Creating Wedding Postcards: A Kid's Diy Guide

Kids can easily make wedding postcards from scratch by following a few simple steps. First, they will need to gather some sturdy paper or cardstock, along with art supplies such as crayons, pencils, stickers, and glue. They can then cut the paper to the desired size, making sure it's not lopsided. Next, they can decorate the front of the postcard with drawings, photos, or other creative elements. They might also want to seal the card with a clear craft sealant to protect it. On the back, they can divide the space in half, with one side for the message and the other for the recipient's address. Finally, they can add a stamp and send their postcard off to spread some wedding cheer!

Choosing a postcard design

When it comes to choosing a postcard design, there are endless possibilities for crafting a unique and personalised wedding postcard. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Pick a Theme

Decide on a theme that reflects your wedding style and personality as a couple. This could be anything from a rustic country theme to a elegant tropical theme. You can also choose a theme that represents your journey as a couple, such as a travel-themed postcard with maps and stamps.

Colours and Fonts

The colour scheme of your postcard will set the tone and create a cohesive look. Choose colours that complement each other and reflect your theme. For example, green is a popular choice for outdoor weddings, especially when paired with colours like rust or gold. As for fonts, romantic and elegant cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent choices for wedding postcards.

Photos and Illustrations

Using photos or illustrations on your postcard will add a personal touch. You can include a photo of the happy couple or create a collage of your favourite memories. If you're feeling creative, you can even draw your own illustrations or use stickers to decorate the postcard.

Text and Layout

When adding text to your postcard, consider the amount of information you want to include. For save-the-date postcards, include the couple's names, the date, and the location. For wedding invitations, provide additional details such as the time, dress code, catering information, and RSVP details. You can also use postcards as escort cards, table numbers, or guest books, so ensure your layout is clear and easy to read.

Printing and Paper

If you're printing your postcards at home, use thick paper or cardstock to ensure they are sturdy and durable. You can also order postcards from online printing services or buy ready-made postcards from craft stores.

Remember, the design of your wedding postcard should reflect your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding. Get creative, have fun, and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Selecting the right layout and dimensions

The standard size for postcards is 4" x 6" (10.16 cm x 15.24 cm). This is the most popular size as it provides ample space for your message and design while being economical to print. It also qualifies for First-Class Mail rates, saving you money on postage. If you want to stick to tradition, this is the ideal size for your wedding postcard.

However, postcards can vary in size, and the USPS (United States Postal Service) provides a range of acceptable dimensions:

• Minimum: 3-1/2 inches (8.89 cm) high x 5 inches (12.7 cm) long x 0.007 inches (0.018 cm) thick
• Maximum: 4-1/4 inches (10.8 cm) high x 6 inches (15.24 cm) long x 0.016 inches (0.041 cm) thick

If your postcard exceeds these dimensions, it will be considered a letter by the USPS, and you will need to pay letter-size postage rates. The maximum size for a letter is 6-1/8" x 11-1/2" x 1/4" (15.56 cm x 29.21 cm x 0.64 cm).

When creating your postcard, it's essential to consider the space needed for the address and postage. Draw a straight line down the centre of the postcard, reserving the left side for your message and the right side for the recipient's address. Draw three horizontal lines on the right side for the address. You can also draw a box in the upper right corner for the stamp.

Remember, the layout and dimensions of your wedding postcard depend on your preferences and creativity. While it's important to follow the standard specifications for mailing, don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes and formats to make your postcard unique and personalised.

