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 and creative way to add a personal touch to your big day, but it can also save you money. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to create beautiful DIY wedding invitations, from choosing the right tools and materials to customising your design and assembling the final product. We'll also offer tips and tricks to ensure the process is stress-free and enjoyable, so you can wow your guests with unique and memorable invitations.

Selecting the right paper and printing options

Paper Weight and Thickness:

The weight and thickness of the paper, or cardstock, play a significant role in the overall look and feel of your invitations. A good rule of thumb is that thicker paper conveys a sense of luxury and importance. Heavier paper also has a practical benefit – it's less likely to get lost or damaged before your guests receive it. The standard weights for wedding invitations range from 80 lb. to 120 lb., with some going up to 300 lb. or more for an extremely thick and luxurious feel. Keep in mind that the weight you choose should be compatible with your printing method; thicker paper may crease during digital printing, so consider flat printing or opt for letterpress or foil stamping for heavier cardstock.

Paper Texture and Finish:

The texture and finish of the paper can enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitations. A linen or felt texture adds a subtle woven pattern that feels elegant and can also help hide any printing imperfections. You can also choose from a variety of finishes, such as silk for a smooth, low-sheen look or gloss for a more reflective, magazine-like appearance. If you're environmentally conscious, consider paper made from 100% post-consumer waste material.

Printing Method:

The printing method you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of customization, and the amount of time you want to invest in the project. Here are some options to consider:

• Digital/Flat Printing: This method works best with thinner cardstock and can be done at home or through an online printing service. Keep in mind that some home printers may have limitations on paper thickness.
• Letterpress: Letterpress printing requires heavier weight paper (110 lb. – 220 lb.) and creates a beautiful, indented impression of the text and designs.
• Foil Stamping: Similar to letterpress, foil stamping requires thicker paper and adds a luxurious, shiny finish to your invitations.
• Professional Printing Services: If you want to outsource the printing, consider using a local print shop or online service. They can provide guidance on paper selection and offer various printing options.

Paper Color and Design:

The color and design of your paper can complement the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. Consider using colored cardstock or adding envelopes and envelope liners in complementary colors. If you want to include a photo of yourselves, a white or light-colored cardstock will showcase the image beautifully. You can also experiment with different textures, such as watercolor or rustic, natural tones, to create a unique and memorable invitation.

Choosing a design and customising your invitations

The design of your wedding invitations is important as it will set the tone for your wedding and give your guests an idea of what to expect. When choosing a design, consider the style of your wedding. If you're having a traditional wedding, you might want to opt for a classic, elegant design. If you're having a more rustic or country wedding, you could choose a design with natural elements.

Think about the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding and try to incorporate this into your invitations. You can also add personal touches, such as a photo of yourselves or a timeline of your relationship.

When it comes to the layout and dimensions of your invitations, the classic option is a flat, rectangular card measuring 5 x 7 inches. However, you can also choose from other shapes and sizes, such as horizontal rectangles or scalloped designs.

The font you choose is also important. Avoid bold, blocky fonts, and instead opt for something softer and more romantic, like a cursive or calligraphy font. You can also use a serif font for the body text to complement the cursive or calligraphy font.

When customising your invitations, consider adding some DIY details such as gold foil, watercolour backgrounds, or hand-tied ribbons. You can also elevate your invitations by using textured paper, vellum jackets, or personalised wax seals.

If you're printing your invitations at home, make sure you have the right equipment and supplies, including high-quality paper and ink. Give yourself enough time to practise and proofread your design before committing to printing all of your invitations.

