Designing Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Designing your own wedding invitations can be a fun and budget-friendly alternative to ordering them from a professional. It's a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding and showcase your unique style. The process may seem daunting, but with the right tools and planning, you can create beautiful invitations that perfectly embody your special day. This introduction will guide you through the steps of designing your own wedding invitations, from choosing a theme and style to selecting the right paper and printing options. We'll also offer tips on how to keep costs down and ensure your invitations reflect the theme of your wedding.

Choosing a theme, style, size, wording, balance, and materials

When it comes to designing wedding invitations, there are several key elements to consider: theme, style, size, wording, balance, and materials. Here are some tips to help you choose these important aspects of your wedding invitations:

Theme and Style

The theme and style of your wedding invitations should reflect the overall vibe of your wedding. If you're going for a rustic theme, consider using recycled brown paper for your invitations, with a simple and elegant design. For a more traditional and romantic aesthetic, opt for classic vintage or floral designs. You can also incorporate your wedding colours into the invitations to tie everything together. If you're having a destination wedding, consider using illustrations or motifs that represent your chosen location.

Size

Standard wedding invitations are typically rectangular, with dimensions of 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. However, you don't have to stick to this size if you want to be more creative. Horizontal rectangles and scalloped designs have also gained popularity in recent years.

Wording

The wording of your wedding invitations should include essential information such as the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, the wedding date, time, and location, and reception details. Traditionally, the bride's parents are named at the top of the invitation as the hosts, but nowadays, both sets of parents or even the couple themselves may be the hosts. It's also common to include dress code information and RSVP details.

Balance

When designing your invitations, consider the balance of text and imagery. Avoid overcrowding your invitations with too much text, as this can make it difficult for guests to find important information. Use a clear and legible font for essential details, and feel free to incorporate romantic or cursive fonts for the couple's names.

Materials

The materials you choose for your wedding invitations can add a luxurious or unique touch. Consider using cardstock with a linen or felt texture for a more elegant feel. You can also add embellishments such as belly bands, envelope liners, or wax seals to make your invitations stand out. Don't forget to choose envelopes that fit the theme and size of your invitations, and consider adding a pop of colour or a patterned liner to dress them up.

Remember, your wedding invitations should reflect your personality as a couple, so don't be afraid to inject some creativity and think outside the box!

Selecting a colour scheme

Consider the Mood and Tone

The colours you choose should capture the mood and tone you want to set for your wedding. Do you want a romantic and elegant atmosphere? Or perhaps a fun and modern vibe? The colours you select will play a significant role in evoking the desired emotion. For example, soft pastel colours like blush, blue, and cream create a romantic and soft ambiance, while bold and vibrant colours like emerald, coral, and lemon yellow add a playful and contemporary touch.

Think About Harmonising Colours

Just like a match made in heaven, your wedding colours should complement each other perfectly. A good rule of thumb is to choose one or two main colours and then select one or two secondary colours, including a neutral shade, to create a cohesive look. For instance, a combination of navy blue and gold exudes elegance and modernity, while pink and purple or blue and white are also popular pairings. If you're feeling adventurous, don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional colour applications, such as green-toned felines on wedding invitations, to modernise a trivial design.

Draw Inspiration from Nature and Your Surroundings

Take cues from nature and your wedding venue when deciding on a colour scheme. Floral greenery, for instance, offers a wide range of colours that are easy to work with and give your wedding a natural and down-to-earth feel. If you're getting married in a church, consider a traditional, romantic aesthetic with colours like sage, French blue, pale pink, gold, and cream. On the other hand, a country or farm setting might call for a rustic and natural palette, incorporating colours inspired by the outdoors, such as browns, greens, and creams.

Personalise with Meaningful Colours

In addition to the above, don't forget to inject some personality into your colour choices. Your wedding invitations should reflect who you are as a couple. Consider incorporating colours that hold a special meaning for you both or represent your shared interests. For example, if you share a love for the 80s, you might want to include retro colours in your design.

Keep Practical Considerations in Mind

When selecting your colour scheme, it's important to think about the practical aspects as well. Consider the cost of ink and paper, especially if you're printing at home. Designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds tend to be more cost-effective and printer-friendly. Additionally, factor in the time it will take to print your invitations, as some colours may require more ink and time to perfect.

Picking a font

When it comes to designing wedding invitations, the font you choose is an important consideration. The font can set the tone for the event and convey subtle things about the wedding aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect font for your wedding invitations:

Understand the Different Typeface Styles

First, it's helpful to understand the basic terminology used in the world of typography. The most common types of typeface styles are:

• Serif fonts: These have short lines stemming from the ends of the letters. Times New Roman is a classic example of a serif font.
• Sans serif fonts: Lacking the serifs or short lines of serif fonts, these fonts have a more modern and clean look. Examples include Arial and Helvetica.
• Script fonts: This style resembles cursive handwriting or calligraphy. Script fonts are often referred to as cursive or calligraphy fonts. Alex Brush is an example of a traditional script font, while Carolyna Pro is a more modern option.
• Display fonts: These fonts are more artistic and graphic than legible. They are not typically used for large blocks of text but can be great for adding a creative touch to headings or accents.

