Creating Custom Wedding Invitations With Shutterfly

Wedding invitations are one of the first things guests will see, so it's important to make a good impression. Shutterfly allows you to create custom wedding invitations that are unique to your special day. You can choose from a range of invitation styles, templates, and designs, or even upload your own design. Shutterfly's online tools make it easy to create beautiful invitations that tie in with your wedding's colours, patterns, and personalised messaging. You can also include photographs to make your invitations extra special and authentic.

Custom photo wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are one of the first things your guests will see, so it's important to make a good impression and set the tone for your big day. Custom photo wedding invitations are a great way to express your authentic style and give guests a glimpse of what to expect.

Shutterfly offers a range of options for creating personalised photo wedding invitations. You can choose from single-photo, creatively framed, or multiple-photo invitations, all of which can be customised to reflect your unique sense of style. For example, you can use a custom photo of the happy couple, or a landscape image that represents your wedding theme.

When designing your photo wedding invitations, it's important to consider the location of the photo shoot and the attire. These elements should be consistent with the mood of the invitation and the wedding itself. For instance, if you're having a formal country club wedding, a casual beach engagement photo might not be the best fit.

Shutterfly's online tools make it easy to create custom invitations, even if you're not a graphic designer. You can upload your own design or edit pre-designed templates to create invitations that truly reflect your personality and style.

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to design and order your invitations, especially if you plan to include engagement photos or match your invitations to your save-the-dates. Start designing your invitations about eight to 12 months before the wedding, and send them out six to eight weeks before the big day.

Using a single photograph

When selecting a photo, consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For a formal wedding, a professional photo or formal portrait is a good choice, while a casual wedding could be announced with a candid snapshot. The location and attire in the photo can also help to dictate the mood of the invitation—for instance, a casual beach photo might not suit a formal country club wedding.

You can also use a single photograph as part of a larger design. Shutterfly's Ingrained Love template features a dedicated space for your wedding details alongside a photo frame, allowing you to include a picture that reflects your love and style.

If you're including a single photo on your invitation, it's important to choose a high-quality image. The photo should be clear, well-lit, in focus, and high-resolution. It should also prominently feature the couple, avoiding any busy or cluttered compositions.

With Shutterfly's customisation tools, you can easily upload your chosen photo, edit pre-designed templates, and play with design elements to create a wedding invitation that truly reflects your vision.

Framing a photo

Shutterfly allows you to create your own wedding invitations with customisable designs and easy-to-use online tools. You can upload your own design or edit pre-designed templates.

Now, here's some detailed information about framing a photo for your wedding invitations.

Including photos in your wedding invitations is a great way to reflect the theme of your wedding. When it comes to framing a photo for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, choose a frame that complements the style and theme of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you might opt for a wooden or burlap frame. If your wedding has a more glamorous or romantic feel, you could choose a frame with gold or silver accents, or even a shadow box frame to display multiple photos.

Size and Orientation

The size and orientation of the frame will depend on the size and layout of your photos. Most wedding invitation sizes are 5x7 inches, so you'll want to choose a frame that fits this standard size. If your photo has a horizontal orientation, opt for a frame that accommodates this format.

Displaying Your Invitations and Photos

When it comes to displaying your framed photos and invitations, you have a few options. You can opt for a wall-mounted frame, a tabletop frame, or even a DIY shadow box. If you want to display multiple pieces, including your invitations, photos, and other wedding stationery, consider a unique arrangement, such as a clothesline-style display or a floating frame.

Personalised Frames

To make your framed photos even more special, consider personalising the frame with your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote. This adds a sentimental touch to your invitations and creates a lasting keepsake.

Timing

When creating your own wedding invitations, it's important to give yourself plenty of time. Start designing your invitations about eight to 12 months before the wedding. This will allow you to perfect your design and ensure that all the elements, including your photos, are ready in time.

By following these tips, you can effectively frame a photo for your wedding invitations, creating a stylish and personalised touch for your special day.

Multiple photos

Shutterfly offers multiple ways to create custom wedding invitations with multiple photos. One way is to use Shutterfly's custom photo-on-photo templates, which are ideal for casual and cocktail-attire weddings of all themes and styles. These fun wedding invitations allow you to feature a collage of custom photographs, reflecting your unique style and sense of adventure.

When selecting your photos, it is important to be selective and ensure they complement each other, as using too many photos or photos that clash can change the desired tone of your wedding day. For instance, if you're having a formal country club wedding, a casual beach engagement photo might not be the best fit. Instead, choose photos that align with the mood and style of your wedding.

Another option is to use a framed template, such as the Ingrained Love invitation, which has a dedicated space for your wedding details and a frame for your photograph. This rustic and romantic invitation allows you to showcase your unique sense of style while also including all the necessary information for your guests.

You can also get creative with your envelope choices and inserts to match your invitation style. Play with different sizes and card structures to add a unique touch to your invitations. For example, choose half-fold or accordion-style cards that open to reveal more information and allow for additional design space.

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to perfect your wedding stationery, including RSVP cards, bridal shower invitations, and thank you cards. Start designing your invitations about eight to twelve months before the big day, and order and send them out two to three months in advance.

Timing and sending

The timing of sending out your wedding invitations is crucial and depends on various factors. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure your invitations reach your guests at the right time:

When to Design Your Wedding Invitations :

Start designing your wedding invitations eight to 12 months before the big day. This gives you ample time to perfect your stationery, including RSVP cards, bridal shower invitations, and wedding thank-you cards. If you plan to include engagement photos, ensure you have received them from your photographer before starting the design process.

Timing for Destination Weddings:

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's essential to send out your "save the dates" and invitations earlier than traditional locations. This will allow your guests to make the necessary travel arrangements and request time off from work or other commitments.

Timing for Sending Out Invitations:

Traditionally, wedding invitations are mailed between six and eight weeks before the wedding. This timing ensures your guests have enough notice to RSVP, book accommodations, and plan their travel. However, if you're having a destination wedding, consider sending out your invitations earlier to allow guests more time to coordinate their plans.

Timing for Receiving RSVPs:

After sending out your invitations, keep an eye out for RSVPs, which should start arriving within a week. This timing will help you finalise your guest list and move forward with other stationery items, such as wedding place cards and menus. It also keeps your wedding planner informed and allows them to make any necessary adjustments.

Timing for Finalising Guest List:

Sending out your custom wedding invitations marks the beginning of the final phase of wedding planning. With just a few weeks left until the big day, the finalised guest list is a critical detail that will bring your dream design to life.

Remember, the timing guidelines provided above are flexible and can be adjusted to fit your specific needs and wedding plans. The key is to give your guests enough notice while also allowing yourself sufficient time to perfect your stationery and plan accordingly.

Frequently asked questions