Creating A Wedding Invitation Link: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are a great way to introduce your wedding theme and give guests a glimpse of what to expect on the day. With the rise of virtual weddings, digital wedding invitations are becoming increasingly popular. They are a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and time-saving alternative to traditional paper invitations. In this discussion, we will explore the benefits of digital wedding invitations and provide a step-by-step guide to creating your own wedding invitation link using various online platforms. From choosing the right platform to customising your design, we will cover everything you need to know to create stylish and personalised wedding invitations.

Choosing a digital invitation platform

There are several platforms that allow you to create digital wedding invitations. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Canva: This platform offers a wide range of beautiful and elegant wedding invitation layouts, including destination wedding, beach wedding, and winter wedding templates. You can also add your own images, fonts, and colours to create DIY wedding invitations. Canva also allows you to print your invitations or share them on social media.
• My Invitation Link: This online wedding invitation service allows you to create dynamic multimedia invites embedded with music, pictures, and multiple text slides. It offers a variety of templates with customisable backgrounds, text styles, borders, and audio. You can also add your own music or use existing audio from their library. My Invitation Link also provides basic settings such as RSVP options, social media buttons, and the ability to link to a registry.
• Paperless Post: This platform offers customisable online wedding invitations with various design styles, including classic, floral, modern, and destination themes. You can enhance your invitation with preferred colours, fonts, and photos, and even add a photo gallery and registry blocks. Paperless Post also allows you to track RSVPs and send invitations via email, text, or shareable link.
• Greenvelope: Greenvelope offers a wide range of invitation designs, including save-the-date cards and wedding invitation cards. They offer unlimited mailings for a flat rate depending on the size of your guest list, and you can create, send, and track invitations within the site. Greenvelope also allows you to add customisations such as envelope liners and die cuts to make your digital invites look more luxurious.
• Evite: Evite offers a variety of free and premium digital wedding invitation options, from vintage to modern styles. You can choose your design, colour palette, digital envelope, and even a digital stamp. Evite Pro, which removes advertisements, starts at $14.99 per month.
• Joy: Joy provides free online wedding invitation templates that can be matched with your wedding website and registry. Their designs lean towards simplicity and are well-suited for modern, boho, or industrial-style weddings. Joy also offers a mobile app and other wedding tools to streamline your planning process.

When choosing a digital invitation platform, consider factors such as customisation options, pricing, ease of use, and the ability to track RSVPs. Additionally, some platforms offer additional features like matching stationery, eco-friendliness, or integration with other wedding planning tools.

Selecting a template

First, consider the overall style of your wedding. Are you planning a classic, formal affair or something more modern and relaxed? The style of your invitation should complement the style of your wedding. For instance, if you're having a black-tie wedding, a refined and polished invitation template with creamy backgrounds and graceful script might be a perfect choice. On the other hand, if your wedding is more casual or modern, you might opt for a template with sleek fonts and subtle accents like metallic details or bold shapes. Destination weddings and rustic weddings also have their own unique invitation styles, so be sure to choose a template that captures the essence of your wedding's location and theme.

Next, think about the level of customisation you want. Some couples prefer to add a personal touch to their invitations by customising colours, fonts, photos, and other design elements. If this is important to you, look for a template that offers a wide range of customisation options. For example, Canva allows you to browse hundreds of templates and customise them with your own images, fonts, and colours. You can also add your own music or use existing audio and video.

Another thing to consider is the cost. The cost of wedding invitations can vary widely, depending on the level of customisation and the features you choose. Some sites, like Paperless Post, charge per coin, while others, like Evite, offer both free and premium invitations. If you're on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options available, such as Etsy, which offers downloadable templates starting at just $2.

Finally, take some time to browse through different templates before making your final decision. Try to narrow down your choices to a few templates that you really love, and then compare them side by side. Consider getting input from your partner, family, or friends to help you make a decision that you're happy with. Remember, your wedding invitation is the first impression your guests will have of your special day, so choose a template that truly reflects the style and atmosphere you want to create.

Adding photos and slides

Selecting a Platform:

Choose an online platform that offers wedding invitation creation, such as Paperless Post, Smilebox, Canva, My Invitation Link, or Greetings Island. Each platform offers a range of templates and customisation options.

