Designing Your Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and stressful time, so it's no surprise that many couples are choosing to design and create their own wedding invitations. Not only is it a fun way to add a personal touch to your big day, but it can also be a great way to save money. In this article, we'll explore the different options available for creating your own wedding invitations, from editable templates to printing at home, and offer tips and tricks for a stress-free experience.

Choosing a template and customising your invitations

Creating your own wedding invitations is a great way to keep costs down and add a personal touch to your special day. There are many online tools and templates available to help you design and customise your invitations, even if you don't have professional design experience.

Canva, for example, offers a wide range of beautiful and elegant wedding invitation templates for every theme, including destination weddings, beach weddings, and winter weddings. You can use their drag-and-drop tool to easily place elements onto your design and customise it with your own photos, colours, fonts, and shapes. They also provide access to millions of high-quality icons, graphics, and illustrations to enhance your design.

Another option is to use editable wedding invitation templates from companies like Papier. These templates allow you to personalise and edit your invitation, and even add a photograph of you and your partner. You can then order the invitations to be delivered to your door, saving you the hassle of printing them yourself. Papier also offers the option to upload your own design to a blank template, where you can add your own text, images, and even a personalised QR code.

If you prefer to print your invitations yourself or use a printing shop, you can find printable wedding templates on online marketplaces like Etsy. These templates can be personalised with your details, and the seller will send you a digital file to print. This option gives you more flexibility in choosing your paper and adding DIY touches like a wedding stamp or hand-written signatures.

When customising your invitations, consider the overall theme and design that fits your wedding location and style. Think about the colours, fonts, and imagery that reflect your personality as a couple. You can also add unique touches like gold foil details, watercolour backgrounds, or floral wax seals to make your invitations stand out.

Before finalising your design, be sure to proofread the text for any errors and ensure that all the necessary information is included, such as the request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and any additional details like the wedding website or gift list.

Selecting paper, envelopes and printing options

Paper Type and Weight:

• Cardstock : Opt for cardstock paper as it gives a luxurious feel to your invitations. The standard weight for cardstock is 120 lb, but you can go for heavier options like premium card stock or cover stock for a more premium look.
• Finish: Choose between different finishes such as satin, silk, glossy, or smooth matte. You can also add textures like linen or eggshell for a unique touch.
• Cotton Fiber: This is the most expensive option, known for its softness and durability. It's perfect for techniques like letterpress and absorbs ink beautifully.
• Kraft and Wood-Grain: These options offer a rustic and intimate feel, ideal for outdoor or country-themed weddings.
• Glassine and Clear Vellum: These translucent papers add depth and interest to your invitations. They can be used as accents or for creating layered invitations.

Envelopes:

Select envelopes that complement your invitation's theme and aesthetic. Consider the size, colour, and material of the envelopes. Don't forget to allow for a bit of room inside the envelope for your invitation and any additional inserts. You can also add envelope liners or embossments for a special touch.

Printing Options:

• Flat Printing: This is a budget-friendly option that offers flexibility and freedom in terms of paper textures and finishes. It's perfect for image-driven invitations or when you want to add embellishments like wax seals or rhinestones.
• Engraving and Embossing: These techniques add a hint of luxury to your invitations. They create raised and indented designs, giving your invitations a sophisticated look.
• Foil Stamping: Foil stamping creates a glamorous, metallic effect and can be combined with other printing techniques. It is, however, one of the more expensive methods.
• Letterpress: Letterpress has a soft, romantic feel due to its ink absorption into soft cotton stock. It's slightly more affordable than foil stamping and is perfect for a vintage-style invitation.
• UV and Thermographic Printing: These methods add a slight shine to raised lettering. Thermographic printing is a great affordable alternative if you want a metallic aesthetic without the foil stamping price tag.

When selecting a printing option, consider your budget, the desired level of customisation, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. You can also mix and match printing techniques to create unique and personalised wedding invitations.

Adding personal touches and decorations

• Choose a romantic font – Select a font that reflects the romantic and elegant nature of your wedding. Cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent choices for wedding invites, especially for the names of the couple. These fonts are soft, romantic, and elegant. You can also pair them with a serif font for the rest of the text.
• Incorporate imagery – Consider using a photo of yourselves in your wedding invite to add a personal touch and showcase your deep love to your friends and family. This can also be a great keepsake for your loved ones. Pair the photo with a watercolour texture or a simple colour theme for a stunning visual effect.
• Think outside the box – Your wedding invitations don't have to follow a traditional format. Feel free to switch up the wording, incorporate personal jokes, or use a unique format that reflects your relationship. For example, you can create a timeline of your relationship or include illustrations that symbolise meaningful moments.
• Inject personality – Include elements that represent what makes you tick as a couple. This could be a shared hobby or interest, a mutual love for a particular era, or an interesting story behind how you met. For instance, if you share a passion for science, you can use flask illustrations or icons in your invitation design.
• Customise the colours – Your colour scheme greatly impacts the overall look and feel of your wedding invite. Try to choose colours that reflect your personalities and style. If you're having trouble deciding, consider using tried-and-tested colour combinations like green with rust or gold, pink with purple, or blue with white.
• Add meaningful details – Include personal touches that reflect your interests and personalities. For example, if you're avid travellers, incorporate travel-themed elements like a small calligraphed globe or illustrations of your favourite destinations. You can also use meaningful quotes, inside jokes, or even your favourite drinks as inspiration for your invitation design.

