Designing Plain Wedding Invitations: Simple, Elegant, And Memorable

Planning a wedding can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many couples are looking for ways to cut costs. One way to do this is by designing your own wedding invitations. In this paragraph, we will discuss how to create elegant and simple wedding invitations that will impress your guests without breaking the bank. From choosing the right tools and templates to customising your design, we will cover everything you need to know to make stunning plain wedding invitations.

Choose a shape and size

When it comes to designing your wedding invitations, one of the first things to consider is the shape and size. This will be an important factor in determining the overall look and feel of your invitations, as well as the cost of printing and postage.

Traditionally, wedding invitations are rectangular, with dimensions of 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. This classic size is a good choice if you're looking to keep costs down, as it can help to keep printing costs low. It's also a good option if you want to give your invitations a more elegant and traditional feel.

However, there are plenty of other options to choose from if you want to break with tradition. In recent years, horizontal rectangles and scalloped designs have gained popularity. Horizontal invitations, in particular, can be a great way to showcase a landscape-oriented photo or image.

If you're looking for something truly unique, you could also consider shaped invitations. Basic Invite, for example, offers a collection of shaped invitation suites, with cards that can be stacked and layered in various combinations to create a one-of-a-kind look.

When deciding on the size of your invitations, it's important to consider the cost of postage. Standard-sized invitations, such as those measuring 5x7 inches, can usually be mailed with a regular postage stamp. Larger or heavier invitations may require additional postage, so be sure to check with your local post office to determine the correct amount.

In addition to the overall size and shape of your invitations, you'll also want to consider the size and placement of the different design elements. For example, you'll want to make sure that the text is large enough to be easily readable. A good rule of thumb is to use no smaller than 10-point font for the supplementary text details.

You'll also want to think about the layout of the text and any other design elements. Play around with different fonts, colours, and placement to create a design that's visually appealing and easy to read.

Finally, don't forget to consider the envelopes when choosing the size and shape of your invitations. You'll want to select envelopes that are slightly larger than the invitations themselves to allow for easy insertion and removal. It's also a good idea to choose envelopes that complement the design and colour scheme of your invitations.

Consider your location

When designing your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the location of your wedding. The setting of your celebration can help guide the overall theme and design of your invites. For example, if you're getting married in a church, you may want to go for a traditional, romantic aesthetic. On the other hand, if you're tying the knot in a country or farm setting, a rustic and natural look might be more fitting.

Location-Themed Design

Consider using illustrations or graphics that represent your wedding location. For instance, if you're having a destination wedding in Egypt, you could include illustrations of the pyramids. This adds a unique and eye-catching element to your invites.

Colour Scheme

The colours you choose for your invitations can also be inspired by your location. For example, a beach or tropical destination wedding might call for a colour palette of blues and greens, evoking a relaxed and elegant vibe.

Venue Information

It's important to include the venue name and address on your invitations. If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, you may want to include separate cards with the reception details. However, if you're looking to save costs, you can include both the ceremony and reception information on the same invitation. Here are some ways to word your invitations with two locations:

• "Reception to follow at [reception venue name and address]."
• "Reception immediately following the ceremony at [reception venue name and address]."
• "Join us for dinner and dancing at [time] at [reception venue name and address]."

Map or Directions

Including a small map or directions to your wedding venue(s) can be a helpful addition to your invitations, especially if your location is a bit off the beaten path. This ensures your guests can find their way with ease.

Transport or Accommodation Information

If your wedding location is remote or you have a lot of guests travelling from out of town, consider including transport or accommodation information. You can include this on a separate card or direct guests to your wedding website for more details.

Remember, your wedding invitations should reflect your personal style and the overall vibe of your celebration. Get creative and have fun with the design process!

Pick romantic fonts

When designing plain wedding invitations, choosing a romantic font is essential to set the tone and style of your wedding. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you pick the perfect romantic font for your invitations:

Legibility is Key

It is important to select a font that is easy to read. While some highly scripted or thin fonts may appear attractive, they can sometimes be difficult for guests to decipher. Opt for a font that strikes a balance between style and legibility, ensuring that your guests can effortlessly understand the details of your invitation.

