Creating Homemade Wedding Invitations: A How-To Guide

Wedding invitations are an essential part of the planning process, but they can be expensive. Many couples opt to make their own invitations at home to save money and add a personal touch. While DIY wedding invitations may not look as polished as those made by professionals, they can still be beautiful and meaningful. This guide will cover everything you need to know about making your own wedding invitations, from choosing a design to assembling the final product.

Choosing the right paper

Paper Type and Weight

The first step is to decide on the type of paper you want to use. The most popular choice is uncoated cardstock, which has a luxurious look and a durable feel. If you prefer a more textured appearance, you can opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish. When selecting the weight, go for a thicker option, such as cardstock listed at over 100 pounds per 500 sheets, to give your invitations a luxurious feel.

Printer Compatibility

Not all printers can handle the same paper thickness. Before purchasing your paper, check your printer's specifications to ensure it can accommodate the weight and size of your chosen paper. Most standard home printers can handle cardstock up to 80 pounds. If your design includes a full-color background or you're unsure about your printer's capabilities, consider using a professional printing service.

Paper Colour and Finish

The colour and finish of your paper can enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitations. For a subtle sparkle and dimension, choose a paper with a pearlescent finish. If you want a soft, romantic feel, opt for a paper with a linen finish, which has a delicate woven texture. Cotton fiber paper is another excellent option, known for its durability and ability to absorb ink, resulting in rich, vibrant colours.

Eco-Friendly Options

If you're environmentally conscious, consider recycled paper made from repurposed materials. Kraft cardstock and pulpy, handmade papers are excellent choices for eco-friendly or rustic-style weddings.

Samples and Testing

Before committing to a large quantity of paper, it's a good idea to obtain samples and test them with your printer. This will ensure that the paper works well with your printer and that the final result meets your expectations.

Cost Considerations

Paper costs can vary depending on the type, weight, and finish. If you're working with a tight budget, consider cheaper alternatives like cardstock kits from craft stores, which typically include pre-cut cards and envelopes at a reasonable price.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to choose the right paper for your DIY wedding invitations, creating a unique and meaningful announcement for your special day.

Printing methods

Printing your wedding invitations at home is a great way to save money. You can use a basic inkjet or laser printer to print your DIY wedding invitations. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results.

First, make sure you have the right paper. Most wedding invitations are printed on high-quality cardstock, typically uncoated cardstock with a luxurious look and durable feel. You can also opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish for a more textured look. It's important to choose paper that is compatible with your printer and can handle the weight and size of your chosen paper type.

Next, consider the design of your invitations. You can create your own design using software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, or use beginner-friendly options like Canva and Microsoft Word. Keep in mind that most home printers are not well-suited for full-colour jobs, so it's best to opt for a white backdrop with colourful illustrations. You can also purchase premade templates from sites like Etsy, Creative Market, or stock photography websites. When designing your invitations, aim for a simple design with limited colours to reduce ink usage and printing costs.

Once you're happy with your design, it's time to print. Before printing your final invitations, run a few tests to ensure the colours and text look as expected. Feed the cardstock into your printer, making sure the paper is aligned correctly. Stay by the printer to monitor the printing process and catch any issues early on.

If you don't have a home printer or prefer professional results, you can also use a printing company. Evaluate the cost of printer ink and compare it to the prices offered by local print shops. Most printing companies will require a PDF file of your invitation design.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful and affordable wedding invitations from the comfort of your home.

Envelopes

When addressing your envelopes, you can use your own handwriting, which adds a personal, elegant touch, or you can use printed labels. If you want to print your envelopes at home, you can do so by going to Mailings > Envelopes and entering the delivery and return addresses. Put the empty envelope in the printer tray, according to the illustration in the Feed Box, and choose "Print". You can also print envelopes using a third-party app on your smartphone.

Before mailing your invitations, it is important to visit the post office to determine the correct postage, which will depend on the number and weight of your invitations. You can then return to the post office to mail your invitations, which should be sent six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

Design and layout

The design and layout of your wedding invitations are crucial in setting the tone of your wedding celebration and reflecting your love story. Here are some tips and steps to help you design and layout your wedding invitations at home:

Identify Your Design:

Start by determining the overall look and feel of your invitations. Consider your wedding aesthetic, colour palette, and theme when designing. For instance, if you're planning a rustic wedding, you might opt for a simple design printed on recycled brown paper. In contrast, a modern wedding could call for a minimalist design. You can also add personal touches, such as illustrations, meaningful symbols, or handmade elements.

Choose Your Tools:

You can create your wedding invitation design using various tools, depending on your skill level and preferences. Beginner-friendly options include Canva and Microsoft Word, which offer customizable templates. For a more professional-looking design, you can use designer software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign.

Select Your Paper:

The type of paper you choose will impact the look and feel of your invitations. Uncoated cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its high-quality, luxurious appearance and durable feel. If you want a more textured look, consider paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish. When selecting paper, pay attention to its weight and size, ensuring it's compatible with your printer.

Design Layout:

When designing your invitation layout, consider the following:

• Information to Include: The essential details to include are the full names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and RSVP information. You may also want to include additional details such as the wedding theme, dress code, and any other relevant information for your guests.
• Font and Typography: Choose fonts that complement your wedding theme and design. Consider using different fonts for the couple's names and the rest of the text to create a stylish contrast.
• Visual Elements: Incorporate visual elements such as illustrations, borders, monograms, or even a photo of the happy couple. Ensure any visuals align with your wedding theme and colour palette.
• White Space and Colour: If you're printing at home, it's advisable to opt for designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds, as these tend to print better on home printers. Avoid full-colour backgrounds, as they may lead to imperfections and discolouration.

Proofreading and Printing:

Before printing, thoroughly proofread your invitation design for any errors or typos. Consider having someone else review it as well to ensure nothing is missed. Save your final design as a PDF, as this will generally print with higher quality than a JPEG. When printing, use the "photograph" or "high" setting for the best results.

Assembly and Mailing:

After printing, assemble your invitations by placing any inserts inside the corresponding envelopes. Add any adornments, such as ribbons or wax seals, for a personalised touch. Finally, address your envelopes by hand or use printed labels. Don't forget to include the correct postage, especially if your invitations are heavier or require special handling.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of your unique love story, so feel free to get creative and incorporate elements that showcase your personality as a couple!

Assembly

Once you have all your pieces and your printed invitations, it's time to assemble your invitations. This is a great opportunity to get your family and friends involved. Before you get everyone started, make sure you've assembled a full invitation yourself so you know the steps and so you have a finished sample for everyone to see.

One suggestion is to use an assembly line method for putting together your invitations. Divide the assembly steps into stations and assign one person to each station. For example, if you are creating a mounted A7 invitation suite, your stations could be as follows:

Station one: Run the printed invitation through an adhesive machine to apply adhesive.

Station two: Adhere the invitation to its backing.

Station three: Apply a postage stamp to the RSVP envelope.

Station four: Insert the backed invitation, RSVP card and RSVP envelope into the main envelope.

If you have additional steps, such as lining envelopes, you can work that into the flow.

Other tips for assembling your invitations include:

• Using glue dots or double-sided tape to seal envelopes, rather than traditional glue.
• Adding adornments like tying a ribbon around the cards or applying a wax seal.
• Placing inserts inside of the corresponding envelopes, sealing them, and adding adornments.

Frequently asked questions