Start Your Wedding Invitation Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are many ways to become a wedding invitation dealer. One way is to purchase a sample kit from a wholesaler, which includes a range of wedding card designs that you can use to promote your business. You can also become a dealer by working with a large organization that has a big inventory and printing machines with the latest technology. Another way is to use your graphic design skills to create custom invitations and build your own business. This requires learning about paper, printing methods, and wedding invitation etiquette. You can also use SEO and social media to market your business.

Learn graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite

Learning graphic design software is a crucial step in starting a wedding invitation business. The most commonly used programs in the industry are those in the Adobe Creative Suite, such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop. These programs are powerful tools that can help you create stunning visuals for your wedding invitations.

Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard vector editing and drawing application. It allows you to create beautiful vector art, illustrations, and infinitely scalable designs. With Illustrator, you can design unique wedding invitations, logos, icons, and other graphics with precision and flexibility. The software offers various tools, such as Shape Builder and Pen tools, that enable you to combine, manipulate, and draw vector shapes. You can also apply 3D effects and textures to your designs, giving them depth and realism.

Adobe InDesign is another essential tool for wedding invitation designers. It is the industry-standard publication layout software, perfect for creating long-format print materials like magazines, books, and brochures. With InDesign, you can easily lay out documents of any length and design custom calendars, greeting cards, and flyers. It also integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, making it easy to work on the same asset across different applications.

Adobe Photoshop is a leading image editing and graphic design software. It offers unparalleled features for creating, editing, and manipulating digital images. With Photoshop, you can combine multiple photos, remove or transform elements, and apply artistic effects. The software also provides pixel-level editing capabilities and nondestructive tools that allow you to experiment with different creative ideas without permanently altering your work.

These programs have user-friendly interfaces and come with helpful tutorials, making them accessible to beginners. Additionally, there are numerous online courses and resources available to help you master these tools. Learning Adobe Creative Suite will empower you to design elegant and professional wedding invitations, ensuring that your business stands out in the competitive wedding stationery industry.

Understand wedding invitation etiquette and wording

Wedding invitations typically follow a standard format, with a few variations depending on the hosts, the couple, and the tone and formality of the wedding. Here are some guidelines on wedding invitation etiquette and wording:

Host Line

The host line is where the name(s) of the hosts appear, usually at the very top of the invitation. The hosts are usually the people paying for the wedding. The wording will vary depending on who is hosting: one set of parents, both sets of parents, the couple and their parents, or just the couple.

Request Line

The request line is where you invite your guests to join the celebration. Traditionally, formal wording such as "request the honour of your presence" was used to denote a formal religious ceremony, while modern celebrations tend to use more casual language. Common wording options include "invite you to join", "please join us to celebrate", and "the pleasure of your company".

Couple's Names

The names of the couple should be front and centre and easily legible. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name traditionally comes first. For same-sex couples, the wording of the host line may dictate the order, or it may be simply up to the couple to decide.

Date, Time, and Location

Include the date, start time, and location of the ceremony. For formal invitations, spell out the date, time, and location in full. For modern invites, numerical figures may be used. Be sure to include the full address for destination weddings or out-of-town guests.

Reception Details

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state "reception to follow". If the reception is elsewhere, include the full address on a separate card.

Dress Code and RSVP

Including dress code information is optional but helpful. It can be mentioned in the lower corner or bottom centre of the invite, or on a separate insert card.

Parents' Names

Recognising the couple's parents, especially if they are not the hosts, is optional. To include divorced parents, list the mother's name first, followed by the father's name on a separate line. For divorced mothers who are not remarried, use the courtesy title "Ms." followed by her preferred last name. To include stepparents, list the mother and stepfather's names first, followed by the father and stepmother's names.

Choose the right paper for your invitations

When choosing the right paper for your wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider, from the type of printer you're using to the weight and finish of the paper. Here are some tips to help you select the best paper for your invitations:

