Creating Wedding Invitations: A Homemade Guide

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but expensive time. With so many expenses involved, you may want to create your own wedding invitations to keep costs down and add a personal touch. The good news is that you don't need to be a professional designer to create beautiful invitations. There are several online tools and templates available to help you design and print your own invitations at home. In this article, we will discuss how to create wedding invitations at home, from choosing the right layout and dimensions to adding personal touches and selecting the best paper and printing options. We will also provide tips and tricks for a stress-free experience and share ideas for unique and creative DIY wedding invitations.

Selecting the right paper

Paper Weight and Thickness

The weight and thickness of the paper, also known as cardstock, can vary from 45# to 300# or higher. A good starting point for home printers is 80# cardstock, which is thin enough to feed through most desktop printers without issues. If your printer can handle thicker paper, you may want to increase the weight to 100# or 110# for a more luxurious feel. The heaviest weight you can print yourself is likely to be around 110-130#, which will give your invitations a professional look. Anything above that should be left to the professionals.

Paper Finish and Texture

The finish and texture of the paper can add a subtle touch of elegance or a bold pop of personality to your invitations. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations, but you can also experiment with different textures such as linen, felt, or parchment. Linen cardstock, for example, has a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest and can help hide any printing imperfections. Cotton cardstock is another popular choice for its soft feel and durability. It absorbs ink well, resulting in rich, vibrant colours. If you're looking for something more unique, consider kraft or wood-grain paper for a rustic, on-trend look.

Printer Compatibility

Not all printers are created equal, and some may have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle. Before purchasing your paper, review your printer's instructions and do a test print to ensure compatibility. Some printers may also produce better results with certain types of cardstock. For example, inkjet printers can sometimes produce fuzzy prints, so using a textured cardstock like linen can help hide imperfections. If you're printing at a local print shop, ask about their recommended paper types and weights to ensure the best results.

Cost Considerations

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a budget-friendly option, but the cost of paper and ink can add up quickly. When selecting your paper, consider the overall cost of your project, including any additional embellishments or printing techniques you plan to use. Simple white cardstock is usually the most affordable option, while specialty papers like cotton or pearlescent cardstock can be more expensive. Remember to factor in the cost of envelopes, postage, and any other necessary supplies.

Trial and Error

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of paper to find the perfect one for your invitations. Buy a few samples or small packs of paper in different weights and textures, and test them out on your printer. This will help you see how the paper feeds through your printer and how the final print looks and feels. You can also try printing the same design on different types of paper to see which one showcases your invitation the best.

Choosing a design

There are many ways to design your own wedding invitations, and the design process will depend on the type of DIY wedding invitation you choose to make. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose a design that reflects your style and personality.

Types of DIY Wedding Invitations

Editable Wedding Invitation Templates

The easiest way to create DIY wedding invitations is to find an editable digital template online from a company that will also print the invitations for you. This way, you can personalise the design without worrying about printing at home or paying a separate printing service. Some companies even allow you to add a photograph of you and your partner, or a personalised QR code.

Printable Wedding Templates

If you would like to print your wedding invitations yourself, either at home or through a printing shop, you can find hundreds of customisable wedding invitation templates on online marketplaces like Etsy. After purchasing a template, you can personalise it with your names and other details, and the seller will send you a version to print. This option is usually more affordable because you are mainly paying for the copyright of the design. By printing yourself, you can also choose your own paper, add DIY touches like a wedding stamp, and include hand-written signatures.

From Scratch Wedding Invites

If you would prefer to create your own digital wedding invitation from scratch, you can use a platform like Canva, which offers free templates and design tools. Once you've designed your invitation, you can print it at home or through a printing service, or you can send it digitally via email or WhatsApp.

