Creating Your Letterpress Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Letterpress wedding invitations can be costly, so why not try making them yourself? It's a fun and rewarding process that will save you money. You can design your own invitations using software such as Adobe Illustrator, or you can use pre-made templates. Once you have your design, you can order a custom letterpress plate, which will be made from a negative of your artwork. You'll also need to purchase other supplies such as paper, ink, and envelopes. The total cost of DIY letterpress wedding invitations is typically around $400 to $700, which is about half the price of having them professionally made. It can be a time-consuming process, but with some patience and creativity, you can create beautiful, unique invitations that your guests will admire.

Designing the invitations

The first step in designing your DIY letterpress wedding invitations is to write a draft of your invitation. It is recommended that you type out all the wedding details in a text file first to avoid any spelling mistakes or missing information. Traditionally, wedding invitations include who is getting married, the date, time, and location of the wedding. However, the formality of the invitation is entirely up to you.

Once you have all the necessary information, you can start designing your invitation. If you are artistically inclined, you can create a custom illustration or sketch for your invitation. Alternatively, you can use Adobe Illustrator or similar software to design your invitation. Choose a font that reflects the style and theme of your wedding. Consider the size and alignment of the text to create a visually appealing layout.

When designing your invitation, keep in mind the design principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. Contrast helps to focus attention on the most important elements, such as the names of the couple. Repetition unifies your design, while alignment gives it structure. Proximity communicates the relationship between different elements of the design.

If you plan to include any additional inserts or cards, such as RSVP or details cards, ensure that they follow a similar design theme for a cohesive invitation suite.

After finalising your design, prepare the files for printing by converting them to the required format, such as PDF, AI, or EPS. Make sure any text is converted to outlines and that your artwork is in black and white. You may also need to trim your artboards to the exact size of your artwork.

At this stage, you can order photopolymer plates or letterpress plates, which will be used to transfer your design onto the paper. Keep in mind that you will be charged by the square inch, so try to optimise your design to minimise costs.

Finally, don't forget to proofread your invitation for any errors before sending it off for printing!

Choosing paper type

When it comes to choosing paper for your DIY letterpress wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to decide on the thickness of the paper. If you're looking for that luxurious, deep impression, opting for a thicker paper, such as the 600gsm Crane Lettra paper, is a good idea. This will ensure your invitations have a more pronounced debossed effect. Thinner paper, such as the 300gsm variety, can also be used, but may result in a less defined impression.

Secondly, consider the colour of the paper. While white is a popular choice for wedding invitations, there are various shades to choose from within this colour family. For example, Crane's Lettra Pearl White paper has a subtle ivory hue, adding a touch of warmth to the invitations. If you're looking for something a little different, coloured paper can also be an option, with shades like navy or teal available from certain suppliers.

Next, it's important to select a paper size that will fit your chosen envelope. Standard envelope sizes, such as A7, are readily available and can accommodate various paper sizes. If you're looking for something more unique, custom envelope sizes can be ordered, but be sure to allow for enough paper thickness when cutting your invitations to size.

Finally, ordering paper samples in advance is highly recommended. This will allow you to test the printing process and ensure your chosen paper works well with your letterpress design. It's also a good idea to order your paper well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Overall, when choosing paper for your DIY letterpress wedding invitations, consider thickness, colour, size, and be sure to order samples and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and stress-free process.

Printing the invitations

The printing process will differ depending on whether you've chosen to make your own letterpress from scratch or use a commercially available DIY kit. If you've chosen the former, you'll need to set the type, which involves picking out each letter and spelling out every word of your invitation. This is a time-consuming task that requires a lot of patience. After the type is set, the press needs to be inked. Letterpress ink is thick and tacky, and you'll need to mix your desired colour from a range of base colours. Once the ink is mixed, it can be applied to the press. Finally, the paper is placed onto the press, and the impression is made.

