Diy Wedding Invites: A Creative Guide For Couples

Wedding invitations can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many couples are turning to DIY options. While it may seem daunting, creating your own wedding invitations can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can design invitations that reflect your unique style and personality. In this guide, we will explore the different types of DIY wedding invitations, offer ideas and tips for designing and assembling your invitations, and provide suggestions for adding those extra special touches that will wow your guests. From editable templates to printing at home, we've got you covered on everything you need to know about DIY wedding invitations.

Editable templates: Find an editable template online, personalise, edit, and order

If you're looking to save some money on your wedding invitations, consider using an editable template that you can personalise, edit, and order online. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your dream wedding invitations:

Step 1: Find an Editable Template Online

Start by searching for online platforms that offer editable wedding invitation templates. Some popular options include Canva, Greetings Island, Basic Invite, and Etsy. These websites offer a wide range of templates with different styles, from rustic to minimalist, and elegant to fun and modern. You can also find templates that cater to specific cultural and religious identities, such as Indian, Chinese, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Spanish, and Mexican weddings.

Step 2: Personalise and Edit Your Template

Once you've chosen a template that matches your wedding theme and style, it's time to personalise it! Most templates allow you to edit the text, fonts, colours, and even add your own photos. Include all the essential information on your invitation, such as the full names of the couple, the date, time, and locations of the wedding and reception, and details on how to RSVP. You can also add extra touches like stickers, envelope liners, or belly bands to make your invitations stand out.

Step 3: Order and Print Your Invitations

After finalising your design, it's time to order your invitations. Most websites will offer printing services, or you can choose to download your design and print the invitations yourself at home or through a local printing shop. When ordering, consider the quantity of invitations you need and any additional items like RSVP cards or envelopes. Don't forget to review your design carefully for any errors or spelling mistakes before placing your order.

Step 4: Assemble and Send Your Invitations

Once you receive your printed invitations, it's time to assemble them. If you've included any extra elements like envelope liners or ribbons, take the time to put them together neatly. You can use glue dots or double-stick tape for a more secure hold. Finally, weigh your assembled invitation at the post office to ensure you're applying the correct postage, and send them off to your guests!

Creating your own wedding invitations using editable templates is a cost-effective and creative way to involve yourself in the wedding planning process. With a wide range of customisation options available, you can design invitations that truly reflect your personality and style as a couple. Happy crafting!

Printable templates: Pay for a template, personalise, then print at home or a shop

If you're looking to save money on your wedding invitations, you might want to consider purchasing a printable template that you can personalise and then print at home or in a shop. This option allows you to create a semi-custom invitation that matches your wedding style and theme at a fraction of the cost of a custom invitation suite and printing services.

There are many online resources that offer printable wedding invitation templates, such as Canva, Creative Things Studio, and Cards and Pockets. These websites typically provide user-friendly editors that allow you to tailor the text, typography, and colour scheme of your chosen design to align with your wedding theme. After customising your template, you can opt to print the invitations yourself or send the completed file to a larger printer, such as Costco or Office Depot.

When selecting a printable template, it's important to consider the style you want for your invitation. Do you prefer a simple and elegant design or something bold and colourful? Taking the time to browse different options and create a mood board on Pinterest can help you identify your preferred style. Keep in mind that designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds are usually better suited for at-home printing and can help you save on printer ink.

It's also crucial to plan ahead and give yourself enough time for printing, as it can sometimes be a complicated process. Ensure you have about 10% more supplies than you need to account for any mistakes or the need to reprint. Additionally, consider the cost of ink and paper, especially if you opt for high-quality paper stock or heavily saturated inks. Factor in the size of your invitations, paper type, whether they will be flat or folded, and any other embellishments you plan to include.

By choosing a printable template option, you can easily create beautiful and personalised wedding invitations that fit within your budget.

From scratch: Use a platform like Canva to design, then print or send digitally

If you're looking to design your wedding invitations from scratch, a platform like Canva can be a great option. Canva offers an extensive collection of customizable templates, allowing you to create invitations that reflect your unique wedding theme and style. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Choose a Template

Select a template that aligns with your wedding theme. Canva offers hundreds of options, including rustic, vintage, minimalist, and elegant designs. You can also choose between different paper sizes and orientations, such as square or portrait invitations.

