Diy Wedding Invitations: Make Your Own

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but you can save money by making them yourself. There are plenty of downloadable templates available online, which can be customised and printed at home. This is a more budget-friendly option, but it does require some DIY work. You can also design your invitations from scratch using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva or Adobe Illustrator. If you're making your own invitations, you'll need to choose a paper type, envelope and printing method, as well as plan your customisation and wording.

Design

Choose a Template:

Start by selecting a template that suits your wedding theme and style. You can find affordable templates on websites like Canva, Etsy, Creative Market, or stock photography websites. Look for a template with just 2-3 colours to save on printing costs. If you're feeling creative, you can also design your invitations from scratch using tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Photoshop.

Customise Your Invitations:

Customise your template by adding personal touches such as your wedding colours, fonts, and images. Include all the essential information such as the request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, and location. You can also add additional details like the wedding website address and gift list information. Play around with different customisation options to make your invitations unique and reflective of your style.

Paper and Printing:

Consider using thicker paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, to give your invitations a luxurious feel. Linen or felt-textured paper can also add a nice touch. Test different paper options by printing samples at home to ensure the best results. If you're printing at home, remember to buy ink in bulk and plan ahead for any potential issues. Alternatively, you can send your designs to a larger printer or a local print shop for a more professional finish.

Envelopes and Assembly:

Choose envelopes that complement your invitation design and allow for a bit of room. Don't forget to include envelopes for RSVP cards as well. You can add envelope liners in metallic paper or patterned options for a stylish touch. For easy assembly, use glue dots or double-stick tape instead of glue.

Proofreading and Final Checks:

Before finalising your design, be sure to proofread all the information for any errors or spelling mistakes. Run it by multiple people to ensure nothing is missed. Check that your design is centred and has no white margins for a professional look.

Customisation

Firstly, decide on the overall style and theme of your wedding day. This will help you choose a design that suits your taste and reflects the aesthetic of your wedding. Consider whether you want a simple and elegant look, or something bold and colourful. You can also choose from a variety of themes, such as destination, beach, winter, or rustic weddings. Once you have a general idea, you can browse through the many online templates available and select one that fits your vision.

When selecting a template, keep in mind that you can customise various elements, such as colours, fonts, images, and paper stock. Opt for a template that offers flexibility in these areas so you can create a truly unique invitation. For example, if you want to incorporate your wedding colours, consider choosing a template with a black-and-white design and then printing it on coloured cardstock.

Most customisation tools will allow you to change the text to include the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and any other additional information you wish to include, such as the wedding website address or gift list details. You can also customise the font style and size to fit your theme and ensure all the necessary information is clearly communicated.

In addition to text, you can also upload your own images, graphics, and illustrations to add a personal touch to your invitations. This could include photographs, illustrations, or other visual elements that reflect your personality as a couple. You can also choose from a variety of shapes and lines to create a dynamic layout.

Finally, pay attention to the paper type and weight. Thicker cardstock, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, will give your invitations a luxurious feel. You can also choose paper with a textured finish, such as linen or felt, to add a tactile element to your design.

By utilising these customisation tips, you'll be able to create stunning, one-of-a-kind wedding invitations that perfectly reflect your style and set the tone for your special day.

Budgeting

Determine Your Overall Wedding Budget:

Firstly, figure out your overall wedding budget. This will help you allocate funds for different aspects of your wedding, including the invitations. Consider who is contributing to the wedding and how much they are offering. It's also essential to understand what you can realistically afford without overextending yourself.

Allocate a Percentage for Invitations:

Typically, couples allocate around 2% to 5% of their total wedding budget for invitations and stationery. This includes save-the-dates, response cards, information cards, envelopes, and any other extras you may want. For example, if your total wedding budget is $10,000, you may allocate $200 to $500 for invitations.

Estimate the Number of Invitations:

Calculate the number of invitations you'll need based on the number of guests and households. Remember, you'll send one invitation per household, not per guest. It's a good idea to order extras to account for last-minute additions to the guest list or lost invitations.

Consider DIY Options:

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a budget-friendly alternative to hiring a professional. Websites like Canva and VistaPrint offer customizable templates that you can personalize with your wedding details. This option gives you more control over the design and cost of your invitations.

Shop Around for Printing Services:

If you're printing your invitations, compare prices from different printing services. Online options like Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle offer affordable invitation templates. You can also use a local print shop or larger printers like Costco or Office Depot. Getting quotes from multiple sources will help you find the best price.

