Deborah Chan
Designing your own wedding invitations can be a fun and budget-friendly alternative to ordering them from a professional. By creating your own, you can add a personal touch to your wedding and save money that can be used for other wedding expenses. The process of designing your own invitations can be made simple by using online tools and templates, which allow you to customise the design to your liking. In this paragraph, we will discuss the steps to take when designing your own wedding invitations, from choosing a theme to selecting the right paper and printing options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape and dimensions | Rectangular, 4.5 x 6.25 inches. Other styles include horizontal rectangles and scalloped designs. |
| Location | The location of the wedding can influence the theme and design of the invitation. For example, a church wedding may have a romantic aesthetic, while a country or farm setting may call for a rustic and natural look. |
| Font | Cursive or calligraphy fonts are recommended for their soft, romantic, and elegant feel. These can be paired with a serif font for the rest of the text. |
| Imagery | Consider using a photo of the couple to add a personal touch and make the invitation more meaningful for guests. |
| Creativity | Feel free to think outside the box and incorporate unique elements such as personal jokes, format switches, or timeline formats that map out the couple's relationship. |
| Color scheme | Choose colors that complement each other and reflect the wedding's theme and ambiance. For example, green is popular for outdoor ceremonies, and pink and purple or blue and white are also well-liked combinations. |
| Personality | Include details that represent the couple's interests, hobbies, or how they met. For instance, a couple that loves the 80s might use a retro design, while a couple bonded over science could include flask graphics. |
| Purpose | Define the purpose of the invitation, whether it's a save-the-date, wedding invitation, or another type of announcement. This will impact the information included and the timing of sending them out. |
| Delivery method | Decide whether to send physical invitations or opt for virtual e-vites or a wedding website. Physical invitations are more traditional and can be kept as mementos, while digital options are cost-effective and eco-friendly. |
| Envelopes | Choose envelopes that fit the theme and size of the invitations. Consider adding envelope liners for a dressy touch. |
| Assembly | Use a paper cutter for clean cuts and glue dots or double-stick tape for easy assembly and a neat finish. |
| Timing | Send out invitations between six and eight weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings, send them out earlier to allow guests enough time to plan their travel. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a theme and colour scheme
Choosing a colour scheme and theme for your wedding invitations is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. The colours you choose will be a through-line that runs across all aspects of your wedding, from the invitations to the flowers, decorations, and even the cake. So, it's important to choose a colour scheme that you love and that reflects your style. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect colour scheme and theme for your wedding invitations:
Choose a Colour Scheme:
- Consider the Season: Think about the time of year you're getting married. For example, soft pastel colours like blush, sky blue, and lavender are perfect for a spring wedding, while bright and saturated hues like hot pink and turquoise are ideal for summer. In the fall, earthy tones and jewel tones are popular, and winter weddings often feature metallics or holiday-inspired colour combinations.
- Venue Inspiration: Take cues from your wedding venue. If your venue has a lot of decorative elements, try to choose colours that complement them. If you're getting married outdoors, a floral greenery theme could be a perfect fit.
- Personal Style: Look at the colours you surround yourself with in your daily life. The colours in your wardrobe and home decor are likely shades that you'll still love for years to come, so they can be a great place to start.
- Basic Design Principles: When creating your colour scheme, keep in mind basic design principles. Typically, colours that go well together are either complementary (opposites on the colour wheel) or analogous (next to each other on the colour wheel). You can also try triadic combinations (three colours equidistant on the colour wheel) or tetradic combinations (one primary and two complementary colours, plus an additional accent colour).
- Add an Accent: Don't forget to add an accent colour to your palette. Metallics like gold or silver are a great choice and will easily draw the eye.
Pick a Theme:
- Rustic: If you're going for a rustic theme, try combining neutral browns with summery yellows and blues. Shades of ivory, cream, and chocolate can also create a cosy, rustic vibe.
- Elegant: For a black-tie or formal event, elegant colours like navy blue, white, silver, green, or blush are perfect.
- Modern: A modern wedding calls for a minimalist colour scheme. Try combining beige, off-white, and a hint of pink. Silver and grey are also a sleek, modern combination.
- Classic: For a classic wedding, you can't go wrong with blush, ivory, and blue. A monochromatic white palette is also timeless and luxurious.
