Designing Wedding Invitations: A Beginner's Guide To Getting Started

Designing your own wedding invitations is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're looking to create something elegant and traditional or modern and minimalist, there are plenty of online tools and templates to help you get started. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of designing wedding invitations from scratch, covering everything from choosing the right shape and size to adding personal touches that reflect your unique love story. We'll also offer tips on printing and assembling your invitations, so you can send them out with confidence.

Pick a size and printer

Picking the right size for your wedding invitation is crucial. Traditionally, wedding invitations are rectangular, with dimensions of 4.5 by 6.25 inches. This classic size can also help keep printing costs down. If you want to stick to tradition, you can opt for the standard sizes of 5 by 7 inches (A7) or 5.5 by 8.5 inches (A9). These sizes usually come with matching envelopes.

However, you can break away from tradition and go for a horizontal rectangle or a scalloped design. No matter the size and shape, working with a template will make the process much easier.

When it comes to printing your wedding invitations, you have two main options: printing at home or outsourcing to a print shop.

Printing at home gives you more control and is ideal if you have tight timelines. However, it can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of invitations to print. Additionally, you'll need to consider the capabilities of your printer. Most home printers struggle with thicker papers, and you may need to adjust your print settings for each project.

Outsourcing to a print shop, on the other hand, can save you time and provide a more professional finish. They can handle luxurious papers and offer various printing methods such as foil printing, UV printing, and digital printing.

If you decide to print at home, here are some additional tips:

• Test different paper options on your printer to find the best fit.
• Choose a paper weight of at least 100# or 250 GSM for invitations.
• For a luxurious feel, consider upgrading to 120# paper (about 300 GSM).
• Opt for cardstock paper with a textured finish, such as linen or felt.
• Let the designer know the required file type for printing to avoid back-and-forth.
• Ensure your template resolution is 300 DPI or higher for a crisp print.
• Consider the ink usage, especially for designs with colourful backgrounds.
• Check your computer and printer settings to ensure accurate colour representation.

By carefully considering the size and printer options, you can create elegant and personalised wedding invitations that fit within your budget.

Design a visual theme

Designing a wedding invitation is a great way to showcase your personality and flair for design. The visual theme you choose should reflect your style as a couple and can be carried through to the wedding itself.

Choose a Colour Theme

The colour scheme you opt for will have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your wedding invitation. It can be difficult for two people to agree on one colour palette, so consider some tried-and-tested combinations. For example, green is a popular choice for outdoor weddings, associated with new beginnings, and can be paired with rust or gold for a luxe feel. You could also experiment with pink and purple, blue and white, or gold with anything!

Select a Style

Your wedding invitation style might be casual, formal, or a little offbeat. If you're stuck for ideas, browse galleries for inspiration or consider the location of your wedding. For example, a church wedding might call for a traditional, romantic aesthetic, while a country or farm setting would suit a rustic, natural look.

Add Visual Interest

Consider including images or assets such as photos, hand-drawn lettering, or illustrations. Ensure any custom elements are high-quality and high-resolution, as most printers will require images to be at 300 dpi or higher. You could also incorporate icons, logos, or other elements to add a unique touch.

Pick a Font

The font you choose can make a statement about your wedding's style. While scripts are popular for traditional designs, modern couples might opt for something different. Just be sure to test out typefaces with the important information that will be included on your invitation, such as names, dates, times, and locations.

Be Consistent

If you're creating other wedding materials, such as a website or social media images, consider using the same visual styling for a polished and professional look. Carry through the same colour palette, typography, and imagery to create a cohesive theme.

Make it Personal

Add a unique touch to your wedding invitation by including a photo of you and your partner. This is a great way to make your invitations more personal and create a keepsake for your loved ones.

Remember, the best wedding invitations are those that feel authentic to you and your partner. By choosing a visual theme that reflects your style and incorporating personal touches, you can create invitations that delight and dazzle your guests.

Choose romantic fonts

When designing a wedding invitation, choosing the right font is essential to set the tone of your event. The font should give your guests an idea of the formality of the event, how they should dress, and the overall atmosphere they can expect.

• Consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. The font you choose should align with the style of your wedding and be carried through to other wedding accessories, such as thank-you cards and gifts.
• Script fonts are formal and traditional, often featuring flourishes and swooshes that add an ornate touch.
• Calligraphy fonts vary from modern calligraphy, which looks more hand-drawn and contemporary, to traditional calligraphy, which resembles script-style fonts.
• Serif fonts are excellent for print design as they have extra "feet" that bridge the visual lines between letters, improving legibility. There are two types: traditional serifs that feel classic and timeless, and modern serifs that blend current design trends with a touch of tradition.
• Sans-serif fonts are the cleanest and most legible, making them ideal for digital invitations. They have a modern elegance and can be paired with different thicknesses to create contrast.
• If you want to highlight specific elements like names or dates, consider using accent fonts that stand out from the rest of the text.
• Legibility is crucial. While some highly scripted or thin fonts may look appealing, ensure they are easy for your guests to read.
• You can also pair different fonts to create a romantic and elegant look. For example, pair a cursive font with a sans-serif font or a serif font with a sans-serif font.
• Great Vibes + Montserrat: A classic combination with a cursive font and a sans-serif font. Great Vibes is easy to read with its subtle slant and medium weight.
• Playfair Display + Montserrat Light: A timeless combination of a serif font and a sans-serif font. Playfair Display has subtle transitions between thick and thin lines, while Montserrat Light adds nuance with its italicized lines.
• Pinyon Script + Forum: A classic combination perfect for traditional weddings. Pinyon Script is a serif font often used in royal weddings, while Forum is a complementary serif type.
• Playfair Display + Arialle: Playfair Display is a decorative serif font that pairs well with light and simple fonts like Arialle.
• Champagne and Limousines + Libre Baskerville: A delicate and flexible sans-serif font combination that is well-balanced and free for personal use.
• Nickainley + Quicksand: Nickainley is a beautiful cursive font with slim lines and rounded edges, while Quicksand is a simple and polished sans-serif font.

