Designing Wedding Invitations: A Personalized Touch

Wedding invitations are an essential part of planning your dream wedding. While some couples prefer to order pre-made invitations, others opt for a more personalized approach by designing their own. Designing your own wedding invitations allows you to add a creative and unique touch to your special day. Whether you're aiming for a rustic, modern, or whimsical theme, there are various online tools and templates available to help you create elegant and stylish invitations.

With platforms like VistaPrint, Basic Invite, and Canva, you can choose from a wide range of customizable templates, select colour schemes and fonts, and upload your own images to make the process stress-free and enjoyable. These platforms also offer printing services, allowing you to order high-quality prints of your invitations.

Additionally, you can find cost-effective options by printing your designs at local print shops or using online services like FedEx. By designing your own wedding invitations, you can save money while adding a personal and memorable touch to your wedding celebrations.

Choosing a design template

• Consider your wedding theme: If you're planning a rustic wedding, you might want to opt for a simple design with recycled paper and earthy colours. For a modern wedding, minimalist designs and bold typography can make a statement.
• Browse through templates: Websites like VistaPrint, Basic Invite, Canva, and Greetings Island offer a wide range of customizable wedding invitation templates. Take time to explore their collections and filter by style, colour, and theme to find options that match your vision.
• Personalisation: Look for templates that allow you to personalise all the elements, including text, colours, images, and even QR codes. This will ensure that your invitations are authentically yours and reflect your unique style.
• Preview and proof: Before finalising your design, take advantage of the preview feature offered by some websites. This will allow you to see how your invitation will look once printed. You can also request a digital proof, which is an excellent way to share your ideas with your partner, friends, or wedding planner and get their feedback.
• Seek inspiration: If you're unsure where to start, look for trending designs and colour palettes. For instance, blooms and botanicals, vintage vibes, new rustic, and bold typography are some popular trends for wedding invitations in 2024.
• Custom design services: If you need help, consider using the custom design services offered by some websites. Their professional designers can work with you to update an existing template or create a completely bespoke invitation that matches your vision.

Customising your invitation

Customising your wedding invitation is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create stylish and elegant DIY wedding invitations:

Choose your design style

Start by selecting a design style that reflects your wedding theme and personality. Are you going for a rustic, whimsical, modern, or classic look? Browse through online templates or create your own design from scratch. Consider incorporating elements such as florals, vintage motifs, bold typography, or destination-themed illustrations.

Select your colour palette

Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding colours and theme. You can match your invitation to your wedding colours or choose a contrasting palette for a unique look. Play around with different combinations and don't be afraid to experiment!

Add personal touches

Include personal touches such as your own photos, custom illustrations, or even a wax seal with your initials. You can also use shapes, lines, and other graphic elements to make your invitation stand out. If you have a wedding website, consider adding a QR code that guests can scan for more information.

Customise the text

Customise the text to include all the essential information, such as the request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, and location. You can also include additional details such as the wedding website address, gift list information, or accommodation suggestions for guests. Consider stylising your font to match your theme, whether it's elegant calligraphy or a bold, modern typeface.

Choose your paper type and size

Select a paper type that suits your design and budget. Thicker stocks tend to feel more luxurious, while lighter stocks can give a delicate, airy feel. Also, decide on the size of your invitation, whether you want a standard 5" x 7" card or something more unique like a petite 4.25" x 6" invitation. Don't forget to consider postage costs when choosing your paper size and weight!

Print or share your invitations

Once you're happy with your design, it's time to print or share your invitations. You can use an online printing service, or print them yourself at home if your printer can handle thicker paper. If you want to share your invitations electronically, you can send them via email or post them directly to your social media accounts.

Customising your wedding invitations allows you to express your creativity and add a unique touch to your special day. By following these steps, you'll be able to create beautiful invitations that you and your guests will cherish.

