Designing Wedding Invite Template For Etsy: A Beginner's Guide

Creating a wedding invite template for Etsy can be a great way to earn passive income. Etsy is a global marketplace with millions of shoppers and sellers of unique, creative products. There is a huge market on Etsy for digital wedding templates, and it's a great niche to start a business in and earn passive income.

To create a wedding invite template for Etsy, you'll need to find your niche and learn how to generate passive income over time. You can use tools like Canva to create your designs, and it's recommended to sign up for Canva Pro to access additional features useful for creating a business.

When creating your wedding invite template, it's important to include key information such as the bride and groom's names, wedding date and location, and RSVP contact details. You can also add personal touches to make your template unique and memorable.

Once you've created your template, you can set up an Etsy account and start selling. It's important to build a consistent and unique brand for your shop, including a shop name, logo, brand colours, and more. Optimising your listings with thorough descriptions, professional images, and relevant keywords will also help your products reach the right audience.

Choosing a theme

Consider your wedding style

The invitation should reflect the style and theme of your wedding. Are you planning a rustic barn wedding, a beachside ceremony, or a formal black-tie event? Choose a theme that complements your wedding style. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you could incorporate coastal elements such as seashells, starfish, or a colour palette of soft blues and sandy neutrals.

Think about your colour palette

Colour plays a significant role in setting the mood and atmosphere of your wedding. Select a colour palette that ties in with your chosen wedding colours. This could be a single colour or a combination of shades that work well together. You can incorporate these colours into the design, fonts, and graphics of your invitation template.

Decide on a style that reflects your personality

Your wedding invitations should also showcase your personality as a couple. If you're fun and playful, consider a lighthearted theme with whimsical illustrations or playful typography. For a more elegant and sophisticated approach, opt for classic calligraphy, luxurious paper stocks, and refined details such as foil stamping or deckled edges.

Incorporate meaningful elements

Think about the things that are significant to you as a couple and find ways to incorporate them into your invitation design. This could be a favourite quote, a meaningful illustration, or even a photo of the two of you. Adding these personal touches will make your invitations feel extra special and unique.

Choose a theme that suits your chosen printing method

If you plan to print your invitations yourself or use a specific printing method, such as letterpress or foil stamping, ensure that the theme you choose is compatible with your selected printing process. Some intricate designs or highly detailed themes may not translate well to certain printing methods, so it's important to keep this in mind when making your selection.

Browse Etsy for inspiration

Etsy is a treasure trove of creative ideas and unique designs. Take some time to browse the wedding invitation templates available on the platform. You'll find a diverse range of styles, from minimalist and modern to rustic and bohemian. Pay attention to the different themes, colour schemes, and layout options to get a sense of what resonates with you and your partner.

Remember, your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have into your special day, so choose a theme that truly represents the two of you and sets the tone for the celebration to come.

Adding personal touches

• Monogram Stamp: Create a custom monogram stamp that you can use on your wedding invites and other wedding stationery. Not only will it add a touch of elegance, but it will also leave a lasting impression on your guests.
• Personalized Hashtag: Create a unique hashtag for your wedding and encourage your social media-savvy guests to use it. This will not only help you collect all the wonderful memories shared by your guests but also add a modern twist to your invitation suite.
• Custom Illustrations: Include custom illustrations or drawings on your wedding invites. This could be a simple sketch of the wedding venue, a map of the area, or even a fun caricature of the happy couple. It's a great way to add a bit of personality and creativity to your invites.
• Colour Schemes: Choose a colour scheme that reflects your wedding theme or your favourite colours as a couple. Whether it's a soft pastel palette or a bold and vibrant combination, your colour choices will set the tone for your wedding and delight your guests.
• Photos: Consider adding a personal touch by including a photo of the happy couple. This could be a recent photo or even a fun throwback picture from when you first started dating. It's a great way to share your love story with your guests.
• Handwritten Elements: Nothing beats the warmth and charm of handwritten elements. Consider writing out your wedding invitation wording by hand or including a handwritten note with each invite. This adds an extra layer of intimacy and makes each invite feel truly special.

