Crafting Unique Wedding Invitations: A Creative Guide

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavour, so it's no surprise that many couples are choosing to design and create their own wedding invitations. Not only is this a more cost-effective option, but it also adds a personal touch to your special day. In this article, we will explore the steps to creating original wedding invitations, from choosing a design that reflects your unique relationship to selecting the perfect paper and delivery method. We will also offer tips and tricks to ensure the process is stress-free and fun, resulting in invitations that dazzle and delight your guests.

Choosing a design: Opt for a romantic, elegant, bold, or playful style, and consider your wedding's location and theme

When choosing a design for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the style and location of your wedding, as well as your personal taste. Here are some tips to help you opt for a romantic, elegant, bold, or playful style:

• Romantic: If your wedding venue is an outdoor setting with twinkling garden lights and romantic décor, reflect this in your invitations with whimsical and wispy script fonts. You can also incorporate floral or lace accents, such as the letterpress "Handmade Ornate Frame" design. For a touch of glamour, consider a glossy invitation style that reflects the embellishments of your wedding gown.
• Elegant: Opt for simplicity with a few special design elements. Elegant invitations often feature clean lines, a minimalist aesthetic, and a neutral colour palette. You can also add a touch of luxury with gold details, letterpress printing, or foil stamping.
• Bold: Make a statement with bold colours, unique artistic elements, and modern typography. If your wedding has a particular theme, such as mid-century modern, incorporate the design elements of that era into your invitations. Bold invitations are also a great way to showcase your love for nature, with illustrations of your wedding venue or maps of the location.
• Playful: If you're a laid-back couple, choose playful and comedic wording for your invitations. You can also add a touch of humour with unique shapes, such as circular or ticket-style invitations. Playful invitations are perfect for stargazing couples or those with a love for the '70s or '90s retro styles. Consider colourful designs, old-school typography, or fun illustrations that reflect your personality.

Customisation: Use DIY templates to personalise your invites with details, photos, and colour schemes

Customising your wedding invitations is a great way to save money and add a personal touch. You can use DIY templates to personalise your invites with details, photos, and colour schemes. There are many online platforms that offer free and premium customisable wedding invitation templates, such as Greetings Island, Canva, VistaPrint, Etsy, Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle. These templates allow you to change the fonts, colours, images, and text to suit your wedding theme and style.

Canva, for example, offers hundreds of editable designs suitable for any wedding theme. You can also upload your own images and photos to add a personal touch. VistaPrint also allows you to customise your invitations with names, wedding dates, venue addresses, and more. They offer a range of paper stock options, such as matte, pearl, linen, glossy, and hemp-blend, to complement your design.

When customising your wedding invitations, it is important to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. This could be classic, modern, rustic, whimsical, or any other aesthetic that reflects your personality and taste. You can also add a unique touch by including a photo of you and your fiancé on the invite.

In addition to customising the design, it is crucial to pay attention to the wording and etiquette of your wedding invitations. Include essential information such as the full names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and how to RSVP. You may also want to include additional details such as the wedding website address and gift list information.

By using DIY templates and customising your wedding invitations, you can create beautiful and personalised invites that reflect your unique style and theme while staying within your budget.

Paper and printing: Select paper type, weight, and texture, and consider printing costs and methods

When it comes to paper and printing, there are a few factors to consider when creating original wedding invitations. Firstly, the type of paper and its weight and texture play a crucial role in the overall look and feel of the invitations. The paper should be thick enough to give a luxurious and professional appearance, typically ranging from 80# to 150# or higher. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice, but some couples may prefer textured paper such as linen or cotton cardstock for a more tactile experience. Cotton cardstock, in particular, is a premium option that offers a soft feel and excellent ink absorption.

In terms of printing methods, there are several options to consider. Digital printing is the most budget-friendly choice, offering flexibility and affordability. Flat printing is another cost-effective option that can be combined with thermography to create a raised texture on the paper. Letterpress printing is a romantic choice that uses soft cotton stock, giving the invitation a vintage feel. For a more luxurious option, engraving and embossing techniques create raised images and text on the invitations, but these methods are more expensive. Foil stamping is another way to add glamour to the invitations, and it can be combined with other printing techniques for a unique look.

The cost of printing will also depend on the number of invitations and the complexity of the design. On average, 100 to 150 wedding invitations can range from $256 to $312, but this can vary depending on the printing method, paper choice, and any additional embellishments. To keep costs low, opt for a smaller invitation suite with limited embellishments.

Envelopes: Choose envelopes that fit your invites, and add wax seals, liners, or embossed stamps for a special touch

Envelopes are an important part of your wedding invitations. They are the first thing your guests will see, so it's worth putting some thought into them. Here are some tips to help you choose the right envelopes and add special touches to make them stand out:

• Size and Shape: Select envelopes that are slightly larger than your invitations to ensure they fit comfortably. Consider envelopes with a unique shape, such as square or scalloped, for a non-traditional look.
• Colour and Design: Choose envelopes that complement the colour scheme and theme of your wedding. If you want to add a pop of colour, opt for an envelope colour that is light enough so that the address is still visible. Envelope liners, such as metallic paper or patterned options, can also enhance the overall design.
• Wax Seals: Add a touch of elegance and luxury to your envelopes with wax seals. You can use dried blooms, botanical leaves, or personalised stickers with your initials to adorn the wax seals.
• Embossed Stamps: Consider adding embossed stamps to your envelopes for a sophisticated and refined look. You can find stamps with designs that match your wedding theme or create custom stamps with your initials or a monogram.
• Envelope Inserts: Personalise your envelope inserts to make them stand out. You can download generic templates and print them at home before sliding them into your envelopes.
• Hand-written Addresses: For a more intimate touch, consider hand-writing the addresses on the envelopes. This adds a personal and thoughtful element to your invitations.
• Ribbons or String: Tie your envelopes with a hand-tied piece of string, ribbon, or hessian string for a rustic charm. This simple addition can elevate the overall presentation of your invitations.
• Special Enclosures: Include small enclosures with your envelopes, such as dried flowers, botanical leaves, or even small gifts for your guests. These special touches will create a memorable first impression.
• Paper Quality: Opt for high-quality envelopes made from luxurious paper. Thick cardstock or textured paper can give your envelopes a sophisticated and elegant feel.

Assembly and delivery: Decide on a delivery method, and consider using glue dots or double-stick tape for easy assembly

When it comes to assembling and delivering your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this task:

Assembly:

First, decide on the order of your invitation suite. Typically, the invitation card goes at the bottom, followed by any other enclosure cards such as reception cards, direction cards, or accommodation cards. If you have a response card and envelope, place the envelope printed side down, with the flap on the left, and then insert the response card under the flap, printed side up. You can use glue dots or double-stick tape for easy assembly and to avoid the mess of using glue.

Next, consider adding a finishing touch such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap. These can be personalised and used to securely fasten your invitation suite together. If you're using a belly band, centre it over your stacked suite and use the included clear stickers to seal it in place. For a ribbon, cut it to the desired length (22" for portrait invitations or 31" for landscape) and tie it around your suite, using a simple knot or bow.

Delivery:

Once your invitation suite is assembled, it's time to insert it into your envelope. If you have an inner envelope, place the suite inside with the guest's name facing out, leaving the inner envelope unsealed. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, which should have the guests' names and address printed on the front.

Finally, seal your outer envelopes using a bottled envelope moistener, taking care not to use too much liquid. Place a heavy book on the envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed. You can also add a wax seal at this point if you wish. Don't forget to include address labels or stamps on your envelopes before sending them out!

Frequently asked questions