Choose Paper and Envelope Options:

The type of paper and envelope you choose can impact the overall cost. Opting for thicker cardstock or specialty envelopes can increase the price. Sample different types of paper and compare prices to find the best option for your budget.

Plan for Extras and Postage:

Don't forget to include the cost of postage and any additional stationery you may need, such as rehearsal dinner invitations or wedding programs. These small expenses can add up, so factor them into your budget.

Prioritize and Make Compromises:

If your budget is tight, prioritize the most important elements of your invitations. You may need to make compromises, such as choosing a simpler design or opting for digital invitations to stay within your budget.

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these budgeting tips, you can design elegant and affordable invitations that set the tone for your special day.

Printing

Choosing a Template and Customization:

Start by selecting a template that suits your wedding style and theme. You can find templates on websites like Canva, Etsy, Creative Market, or stock photography websites. Look for templates with just 2-3 colors to save on ink costs. If you're comfortable with design tools, you can also create your own invitations from scratch using software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.

After choosing a template, decide if you want to customize it yourself or have the designer do it. Customizing it yourself is more cost-effective but may limit your ability to change certain elements like fonts or colors. If you need design changes, the designer can usually accommodate those requests and send you a ready-to-print file.

Paper Selection:

The type of paper you choose will significantly impact the look and feel of your invitations. Opt for thicker cardstock, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, for a more luxurious feel. Consider paper with a bit of texture, such as linen or felt. Visit a specialty stationery store or a print shop to feel and select the best paper for your design. Test several options on your printer to ensure compatibility.

File Type and Resolution:

Before finalizing your design, communicate with the designer about the required file type for printing. PDF files generally provide higher-quality prints than JPEGs, but the optimal file type depends on your chosen printing method. Ensure your template resolution is 300 DPI or higher for a crisp and clean print.

Ink Considerations:

Before printing, ensure your computer and printer are working correctly. Home printers tend to produce slightly darker prints, so you may need to adjust your printer settings. Print tests and make any necessary color adjustments.

After printing, you'll need to assemble your invitations. Use a paper cutter with a sharp blade for clean cuts. For attaching layers or adding envelope liners, glue dots or double-stick tape are recommended over traditional glue for a neater finish.

Envelopes and Postage:

Select envelopes that complement your invitation size and style. Choose a light-colored envelope if you want the address to be visible. Envelope liners, such as metallic or patterned paper, can also add a special touch. Once your invitations are assembled, take a complete set to the post office to have it weighed and to purchase the correct postage.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful DIY wedding invitations that fit your style and budget.

Envelopes

When it comes to wedding invitations, the envelope is just as important as what's inside. It's the first thing your guests will see, so it's worth putting some thought into your envelope choices. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect envelopes for your DIY wedding invitations:

Envelope Sizes

First things first, you need to make sure your envelopes are the right size for your invitations. The standard wedding invitation size is 5 x 7 inches, so you'll want to go with A7 envelopes to fit those invites snugly inside. If you've gone for a different size or shape for your invitations, don't worry – envelopes come in all sorts of sizes, from 2.44 x 3.7 inches all the way up to 9.84 x 9.84 inches. You can also find square envelopes if that suits your style better.

Envelope Colours and Designs

White and ivory are classic choices for wedding envelopes, but don't be afraid to think outside the box. Coloured envelopes can add a pop of personality and creativity to your invitations. From soft sage green to bold black, and even gold or silver, the options are endless. You can also find envelopes with patterns, textures, or die-cut designs. If you want to keep things traditional on the outside, you can always add a colourful or patterned envelope liner to brighten things up.

Envelope Seals

The type of seal you choose for your envelopes can also add a special touch. Most envelopes will be gummed, but you can also find peel-and-seal options, or even button-and-string closures for a unique, rustic feel. If you're going for a sleek and modern look, consider envelopes with a v-flap or square flap.

Customisation Options

If you really want to make your mark, you can customise your envelopes with your own designs or have your guests' names and addresses printed directly onto them. This can save you time on handwriting each envelope and ensures a neat and consistent look. You can also add extra flourishes, like wax seals or gold embossed stickers, to seal your envelopes with a touch of luxury.

Where to Buy

There are plenty of places to purchase envelopes for your wedding invitations. Online retailers like Amazon, Minted, and Envelopes.us offer a wide range of options, from classic to contemporary. You can also find envelope sets from stationery stores like VistaPrint, which often include RSVP cards and enclosures to match your chosen style.

Frequently asked questions