If you've opted for a DIY kit, the process is somewhat simpler. First, you'll need to design your invitation and create a digital file. This can be done using software such as Adobe Illustrator. Once you have your design, you can order a custom letterpress plate from a company such as Boxcar Press. After receiving your plate, you'll need to cut the elements apart using scissors. Next, you'll need to ink the plate, being careful to use a very small amount of ink. A brayer can be used to roll out the ink and apply it to the plate. Finally, the paper is placed on the letterpress bed, and the impression is made by cranking the letterpress through a machine.

Regardless of the method you choose, printing your own letterpress wedding invitations can be a time-consuming and challenging task. However, with patience and attention to detail, it is possible to create beautiful, unique invitations that will impress your guests.

Assembling the invitations

Once you have designed, printed, and received your letterpress wedding invitations, it's time to assemble and send them out to your guests. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

• Prepare the envelopes: If you have chosen to include envelope liners, now is the time to insert them. You can do this by carefully inserting the liner into the envelope and securing it with a small piece of double-sided tape.
• Address the envelopes: You can address the envelopes by hand or use a Lettermate to ensure neat and consistent handwriting. It is recommended to double-check the addresses and consider including return addresses on the envelopes.
• Insert the invitations: Place the printed invitation cards inside the envelopes. If you have multiple cards, such as an RSVP card and an insert, arrange them in a neat stack before inserting them. Ensure the text on each card is facing the right way and is easily visible when the envelope is opened.
• Secure the enclosures: To keep the enclosures in place, use a small piece of double-sided tape or a glue stick along the back edge of the invitation suite. You can also use wax seals for a more decorative and secure closure. If using wax seals, rest the stamp on ice (covered in plastic wrap) to speed up the cooling process.
• Add postage: Calculate the correct postage required for your invitations, especially if they are heavier due to the paper or enclosures. You can purchase stamps that match your wedding theme or colour scheme to add a special touch.
• Assemble in batches: To maintain consistency and avoid confusion, it is recommended to assemble the invitations in batches. For example, you can assemble ten invitations at a time, ensuring that each envelope contains all the necessary components before moving on to the next batch.
• Include a link to your wedding website: Consider including a small tag or insert with a link to your wedding website. This will provide guests with easy access to additional details such as accommodation options, travel information, and your gift registry.
• Proofread and double-check: Before sealing and sending out the invitations, take the time to proofread all the information, including dates, times, and locations. Check that you have included all the necessary enclosures and that the envelopes are correctly addressed.

By following these steps, you will be able to assemble your DIY letterpress wedding invitations efficiently and with attention to detail. This process will ensure that your guests receive well-presented and informative invitations, setting the tone for your special day.

Envelopes and postage

When it comes to envelopes and postage for your DIY letterpress wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll need to choose the right envelope size and style to fit your invitations. It's important to select envelopes that complement the design and theme of your invitations. For example, if you're going for a botanical theme, you might want to choose envelopes with a similar design or colour scheme.

You can find envelopes in a variety of sizes, such as A7 or 6" x 6", and it's important to ensure they are the correct size for your invitations and RSVP cards. Some paper suppliers offer a cutting service, so you can order your paper and envelopes pre-cut to the required size. This can save you time and ensure a precise cut.

When addressing your envelopes, you can use a traditional handwriting approach or invest in a Lettermate to help you achieve neat and consistent results. If you're feeling creative, you can even add a personal touch by using calligraphy or a white gel pen for addressing.

Regarding postage, it's important to consider the weight of your invitations, especially if they include multiple inserts or embellishments like wax seals. You may need to use additional postage to ensure your invitations reach their destination without issue. It's always a good idea to take a complete invitation suite to your local post office to have it weighed and to purchase the correct postage.

Additionally, don't forget to include RSVP envelopes and stamps with your invitations. You can choose to use postage stamps or a custom wax seal and stamp combination for a unique touch. If you're using wax seals, consider resting the stamp on ice covered in plastic wrap to speed up the cooling process.

Finally, to add a special finishing touch, you can tie your invitation suite together with twine, ribbon, or another decorative element that matches your wedding theme. This will create a beautiful and cohesive presentation for your guests to receive and will set the tone for your special day.

Frequently asked questions