Crafting Wedding Invites: Creative Decor Ideas To Explore

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and time-consuming process. From venues to attire, there are a lot of things to organise and pay for. One way to keep costs down is to design your own wedding invitations. This not only adds a personal touch but also allows you to showcase your personality and flair for design. Whether you opt for a template or create an invitation from scratch, there are several ways to decorate your wedding invitations and make them stand out.

Choose a shape and size

When it comes to choosing a shape and size for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the overall style or theme of your wedding. If you're having a rustic or traditional wedding, a rectangular invitation in a classic size like 5" x 7" or 4.5" x 6.25" might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you're going for a more modern or whimsical theme, you could experiment with square invitations or unique shapes like scalloped edges or trifold designs.

Another thing to keep in mind is your budget. Smaller invitations or those with a leaner size, such as 4" x 9.25", can help keep printing costs down, especially if you have a large number of guests. Additionally, sticking to common invitation dimensions will also help keep costs down, as printers will already have experience printing them.

If you're including a lot of information on your invitation, such as extra details about a destination wedding, you might want to opt for a larger size like 6" x 8". This will give you more space to include all the necessary information without making the invitation look too cluttered.

Finally, consider the weight and dimension restrictions of the country you're mailing the invitations to and from. Each country has its own minimum and maximum size requirements for standard or first-class mail, so it's important to keep this in mind when choosing your invitation size.

Remember, your wedding invitation shape and size should reflect your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding. Whether you choose a classic rectangular invitation or experiment with unique shapes and sizes, there are plenty of options to choose from to create a beautiful and memorable invitation.

Consider the location

When it comes to wedding invitations, location is key. The setting of your wedding can help guide the overall aesthetic of your invites, creating a cohesive theme that sets the tone for your big day. So, how can you reflect your wedding location in your invitation design?

If you're tying the knot in a traditional setting, such as a church, you might want to mirror this in your invitations with a classic, romantic style. Think elegant cursive fonts, soft colour palettes, and delicate illustrations. This could be a beautiful way to hint at the formal atmosphere of your wedding ceremony.

On the other hand, if you're opting for a rustic celebration in the countryside or on a farm, your invitations could embrace a more natural, organic feel. Recycled paper, earthy tones, and whimsical fonts can evoke the charm of the outdoors. You might even include illustrations of greenery or rustic elements like wood or lace.

For destination weddings, whether it's a tropical beach or an exotic city, you can really have fun with your invites. A beach wedding could be reflected in invitations with a relaxed, yet elegant vibe. Perhaps include watercolour illustrations of the ocean or palm trees. For a unique destination like Cairo, as mentioned in the example above, you could incorporate illustrations of famous landmarks, giving your guests a taste of the adventure to come.

If your wedding venue holds a special significance to you, such as a beloved city or a place that represents your heritage, you can incorporate this into your invitations. For instance, you could include illustrations or colours that represent the culture of the location. This adds a wonderful personal touch and gives guests a glimpse into why you chose that special place.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your creativity and give guests a hint of what to expect on your big day. By reflecting your wedding location in your invitation design, you can create a cohesive theme that will leave a lasting impression.

Pick romantic fonts

When it comes to wedding invitations, the font is an important detail that can help set the tone for your big day. Here are some tips and suggestions for picking romantic fonts to decorate your wedding invitations:

Firstly, consider the legibility of the font. While some highly scripted or thin fonts may look appealing, they can sometimes be difficult for guests to read. So, it's essential to strike a balance between style and readability. You can print out sample text in your chosen font to see how it appears on paper, as the weight and texture of your invitation paper can also impact the font's appearance.

Next, select a font that aligns with the style and theme of your wedding. If you're planning an elegant or formal wedding, a script or calligraphy font like Coneria Script, Freebooter, or Alex Brush can add a touch of sophistication. These fonts often have a subtle slant or angled look, enhancing the romantic feel of your invitations. For a whimsical or playful touch, fonts like Carried Away (Ballerina Script) or Modesty Regular might be perfect.

If you want to highlight specific information, such as the couple's names or the wedding date, consider using accent fonts. A bold font or a fun calligraphy style can be a great way to draw attention to those special details. Additionally, combining fonts can create a dynamic and interesting design. For instance, pairing a cursive font with a sans serif or a serif with a sans serif can add elegance and balance to your invitations.

