Mailing Magnetic Memories: A Guide To Sending Wedding Save-The-Date Magnets

Save-the-date magnets are a fun, unique, and practical way to announce your wedding and ensure your guests mark their calendars. They are a refreshing twist on traditional paper cards, and your guests will love the surprise of opening their envelope to find a magnet inside. Save-the-date magnets are also more likely to be displayed on a fridge than a paper card, serving as a constant reminder of your big day.

When it comes to mailing your save-the-date magnets, the process is simple. Most magnets are designed to be the perfect size for mailing and can be sent with standard postage. Simply slip your magnet into an envelope, add a stamp, and send it off. It's a good idea to weigh your magnet and envelope to ensure you have the correct postage, and you may want to add a little extra postage for peace of mind.

With their durability, convenience, and memorability, save-the-date magnets are an excellent choice for your wedding announcements. Your guests will appreciate the creative approach, and you'll love how hassle-free it is to send them out.

Magnet size and weight may require extra postage

When it comes to mailing wedding save-the-date magnets, size and weight are important factors that can determine the cost of postage. In the United States, postage cost is primarily calculated based on weight. While a normal letter or invitation requires just one regular stamp, larger or heavier items may require additional postage.

Magnets can vary in size, with some being smaller, such as business card-sized, while others are larger, such as boarding passes. If your save-the-date magnet is on the larger side or includes additional items like a response card, it may weigh more than a standard piece of mail. In such cases, you will need to use more than a first-class stamp to ensure delivery.

To avoid unexpected costs or delivery issues, it is recommended to weigh your magnets and envelopes before mailing. You can use a scale at home or visit your local post office to have them weighed. This will help you determine the exact postage required.

Additionally, the thickness and rigidity of your magnets can also impact the postage cost. If your magnet is thick or rigid, it may require a surcharge. USPS guidelines specify that mail pieces containing flat magnets must be uniformly thick and no thicker than 1/32 of an inch. The magnetic surface area should not exceed 26 square inches, and the magnet should not shift excessively within the envelope.

To ensure your save-the-date magnets can be mailed without incurring extra postage, consider choosing a magnet size that fits snugly into a standard envelope. For example, a 4" x 6" envelope is a standard size that can accommodate a flat magnet without requiring additional postage. If you have a smaller magnet, you may need to affix it to a card or piece of cardstock to ensure it doesn't shift within the envelope.

Use standard-sized envelopes

When it comes to mailing your wedding save-the-date magnets, using standard-sized envelopes is a great option. Here are some tips and instructions to help you with the process:

Envelope Size:

• The standard size for envelopes is A2 or 4.375" x 5.75". This size is commonly used for invitations and greeting cards, making it readily available at stationery stores or online.
• If your magnets are small, measuring around 3.5" x 4" or 4" x 5.5", they will fit easily into standard-sized envelopes.
• However, if your magnets are larger, such as the popular 5" x 7" size, you may need to use specialty mailers or large envelopes.

Mailing Process:

• Most save-the-date magnets can be mailed through the regular postal service. Ensure your envelope is at least 5" x 3.5", which is the minimum size accepted by the postal service.
• Bring your envelopes directly to the post office or hand them to your mail carrier to avoid magnets sticking to metal mailboxes.
• Magnets may weigh more than paper, so ensure you have the correct postage. A standard or Forever stamp might not be sufficient, so double-check the weight.
• Consider using pre-printed envelopes with your guests' addresses and your return address to save time and avoid handwriting each address.

Envelope Type and Arrangement:

• Choose envelopes made with paper of at least 80lb. thickness to prevent magnets from wearing away the edges during transit.
• Place the magnet in the envelope facing the back, so recipients see the image on the front when they open it.
• For smaller magnets, attach them to blank cardstock to prevent slipping. Cut slits in the cardstock or use photo corners to secure the magnets.
• If including an informational card, keep the magnet in a separate envelope or slip it into a transparent plastic sleeve to protect the card from scratches.

Timing and Etiquette:

• Follow the same etiquette as paper save-the-date cards. Mail your magnets about 6 to 8 months before the wedding, giving guests enough time to make travel arrangements.
• Include a note that formal invitations will follow, and consider adding your wedding website address for more details.

Practicality and convenience of magnets over traditional cards

Save the date magnets offer several advantages over traditional cards, making them a practical and convenient choice for couples planning their wedding. Here are some reasons why magnets might be a better option:

• Convenience for Guests: Magnets are convenient for guests as they can be easily placed on a refrigerator or magnetic board, serving as a constant reminder of the upcoming event. This ensures that your guests don't overlook or forget about your special day.
• Practicality: Save the date magnets are practical because they serve a dual purpose. They convey the necessary information about your wedding and also function as a keepsake that guests can display. Unlike traditional cards, magnets are less likely to be misplaced, ensuring that your wedding details are always visible and accessible to your guests.
• Longevity: Magnets have a longer lifespan compared to traditional cards. They can be kept as mementos, reminding guests of your wedding long after the event has passed. This adds a sentimental value to the magnets, making them more than just a piece of stationery.
• Creative Customization: Magnets offer endless customization options. You can personalize them with engagement photos, unique artwork, or personalized messages. This allows you to add a touch of your personality and style to your save the dates, making them more memorable for your guests.
• Reduced Risk of Damage: Magnets are sturdier than traditional paper cards and have a lower risk of getting bent, torn, or creased during delivery. This ensures that your guests receive your save the dates in pristine condition, maintaining their elegant appearance.
• Eco-Friendly Options: For environmentally conscious couples, eco-friendly magnets made from sustainable materials are readily available. By choosing these options, you can share your excitement without compromising your values and harming the planet.
• Ease of Distribution: Magnets are easy to distribute and can be sent in standard envelopes. They eliminate the need for additional protective packaging, reducing the complexity and cost of shipping.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Magnets can save you money in the long run. They are durable and less likely to be damaged in the mail, reducing the need for resending invitations. Additionally, their small size can result in lower postage costs.

Save the dates are not a requirement

While some people consider sending out save-the-dates to be essential, they are not a requirement. They are simply a way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location. If you're worried about the time and expense involved in sending out save-the-dates, or you're not ready to finalise your guest list, it's perfectly fine to skip them.

Save-the-dates are especially useful if you're planning a destination wedding or your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, as they give guests a chance to book travel and accommodations. They can also be helpful if you think your guests might not be expecting an invitation, or if you want to give them a chance to say "no" to other commitments.

However, creating and sending save-the-dates can be costly and time-consuming, and it can be tricky to finalise your guest list so early in the planning process. Additionally, you may not have all the details of your wedding finalised yet, and save-the-dates are meant to be very high-level, only including the date and location.

Ultimately, the decision to send save-the-dates is a personal one, and there are valid reasons for both sending them and skipping them.

When to send save the date magnets

Save the date magnets are a unique and refreshing alternative to traditional paper formats. They are a great way to ensure your wedding guests remember your big day. It is recommended that save the dates are sent out 8-12 months in advance for a destination wedding, and four months in advance for a local wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to block out their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements.

For destination weddings, you may want to include information on lodging and room blocks on your save the date, or provide a link to your wedding website where guests can find more details. It's also a good idea to include information on flight prices if they are cheapest within a certain timeframe.

A formal wedding invitation generally follows about 12 to 8 weeks before the wedding.

Frequently asked questions