- Boho: For a bohemian wedding, draw inspiration from nature. Neutral colours, floral greenery, and earthy tones like sage green and olive green are perfect for a boho theme.
Remember, your wedding invitations set the tone for your special day, so choose a colour scheme and theme that reflects your style and the atmosphere you want to create.
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Selecting the right fonts
Legibility
It is important to select a font that is easy to read. While some highly-scripted or thin fonts may look appealing, they can sometimes be difficult for guests to decipher. Opt for a font that is legible, especially when printed in smaller font sizes.
Alignment with your Wedding Theme
Consider whether the font choice adds to or takes away from your wedding theme. For example, if you are having a whimsical event, a font like Carried Away (Ballerina Script) would be a perfect choice. On the other hand, if you are creating a formal event, fonts like Neutraface 2 Text Light or Palatino Linotype would set the right tone.
Accent Fonts
Using accent fonts is a great way to break up the design and highlight important information such as names or the wedding date. A fun and playful calligraphy-styled font or a bold, angled font like Pacifico can be a perfect choice for accenting headings or names.
Font Combinations
Combining different fonts can create a beautiful and elegant look for your invitations. Pairing a script font with a sans serif or a serif font with a clean, modern font like Montserrat can add interest and sophistication to your design. Play around with different font combinations to see what works best together.
Paper and Printing Style
When selecting your font, consider the type of paper and printing style you will be using. Thicker paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, can add a luxurious feel to your invitations. If you are printing at home, opt for paper with a bit of texture, such as linen or felt. Keep in mind that some fonts may print differently on certain types of paper and with different printing methods.
By keeping these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to selecting the perfect fonts for your wedding invitations. Remember to have fun with the process and choose fonts that reflect your unique style and personality!
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Adding imagery and personal touches
Choose a Theme or Style
Decide on a theme or style that represents you as a couple. Are you both plant lovers? Avid travellers? Film buffs? Choose a theme that speaks to your shared interests and incorporate this into your invitation design. For example, if you love travelling, you could include a world map or passport stamps in your design.
Add a Photo
Using a photo of yourselves on your wedding invitation is a wonderful way to add a personal touch. It could be a recent photo or even a favourite snapshot from a special trip or memory. This will not only add a unique element to your invitations but also make a great keepsake for your loved ones.
Incorporate Illustrations
Illustrations can add a whimsical or elegant touch to your invitations, depending on your style. You can find various illustration styles online, from elegant florals to fun doodles. Layering illustrations with your photos or other design elements can create a sense of depth and a professional look.
Include a Favourite Quote
Adding a favourite quote or a meaningful line from a song or poem is another way to infuse your personality into the design. It could be something that holds a special memory for you both or represents your relationship. This will not only add a unique touch but also create a lasting impression on your guests.
Experiment with Colours
Colours play a significant role in setting the tone of your invitations. Soft pastels can evoke a romantic and sweet atmosphere, while bold colours can convey excitement and joy. Consider using colours that align with your wedding theme or colours that have a particular meaning for you both.
Add a Personal Message
Include a heartfelt message to your guests, perhaps sharing a bit about your story as a couple and why you're excited to celebrate this special day with them. This will make your guests feel valued and create a deeper connection to your invitation.
Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of you and your partner. By adding these personal touches and imagery, you'll create invitations that are not only visually appealing but also meaningful and memorable for you and your guests.
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DIY vs professional printing
Wedding invitations can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many couples consider DIY options. If you're handy with design software, you can create your own invitations and have them printed at a stationery shop or office supply store. Alternatively, you can use a template from sites like Etsy, Canva, or VistaPrint, and then print them yourself or use a printing service.
DIY Wedding Invitations
Creating your own wedding invitations allows you to add a personal touch to your special day. It's also a great way to save money, as the cost of printing and materials is often lower than hiring a professional stationer.
- Choose your design style: Consider the theme and style of your wedding when selecting a design. Do you want something simple and elegant, or bold and colourful? You can search for templates online or create your own design from scratch.
- Select your paper: The type of paper you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Opt for thicker paper, such as cardstock, for a more luxurious feel. You can also add texture with linen or felt paper.
- Customise your template: If you're using a template, you can usually customise the fonts, colours, and wording to match your wedding theme. Keep in mind that making significant changes to the design may be more costly if you use a professional printer.
- Consider printing costs: Printing at home may be more affordable, but it can be time-consuming and require multiple test prints. If you opt for a professional printer, compare prices and look for coupon codes to save money.