Choosing a Template:

Once you've selected a platform, browse through their collection of wedding invitation templates. These templates will vary in style, background, text, borders, and audio. Take your time to explore different options before choosing the one that best reflects your wedding theme and personality.

Uploading Photos:

After selecting your template, it's time to add your personal touch by uploading photos. Most platforms will have a "Browse" or "Add More Photos" button that allows you to select images from your computer, phone, or social media accounts. You can upload engagement photos, wedding venue images, or any other pictures that reflect your love story.

Creating Text Slides:

In addition to photos, you'll want to include text slides with important wedding information. Start by choosing a text slide style that complements your template. Then, edit the text to include details such as the full names of the couple, the date and time of the ceremony and reception, venue locations, and RSVP information.

Finalising Your Slideshow:

Once you've added all your photos and text slides, it's time to finalise your invitation. Review your slideshow, ensuring all the necessary information is included and that the layout and design meet your expectations. Some platforms may offer a preview option to see how your invitation will look when received.

Adding Music:

To make your invitation even more engaging, consider adding music. You can either upload your own music file or select from the platform's existing audio library. Adding a song or two that holds a special meaning for you as a couple can make your invitation even more memorable.

Setting Invitation Settings:

Before sending out your invitations, customise the settings according to your preferences. Decide whether you want to include social media buttons, a link to your wedding registry, and whether you want your guests to appear on a map. You can also set up RSVP tracking to easily manage your guest list.

Sending Your Invitations:

Finally, it's time to send your invitations! Most platforms will require you to create an account and provide billing information before sending. Enter your guest's contact information, and your dynamic and personalised wedding invitations will be on their way!

Remember to have fun with the process and use your creativity to make your wedding invitations unique and special.

Customising the text

Include Essential Details

Make sure to mention the date, time, and venue of the wedding. Provide a link for additional information and RSVP. You may also want to include the names of the couple, the request for attendance, and any other relevant details such as the wedding website address, gift list, and dress code.

Match Your Wedding Theme

Tailor the language and tone of the invitation to suit your wedding's theme and setting. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might use more informal and relaxed language. On the other hand, a black-tie affair calls for more refined and polished wording.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Text messages and digital invitations should be concise, yet warm and inviting. Focus on conveying the most important information in a clear and friendly manner. Avoid long and complex sentences, and use language that is easy for your guests to understand.

Personalise Your Message

Add a personal touch by including your own photos, custom colours, and fonts. Some platforms like Canva offer access to a library of premium images, graphics, and illustrations that can enhance the overall design of your invitation. You can also upload your own images for a more personalised feel.

Proofread and Test Your Message

Before sending out your invitations, be sure to proofread your message for any typos or errors. Send a test message to yourself or a close friend to check the formatting and links. This will ensure that your invitations look polished and professional.

By following these tips, you can create a wedding invitation link with customised text that truly reflects your style and sets the tone for your special day.

Sending the invitations

Now that you've designed your wedding invitations, it's time to send them out! The method you choose will depend on your personal preference, budget, and the level of formality you wish to convey. You can send invitations through the mail, or digitally via email, text, or a shareable link.

If you're opting for printed invitations, you'll need to purchase envelopes and stamps, and address each envelope by hand. This method is more costly and time-consuming but guarantees that all your invitees will receive the invitation. Printed invitations also serve as a keepsake for those who value tradition and formality.

Digital invitations, on the other hand, are more affordable, environmentally friendly, and convenient. They eliminate the hassle of envelopes and stamps, and often include features that make it easier to track RSVPs. You can send digital invitations via email, text, or shareable link, or use a platform like Evite or Paperless Post, which offers customizable designs and RSVP tracking.

When sending your invitations, it's important to consider the timing. For a destination wedding or a celebration requiring significant travel, send your invitations four to six months in advance. For other weddings, six to eight weeks before the big day is generally considered appropriate.

Finally, don't forget to include all the essential information in your invitations, such as the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and any additional details like the wedding website address, gift list, dress code, and plus-one policy.

Frequently asked questions