Diy Wedding Invitations: Template Tricks For The Perfect Invite

Wedding invitations are an essential part of wedding planning, providing guests with key information about the event. While many couples work with stationery design studios, others opt for the DIY route to express their creativity and cut costs. This article will explore the different approaches to DIY wedding invitations, including customising online templates, printing invitations at home, and crafting invitations from scratch. We will also offer tips and ideas for creating elegant and personalised DIY wedding invitations that reflect your unique style and love story.

Editable templates: Find an editable digital template online and personalise it

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to create your wedding invitations, using an editable digital template is a great option. This method allows you to personalise your invitations without spending too much time or money. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Find a Reputable Online Source

Start by finding a website that offers editable wedding invitation templates. There are many websites available, such as Canva, Greetings Island, Etsy, Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle. These sites offer a variety of templates to choose from, and most of them are editable online, making it easy for you to customise your invitations.

Step 2: Choose Your Template

Take some time to browse the available templates and choose one that reflects your wedding theme and style. Whether you're having a rustic, modern, traditional, or minimalist wedding, there are templates to suit every taste. Consider the colour scheme, font style, and any additional graphics or illustrations you may want to include.

Step 3: Personalise Your Template

Once you've selected your template, it's time to make it your own. Most websites will allow you to edit the text, colours, and even upload your own photos. Include all the essential information, such as the full names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and RSVP details. You can also add a personal touch by incorporating a meaningful quote, song lyric, or poem.

Step 4: Proofread and Finalise

Before finalising your design, be sure to proofread the text for any errors or mistakes. It's also a good idea to have someone else read through it to catch any typos or grammatical errors you may have missed. Check that the design and layout are exactly how you want them and make any final adjustments.

Step 5: Download and Print

Once you're happy with your design, download the finalised file. Most websites will allow you to download a high-quality PDF or image file. If you plan to print the invitations yourself, make sure your printer can handle the paper size and weight. Alternatively, you can use a professional printing service or order prints directly from the website.

Step 6: Assemble and Send

If you've printed the invitations yourself, it's now time to assemble them. Place any inserts and RSVP cards inside the corresponding envelopes, add any embellishments like ribbons or wax seals, and seal the envelopes. Finally, address the envelopes, add the correct postage, and send them off! It's recommended to mail your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

Printable templates: Find a template, personalise it, then print at home or a printing shop

There are many benefits to using a printable template for your wedding invitations. Firstly, it can save you a lot of money on stationery, and secondly, it can be a fun and creative process. You can also personalise the template to reflect your unique style and wedding theme.

There are a few things to consider before you begin. You will need access to a high-quality printer and a good supply of ink. If you have a long guest list, you may find yourself spending a lot of time at the printer, so it might be worth considering using a printing shop. You should also check how much customisation each template allows. Some will only allow you to add personal details, while others are fully editable, allowing you to change the positioning, font, and colours.

There are many websites that offer free or low-cost printable wedding invitation templates. Canva, for example, has a user-friendly interface and a number of free templates. You can tailor the designs to your taste by adding photos, changing the font, and altering the colour scheme. Etsy is another great option, offering a wide range of creative templates to suit any budget and style.

If you're looking for something simple, Download & Print offers a hassle-free service. All you need to do is enter your wedding details and customise the colours. A dotted line shows you where to cut the invitation, so it fits neatly into an envelope. Lia Griffith also offers printable wedding invitations, as well as place cards, table numbers, and thank-you cards. You can even find instructions on how to DIY decor to match your invitations.

From scratch: Design your own invites on platforms like Canva

Designing your own wedding invitations from scratch on platforms like Canva is a great way to keep costs down and add a personal touch. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create stunning DIY wedding invitations:

Pick your shape and dimensions:

Start by choosing the layout and dimensions of your invitations. The classic wedding invitation size is a rectangular 5 x 7 inches, but you can also go for a more petite 4.25" x 6" version or a long, thin 4 x 9.5" card. If you want to stick to tradition, go for a rectangular shape with 4.5-inch-by-6.25-inch dimensions. This classic option can also help keep printing costs down.

Consider your location:

Think about your wedding location and how it can guide the theme and design of your invites. For example, if you're getting married in a church, you might opt for a traditional and romantic aesthetic. On the other hand, a rustic and natural look would be perfect for a country or farm setting.

Choose romantic fonts:

Select fonts that complement the overall personality of your design. Cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent choices for wedding invites, especially for the names of the couple. These fonts are soft, romantic, and elegant. Pair them with a serif font for the rest of the text to create a harmonious design. Avoid bold and blocky fonts as they can appear too harsh.