- Plan ahead: Printing your own invitations can take time, so make sure you start the process early. Allow for extra supplies in case of mistakes, and give yourself a buffer for mailing out the invitations.
Professional Printing
Hiring a professional stationer to design and print your wedding invitations will result in a polished, high-quality product. While it may be more expensive, it can save you time and stress, especially if you're not confident in your design or printing skills.
- Expertise and experience: Professional stationers know how to create elegant, well-designed invitations. They can guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right paper to choosing the best printing method.
- Custom designs: A professional designer can create a completely custom invitation suite that reflects your unique style and personality. You won't have to worry about finding the right template or making design changes yourself.
- Time savings: Outsourcing your wedding invitations will free up your time, allowing you to focus on other wedding planning tasks or simply relax and enjoy the lead-up to your big day.
- Access to premium materials: Professionals often have access to high-quality paper, envelopes, and printing methods that may not be available to DIY couples. This can result in a more luxurious and durable invitation.
- Attention to detail: Professionals will ensure that your invitations are perfectly printed, cut, and assembled. They can also handle any special finishing touches, such as envelope liners or belly bands.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, there are benefits to both options. DIY wedding invitations can save you money and add a personal touch, while professional printing ensures a high-quality, stress-free result. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, time constraints, and how important the invitations are to your overall wedding vision.
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Envelopes and delivery methods
Envelope Selection:
It is customary for wedding invitations to include an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself. The inner envelope is optional and is used to ensure the outer envelope remains pristine during mailing. If you opt for a single envelope, all invited parties should be listed, including plus-ones and children.
Select envelopes that fit the theme and aesthetic of your invites. For a rustic wedding, consider recycled brown paper envelopes, while for a modern wedding, a minimalist design may be more suitable. Don't forget to choose envelopes for any RSVP cards as well. Envelope liners can also add a touch of elegance to your invitations.
Addressing Envelopes:
When addressing envelopes, follow the appropriate etiquette for different scenarios. For married couples with the same last name, traditionally, the man's full name is written out with "Mr. and Mrs." included. For married couples with different last names, write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." For unmarried couples living together, list both names on separate lines with their respective titles.
For single persons, use the appropriate prefix ("Mr.", "Ms.", or "Mx.") followed by their full name. If a plus-one is included, write "and Guest" after the invitee's name if you don't know the guest's name.
For families, list the parents' names on the outer envelope and the children's names on the inner envelope. If you are only inviting adults, be sure to make this clear, as some guests may assume their children are welcome if not explicitly stated.
Assembly:
When assembling your invitations, place the invitation at the bottom, print side up, with a sheet of tissue paper over it to prevent smearing. Stack all other inserts, such as maps and reception cards, on top of the invitation in order of size, with the smallest on top. The RSVP card should be placed under the flap of its envelope, which should be pre-printed with the mailing address and stamped.
Insert everything into the inner envelope with the print side up, so that when guests open it, they see the lettering. Finally, slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.
Postage and Handling:
Take a completed invitation to the post office to have it weighed, as many require postage for more than one ounce. Also, weigh the RSVP card and envelope to ensure adequate postage. You can request hand-canceling at the post office to prevent machines from damaging your invitations.
Timing:
Send your invitations out about six to eight weeks before the wedding. This allows guests enough time to respond and for you to get a reliable headcount.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard size for wedding invitations is 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches, rectangular. However, you can choose any size and shape that suits your style, such as horizontal rectangles or scalloped designs.
Consider your wedding location and theme when designing your invitations. For example, a church wedding may call for a romantic, traditional aesthetic, while a rustic or natural look might suit a country setting. Use colours, patterns, and fonts that reflect your wedding's ambiance and consider including photos of the happy couple.
Thicker paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, will give your invitations a luxurious feel. You can also choose paper with texture, such as linen or felt. For printing, consider using a full bleed design, which reaches the edge of the paper with no white margins. This will give your invitations a professional look.
Typically, wedding invitation wording includes the hosts' names, the wedding announcement, location and timing details, an RSVP date, and where to find more information, such as a wedding website. You can also include the dress code, catering information, and child-friendly policies.
Wedding invitations are typically sent out between six and eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. If you are having a destination wedding, it is customary to send out invitations earlier, around eight to twelve months in advance.
