A Cherished Keepsake: Old Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are often the first glimpse guests have of a couple's wedding style, and they can be a crucial memento for the happy couple to look back on. Some people like to keep their wedding invites as a cherished keepsake, turning them into wall art, decoupage plates, or Christmas ornaments. Others prefer to discard them after the event, considering them clutter. Ultimately, whether or not to keep old wedding invitations is a personal choice, and there are various ways to preserve or discard them depending on individual preferences.

Displaying the invitation as a keepsake

Displaying your wedding invitation as a keepsake is a great way to preserve memories of your special day. Here are some ideas for displaying your wedding invitation as a cherished memento:

Framing

Framing your invitation is a popular and straightforward option for displaying your wedding invitation. You can choose to frame it yourself, purchase a double invitation frame, or have it professionally framed. Consider including a pressed petal from your bouquet for a special touch.

Decoupage Plate

Turning your wedding invitation into a decoupage plate is a unique way to preserve it as a keepsake. This can also be a thoughtful gift for parents and in-laws as a thank-you and remembrance of your wedding day. The invitation and envelope lining are used to create a personalized plate.

Engraved Tray

An engraved sterling silver or pewter wedding invitation tray is an elegant way to display your invitation as a memento. This can be displayed in your dining room or kitchen and even passed down to future generations as a family heirloom.

Keepsake Box

Creating a keepsake box is another option for displaying your wedding invitation. You can include other special items, such as maps, reception cards, or photos, to make it a unique and permanent display of your wedding day.

Eco-Friendly Display

For a sustainable option, you can have your invitation mounted on a piece of eco-friendly wood or printed and mounted on eco-friendly materials. This is a unique and environmentally conscious way to display your invitation.

Christmas Ornament

Transforming your wedding invitation into a Christmas ornament is a festive way to preserve it as a keepsake. You can cut the invitation into strips, curl them around a pen, and insert them into a clear ornament, adding a dash of glitter for extra holiday cheer.

There are many creative ways to display your wedding invitation as a keepsake, allowing you to cherish the memories of your special day for years to come.

Creating a decoupage plate

There are varying opinions on whether to keep old wedding invitations. Some people keep them for sentimental reasons, while others throw them away after the wedding. Some people display them as keepsakes or turn them into Christmas ornaments.

Now, here is a detailed guide on creating a decoupage plate using old wedding invitations:

Materials:

• Old wedding invitations
• A plate (preferably with a smooth surface)
• Decoupage glue or Mod Podge
• Paintbrushes
• Scissors
• Water
• Cloth or sponge
• Clear acrylic sealer (optional)

Steps:

• Prepare your workspace by covering it with newspaper or a drop cloth. This project can get messy!
• Cut out the parts of the wedding invitation that you want to use for your design. You can cut out specific shapes, words, or patterns, or you can cut the invitation into small pieces to create a collage effect.
• Prepare your plate by cleaning it with water and a cloth or sponge to remove any dust or grease. Make sure the plate is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
• Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue directly onto the plate using your paintbrush.
• Carefully place your cut-out invitation pieces onto the plate, smoothing out any bubbles or creases as you go. You can slightly overlap the pieces to create a cohesive design.
• Once you're happy with the placement, apply another thin layer of decoupage glue over the invitation pieces. Be sure to cover all the edges to seal them in place.
• Allow the glue to dry completely. You may need to apply additional coats of glue, depending on the desired finish and durability.
• (Optional) Once the final layer of glue is dry, seal the plate with a clear acrylic sealer to protect your design and make it waterproof.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful, personalized decoupage plate created from old wedding invitations. This plate can be displayed as a keepsake or used as a unique way to serve food to your guests. Enjoy your handcrafted creation!

Saving it as a memento

Wedding invitations are often discarded after the event, but some people like to save them as mementos. This can be a lovely way to preserve the memory of your wedding day and the planning that went into it. If you're thinking of keeping your wedding invitations as mementos, here are some ideas to consider:

Framing:

Framing your invitation is a popular option for preserving it as a keepsake. You can choose to frame it yourself, or you could register for a double invitation frame or have a professional frame it for you. Some people like to include a pressed petal from their wedding bouquet as a special touch.

