Creating Exquisite Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating elegant wedding invitations can be a fun DIY project, but it's important to keep in mind that the level of elegance you want to achieve may require a bit of time and effort. The good news is that you have options, and you can choose the method that best suits your skills, budget, and available time. You can create custom DIY wedding invites by making them from scratch or using digital tools that allow customisation. Printable invitations, for instance, involve creating your own designs or using printable templates found through a simple Google search or on sites like Etsy. If you're feeling extra crafty, you can even order a custom rubber stamp with all the wedding information and simply stamp your cardstock. However, making invitations from scratch takes significantly more time and effort than digital invitations.

Use a printable template

Using a printable template is a great way to make elegant wedding invitations without spending a fortune. You can find many free printable templates online, which you can personalise and print from the comfort of your own home.

Printable templates are easily customisable, allowing you to add your own text, choose your own fonts, and even upload photos of you and your partner. You can also tailor the colour scheme to match your wedding's theme.

There are hundreds of editable designs available online, suitable for any wedding theme. For example, if you're planning a rustic wedding, you might opt for a simple invite printed on recycled brown paper. Or, for a modern twist, you could choose a minimalist design.

Once you've found a template you like, simply download it and edit the style to your liking. Then, either email the invites to your guests or print them at home or at a local print shop. Using a template is a quick and easy way to create beautiful, elegant wedding invitations without blowing your budget.

• Canva
• Cards & Pockets
• Creative Things Studio

Add decorations

Adding decorations to your wedding invitations is a great way to elevate their design and make them feel extra special. Here are some ideas to add decorations to your elegant wedding invitations:

Ribbons and Bows:

Adding a ribbon to your wedding invitations is a gorgeous way to finish them off. You can tie the ribbon into a bow or add tags, buckles, or other detailed attachments to the ribbon. This will give your invitations a polished and elegant look.

Lace:

Incorporating lace into your wedding invitations can dress them up, especially if you're going for an elegant or vintage/rustic chic theme. You can also combine lace with ribbon details, twine, or printed tags to create a delicate and sophisticated look.

Artificial Flowers:

Adding a small artificial flower in your wedding colour can be a lovely touch. You can also include a rhinestone detail or a buckle to add a bit of sparkle. These little details will make your invitations unique and elegant.

Wax Seals:

Wax seals are a perfect way to add a regal and luxurious feel to your invitations. You can personalise them with your initials, family crest, or wedding logo. They are timeless and elegant, and your guests will surely be impressed.

Vellum Invitation Jackets:

Using vellum cases to wrap your invitations is another way to make them look professional and elegant. These translucent jackets add a touch of sophistication to your homemade invitations.

Envelope Liners:

Don't forget about the envelopes! You can dress them up by using metallic paper or patterned envelope liners. This will add a splash of colour and elegance to your invitations while keeping them classic.

Opt for a paper alternative

If you're looking for an elegant alternative to paper wedding invitations, there are several options to consider.

One option is to create a wedding website. This allows you to include more information than a traditional invitation, such as your story as a couple, travel suggestions, and dietary requirements. It also makes it easy to communicate with your guests and collect RSVPs. There are many platforms that offer customizable wedding website templates, such as Riley & Grey, which also offers matching digital invitations.

Another option is to send digital invitations via email. This option is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, although it may not offer the same sense of sentimentality as a paper invitation. There are many platforms that offer digital invitation templates, such as Paperless Post, which offers both free and paid options.

If you're looking for a unique and elegant alternative to paper, you could also consider clear vellum paper. This type of paper is flexible, translucent, and smooth, and can be used to create layered invitations with depth and interest. However, it's important to note that glue will show, so the layers will need to be adhered with a grommet or ribbon.

Finally, for a truly dramatic invitation, you could opt for acrylic. Acrylic invitations are rigid, thin sheets of clear material that can be printed on using advanced methods such as etching, engraving, or screen printing. However, they are more costly and have some limitations, such as the inability to use standard foil stamping or thermography.

Choose the right fonts

Choosing the right font for your wedding invitations is an important step in setting the tone for your event. The font should reflect the level of formality, the expected dress code, and the overall style of your wedding.

When selecting a font, it is essential to consider both aesthetics and legibility. While some fonts may appear visually appealing, they might be challenging to read, especially if they are highly scripted or thin. Opting for a modern and formal font is a safe choice for an elegant invitation. Serif fonts, such as Palatino Linotype, are an excellent choice for print design as the extra "feet" improve letter legibility and create a timeless look. If you prefer a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic, sans serif fonts like Bodoni are a better option. They are the simplest letters, devoid of any extra flourishes or feet, making them ideal for digital invitations and highly legible.

If you want to add a creative twist, consider using accent fonts to highlight names or important dates. Fun and playful calligraphy-style fonts, like Stylish Calligraphy, are perfect for this purpose. For a whimsical event, Carried Away (Ballerina Script) will add a touch of fantasy to your invitations. On the other hand, if you want a bold statement, fonts like Neutraface 2 Text Light offer excellent legibility and can be combined with a script font for a highlighted effect.

For a truly elegant and refined look, you can pair a cursive font with a sans serif. One such combination is Great Vibes, a highly legible cursive font, with Montserrat, a font known for its uniform, straight lines. Another elegant pairing is the serif font, Playfair Display, with Montserrat Light, creating a beautiful contrast between the thick and thin lines of the serif and the linearity of the sans serif.

Remember, your chosen font should align with your wedding theme and be versatile enough to work with all your wedding stationery, from invitations to thank-you cards.

Select your envelopes

When it comes to selecting envelopes for your elegant wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the envelopes you choose are the right size for your invitations, allowing for a bit of room so that the invitations don't fit too snugly. Don't forget that you'll also need envelopes for any RSVP cards or other inserts.

If you want to add a touch of colour to your invitation suite, opt for envelopes in a light shade so that the address is still clearly visible. Envelope liners are another way to dress up your invitations; consider metallic paper or a patterned option for a stylish touch.

For a truly elegant finish, you could add a monogram wax seal to your envelopes. This is a great way to add a regal or sophisticated feel to your invitations. Alternatively, you could use floral wax seals adorned with dried blooms or botanical leaves for a unique, natural look.

Finally, don't forget to consider the practicality of your chosen envelopes. If you're planning to post your invitations, choose envelopes that are sturdy enough to withstand the mailing process without being too thick or heavy, as this could increase postage costs.

Frequently asked questions