Remember, when creating your wedding invite template for Etsy, think about ways to tell your love story and express your unique style. Whether it's through colour choices, creative illustrations, or heartfelt words, your wedding invites will set the tone for your big day and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Using a spreadsheet

Columns

Firstly, you'll want to create columns for the following:

• Number of guests invited
• Number of guests attending
• Number of children attending
• Dietary restrictions/allergies
• Guest names, including plus ones
• Street address
• City
• State
• Zip code

Tips

• Change the zip code column to "text" or "zip code" to ensure that zip codes beginning with "0" are not altered.
• It's a good idea to separate the address into different columns to make it easier to read and transfer to other formats.
• Turn your Excel sheet into a Google Sheet to make it easier to share with anyone who is helping you plan the wedding, such as your wedding planner or catering staff.
• You can also access your Google Sheet on your phone, making it easy to add RSVPs and gifts on the go.

Selecting a printing service

Research and Compare Options:

Look for online print services that offer digital printing or flat printing on various types of paper stock and in standard sizes. Compare multiple services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Some popular options include Prints of Love, Vistaprint, Zazzle, and Overnight Prints.

Cost Considerations:

Printing services vary in price, so consider your budget when selecting a service. The cost per print can range from $0.49 to $1.58 for 100 5x7 invitations, depending on the printer and the customizations you choose. Don't forget to factor in additional costs for envelopes, postage, and any other embellishments you may want.

Customization and Design:

Consider the level of customization and design services offered by the printing company. Some companies provide invitation templates that you can customize yourself, while others offer design assistance or fully customized designs for an additional fee. Decide how much design help you need and choose a service that aligns with your requirements.

Paper Quality and Options:

The type of paper you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Select a printing service that offers a variety of paper types and weights to choose from. Consider options like linen or felt texture, or a thicker cardstock for a more luxurious feel. Test different paper samples on your home printer to ensure compatibility and the desired outcome.

Printing Capabilities:

Review the printing capabilities of the service. Can they handle any special printing requirements you may have, such as foil printing, UV printing, or digital printing? Ensure that the printing service can deliver the desired finish and quality you are looking for.

Environmental Considerations:

If sustainability is important to you, look for printing services that prioritize eco-friendly initiatives. For example, some companies may offer recycled paper options or have tree-planting programs to offset their environmental impact.

Customer Service and Support:

Opt for a printing service that provides excellent customer service and support. This is especially important if you're new to the process and may need guidance or assistance with your order. Look for companies that offer design help, quick turnaround times, and easy ways to contact them with questions or concerns.

Shipping and Delivery:

Consider the shipping and delivery options provided by the printing service. Look for companies that offer free shipping or discounted rates, especially if you're ordering a large quantity. Also, take into account the estimated delivery time to ensure it aligns with your wedding timeline.

Reviews and Reputation:

Don't forget to check reviews and the reputation of the printing service. Look for companies with positive feedback from other couples who have used their services for wedding invitations. Reading reviews can give you insights into the quality, customer service, and overall experience you can expect.

Remember to plan ahead and give yourself enough time for the entire process, from designing to printing and assembling your invitations. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to selecting the right printing service for your Etsy wedding invite templates!

Knowing what to include

Host and Couple's Names

Include the names of the hosts, typically the people paying for the event. This could be the couple themselves or their parents/guardians. For example, "Mr & Mrs John Smith and Mr & Mrs Alan Jones request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children, Jessica and Edward." If the couple is hosting, a simple "Jessica and Edward invite you to their wedding" will suffice.

Date, Time, and Location

Provide the date, time, and location of the ceremony. Be sure to include the start time to ensure guests arrive early enough. If the reception is at a different location, include a separate reception card with the start time and address. A simple "Reception to Follow" will suffice if the ceremony and reception are at the same place.

RSVP Details

Include a separate RSVP card or instructions for a digital RSVP. You can include a specific date for guests to respond by, usually three to four weeks before the wedding. Also, provide pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for your guests' convenience.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional. However, you can include a line indicating the expected attire, such as "Casual Attire" or "Black Tie".

Wedding Website

Your wedding website is a valuable resource for guests, providing details on accommodations, the registry, and more. Include the website address on the invitation or a separate card.

Extra Information

If your wedding is in an unusual venue or unfamiliar location, include an insert with extra information. Details such as parking instructions or a custom map of the area can be very helpful to your guests.

Envelope Details

On the envelope, include the names and addresses of your guests. Also, don't forget to include your return address on the back flap of the outer envelope and the front of the reply card envelope.

Frequently asked questions