Font Combinations

Consider combining different fonts to create a harmonious design. Pairing a cursive or script font with a sans serif or serif font can add visual interest and elegance to your invitations. For example, you could use a script font for the couple's names as a highlight and a simpler font for the rest of the text. Playful combinations like Great Vibes and Montserrat, or Playfair Display and Montserrat Light, can add a touch of sophistication to your invitations.

Accent Fonts

Using accent fonts is an excellent way to draw attention to specific elements, such as the names of the couple or the wedding date. Choose a font that stands out from the rest of the information to emphasise these important details. Stylish Calligraphy, for instance, is a popular choice for highlighting special text.

Font Legibility

When selecting a font, consider the size at which it will be printed. Some fonts may be legible when printed in larger sizes but become challenging to read when used in smaller font sizes. Opt for a font that remains clear and readable, even when printed in a smaller size, to ensure your guests can easily access all the necessary information.

Font Style

The font style you choose should align with the theme and style of your wedding. If you're having an elegant or romantic wedding, a script or calligraphy font can add a touch of sophistication and charm. For a more casual or whimsical event, playful and italicised fonts can set the right tone. Bold fonts can make a statement, while handwritten-style fonts like Honeymoon evoke a personal touch.

Font Availability

When choosing a font, consider its availability and licensing restrictions. Some fonts may be available for personal use only, while others may require a commercial license for use in wedding invitations. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to use your chosen font to avoid any legal issues.

Include photos

Including photos on your wedding invitations is a great way to showcase your love to your friends and family. It adds a personal touch and makes for a wonderful keepsake. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating photos into your plain wedding invitations:

Photo Selection

The key to a successful photo wedding invitation is choosing the right photo. Consider selecting a high-quality, well-lit, clear, and focused image that prominently features the couple. The photo should capture the essence of the couple and reflect the style and tone of the wedding. You may opt for a formal posed portrait, a casual candid shot, engagement photos, or even a silhouette or vintage-style photo.

Design Ideas

There are numerous ways to creatively incorporate photos into your wedding invitations:

• Cut-out shapes: Use a die-cut machine or scissors to cut your photo into a unique shape, such as a heart or your initials, and attach it to the invitation.
• Overlay: Place a transparent overlay with the photo on top of the text or background, creating a layered effect.
• Polaroid style: Add a white border and a caption to your photo, giving it a polaroid-like appearance.
• Filmstrip: Arrange several small photos in a filmstrip style, with the wedding details included between each photo.
• Collage: Create a cohesive and visually interesting design by arranging multiple photos in a collage.
• Envelope liner: Surprise your guests with a photo envelope liner, adding a unique touch even before the invitation is opened.

Online Tools

If you're looking for an easy way to design your photo wedding invitations, consider using online tools like Canva, which offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and customizable templates. Basic Invite is another great option, providing an extensive selection of customizable designs, high-quality printing, and affordable pricing.

Matching Stationery

Don't stop at invitations! Carry the theme through to other wedding stationery, such as save-the-date cards, wedding programs, place cards, and thank-you cards. Basic Invite and Ann's Bridal Bargains offer matching sets, allowing you to maintain a cohesive look throughout your wedding paper goods.

Customise your layout

Canva's simple drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to move elements around until you're happy with the layout. You can also:

• Resize your artwork to play with size, scale, and dimension.
• Change the opacity of your artwork to add depth or make certain elements pop.
• Rearrange text boxes to customise your layout.
• Add a background colour, pattern, or texture.

If you upgrade to Canva Pro, you'll be able to upload your own fonts and artwork. You can also access premium artwork from Canva.

When customising your layout, it's important to keep in mind the overall design and theme of your wedding. This can help you choose the right colours, fonts, and other design elements for your invitations.

• Use separate text boxes for each line or name to make it easier to move elements around.
• Choose a font that fits with the style and theme of your wedding. For example, a cursive or calligraphy font can add a romantic touch.
• Make sure your introduction and supplementary text are no smaller than 10-point font for best readability.
• Play around with different templates and design elements to find the perfect combination for your invitations.
• Don't be afraid to add personal touches that reflect your personality and style.

Frequently asked questions