Adding creative decorations

Creative Decorations for Wedding Postcards:

• Stamps and Stickers: Kids can use colourful stamps and stickers to decorate the postcard. They can create patterns, borders, or even spell out words with stickers.
• Ribbons and Washi Tape: Ribbons can be used to create a basket-weave pattern or other abstract designs. Washi tape comes in various colours and patterns, adding a unique touch to the postcard.
• Glitter: A little glitter goes a long way! Kids can use glue to create designs and then sprinkle glitter on top for a sparkly effect.
• Photos: Adding photos of the happy couple is a wonderful way to personalise the postcard. Kids can help choose the photos and even decorate the borders with colourful paper or glitter.
• Magazine Cut-Outs: Kids can cut out words and pictures from magazines to create a fun collage on the front of the postcard.
• Hand Lettering: Encourage kids to practise their handwriting by writing beautiful messages or addressing the postcards with fancy lettering.
• Paint and Crayons: Let kids express their creativity by drawing directly on the postcard with paint, crayons, or coloured pencils. They can draw anything from simple shapes to intricate designs.
• Nature-Inspired Elements: Dried flowers, pressed leaves, or other natural elements can be glued onto the postcard for a unique, organic look.
• Personalised Seals: Kids can help create personalised seals for the postcards by stamping them with a custom design or the couple's initials.
• Borders and Embellishments: Kids can decorate the borders of the postcard with fancy scissors or by drawing intricate patterns. They can also add embellishments like rhinestones or small buttons.

Involving kids in making wedding postcards is a fun activity that will keep them entertained and engaged. It's a great way to tap into their creativity and add a personal touch to the wedding celebrations.

Writing a personal message

Formal Wedding Wishes

If you're attending a formal wedding or want to convey a timeless sentiment, opt for a formal message. Here are some examples:

• "Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness."
• "May your love forever grow."
• "Best wishes on this wonderful journey as you build your new lives together."
• "May the years ahead be filled with lasting joy."
• "Thank you for letting us share in your special day. We wish you all the happiness in the world."

Casual Wedding Wishes

If you prefer a more relaxed tone, go for a casual message. Here's some inspiration:

• "Wishing you lots of love and a lifetime of happiness."
• "We love you. Congrats!"
• "Here's to a long and happy marriage!"
• "So honoured to spend this happy occasion with you and your family."
• "Oh happy day! We're so excited for you both."

Religious Wedding Wishes

If the couple is religious, you can incorporate religious elements into your message. Here are a few ideas:

• "May your marriage be blessed!"
• "Wishing you a marriage as strong as your faith."
• "Sending you prayers for unending love and happiness."
• "Love is the greatest blessing."
• "God bless you both on this day and fill your lives with shared love and joy."

Wedding Wishes for Friends

When writing a message for a friend, you can be as personal as you like. Here are some options:

• "Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!"
• "May your marriage bring as much happiness to your life as our friendship has brought to mine."
• "So thrilled to celebrate this wonderful day with you!"
• "I'm seeing a fun-filled life in your future. Congratulations!"
• "May you always make each other find humour and happiness in the little things."

Wedding Wishes for Family

For a family member, you can go for a general or a more personal message. Here are some suggestions:

• "Congratulations and welcome to the family!"
• "We're so happy that [name] has found their soulmate, and we're thrilled to welcome you to the family!"
• "Today we add another member to our family, and we couldn't be happier. Best wishes to you both."
• "We're so glad you're now officially part of our family. We love you!"
• "Our family has gained an amazing new member, and we're delighted to share in your celebration."

Remember, the most important thing is to write from the heart. Tailor your message to suit the couple and your relationship with them. Whether it's formal, casual, funny, or religious, as long as your wedding wishes are heartfelt, you're good to go!

Addressing the postcard

Once you've decorated your wedding postcard, it's time to address it! Here are some tips on how to do this:

• Write the recipient's name and address on the right side of the postcard, following the three horizontal lines you drew earlier. Make sure to include their full name, address, area code, state, and country.
• If you're sending the postcard from a different country, purchase stamps from that country. You can usually find these at banks, post offices, or gas stations. If you need a stamp from your home country, you can order it online.
• Place the stamp in the top right corner of the postcard, within the outlined box.
• Write the date in the top left corner of the back of the postcard, above or below your greeting. You can also include the city or specific place you are writing from, such as "Grand Canyon, Arizona".
• If you plan to be in one place for a while, add your return address to the top left of the postcard. However, if you'll be moving around a lot during your trip, it's best to skip this step.
• Make sure your handwriting is legible, especially the addresses, to ensure the postcard reaches its destination without any issues.

Frequently asked questions