Engraved Tray:

Another option is to have your invitation engraved on a sterling silver or pewter tray. This creates a one-of-a-kind memento that you can display in your dining room or kitchen for years to come. It could even become a cherished item in your future child's home.

Keepsake Box:

You can also turn your invitation into a glass wedding invitation keepsake box. This idea is suggested by Linda Daoud of Bazaar Glass LLC, who encourages brides to use both sides of the lid to preserve special items. You can display your invitation on the outside, while the inside of the lid can hold other mementos like maps, reception cards, or even photos. A keepsake box is a unique and permanent way to display your wedding memories and can also be a great conversation piece in your home.

Eco-Friendly Display:

For an eco-friendly option, you can use a service like Plywerk, which creates displays using 100% solar energy. You can mail in your invitation to be mounted on a piece of eco-friendly wood, or you can scan and send it to be printed and mounted.

Christmas Ornament:

If you want to incorporate your invitation into your holiday décor, you can turn it into a Christmas ornament. Cut the invitation into thin strips, curl them around a pen, and insert them into a clear ornament. You can add some glitter for a festive touch!

Whether you choose to frame your invitation, turn it into a functional item, or display it in an eco-friendly way, saving your wedding invitation as a memento can be a beautiful way to cherish the memories of your special day.

Framing the invitation

Framing your wedding invitation is a great way to preserve the memory of your big day and doubles up as home decor. You can choose to do it yourself or have it framed by a professional.

If you're going the DIY route, you'll need wedding stationery styling props (such as stamps, ribbon, pressed flowers), a float frame, and double-sided tape or folded-over washi tape. If you use pressed flowers, make sure they are completely dry before putting them in the frame. You can also press flowers from your wedding bouquet ahead of time. Work in layers to arrange the pieces and secure them with tape.

If you're looking to have your invitation professionally framed, there are many options available. You can choose a simple frame or a double invitation frame that can accommodate both the invitation and a photo. Some frames also offer custom engraving. Shadow boxes are another option, which can transform your paper goods into an heirloom-worthy keepsake.

• Umbra Clipline Wall Mounted Picture Frame: This unique style combines a shadow box with a photo album, allowing you to display multiple pieces at once.
• Mariposa Best Day Ever Beaded Trim Picture Frame: A timeless photo frame with a horizontal orientation, perfect for displaying invitations with a different layout.
• Kate Spade New York Take the Cake Double Invitation Picture Frame: This silver-plated frame has a sweet engraved message and space for your invitation and a photo.
• One Kings Lane Celia Frame in Gold: A modern, gold-accented acrylic design that lets the stationery take centre stage.
• Vera Wang Wedgwood Infinity Double Invitation Frame: A classic silver-plated double invitation frame created by wedding icon Vera Wang.

Creating an eco-friendly display

Wedding invitations are often kept as mementos, but if you're looking to create an eco-friendly display with yours, here are some ideas to get you started.

Framing

A simple and classic way to display your wedding invitation is to frame it. You can choose a frame that complements the style and colour of your invitation, and even include pressed petals from your bouquet for a special touch.

Decoupage Plate

Turn your invitation into a decorative plate by decoupaging it onto a plain plate. This makes for a lovely memento and can also be a thoughtful gift for parents and in-laws.

Keepsake Box

Create a unique and permanent display of your wedding invitation by having it decoupaged onto the lid of a keepsake box. You can include other items like maps, reception cards, or photos inside the box, making it a special conversation piece in your home.

Eco-Friendly Mounting

Consider a company like Plywerk, which offers to mount your invitation onto a piece of eco-friendly wood. Their products are sustainably produced using 100% solar energy, and you can either mail in your invitation or have them scan and print it for you.

Christmas Ornament

For a festive take on displaying your wedding invitation, turn it into a Christmas ornament. Cut the invitation into thin strips, curl them around a pen, and insert them into a clear ornament globe. Add some glitter for a bit of sparkle, and you've got a special addition to your holiday décor.

Remember, when creating an eco-friendly display, try to use materials that are recycled, reusable, or biodegradable. This will ensure that your display is not only beautiful but also kind to the environment.

Frequently asked questions