Crafting Wedding Invitations: A Homemade Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating your own wedding invitations doesn't have to be. There are many ways to make DIY wedding invitations, from using templates to designing them completely from scratch. This guide will cover everything you need to know about making wedding invitations at home, including the different types of DIY invitations, design ideas, and tips to ensure the process goes smoothly.

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

There are many editable wedding invitation templates available online, and using them is a great way to save money. You can find elegant, customisable designs that are easy to personalise and edit. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own wedding invitations using editable templates:

Step 1: Find an Editable Template

Start by finding a template that suits your style. Consider the theme of your wedding and choose a design that reflects it. For instance, if you're planning a rustic wedding, you might opt for a simple design printed on recycled brown paper. If you're after something more modern, a minimalist style could be perfect. You can also choose from various colour schemes, such as pastel, navy, or monochrome. If you want to include a personal photo, look for a template with an image upload option.

Step 2: Personalise and Edit

Once you've chosen a template, it's time to make it your own. Customise the template by adding your wedding details, such as the full names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, and the RSVP deadline. You can also get creative and change the fonts, colours, and other design elements to match your wedding's aesthetic. Most templates will allow you to edit the text, images, and layout to create a unique invitation.

Step 3: Order and Print

After finalising your design, it's time to order your invitations. You can choose to download the template and print the invitations yourself, or you can send the completed design to an online printing service or a local print shop. When printing at home, consider using high-quality paper, such as cardstock, to give your invitations a luxurious feel. If you're concerned about your printer handling thick paper, a professional printing service might be a better option.

Step 4: Assemble and Send

Once you've received your printed invitations, it's time to assemble them. If you've included any embellishments, such as envelope liners or belly bands, carefully put them together. Then, weigh your assembled invitation at the post office to determine the correct postage, and ask about hand-cancelling to avoid potential damage during processing. Finally, send out your invitations, aiming for a delivery date of six to eight weeks before your wedding.

Using editable templates is a cost-effective and creative way to make your wedding invitations. By following these steps, you'll be able to create beautiful, personalised invitations that perfectly set the tone for your big day.

Printable templates: Personalise a template with your details, then print at home or a local shop

There are many online resources that offer printable wedding invitation templates that you can personalise and print at home or at a local shop. This is a cost-effective option for couples who want to save money on wedding invitations without compromising on style and quality.

Canva, for example, offers free, beautifully designed, and easily customisable wedding invitation templates. You can choose from a variety of editable designs suitable for any wedding theme, such as rustic, modern, or minimalist. You can also personalise your invitation by including a photo of you and your partner. Once you've customised your design, you can print it directly from Canva, choosing from various paper and finish options, and have it delivered to your doorstep within days.

Adobe Express also provides free, professionally designed wedding invitation templates that you can customise with fonts, icons, colours, and graphics. You can even add animated effects if you're sending your invitations digitally. Adobe Express allows you to save your design as a high-resolution JPEG or PDF file, making it easy to print or share digitally.

Other websites like Etsy, Download & Print, Greenvelope, Tempoola, Shutterfly, Wedding Chicks, Greetings Island, and Paper Source also offer printable wedding invitation templates, some of which are free to use. These templates can be customised with your details and then printed at home or at a local print shop.

When using printable templates, it's important to consider the paper type and printing options. Choose a thicker cardstock, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, for a more luxurious feel. You can also opt for recycled paper, linen texture, or cotton finish, depending on your wedding theme. Additionally, ensure that your printer can handle the chosen cardstock and that you have the correct paper size and alignment for printing.

From scratch: Design your own invites with platforms like Canva, then print or send digitally

If you're looking to design your wedding invitations from scratch, platforms like Canva offer free, customizable, and printable wedding invitation templates. You can also send your completed designs to your guests digitally.

Canva has hundreds of editable designs suitable for any wedding theme. You can personalize your invitations by including a photo of you and your partner on the invite. Simply drag and drop your photos onto the template.

Canva's wedding invitation templates are easy to personalize. Pick the style you like and start editing. You can change the fonts, colors, and images, then finalize your design. You can also choose to download and email your invites to your guests or send them to Canva Print and get them delivered to your door in a matter of days.

Canva also has a variety of wedding invitation and save-the-date layouts for different themes, whether yours is a summer wedding at the beach or a cozy winter celebration. You can also choose from premium to fancy paper and finish options.

Another platform you can use is Adobe Express, which lets you create wedding invitations in a straightforward process that puts the power of creation in your hands. Their intuitive, easy-to-use tools save you time and effort so you can stress less and enjoy the planning process more. Best of all, Adobe Express is completely free to use.

Adobe Express has thousands of professionally-made wedding invitation templates for you to choose from. You can add stunning Adobe Fonts, choose a color theme, and upload your own photos directly to your project. If you're sending your invitation digitally, you can even add animated effects to any element and make your message stand out. Once you're finished editing, resize in one click to share on all your favorite social platforms or download it as a high-resolution JPEG or PDF file to share with friends and family.

Paper and envelopes: Choose paper and envelopes that complement each other, and consider recycled paper

When making wedding invitations at home, the paper and envelopes you choose are important. The paper and envelopes should complement each other, and you should consider the thickness, texture, and colour of the paper, as well as whether to use recycled paper.

Firstly, you should select a paper thickness that suits your printing method. If you are printing at home, check your printer's manual or search online for your printer's "max paper weight" to ensure it can handle your chosen cardstock. A thicker paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, will give your invitations a more luxurious feel.

Secondly, consider the texture of the paper. Adding a bit of texture, such as a linen or felt finish, can enhance the look and feel of your invitations.

Thirdly, think about the colour of the paper. White or off-white paper is traditional for wedding invitations, but you could also consider coloured paper to add a pop of colour to your invitations. Recycled paper is a popular option, especially for rustic or boho-themed weddings. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from kraft cardstock to pulpy, handmade papers.

Finally, don't forget to select envelopes that fit your invitations with a bit of room to spare. Consider the colour of the envelopes and whether you want to add envelope liners to dress them up. You can use pretty paper, an engagement photo, or even fabric to create envelope liners.

Embellishments: Add finishing touches like a stamp, wax seal, or ribbon

Embellishments are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations. Here are some ideas for finishing touches that will make your invitations stand out:

Stamps

Custom stamps are a unique way to add a special touch to your invitations. You can design a stamp with your initials, the wedding date, or a motif that ties in with your wedding theme. This is also a more affordable option than hiring a calligrapher to address your envelopes. If you're going for a traditional look, you can opt for a custom wax seal stamp, which will give your invitations a classic and elegant feel.

Wax Seals

Wax seals add a touch of luxury and elegance to your wedding invitations. You can choose a seal design that complements your wedding theme or colour palette. For a modern twist, consider using a self-adhesive wax seal sticker, which is easier to apply and won't require a wax melting kit. You can also opt for a vellum gold leaf wax seal, which is a unique and eye-catching option.

Ribbons

Ribbons are a beautiful way to add texture and colour to your invitations. Consider using a silk chiffon ribbon in a colour that matches your wedding palette. You can also find ribbons with frayed edges for a more rustic look. If you want to add a touch of glamour, go for a premium velvet ribbon. For a unique touch, you can even hand-dye your own silk ribbons.

In addition to these ideas, you can also explore other embellishments like belly bands, envelope liners, and paper embellishments such as deckle edges or vellum paper bands. These finishing touches will add a special touch to your wedding invitations and make them truly memorable.

Frequently asked questions