By choosing romantic and elegant fonts, you can create wedding invitations that truly reflect the tone and atmosphere of your special day.

Include photos

Including photos of the happy couple is a great way to make your wedding invitations more personal and memorable. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating photos into your wedding invitation design:

Choose the Right Photo

Selecting a photo that captures the essence of the couple and reflects the style and tone of the wedding is essential. Consider the overall aesthetic of the wedding and choose a photo that complements it. For instance, a formal portrait may be more suitable for a formal wedding. Think about the message you want to convey. If you're planning a fun and casual event, a candid shot could be a perfect choice. Opt for a high-quality, clear, well-lit, and well-exposed image that prominently features the couple. Ensure the photo works well with the layout and design of the invitation. A vertical photo, for instance, might pair better with a portrait-oriented invitation.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Photos

There are numerous ways to creatively include photos in your wedding invitations:

• Cut-out shapes: Use a die-cut machine or scissors to cut the photo into a unique shape, such as a heart, and attach it to the invitation.
• Overlay: Create a layered effect by placing a transparent overlay with the photo on top of the invitation's text or background.
• Polaroid style: Add a white border and a caption to the photo to give it a polaroid look.
• Filmstrip: Arrange several small photos in a filmstrip style, with the wedding details included between each image.
• Collage: Create a visually interesting design by arranging multiple photos in a collage.
• Envelope liner: Surprise your guests by using the photo as an envelope liner, adding a unique touch even before the envelope is opened.
• Envelope flap: Another idea is to use photos as envelope liners on the inside of the flap, creating a delightful surprise when the envelope is opened.
• Back of enclosure card: If you have additional information or enclosure cards, consider printing your photo on the back of these cards, along with your website address.
• Save-the-date cards: If you haven't sent out your save-the-date cards yet, consider including your favourite photo with these.

Photo Styles to Consider

When selecting a photo style, you can choose from various options, including:

• Formal posed portraits: Classic and timeless photos featuring the couple in formal attire, often taken by a professional photographer.
• Casual candid shots: Capturing the couple in a natural setting or during a casual moment, these photos are more relaxed and informal.
• Engagement photos: These photos are specifically taken for the wedding invitations, showcasing the couple in various poses and settings.
• Landscape shots: Featuring a scenic location significant to the couple, such as a favourite park or beach.
• Silhouette shots: The couple's silhouette is featured against a backdrop like a sunset or city skyline.
• Black-and-white photos: Adding a touch of elegance, these classic and timeless photos can be a beautiful choice.
• Vintage-style photos: Edited to appear old-fashioned or vintage, perhaps with a sepia tone or other filters.

In conclusion, including photos in your wedding invitations is a wonderful way to showcase your love story and add a unique, personal touch. By carefully selecting the right photo and incorporating it creatively into your invitation design, you can create a memorable keepsake for you and your loved ones.

Add wedding details

Adding the wedding details is a crucial step in designing your wedding invitations. Here are some essential elements to include:

The Request to Attend and Couple's Names

Include a line that expresses the request for the guest's presence at the wedding. Some examples include "request the pleasure of your company" or "invite you to celebrate with them". Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, followed by the groom's. However, for same-sex couples, you can choose the order that sounds better or go in alphabetical order.

Date and Time of the Ceremony

Provide the date and time of the wedding ceremony. It is recommended to write out the time instead of using numerals for formal invitations (e.g., "four o'clock in the afternoon").

Ceremony and Reception Location

Include the name and address of the ceremony and reception venues. If they are at the same location, you can add a line like "Reception to Follow" or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow." If the reception is elsewhere, include a separate reception card.

Reception Information

If the reception is not immediately following the ceremony, include the time. For very formal invitations, this information can be included on a separate card.

Dress Code

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

RSVP Details

Provide a way for your guests to RSVP, such as a separate response card with a deadline and pre-addressed envelope or directions to RSVP via your wedding website.

Extra Information about the Venue

If your wedding is at a unique or unfamiliar location, consider including additional information such as parking instructions or a custom map.

Wedding Website Address

Include your wedding website address to provide guests with further details, such as accommodation options and the registry.

Frequently asked questions