Consider Your Wedding Theme and Style

The font you choose should reflect the style and theme of your wedding. For example, if you're having a formal or elegant wedding, serif fonts or traditional script fonts can add a touch of sophistication. On the other hand, if you're going for a modern or contemporary vibe, sans serif fonts or modern calligraphy might be a better fit. If your wedding has a specific theme, like Art Deco, you can also choose a display font that complements it.

Legibility is Key

While it's important to choose a font that looks good, it's even more crucial to ensure that your chosen font is legible. Avoid overly ornate or thin fonts that may be difficult for your guests to read. Remember, the primary function of the invitation is to convey important information about your wedding, so clarity and legibility should take precedence over aesthetics.

Pair Fonts Thoughtfully

You might want to use multiple fonts on your wedding invitations to create visual interest and highlight different elements. When doing so, it's essential to pair fonts thoughtfully. Aim for a combination that creates harmony and balance. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than two or three different fonts. You can pair a decorative font with a simpler, more readable font to create contrast and guide your guests' eyes through the invitation.

Reflect Your Personal Style

Ultimately, your wedding invitation should reflect your personality and style as a couple. Choose a font that resonates with you and evokes the emotions you want your guests to feel. Whether it's romantic, modern, elegant, or whimsical, there is a font out there that will capture the essence of your unique love story.

Adding imagery and other personal touches

Choose Meaningful Imagery:

Select images that reflect your relationship and the theme of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might use images of greenery or florals. If you're having a beach wedding, you could incorporate nautical elements or watercolour illustrations. You could also include a photo of you and your fiancé, such as a pre-wedding shoot image, for a truly personalised touch.

Incorporate Illustrations:

Consider adding illustrations that depict your wedding venue, your new home together, or even your beloved pet. These can be elegant and whimsical, adding a unique flair to your invitations. Play around with layering and transparency tools to create depth and a professional look.

Add Personal Messages or Quotes:

Include a favourite quote or a personal message to your guests. This could be a romantic quote about love or a fun, inside joke that will bring a smile to your guests' faces. You could also incorporate your favourite movie, book, or song lyrics that hold a special meaning for you both.

Integrate Your Wedding Theme:

Carry your wedding theme through to your invitations. For example, if you have a specific colour palette, incorporate these colours into the design. If you're using specific flowers or symbols at your wedding, include them in the invitation design. This could be as simple as adding floral illustrations or using a font that ties in with your theme.

Use Customised Map or Venue Illustrations:

If you're getting married at a unique venue, consider including an illustration or map of the location. This adds a special touch and helps your guests visualise where the wedding will take place. It's also a great way to showcase a venue that holds a special meaning for you.

Add a Pop of Colour:

Don't be afraid to use colour to make your invitations stand out. Choose a colour that reflects your personality and ties in with your wedding colours. This could be in the form of envelope liners, ribbons, or even wax seals. A colourful envelope can also add a fun element to your invitation suite.

Remember, adding personal touches is a great way to make your wedding invitations unique and memorable. By incorporating these ideas, you'll create invitations that truly reflect your relationship and style, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Deciding on the delivery method

Deciding on a delivery method for your wedding invitations is an important step in the design process. There are a few options to choose from, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some detailed paragraphs discussing the different delivery methods and what to consider when making your decision:

Virtual Delivery (E-Vites)

One option for delivering your wedding invitations is to send them electronically as e-vites. This method can be cost-effective and convenient, especially if you have a lot of guests who are tech-savvy and prefer digital communication. Creating a mini-website for your wedding invitations can also be a fun and interactive way to provide guests with additional information about the wedding, such as accommodation options, travel tips, and a more detailed schedule of events. This option saves paper and postage costs, which can be a significant advantage if you're on a tight budget.

Traditional Postal Delivery

The traditional method of delivering wedding invitations is through the postal service. There is something special about receiving a physical wedding invitation in the mail, and it allows your guests to keep a tangible memento of your special day. If you choose this method, consider the cost and time involved in printing and posting the invitations. You can also add personal touches to the envelopes, such as embossed seals or decorative liners, to make them feel extra special.

Hybrid Approach

A hybrid approach combines the convenience of digital communication with the tangibility of physical invitations. You can design and personalise your invitations online and then have them printed and delivered to your doorstep. This option gives you the flexibility to customise your invitations to your exact specifications while also enjoying the benefits of a professional printing service. This approach may be more costly than electronic invitations but can offer a happy medium between tradition and modernity.

Factors to Consider

When deciding on the delivery method, consider your budget, the level of customisation you desire, and the preferences of your guest list. If you have a large number of guests who are comfortable with technology, electronic invitations may be a practical choice. However, if you want to create a more traditional or luxurious experience, printed invitations could be preferable. Additionally, think about the environmental impact of your chosen delivery method, as electronic invitations reduce paper waste.

In conclusion, the delivery method you choose will depend on your personal preferences, budget constraints, and the level of interactivity you want to offer your guests. Each option has its advantages, and by weighing these considerations, you can decide on the best approach for your unique wedding invitation design.

Frequently asked questions