Think about your imagery:

Using a photo of the couple is a wonderful way to add a personal touch and make the invitations even more special for your loved ones. Play with different textures and color themes to create a visually appealing design. Canva offers a range of templates, such as the Gold Paint Couple Rustic Collage Wedding Invitation, which you can easily customize with your own images, colors, and text.

Inject some personality:

Your wedding invitations should reflect your unique relationship. Incorporate shared hobbies, interests, or even inside jokes into your design. For instance, if you share a love for travel, consider a timeline format that maps out the course of your relationship, or opt for a destination wedding invitation with illustrations of your wedding location.

Tell everyone about your big day:

When it comes to the text, include all the essential information such as the time, date, location, dress code (if any), catering details, and RSVP information. Don't forget to mention if the wedding is child-friendly and provide the deadline for responses.

Decide on your delivery method:

Finally, consider how you want to deliver your invitations. You can opt for traditional paper invitations, virtual e-vites, or even create a mini website for your wedding. Canva offers printing services, allowing you to get your invites printed and delivered straight to your doorstep.

Remember, the best wedding invitations are those that feel authentic to you and your partner. By following these steps and adding your personal touches, you'll be able to create beautiful DIY wedding invitations that will impress your guests.

Paper and envelopes: Choose the right paper and envelopes for your invites

When it comes to paper and envelopes for your DIY wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider to ensure you achieve the look and feel you desire. Here are some tips to help you choose the right materials:

Type of Paper

The type of paper you choose will impact the overall aesthetic of your invitations. Uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice for wedding invitations as it has a high-quality, luxurious look and a durable feel. This type of paper also comes in various textures, such as cotton, linen, or felt finishes, which can add a unique touch to your invites. If you're unsure, it's recommended to visit a specialty stationery store or print shop to feel different types of paper and determine which one meets your standards and suits your printer.

Colour of Paper

The colour of the paper is another important consideration. While white or cream-coloured paper is traditional for wedding invitations, you can also choose coloured paper to match your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a rustic barn wedding, you could use kraft paper, while a glamorous city wedding might call for metallic accents.

Weight and Size of Paper

The weight and size of the paper should be compatible with your printer at home. Most standard home printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds. The standard size for invitations is 5" x 7", but you may also need smaller pieces of paper for insert cards. It's a good idea to test a few samples on your printer before committing to a large quantity.

Envelopes

Envelopes are an essential component of your wedding invitations. You can choose plain envelopes in a coordinating colour or make your own using envelope templates. Be sure to select envelopes that are slightly larger than your invitations to allow for comfortable insertion. Don't forget to include RSVP card envelopes as well. When sealing your envelopes, it's recommended to use glue dots or double-stick tape instead of traditional glue for a neater finish.

By considering these factors and taking the time to source the right paper and envelopes, you can create elegant and personalised DIY wedding invitations that set the tone for your special day.

Embellishments: Add decorations like wax seals, ribbons, or envelope liners

DIY wedding invitations are a creative and personal way to invite your loved ones to your special day. One of the most important aspects of a DIY wedding invitation is the embellishments you choose to decorate and personalize your design.

Wax seals, ribbons, and envelope liners are classic and elegant choices that can add a touch of sophistication and charm to your invitations. Wax seals are a traditional way to add a decorative touch and can be used to secure the invitation closed or as a decorative accent. There are many ways to incorporate wax seals into your design. You could use a custom stamp with your initials or a romantic symbol like a heart or infinity sign. Another idea is to match the wax seal color to your wedding theme—for example, use a burgundy wax seal for a winter wedding or a blush pink for a springtime celebration.

Ribbons are another elegant way to embellish your invitations and can be used in a variety of ways. Consider tying a delicate ribbon into a bow to decorate the front of your invitation, or use a longer ribbon to create an elegant wrap-around effect, securing your invitation like a parcel. You could also try a thin ribbon as a simple accent, tying it in a small knot at the top of your invitation, with the ends left to hang gracefully. The key to using ribbons effectively is to choose a high-quality material that complements your color scheme and overall invitation design.

Envelope liners are a wonderful way to add a surprise element of color and pattern to your invitations. They provide an opportunity to showcase your wedding colors and theme, as well as adding a luxurious touch. You can choose from a variety of materials for your envelope liners, such as colorful cardstock, patterned scrapbooking paper, or even fabric. Cut the material to size and adhere it to the inside of your envelope, ensuring that a beautiful lining peeks out when the envelope is closed.

When adding embellishments, it's important to keep in mind the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. Less is often more, and you don't want to overwhelm your invitations with too many decorations. Consider choosing one or two types of embellishments and focusing on those, ensuring they are well-executed and complement your invitation design perfectly.

Frequently asked questions