Designing An Elegant Wedding Invitation: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are a significant part of wedding planning. They are often one of the first impressions for guests and set the tone for the wedding. While custom invitations can be expensive, there are many ways to create high-quality invitations on a budget. From designing invitations yourself to using online templates, couples can create beautiful and elegant invitations that reflect their wedding theme and style. This involves choosing the right paper, printing options, and customisations to make the invitations unique and special.

Design: Choose a style that reflects your wedding theme, whether rustic, modern, floral, or minimalist

The design of your wedding invitation should reflect your wedding theme and your personal style. Whether you're going for a rustic, modern, floral, or minimalist aesthetic, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the style of your invitation.

If you're aiming for a rustic theme, consider printing your invitations on recycled brown paper. This simple and earthy choice of paper can be a great foundation for your design, evoking a natural and perhaps even vintage feel. For a modern wedding, on the other hand, a minimalist design could be the way to go. Clean lines, simple fonts, and a limited colour palette can come together to create an elegant and contemporary invitation suite.

If florals are a key part of your wedding theme, bring this into your invitations with a floral design. From classic vintage to bold and colourful, there are many ways to incorporate florals. You could opt for a floral frame, a watercolour motif, or even include photos of you and your partner overlaid with floral designs. For a more subtle approach, use floral envelope liners or choose a patterned backing paper for your invitations.

If you're drawn to a minimalist aesthetic, there are plenty of ways to keep your invitations simple yet stylish. A monochrome design, for example, can be an elegant choice. You could also use a light colour background with minimal design elements, which will not only look great but also save on printer ink.

No matter which theme you choose, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, think about the colours you want to incorporate. Using coloured cardstock is a great way to include your wedding colours without using too much ink. Secondly, consider the amount of text and design elements you want to include. A busier design might be more expensive to print, so you could opt for a simpler design with just 2-3 colours to keep costs down. Finally, don't forget that you can add extra touches like envelope liners, belly bands, or ribbons to elevate your invitations and tie them into your wedding theme.

Paper: Opt for high-quality cardstock, with texture, such as linen or felt

When it comes to paper, you'll want to opt for high-quality cardstock that will give your invitations a luxurious feel. The weight of the paper is an important consideration, as thicker cardstock will result in a more elegant and professional-looking invitation. Aim for cardstock with a weight of at least 120 lb, which will provide a substantial feel without being too heavy or cumbersome.

To add a further touch of sophistication, consider choosing cardstock with a textured finish. This can help to elevate the overall aesthetic of your invitations and create a sensory experience for your guests. Linen cardstock, for example, mimics the delicate woven texture of linen fabric, adding a subtle elegance to your invitations. The basket-weave texture of linen cardstock can also help to disguise any imperfections or printing errors, ensuring your invitations look flawless.

Felt cardstock is another unique option, offering a texture that falls somewhere between cotton and canvas. It provides a smooth yet coarse finish, giving your invitations an air of sophistication. However, due to its thickness, felt cardstock may not be compatible with all home printers, so be sure to check your printer's specifications before purchasing.

When selecting cardstock, it's essential to consider the printing method you intend to use. Some cardstock types, such as linen and felt, work exceptionally well with inkjet printing, as the texture can help to disguise any fuzziness or imperfections. On the other hand, if you plan to use a local print shop, cardstock with a smooth texture may be a better option, as it won't interfere with the application of ink or toner.

Ultimately, the key to creating high-quality wedding invitations is to choose materials that align with your desired aesthetic and printing capabilities. By opting for high-quality cardstock with a luxurious texture, you can set the tone for your special day and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Printing: Consider printing costs and whether to use a professional service or print at home

Printing your wedding invitations can be a costly affair, so it's important to consider the costs and decide whether to use a professional service or print them yourself.

The cost of printing wedding invitations will depend on several factors, including the number of invitations, the paper quality, the printing method, and any additional design elements or embellishments. Professional printing services can charge at least $3 per invitation, excluding postage, which can quickly add up if you have a large guest list. On the other hand, printing your invitations at home can be a more budget-friendly option, but it requires some DIY work and may not always be faster.

