Designing Profitable Wedding Invitations: A Creative Guide

Creating and selling wedding invitations can be a lucrative business idea, but it requires careful planning and execution to be successful. Here are some key steps to help you get started:

Market Research:

Firstly, understand the wedding invitation market and your target customers. Identify the latest trends in wedding invitation designs, such as incorporating floral patterns, vintage themes, or bold typography. Know your ideal customer's preferences, budget, and specific requirements, such as customisation options or eco-friendly paper choices.

Design and Customisation:

Decide on the shape and dimensions and overall aesthetic of your wedding invitations. Consider the wedding venue and theme to guide your design choices. Choose romantic and elegant fonts, and include personal touches such as photos or illustrations that reflect the couple's unique relationship. Play with different colour schemes and design elements to create a suite of products that match, such as RSVP cards, envelopes, and accommodation details cards.

Production and Logistics:

Familiarise yourself with the different printing options, such as letterpress, online printing, or local printing services. Consider the pros and cons of each option in terms of cost, paper choices, and customisation flexibility. Choose high-quality paper that feels luxurious, such as cardstock with a linen or felt texture. Test different paper samples on your printer to ensure compatibility and print quality.

Sales and Marketing:

Build an online presence through your own website or e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Zazzle, or Shopify. Utilise social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to showcase your designs and reach a wider audience. Collaborate with wedding planners, photographers, and other vendors to gain referrals and build a strong network within the wedding industry.

By following these steps and continuously refining your designs and processes, you'll be well on your way to creating wedding invitations that are not only beautiful but also successful in the market.

Research trends and products to include in your wedding invitation suite

A wedding invitation suite typically includes all the paper goods sent with the wedding invitation. The invitation itself is the main component and is usually the largest piece in the suite. It should cover the who, what, when, and where of the wedding.

• Sustainability: Using recycled and plantable seed paper for invitations is a trend that aligns with the growing focus on sustainability in wedding planning.
• Acrylic Invitations: Acrylic invitations offer a modern look and feel, creating a unique and memorable impression.
• Vellum Paper: Vellum brings a soft and chic vibe to your stationery suite. It pairs well with various embellishments, such as metallic ink, wax seals, and bohemian greenery.
• Gold Foil: The appeal of gold foil adds a touch of luxe and glamour to your invitation design.
• Monograms: Monograms add a personal touch while keeping the invitations classy and elegant.
• Metallics and Glitters: Hints of metallics, especially rose gold, add a sophisticated and rich dimension to your invitation suite.
• Minimalism: Couples are opting for more minimalist and modern designs, favouring simpler invitations with less artwork and more white space.
• Wax Seals: Wax seals add a unique and elegant touch to your invitation suite, elevating the overall presentation.
• Unique Shapes: Thinking outside the traditional rectangular shape, such as circular or triangular invitations, can make your suite stand out.
• Quirky Scribbles: Handwritten text and doodle-like line drawings give your invitations a relaxed and ultra-unique feel, showcasing the couple's personality.
• Wildflower Motifs: Delicate spindly wildflower blooms are trending, reflecting the softened edges seen in wedding floral arrangements.
• Fairytale and Dark Fantasy: Pale pinks, lavenders, greens, delicate greenery, and fairy lights create a whimsical and magical atmosphere for your invitation suite.
• Fun Invitation Formats: Consider unique formats like arches, scalloped borders, or video invitations to surprise your guests and make a lasting impression.

In addition to the invitation itself, here are some products you can include in your wedding invitation suite:

• Response Card and Envelope: Include a response card for guests to confirm their attendance and make meal choices if applicable. Provide a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for their convenience.
• Reception Card (if separate location): If your reception is at a different venue, include a separate card with the reception details, including the location, address, and time.
• Directions: Include a direction card to guide your guests to the wedding venue, especially if it is in a rural area or has limited phone reception.
• Weekend Events Card: If your wedding spans multiple days with events like welcome drinks or a day-after brunch, include an itinerary for guests' reference.
• Accommodations Card: For guests travelling from out of town, provide a card with hotel recommendations, room block information, and transportation details.
• Invitation Wrapper: Use a belly band, silk ribbon, or other creative wrappers to hold all the pieces of your invitation suite together neatly.

Use the correct blank paper products and sizes for each card

When creating wedding invitations, it's important to select the correct paper products and sizes for each card. Here are some tips to help you choose the right options:

• Standard Wedding Invitation Size: The standard size for wedding invitations is 5" x 7", which is the most common and versatile option. This size is widely available at wholesale invitation retailers and is suitable for various events, including weddings, birthdays, and holidays.
• Classic and Petite Options: The "traditional" wedding invitation size is 5" x 7", perfect for classic and upscale weddings. If you prefer a more modern and compact invitation, you can choose the slightly smaller size of 4.25" x 6".
• Square Invitations: Square invitations with dimensions such as 5.5" x 5.5" or 6" x 6" are a popular choice for modern designs. However, keep in mind that square formats will require additional postage.
• Slim and Larger Invitations: For a slim and vertical invitation, consider the size of 4" x 9.25". If you require more space, you can opt for a larger rectangle invitation of 6.5" x 8.75".
• Country or Farm Wedding: If you're having a country or farm wedding, consider a rustic and natural look for your invitations. Opt for earthy tones and perhaps a twine or raffia tie.
• Destination Wedding: If your wedding has a destination or a specific theme, such as a beach or desert wedding, tailor your invitation design accordingly. You can incorporate relevant illustrations or colour schemes that reflect the location.
• Envelope Size: Ensure that your envelopes match the largest element within your invitation bundle. As a rule of thumb, add ¼ inch to both the height and width of the largest piece for the correct envelope size.
• Paper Type: Choose a paper type that complements your design. Thicker stocks can give a more luxurious feel, while lighter stocks may have a delicate, elegant touch. Consider the print quality and how different papers may enhance the colours and details of your design.
• Quantity: Order 10-20% more invitations than you need to account for any mistakes or last-minute additions. It's also a good idea to keep a few as keepsakes or for your photographer to capture.

Include all the necessary components of a wedding invitation suite

When creating a wedding invitation suite, it's important to include all the necessary components to ensure that the bride has everything she needs. Here are the key elements to consider:

The Invitation Card

The invitation card is the focal point of the suite and should include essential details such as the couple's names, wedding date, time, and venue address. It's also a good idea to include dress code information, catering details, and any other relevant information for the guests.

RSVP Cards

RSVP cards are essential to help the couple plan their big day effectively. Include a deadline for responses and provide multiple response options, such as a phone number, email address, or wedding website.

Reception Cards

If the reception is held at a different location from the ceremony, it's a good idea to include reception cards with the venue address and timing. This ensures guests know where to go and when.

Accommodation or Details Cards

For destination weddings or weddings where guests may need additional information, accommodation or details cards can be included. These cards can provide guests with hotel recommendations, transportation options, or any other pertinent details to make their experience smoother.

Envelopes and Envelope Liners

Don't forget the envelopes! Choose envelopes that fit your invitation suite with a bit of room to spare. Consider adding envelope liners for a touch of elegance. You can also include printed RSVP envelopes to make it easier for guests to respond.

Address Labels, Stickers, and Seals

To add a polished touch to your invitation suite, consider including address labels or stickers. You can also add an embossed seal for a luxurious feel.

By including all these components in your wedding invitation suite, you'll be able to create a comprehensive package that meets the needs of the couple and their guests.

Understand the design structure, wording and format required for each product

The Zazzle Wedding Invitations Bootcamp™ teaches designers how to create wedding invitation suites and accessories for the Zazzle marketplace. It is important to know the correct product types to include in the suite so that your cards will be found in searches.

The core Zazzle wedding invitations suite products are the wedding invitation cards, RSVP cards, reception cards, and accommodation or details cards. You can also sell matching address labels, stickers, and envelope liners.

It is important to determine the wording and format required for each product in the Zazzle wedding invitations suite. Zazzle is a fully customizable website that gives the customer a lot of freedom to customize. However, the customer should still be prompted and supplied with the right text fields to fill out based on wedding etiquette.

For example, if you are creating a save-the-date card, it is customary to include your names, the date, and the rough location of your wedding. For the main invitation, it is usually necessary to include the time and location of the wedding, dress code information, where the ceremony and reception are, and your catering situation.

Choose your delivery method

Before you start designing your wedding invites, it's a good idea to think about how you're going to get them to your guests. You can send them in the post, or you can send virtual e-vites or create a mini website for your wedding invitations.

Virtual e-vites or a mini website

Creating a mini website for your wedding invitations can be a cost-effective option that saves paper. Canva's Gold Wedding Events Website template is a great option for creating a website for your wedding and publishing it straight from the app.

Sending your invites in the post

There are several advantages to sending your wedding invites by post. It's more traditional, and there's something special about receiving physical mail. It's also something that your loved ones—and you—will be able to keep to commemorate the occasion forever.

Paper options

If you decide to send your wedding invites by post, you'll need to choose a type of paper. Thicker paper tends to feel more luxurious, and a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock will offer a gorgeous look and feel. You could also consider using something with a bit of texture, such as a linen or felt texture.

Envelopes

You'll also need to choose envelopes for your invitations. It's important to get envelopes that aren't the exact same size as your invitation, giving it a bit of room, and don't forget about envelopes for RSVP cards. If you want to add a pop of color to your invitation suite, choose an envelope color that is light enough so that the address can still be seen. Envelope liners are also a great way to dress up your invitations, whether you use metallic paper or a patterned option.

Weighing your invitations

Once you have a completely assembled invitation (with all the embellishments and inserts), stick it in an envelope and go to the post office to have it weighed. The shape of the envelope will also impact the cost. If you're hoping to hand-cancel your invitations to avoid any potential ripping or damage, mention that to your postal worker while you're calculating postage.

Frequently asked questions