DIY tips and tricks for a professional finish

Creating your own wedding invitations is a great way to keep costs down and add a personal touch. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve a professional finish:

• Choose the right tools: Select a user-friendly design platform such as Canva, which offers a wide range of templates, images, and customisation options. You can also use Microsoft PowerPoint to design your invitations.
• Select appropriate paper: Opt for thicker paper, such as cardstock or linen cardstock, for a more luxurious feel. Consider textured paper for an elegant, handcrafted look. Don't forget to choose envelopes that fit the theme and aesthetic of your invites.
• Be mindful of printer capabilities: If printing at home, ensure your printer can handle thicker paper. Some printers may smear or struggle with certain paper types. Test different paper samples before committing to a large quantity.
• Plan and practise: Familiarise yourself with the design process and tools before finalising your invitation design. Practise creating sample invitations to refine your technique and identify areas for improvement.
• Consider time and skill constraints: Assess your available time and crafting skills realistically. DIY invitations can be time-consuming, especially when creating multiple invitations. If crafting isn't your forte, consider semi-DIY options, such as customisable templates or printing services.
• Factor in costs: DIY invitations may not always be cheaper. Calculate the total cost of materials, tools, and supplies required. Compare these costs with the prices of ready-made invitations or printing services to determine the most cost-effective option.
• Proofread and review: Enlist multiple people to proofread your invitation text for errors and spelling mistakes. Double-check important details such as dates, times, and locations.
• Enhance with embellishments: Add a handmade touch with wax seals, ribbons, or dried flowers attached to the invitations or envelopes. Consider using gold foil details, watercolour backgrounds, or vellum jackets for a luxurious finish.
• Be mindful of postage: Avoid bulky designs that may incur extra postage costs. Opt for lightweight embellishments, and ensure your invitations meet postal size and weight guidelines to avoid additional charges.
• Seek inspiration: Browse online platforms and wedding stationery websites for design ideas and templates. You can also adapt design elements from other wedding stationery, such as save-the-date cards, for a cohesive look.

Cost considerations and time management

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a fun and rewarding project, but it's important to keep cost considerations and time management in mind to ensure the process stays enjoyable and stress-free. Here are some tips to help you manage your budget and time effectively:

Set a Realistic Budget:

Be mindful of the costs involved in creating your own wedding invitations. While DIY invitations can save money, the expenses for materials, tools, and supplies can add up quickly. Set a realistic budget and try to find a balance between your desired outcome and financial constraints.

Compare Options:

Research and compare the prices of different paper stocks, inks, envelopes, and other embellishments. Online options such as Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle offer affordable templates, while Etsy provides a variety of customisable designs from independent creators. Compare the total costs, including any shipping or printing fees, to make an informed decision.

Time Management:

Creating your own invitations can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list. Give yourself ample time to design, assemble, and post your invitations. Set a timeline and work backwards from your desired send-out date, allowing for unexpected delays or the need to reorder supplies.

Practice and Planning:

Before finalising your design, practice and experiment with different techniques. This will help you refine your process and identify any potential challenges. Plan each step carefully, from printing tests to assembling the invitations and addressing envelopes.

Consider Printing Services:

If you're concerned about the time commitment or your printer's capabilities, consider using printing services. Places like Staples, UPS, FedEx, or local print shops can handle the printing for you, ensuring a consistent and high-quality result. Compare their prices and services to find the best option for your needs.

Be Mindful of Postage:

The weight and dimensions of your invitations can impact postage costs. Keep your designs compact and avoid making them too bulky to minimise postage expenses. If you're including multiple inserts or embellishments, check with your postal service to understand the weight thresholds and any associated costs.

Enlist Help:

Creating wedding invitations can be a fun group activity. Enlist the help of your wedding party, family, or friends to speed up the process and share the workload. Delegate tasks like cutting, assembling, or addressing envelopes to make the process more efficient and enjoyable.

Proofreading and Final Checks:

Always proofread your invitation wording carefully and enlist multiple people to review it for errors. Double-check all the details, including dates, times, locations, and any additional information. It's also a good idea to create a sample invitation and post it to yourself to ensure it arrives safely and meets your expectations.

By following these tips and managing your time and budget effectively, you can create beautiful DIY wedding invitations that fit within your wedding plans and budget. Enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to ask for help or make adjustments along the way!

Frequently asked questions