• Printer Compatibility: The first step is to consider the type of printer you'll be using. Home printers often have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle, so it's important to check your printer's instructions and do a test print to determine the maximum weight it can handle.
• Paper Weight: Heavier cardstock, typically measured in pounds (#) or grams per square meter (gsm), gives a more luxurious feel to your invitations. For home printers, 80# to 90# cardstock is ideal, while 100# can work for some printers. If you're printing at a local print shop, you can go up to 110# or 130# for a more professional look.
• Paper Finish: The finish of the paper refers to its texture and feel. Smooth paper is cost-effective and works well for photo printing. Cotton paper is more luxurious and durable, absorbing ink better for richer colours. Eggshell paper offers a nice middle ground with a subtle texture. Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture and a matte finish, adding visual interest to simple invitations.
• Eco-Friendliness: If sustainability is important to you, consider recycled paper options. Kraft cardstock and handmade papers made from repurposed materials are great choices for eco-friendly or rustic-style weddings.
• Design and Budget: Before choosing your paper, consider your design preferences and budget. Certain printing techniques, such as foil stamping or letterpress, may be more expensive but can add a touch of luxury to your invitations. Keep in mind that the more embellishments and materials you add, the higher the cost.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing paper for wedding invitations. Experiment with different papers, weights, and finishes to find the perfect combination that suits your design, printer, and budget.

Decide on a printing method

Deciding on a printing method is a crucial step in the wedding invitation business. The printing process you choose will convey the level of formality of the wedding, impact your budget, and dictate the paper type and design. Here are some common printing methods to consider:

Digital Printing

Digital printing is a cost-effective option that offers a full range of colours and specialty inks such as digital white, gold, and silver. It produces a flat, smooth finish and is ideal for invitations with a "bleed" design, where the ink runs off the edges of the paper. This method is best for thinner, flexible paper that can be easily fed into a printer.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping creates a luxurious and opaque print on dark paper. It involves using a heated copper plate to press foil into the paper, leaving a shiny, metallic design. This method is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to whimsical or casual invites. It is more expensive and may require outsourcing to a specialist printer.

Letterpress Printing

Letterpress printing is a traditional, labour-intensive method that creates a textural and sophisticated look. It involves etching text or images in reverse on a raised surface and coating it with ink to produce an impression on soft, bulky paper. This method is ideal for thick card stock and light-coloured paper with dark ink. It is one of the priciest options and has a longer turnaround time.

Thermography

Thermography is a heat-based process that fuses ink and resinous powder to create raised lettering. It is similar to engraving but less expensive and faster, making it ideal for those on a budget or with time constraints. It works best on cotton fibre paper and light-coloured inks.

Engraving

Engraving is the most expensive and formal printing method. It involves etching an image into a metal plate, filling it with ink, and pressing paper onto it to create raised type. This process works best on thick paper, like cotton fibre, and can be used for printing light ink on dark paper. It has a long turnaround time, typically taking several weeks.

Offset Printing (Lithography)

Offset printing is similar to digital printing but offers higher quality and more textured paper options, such as cotton or bamboo. It uses a rubber stamp-like cylinder to press ink onto the paper and is ideal for casual, less formal designs. It is a budget-friendly option with slightly longer production times than digital printing.

When deciding on a printing method, consider the desired level of formality, your budget, paper type, design, and turnaround time. Remember to order samples and test different methods to find the best fit for your wedding invitation business.

Learn how to market your business

Marketing is a challenging task, regardless of the industry. Here are some tips to help you market your wedding invitation business effectively:

Identify your ideal client

Before you begin marketing your wedding invitation business, it is crucial to understand your target audience. Consider Gucci's marketing strategy, which targets a specific group of people. As a small business owner, you have the advantage of connecting with your customers on a personal level. Create a profile of your ideal client, including their demographics, interests, and purchasing behaviour. This will help you tailor your messaging and choose the most effective marketing channels.

Reach out to wedding planners

Wedding planners are an excellent source of client referrals. Most couples hire a wedding planner before they start looking for stationery designers. Build relationships with wedding planners by commenting on their social media posts, sharing their content, and attending networking events. Offer them a sample kit of your work and focus on making their job easier. Don't be afraid to ask for business; they need new vendors, and you can help them find the right clients for your unique style.

Collaborate with other wedding vendors

In addition to wedding planners, photographers and venues are also great sources of referrals. Create invitation samples that feature specific venues and tag them on social media. Form relationships with venues that match your style, and they may recommend your work to their clients. Photographers can also be good connections, as they often act as quasi-planners and have a significant influence on the overall wedding design.

Utilise social media

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are excellent tools for marketing your wedding invitation business. Use trending features like Instagram Reels and hashtags to increase your visibility. Geotag your posts to reach a local audience, and interact with other users, especially planners you want to work with. Post regularly and analyse insights to understand what content performs best.

Build an online presence

Create a website to showcase your work and make it easy for potential clients to contact you. Consider using Shopify or Squarespace, which offer built-in e-commerce platforms. You can also sell your invitations on Etsy, taking advantage of its large audience. Optimise your listings by using relevant tags, including high-quality photos, and offering samples to avoid displaying high prices upfront.

Frequently asked questions