Previewing your design

• Take advantage of the preview feature offered by online invitation design platforms. This will allow you to see a digital representation of your invitation and make any necessary changes before finalizing your order.
• Pay attention to the details: Check that all the information, including dates, times, locations, and RSVP details, is correct and accurately reflects your wedding plans.
• Color accuracy: Ensure that the colors in your design are accurately represented and match your wedding color palette. Check that any colored envelopes or liners complement your invitation design.
• Design placement: Check that all design elements, such as text, images, and graphics, are correctly positioned and aligned. This will ensure that your invitation looks balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
• Paper type and weight: Consider the type of paper you will be printing your invitations on. Thicker, heavier stocks can give a more luxurious feel, while lighter stocks may be more delicate. Choose a paper that enhances the colors and details of your design.
• Envelope lining and addressing: If you plan to include envelope liners or special addressing, ensure that they complement your invitation design and are correctly positioned.
• Proofreading: Carefully review your design for any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting inconsistencies. Ask a friend or family member to proofread as well to ensure nothing is missed.
• Compare to inspiration: If you have any inspiration pieces or mood boards, compare your final design to ensure it aligns with your initial vision and wedding theme.
• Get a second opinion: Share your design preview with your partner, friends, or wedding planner to get their feedback. They may catch something you missed or offer suggestions for improvement.
• Order a sample: Some companies offer the option to order a single custom sample of your invitation. This can be a great way to see your design in person before placing a large order.

Remember, the previewing process is your opportunity to ensure that your wedding invitations accurately represent your vision and set the tone for your special day. Take your time, pay attention to the details, and don't be afraid to make changes to create your perfect invitation.

Choosing paper type and quantity

When it comes to choosing the paper type for your wedding invitations, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the weight of the paper, or cardstock, is important. The thicker the cardstock, the more luxurious and professional your invitations will look and feel. However, thicker cardstock can also be more expensive and may not be suitable for all printers. The standard weight for cardstock is 80# or 100#, but weights can range from 45# to 300# or higher. If you're printing at home, it's recommended to start with 80# cardstock and increase the weight until you find the best option for your printer.

Another factor to consider is the finish of the paper. There are several types of paper finishes available, including smooth matte, linen, eggshell, metallic, satin, silk, glossy, cotton, kraft, and wood grain. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice for brides, as it has a soft, faintly textured finish. Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture that can help to hide imperfections and add visual interest. Eggshell paper has a subtle, toothy texture, while metallic paper adds a touch of sparkle and shine. Cotton paper is the most expensive option but is incredibly soft and durable, absorbing ink beautifully for a rich, timeless look. Kraft and wood-grain paper have a more rustic, DIY feel, perfect for outdoor or vintage-themed weddings.

When choosing the quantity of wedding invitations to order, it's important to consider your guest list size, the number of couples or families invited, and the need for any extra invitations. As a general rule, it's recommended to order 10-15% more invitations than the number of guests on your list. This allows for last-minute additions and ensures you have some invitations as keepsakes.

Completing your purchase

Now that you have designed your dream wedding invitation, it is time to finalise your order. You can do this by entering your payment and shipping details. Double-check that you are happy with the design, quantity, and paper type before placing your order.

If you are using VistaPrint, you can also add custom envelopes to your order. VistaPrint offers free recipient addressing when you add these to your cart. You can enter your recipients' details one by one or upload a list. You can also customise how you want your recipients' names to appear on the envelopes. For example, if you are addressing a married couple, you can use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. Alternatively, you can list both first names individually. For unmarried couples living together, list their full names together on one line. For families, you can address the envelope to the whole family or include the children's names. You will be able to preview the addresses on the envelopes as you go.

If you are using Shutterfly, you can rest assured that your satisfaction is their top priority. They offer a 100% happiness guarantee and will not stop working until you are completely happy with your order. Their best-in-class printing is done in the USA.

Basic Invite also offers a Love It Guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your order, they will replace it for free or offer a full refund with no questions asked.

If you are using Canva, you can send your design straight to Canva Print and have your invitations delivered to your doorstep. Alternatively, you can share your invitation electronically via email or social media.

Frequently asked questions