When choosing a romantic font, you can explore various online font libraries, such as Dafont.com, Fontspace, Font Squirrel, and 1001 Free Fonts. These websites often provide custom preview text boxes, allowing you to test out the fonts with your wedding details before finalising your decision.

Remember, the font you select for your wedding invitations should reflect your personal style and the overall atmosphere you wish to create for your special day.

Add imagery

Adding imagery to your wedding invitations is a great way to showcase your personality as a couple and give your guests a glimpse into your love story. Here are some tips to help you choose the right images and create beautiful, memorable invitations:

Choose Romantic and Meaningful Images:

Select images that reflect your relationship and the theme of your wedding. Consider using a photo of yourselves to add a personal touch and showcase your love to your friends and family. This can also make a wonderful keepsake for your loved ones. If you don't want to use a photo, you can opt for illustrations or other romantic imagery, such as florals, divots, or destination-themed graphics.

Incorporate Your Wedding Colours:

Use imagery that incorporates your wedding colour palette. This will help tie your invitations into the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For example, if you're using shades of green for an outdoor ceremony, find images with varying shades of green to add visual depth. You can also pair green with colours like rust or gold for a luxe feel.

Play with Different Formats:

Don't be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with different formats for your invitations. For example, you could use a timeline format that maps out the course of your relationship or incorporate personal jokes or themes that are meaningful to you as a couple. This adds extra personality and visual interest to your invitations.

Match Your Imagery to Your Website or Registry:

If you're creating a wedding website or registry, consider using the same or similar imagery on your invitations for a cohesive look. This will create a distinct style and make it easy for your guests to recognise all the elements of your wedding, from the invitations to the website and social media images.

Use High-Quality Images:

Ensure that any images you use are high-quality and high-resolution, especially if you're printing your invitations. Most printers will require images to be at 300 dpi or higher, so make sure you have the best possible versions of your chosen images.

Work with a Template:

Using a template can make it much easier to incorporate imagery into your wedding invitations. You can find a variety of templates online, with options to customise colours, fonts, and layouts to match your chosen images. Templates provide a great starting point and can be easily adapted to suit your unique style.

Include an RSVP card

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many ways to make them unique and personalised. From rustic designs to modern aesthetics, the options are endless. However, one essential component of any wedding invitation is the RSVP card. Here are some detailed tips and ideas to help you include an RSVP card with your wedding invitations:

The Purpose of an RSVP Card

Firstly, it's important to understand the purpose of an RSVP card. These cards, also known as "reply" or "response" cards, are included with the wedding invitation to allow guests to confirm their attendance. They provide a simple and organised way for you to keep track of your guest list and plan accordingly.

Wording and Instructions

When creating your RSVP cards, be sure to include clear and straightforward wording. While "RSVP" is commonly used, you may also want to include phrases like “Kindly reply” or “Please reply” to ensure all guests, regardless of age, understand the request. Include a guest line where your invitees can write their names and, if needed, indicate the number of guests invited from each party.

Deadline for Responses

Setting a deadline for responses is crucial. It's recommended to set the RSVP date around two to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to follow up with guests who haven't responded and finalise numbers for your vendors. Be sure to prominently display this deadline on the card to ensure guests are aware of the time sensitivity.

Accepts/Regrets Line

The most important line on the RSVP card is where guests indicate their attendance. You can have some fun with the wording here, such as “_____ accepts with pleasure” or “_____ declines with regret.” This line ensures you have an accurate count of guests who will be celebrating with you.

Optional Details

Depending on your wedding plans, you may want to include additional details on the RSVP card. If you're offering a seated dinner with entrée options, a section for guests to indicate their meal choices is helpful. You can also add playful elements, such as song requests, or practical information like arrival dates for destination weddings.

Design and Format

When designing your RSVP cards, consider matching them to the style and colour scheme of your wedding invitations. This creates a cohesive and stylish look for your wedding stationery suite. You can play with different formats, such as portrait or landscape, and choose from various paper types and printing options to create a unique and personalised design.

In conclusion, including an RSVP card with your wedding invitation is a practical and organised approach to managing your guest list. By following these tips and customising them to your wedding theme, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and functional RSVP cards that complement your invitations perfectly.

Frequently asked questions