Ideas for DIY Wedding Invitation Designs

Now that you understand the types of DIY wedding invitations, here are some specific design ideas to consider:

• Gold foil details: Gold foil is a cheap and elegant way to elevate your invitations. You can add gold foil to the border of your invitation or anywhere else on the card.
• Watercolour backgrounds: If you're artistic, you can paint the background of your invitations with watercolours. Each invitation will be unique, and as long as you use similar colours and placement, they will look amazing as a set.
• Textured paper: Printing or writing your invitations on textured paper will give them an elevated, handmade feel.
• Pinned wedding invitations: If your invitation consists of multiple sheets of paper, you can pin them together with a gold, silver, or rose gold fastener. This adds a professional finish and makes it easier for guests to fan out the pages.
• Hand-tied wedding invitations: Adding a piece of string or ribbon to your invitations will give them a rustic, handmade touch.
• Real flowers: You can include dried flowers or fresh flowers in your invitations to tease your colour scheme or the flowers you plan to use on your wedding day.
• Floral wax seals: You can adorn the wax seals on your envelopes with dried blooms or botanical leaves. These seals have stickers on the back, making them easy to use.
• Personalised wax seals: You can also personalise your wax seals with your initials, either by using real wax and a rubber stamp or by ordering stickers.
• Vellum invitation jackets: Wrapping your invitations in vellum cases will make them look professional and expensive.
• DIY envelope inserts: You can download and print generic envelope insert templates, cut them out, and slide them into your envelopes for a personalised touch.

Tips for Choosing a Design

Before you settle on a design, here are some important considerations:

• Know your vision: First, decide on the theme, colours, materials, and overall look you want for your invitations. Take inspiration from professional designs, but be realistic about your skill set and the time you have available.
• Practise: Before committing to a final design, practise creating the invitation multiple times. This will help you tweak the design and build your confidence.
• Don't assume DIY is cheaper: DIY invitations can sometimes be more expensive than ordering from a professional, especially once you factor in the cost of materials, tools, and your time.
• Set aside enough time: Give yourself a deadline for sending out the invitations and make sure you have enough time to create them all. It's a good idea to give yourself a buffer in case anything goes wrong.
• Proofread: Since you won't have a professional proofreader, enlist multiple friends or family members to check your invitation for errors.
• Think about how they will travel: If you're planning to post your invitations, avoid crafts that could get squashed or broken in the mail.

Printing and posting

• Choose the right paper: Select a paper that is thick and luxurious, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock. Consider using paper with a bit of texture, such as linen or felt. You can find specialty paper at stationery stores or print shops.
• Test your printer: Before printing all your invitations, test the design and paper on your printer to ensure compatibility. Some printers may smear if the paper is too thick.
• Print in bulk: Consider printing your invitations in bulk to save time and ink. You can also print on both sides of the paper to reduce waste.
• Use high-quality ink: Ensure you have enough high-quality ink to print all your invitations. The ink colour and quality can affect the overall appearance of the invitation.
• Proofread: Before printing, proofread your invitations for any errors or mistakes. Ask a friend or family member to read through the text as well to catch any typos or misspellings.
• Consider printing services: If you don't want to print the invitations yourself, consider using printing services such as Canva Print, FedEx, Staples, UPS, VistaPrint, or a local print shop. These services can provide high-quality prints at a reasonable cost.
• Assemble the invitations: If your invitation has multiple components, assemble them neatly and securely. Use a paper cutter or craft cutter for clean cuts, and glue dots or double-stick tape for assembly.
• Select envelopes: Choose envelopes that fit the theme and aesthetic of your invitations. Consider the size and shape of your invitations when selecting envelopes, ensuring they fit comfortably inside. You can also add envelope liners or embossed seals for a special touch.
• Weigh the final invitation: Once your invitations are assembled, take a complete set to the post office to have it weighed. The weight and shape of the envelope will determine the postage cost.
• Calculate postage: Ask your postal worker about any special handling instructions, such as hand-cancelling, to avoid potential damage during delivery. Calculate the total postage cost, including any additional services requested.
• Mail with care: When mailing your invitations, consider using a tracking service to ensure their safe delivery. You may also want to instruct your guests to carefully open the envelopes to avoid tearing, especially if you have included delicate inserts or wax seals.