Adding personal touches and decorations

• Custom Monogram or Crest: Create a custom monogram or crest that represents you and your partner. This can be more than just a decorative element; it can tell the story of your relationship and become an heirloom piece that you can use long after your wedding.
• Venue Illustration: If you've found your dream venue, why not showcase it on your invitations? Include a one-of-a-kind illustration, whether it's in watercolor or pen and ink, to give your invitations a unique and classic touch.
• Envelope Liner: The inside of the envelope is a perfect space to personalize. Add a pattern, a venue illustration, a map, or even a solid color to surprise your guests and elevate your invitations.
• Wax Seals: Wax seals are a classic way to add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your invitations. You can vary the color, design, and placement to craft a truly unique invitation suite. Consider incorporating the artwork from your monogram or wedding crest for a cohesive look.
• Vellum Overlays: Translucent vellum overlays or wrap-arounds have become popular. They can add dimension to your invitations and contribute to a cohesive and elegant suite, especially when paired with a unique pattern from your wedding crest.
• Personal Photos: Using a photo of yourselves in your wedding invites adds a personal touch and makes a great keepsake for your loved ones. It can also help to create a simple color theme for your invitations.
• Creative Formats: Think outside the box and inject your personality into the format of your invitation. For example, you could use a timeline format that maps out the course of your relationship or incorporate personal jokes or themes that are special to you as a couple.
• Color Scheme: Choose a color scheme that reflects your individual styles or compromise with tried-and-tested color combinations like green, which is popular for outdoor ceremonies, or pink and purple, blue and white, or gold with almost anything.
• Personalized Place Settings: Add a personal touch to each guest's place setting. For example, print guests' names onto tracing paper with a wax seal, include a quote about love from your favorite books or movies, or add letterpress napkins with your couple's monogram.
• Illustrated Venue Signage: Include an illustration of your venue on your wedding signage, or consider adding a watercolor version of your new home or even your beloved pet.

Envelopes, postage, and assembly

Envelopes are an important part of your wedding invitations. They should fit the theme and aesthetic of your invites and be the correct size. You can also add an embossed seal or wax seal for a special touch. If you want to add a pop of colour, choose an envelope colour that is light enough so that the address can still be seen.

When assembling your invitations, set yourself up for easy assembly. A paper cutter with a sharp blade will give you clean cuts. For adding layers or envelope liners, use glue dots or double-stick tape instead of glue. This is also a good method for sealing the envelopes.

Once your invitations are assembled, take a complete invitation to the post office to have it weighed. The shape of the envelope will impact the cost. If you want your invitations hand-cancelled to avoid any potential ripping or damage, mention this to your postal worker when calculating postage.

Proofreading and final checks

Get a Printed Proof

It is highly recommended to get a printed proof of your invitation. Reviewing a physical copy is much easier than proofreading on a screen. Holding the invitation will help you evaluate your colour, design, and paper choices. You can also check the spacing and alignment of text and design elements more accurately.

Proofreading for Errors

Spelling and Grammar

Check all spellings, including names, ceremony and reception details, and other important information. Pay attention to singular and plural usage, and remember to add a space after a comma. For example, "July 12, 2021" should be "July 12, 2021". Also, watch out for extra spaces, incorrect quotation marks, and ensure the wedding day and date are consistent.

Consistency

Check for consistency in colour between different invitation elements, type size, font types and sizes, and wording. For example, check the use of "honour/honor" and "favour/favor" to ensure consistency.

Readability

Evaluate the readability of your invitation. Is the text easy to read? Is the font size appropriate, neither too big nor too small? Avoid using script fonts in all caps, as they can be difficult to read.

Photo Quality

Use only high-quality, high-resolution photos. Check for blurriness and ensure the photo fits the frame properly.

Styling and Graphic Elements

Ensure that text and design elements are properly aligned and that there is proper spacing between lines and words. Check that the text is not too close to the design elements or the edge of the invitation. Look out for separated words or lines that should be part of a paragraph.

Enlist Help

Ask your fiancé(e), wedding planner, family, or friends to review the designs. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed. They can provide valuable insights and help identify any errors or inconsistencies.

Final Checks

Website Link

If you include a link to your wedding website, test it to ensure it directs guests to the correct page. Consider using a QR code to make it easier for your guests.

Venue and Address

Double-check the spelling of the venue name, street address, city, and state. This information is crucial, and errors can easily occur.

Common Mistakes

Be aware of common mistakes, such as using abbreviations or including unnecessary information. Refer to resources like Emily Post for etiquette guidelines.

Frequently asked questions