Mark Your Calendars: Save the Date Challenge Special Prizes

Save the dates is personally one of my favorite categories on Minted. Often times these announcements are a bit more casual than wedding invitations, which leaves room for all kinds of creativity. Choosing save the dates is also quite likely the first time couples decide on how to express themselves, together. They take the opportunity before the wedding planning chaos really heats up to send a note to their friends and family saying hey, write this down, we’re getting hitched. In the Mark Your Calendars: Save the Date Challenge, we looked to the Minted community for unique and stylish ways for our customers to spread the word about their upcoming nuptials. We weren’t disappointed. Below are the stunning special prize winners for this challenge. I feel so lucky to be able to share these with everyone. Congratulations designers!

Better in Pairs Award for the best multi-photo design

“Bold Stripe” by VOSS

The blue stripes and photo strips in “Bold Stripe” are so clean and fresh. We love the simplicity in the details and the attention Sara is able to bring to the happy couple in this modern design.

Runner Ups (from left): “Glimmer” by The Social Type | “Chic Photo Booth” by trbdesign | “Trifecta” by Palm Papers | “Modern Collage” by annie clark

Snapshot Award for the best design incorporating a full-bleed photo

“Vintage Street Sign” by kelli hall

We’re pretty crazy about text over photos these days, especially in the places you least expect it. Kelli is able to magically blend the centered opaque frame and delicate detail text with a big beautiful photo of the couple in “Vintage Street Sign.”

Runner Ups (clockwise from top left): “Signed Sealed Delivered” by J. Bean and Co. | “Circle the Date” by Kimberly Fitzsimons | “Etched Color Wash” by Caitlin McClure | “A Banner Date” by nocciola design | “Ink Roll” by Phoebe Wong-Oliveros | “Silver Screen” by Jennifer Wick

Big & Bold Award for the best bold and/or typographic design

“Antiquely” by GeekInk Design

Inspired by antique type and signage, “Antiquely” is big, bold and very fun. Eric’s monochromatic palette really allows the details of the wording, striped border and intricate banner to shine.

Runner Ups: “My Sunshine” by Susie Allen | “Save the Date Whimsy” by ERAY | “Here’s a Story” by Inkblot Paper | “Simply Sweet Watercolor” by Sara Heilwagen

Crazy Love Award for the best off-beat, whimsical and/or funny design

“Nostalgic Knot” by jenincmyk

What better way to tell your friends and family about your upcoming nuptials than to send a diagram of how to literally tie the knot? Jen’s dotty border and pale pink background accent this design beautifully.

Runner Ups (clockwise from top left): “Tiptoe Kiss” by lunegrafik | “Bridal Chorus” by Betta | “Just Get Here” by 2BSquared Designs | “Word Play” by Kristin Haley | “He+She in One Package” by chocomocacino

Only the Facts Award for the best minimal, chic and/or simple design

“Symphony” by Sydney Newsom

The minimal colors and beautiful type are so chic. The preppy border and simple detail text are icing on the cake. Sydney is a master of sophisticated and modern design, which is perfectly displayed in “Symphony.”

Runner Ups (clockwise from top left): “Numbers” by Kristie Kern | “Calendar Page” by Pink Hippo Prints | “Picture Perfect” by roxy | “Pica” by jackmove | “Yes, It’s True” by Jana Volfova

Leavin’ on a Jet Plane Award for the best destination save the date design

“Prepare to Celebrate” by Jana Volfova

Bunting banner and a vintage suit case! So cute. Jana makes us really excited to travel with her whimsical and versatile design. “Prepare to Celebrate” is perfect for a destination wedding taking place anywhere in the world.

Runner Ups: “Yes Si Oui” by Ana Gonzalez | “Fly with Us” by morganvicki | “Costa Rica” by Katie Wahn

Baby It’s Cold Outside Award for the best winter design

“Cabin Love” by Jess Taich

While we’re really looking forward to the upcoming spring and summer months, we can’t help but want to snuggle up in a cabin surrounded by snow when we see “Cabin Love.” Jess’s hand illustrated type and the pines framing the adorable cabin are the perfect finishing touches.

Runner Ups: “Winter Wonderland” by Amber Barkley | “Alpine” by Alex Elko Design | “Simple Snowflake” by VOSS

Spring Fling Award for the best springtime design

“Vintage Floral” by Amber Barkley

The dancing florals and preppy type setting in “Vintage Floral” just scream springtime. The bold gold accents and monogram up top really connect the dots in Amber’s beautiful design.

Runner Ups (clockwise from top left): “Woodland” by Kristie Kern | “Sea Breeze” by Kristie Kern | “Fanciful Florals” by lehan paper design | “Two Little Birdies Told Me” by Blonde Ambition

An Autumn Affair Award for the best fall inspired design

“bow & arrows” by annie clark

The ochre yellow color block sets the autumn tone in Annie’s whimsical, yet modern “Bow and Arrows.” We can’t get enough of her hand illustrated type and perfectly imperfect border.

Runner Ups: “Retro Florals” by Hello Hailey | “Log Cabin” by Katie Wahn | “Lakeside Twilight” by My Sweetie Pie

Summer Love Award for the best summertime design

“Vintage Beach” by Kristie Kern

I can’t think of a better way to spend a summer than on the beach in one of Kristie’s super chic lounge chairs. The colors, the stripes, the textured background…”Vintage Beach” just exudes fun in the sun.

Runner Ups: “Sunshine” by Oscar & Emma | “Malibu Stripes” by Simone Klein | “Citrus Lovin’” by Christine Loo | “Watermelon Hearts” by Sarah Curry | “Ocean Blue” by Sari Victoria