Envelopes and inserts

When it comes to envelopes and inserts, you have a lot of options to choose from and several things to consider. Firstly, you need to ensure that your envelopes are the right size for your invitations. Standard sizes for invitations include 4.5" by 6.25", 5" by 7", and 4.25" by 6". You can also opt for a long, thin 4" by 9.5" card or a tear-out RSVP version.

Once you've determined the size, you can start thinking about the colour and finish of your envelopes. If you're going for a traditional look, a classic white or cream envelope is a good choice. For a more modern feel, you could choose a coloured envelope, such as sage green, pink, or ivory. You can also add a pop of colour with envelope liners in metallic paper or a patterned option. If you're feeling creative, you could even make your own envelope liners using patterned paper.

When selecting your envelopes, it's important to consider the closure type. Options include self-seal, peel and seal, or a more traditional envelope flap. You should also think about the flap style, with straight flaps, contour flaps, and V flaps available. If you're posting your invitations, it's worth checking the weight of your envelopes, as this will impact the postage cost.

If you're including inserts with your invitations, such as RSVP cards or additional information, make sure they fit neatly inside the envelopes without being too loose or too tight. You can also add a seal or sticker to the flap of the envelope for a decorative touch. Wax seals are a popular choice for wedding invitations, and you can choose from a range of colours and designs, including hearts and foil stickers.

Finally, don't forget to consider the printing or calligraphy for the addresses on your envelopes. You can handwrite the addresses yourself or use a computer and printer for a more uniform look. If you're short on time, you can also look into professional envelope addressing services.

DIY tools and templates

There are many ways to create your own wedding invitations at home, depending on your budget, time, and skill level. Here are some tools and templates to help you get started:

• Editable Wedding Invitation Templates: This is the least labour-intensive option. You can find editable digital templates online from companies like Papier, which allow you to personalise, edit, and then order your invitations. Some even let you add a photo of you and your partner. You can also upload your own design to a blank template and add text, images, and a QR code.
• Printable Wedding Templates: If you want to print your invitations yourself, either at home or at a printing shop, you can find hundreds of wedding invitation templates on online marketplaces like Etsy. You can personalise these templates with your details, and then the seller will send you a version to print. This option is usually more affordable, as you're mainly paying for the design. It also gives you the flexibility to choose your own paper and add DIY touches like stamps, additional stationery, or handwritten signatures.
• From Scratch Wedding Invites: If you prefer to create your own digital invitation from scratch, you can use platforms like Canva, which offer free templates and design tools. You can then print your invitations at home or at a printer, or even send them digitally via email or messaging apps.
• Crafting Supplies: If you'd rather create your invitations completely by hand, you can find materials at craft stores like Etsy, Hobbycraft, The Works, The Range, and Baker Ross. You can also use Microsoft PowerPoint to design your invitations.
• Printing Services: If you don't want to print the invitations yourself, you can use printing services like VistaPrint, FedEx, or your local print shop. VistaPrint offers marketing materials postcards, which are cheaper than wedding options but can be used for invitations. FedEx offers printing on professional white paper or matte durable paper for a low cost.
• Paper and Envelopes: When choosing paper, consider the thickness and texture. Thicker cardstock, such as 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, will give your invitations a more luxurious feel. You can also add texture with linen or felt paper. Envelopes should fit the theme and aesthetic of your invitations and can be sealed with a personalised wax seal or an embossed stamp.
• Design Elements: Your wedding invitation design can include romantic fonts, imagery, and your colour scheme. You can use Canva's library of over 1 million premium images, graphics, and illustrations, or upload your own images for free. Gold foil, watercolour backgrounds, textured paper, and real flowers or dried blooms are all elegant and unique touches.
• Assembly and Finishing Touches: To assemble your invitations, consider using a paper cutter or craft paper cutter for clean cuts. You can also use glue dots or double-stick tape for assembling layers and adding envelope liners. Finish your invitations with a personalised wax seal, a custom rubber stamp, or a vellum envelope jacket for a professional look.

Frequently asked questions