If you opt for professional printing, you can expect to pay more for labour-intensive printing methods such as letterpress, thermography, or engraving. Letterpress printing, for example, can cost around $1,500 for 100 invitations, while engraving will cost at least $2,000 for the same quantity. Offset printing and thermography are also more expensive options, typically starting at $800 and going up to $1,800 for 100 stationery suites.

Digital printing is usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $500 to $800 for a set of 100 invitations. This method involves setting up a file on a computer and printing it directly, without the need for manual ink mixing. However, keep in mind that the quality may not be as high as some of the more expensive printing methods.

If you decide to print your invitations at home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the cost of ink and paper. High-quality paper and heavily saturated inks can be expensive, especially if you're printing a large number of invitations. You'll also need to factor in the cost of envelopes and postage, as heavier invitations or those with unique shapes may cost more to send. Additionally, take the time to test different paper options on your home printer to ensure you get a good fit and the desired results.

Another advantage of printing your invitations at home is the ability to fully customise the design. You can find downloadable templates online or create your own design using programmes like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva. When choosing a template, opt for designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds, as these tend to look better when printed at home and can help reduce ink usage.

In conclusion, whether you decide to use a professional printing service or print your wedding invitations at home, it's important to consider the costs involved and the level of customisation and quality you desire. By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that fits within your budget and ensures your invitations reflect the theme and style of your wedding.

Customisation: Include key details such as names, date, time, location, and any additional information

Customising your wedding invitations is a crucial step in the process of creating them. This is your opportunity to make your invitations unique to you and your wedding, and to ensure that your guests have all the information they need.

The most important details to include are the names of the couple, the date, time and location of the wedding. You may also want to include the address of the venue and transport or accommodation options, particularly if your wedding is in an unfamiliar location for your guests.

If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the web address on your invitations. This can be a great way to provide additional information without cluttering your invitations. Details such as accommodation options, travel information, the schedule for the day, dress code, and gift list can all be included on your wedding website.

You can also include RSVP details on your invitations, such as the deadline for responses and how to RSVP. This could be via your wedding website, email, phone, or post.

The wording of your invitations is also an important consideration. The tone of your invitations can reflect the style and theme of your wedding, whether that's formal and elegant or fun and modern. You may also want to consider whether you want to include the names of your parents or other family members on the invitations.

Finally, don't forget to proofread your invitations before printing! Check for any spelling or grammar mistakes, and consider asking a friend or family member to read through them as well.

Envelopes: Select envelopes that fit your invitations, with room to spare, and consider adding envelope liners

When it comes to selecting envelopes for your wedding invitations, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose envelopes that are slightly larger than your invitations to allow for some room. As a general rule of thumb, the dimensions of your envelope should increase by 1/4 inch in height and width compared to the largest part of your invitation bundle. For example, a standard 5" x 7" invitation would typically be paired with a 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" envelope. This ensures that your invitations fit comfortably without looking cramped.

Another aspect to consider is the style and colour of your envelopes. The envelope is your guests' first impression of your wedding correspondence, so choosing an elegant colour and design can enhance the overall aesthetic. Free recipient address printing is often offered in various fonts and calligraphic styles, adding a personalised touch. If you're opting for a more modern or laid-back feel, a petite or square envelope can set the tone.

To further elevate your invitations, consider adding envelope liners. Envelope liners instantly enhance the look of your invitations and can be a fun DIY project. They come in a variety of materials, from metallic paper to patterned options, allowing you to add a pop of colour or a luxurious touch. You can find templates online to create your own liners, or purchase pre-made liners that match your invitation suite. When assembling, use double-sided tape or glue dots for a neat finish.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of envelopes and liners into your overall budget. Envelopes can range from $20 for a set of 50 to more expensive options, depending on the material and design. It's also important to consider the weight of your final invitation bundle, as heavier inserts or special features may require additional postage.

Frequently asked questions