Personalize Your Design

Canva's intuitive platform makes personalizing your wedding invitations a breeze. You can customize fonts, colors, images, and other design elements to suit your taste. Include a photo of you and your partner for a more personalized touch. Play around with different combinations until you're happy with the result.

Finalize and Download

Once you've perfected your design, it's time to finalize and download your invitation. Canva allows you to download your creation and share it digitally with your guests. You can also print your invitations directly from Canva or use an external printing service.

Printing Options

If you choose to print your invitations, Canva offers eco-conscious printing options on sustainably sourced paper. They provide a range of paper finishes, including matte, glossy, and uncoated, to complement your design. You can also select your desired paper thickness, with options ranging from 10pt to 15pt thickness.

Delivery and Costs

Canva offers free and easy delivery, bringing your printed invitations directly to your doorstep. The cost of printing with Canva starts at $4.60 per invitation, depending on the paper and finish options you choose. You can use their price calculator to estimate the total cost based on your selected print options.

Additional Considerations

When designing your wedding invitations, ensure they include essential information such as a request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, location, and RSVP instructions. You may also want to include the wedding website address and gift list details.

By following these steps and utilizing Canva's platform, you can create beautiful, personalized wedding invitations that fit your budget and style. Whether you choose to send them digitally or opt for printed invitations, Canva provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for your DIY wedding invitations.

Paper and envelopes: Choose paper and envelope colours and order 20-25% more than needed

When it comes to choosing paper and envelopes for your DIY wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to select a paper that is thick and luxurious, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock. You may also want to consider a paper with a bit of texture, such as a linen or felt finish. This will give your invitations a sophisticated look and feel.

To find the perfect paper, it's recommended to visit a specialty stationery store or a print shop, where you can feel the paper and see if it meets your standards. You can also seek advice from an in-store expert on the best paper option for your printing method, be it foil printing, UV printing, or digital printing. Before committing to a large quantity, it's a good idea to take a few samples home and test them on your printer to ensure they're a good fit.

Regarding envelope selection, you'll want to choose envelopes that fit your invitations with a bit of room to spare. Don't forget to also allow for envelopes for RSVP cards. If you wish to add a touch of colour to your invitation suite, opt for an envelope colour that is light enough so that the address remains visible. Envelope liners are another way to enhance your invitations, whether you use metallic paper or a patterned option.

Finally, it's important to order enough paper and envelopes to account for any mistakes or the need to reprint. A good rule of thumb is to order 20-25% more than you need. This will ensure you have plenty of supplies and reduce the stress of running out of materials during the DIY process.

Design and print: Experiment with fonts, sizes, inks, alignment, and line spacing

Designing and printing your own wedding invitations is a fun and budget-friendly alternative to professional stationery. Experimenting with fonts, sizes, inks, alignment, and line spacing can help you create polished and professional-looking invitations. Here are some tips to get you started:

Fonts and Sizes:

The font you choose sets the tone and style of your wedding invitations. Opt for a font that reflects the mood of your wedding, whether it's romantic, elegant, quirky, or modern. You can find free wedding fonts online, including various styles such as calligraphy, cursive, script, and handwritten fonts. Play around with different font sizes to create a hierarchy of information. For example, the names of the bride and groom can be in a larger display font, while the date, time, and other details can be in a smaller font size.

Inks:

The choice of ink colour depends on the style and theme of your wedding. White ink on coloured paper creates a unique and elegant look, but printing white ink at home can be challenging and may require professional printing services. Consider the impact of ink-heavy designs on your budget, as they can increase the overall cost. Lighter colour backgrounds and designs with more white space are cost-effective and tend to print better on home printers.

Alignment and Line Spacing:

To create a cohesive design, use a baseline grid for vertical alignment. This ensures that all the text elements are aligned neatly. Adjust the line spacing, also known as leading, to enhance readability. For example, increase the line spacing for all-caps text to give it a more spacious and elegant appearance. Play around with different spacing options to find the perfect balance for your invitation design.

Paper and Printing:

Choose a thicker cardstock, such as 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, for a luxurious feel. Linen or felt-textured paper adds a unique touch to your invitations. Test different paper samples on your home printer to ensure the best results. If you're printing at home, allow extra time for setup and testing. Online printing services or local print shops can also provide professional-quality results and offer a variety of paper options.

By experimenting with these design elements, you can create beautiful and personalised wedding invitations that set the tone for your special day.

Frequently asked questions