.

It’s playful, personal, and looks amazing on a fridge or bulletin board. If you don’t have a photo booth handy, use an app like Canva or a free online photo strip generator to create the effect. If you want a vintage look, try black-and-white photos with a classic font.

Print them at home or through services like Shutterfly or Walgreens. To make them even more special, use a glossy finish for a professional touch.

6. Postcard Save the Dates

Ditch the envelopes and go for a stylish postcard instead. Use a minimal design, a cute engagement photo, or even a fun doodle that represents you as a couple.

Postcards also cost less to mail than traditional save-the-dates, making them a great budget-friendly option.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, consider designing your postcard to look like a vintage travel poster from your wedding location. VistaPrint, Moo, and Zazzle have plenty of affordable options.

7. Scratch-Off Cards

Turn your save-the-date into a mini game! Guests scratch off a section of the card to reveal your wedding date—it’s interactive and super fun.

You can buy ready-made designs on Etsy, or if you want a more hands-on approach, buy scratch-off sticker labels and apply them to your printed cards for a custom, budget-friendly version.

If you want to personalize it even further, consider adding a short message under the scratch-off section, such as “We can’t wait to celebrate with you!”

DIY kits are available on Amazon and Etsy.

8. Bookmarks

For the bookworm couples, a custom bookmark is a sweet and practical way to remind guests of your big day.

Add a romantic quote and your wedding details, and you’ve got a keepsake they’ll actually use. Printing your design on cardstock and adding a punched hole with a ribbon gives it a polished look. If you want something a little more luxe, try adding foil accents or a tassel.

You can also add gold foil stickers or handwritten touches for extra charm. Etsy is a great place to order them, or you can DIY with cardstock and ribbon.

Budget Friendly Save the Dates under $2

Who says save-the-dates have to be expensive? With a little creativity, you can send out something fun, stylish, and memorable—without blowing your budget.

Whether you love the idea of a practical pencil, an eco-friendly seed packet, or a playful scratch-off card, there’s an option for every couple.

Which of these ideas is your favorite?