Crafting Wedding Invitations: A Diy Guide

Creating your own wedding invitations is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about designing, printing, and assembling your own wedding invitations at home. From choosing the right paper and printing options to adding creative touches, we will walk you through the entire process step by step. We will also provide tips on how to stay within your budget and create invitations that truly reflect your style and personality. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of DIY wedding invitations!

Design and print your invitations yourself or purchase a template

There are two main ways to approach DIY wedding invitations: designing and printing them yourself or purchasing a template. Here are some tips for each approach:

Design and Print Yourself:

• Use software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva to create your invitation design.
• Choose a design that suits your wedding style and theme. Consider whether you want something simple and elegant, bold and colourful, or a watercolour motif.
• Aim for a design with just 2-3 colours to reduce ink usage and printing costs.
• If you're comfortable with designing, you can also create inserts for details, directions, and reception information. Otherwise, you can forgo inserts and direct guests to your wedding website for more details.
• Use a laser or inkjet printer for high-quality results. Keep in mind that laser printers are better for printing on metallic cardstock and simpler designs, while inkjet printers offer more flexibility in paper type but may be slower.
• Purchase high-quality cardstock for a more luxurious feel. Look for cardstock weighing around 120 lb. or more, and consider adding texture with linen or felt finishes.
• Buy ink in bulk to save costs and ensure you have enough for multiple test prints and final invitations.
• Plan ahead and allow for extra time in case of mistakes or last-minute changes.
• Use a paper cutter for clean and precise cuts, especially if you're printing on larger cardstock and cutting it down to size.
• Select envelopes that fit your invitations with some room to spare. Consider adding envelope liners for a dressy touch.

Purchase a Template:

• Purchase a template from websites like Etsy, Creative Market, or stock photography websites. Expect to pay around $5 to $20 for a template suite.
• Look for templates with just 2-3 colours to reduce printing costs. Alternatively, opt for a black-and-white design and print on coloured cardstock to incorporate your wedding colours.
• Download the template and customise it yourself, or have the designer make changes for you. Customising it yourself is usually the most affordable option.
• Ensure the template resolution is 300 DPI or higher for a crisp, clean print.
• Check the file type required for printing (PDF, JPEG, etc.) and let the designer know in advance to avoid back-and-forth.
• Proofread your design and have multiple people review it for errors before printing.

Choose the right paper

The paper you choose for your DIY wedding invitations will have a significant impact on the final look and feel. Here are some tips to help you select the best paper for your invitations:

Type of Paper

When selecting paper for your wedding invitations, you'll want to choose a heavier paper stock than your typical printer paper. Look for cardstock or cover weight paper, which is thicker and more durable. This will give your invitations a more luxurious feel.

Some popular types of paper to consider include:

• Solid white cardstock: A smooth, matte finish paper that comes in various colours and weights. 80# or 100# weight is ideal for home printers.
• Linen cardstock: Features a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest and can help hide printing imperfections.
• Cotton cardstock: Smooth, absorbent, and gives invitations a modern look. It's also considered "photo safe," making it ideal for scrapbooking.
• Parchment: A thin, semi-translucent paper with a subtle marbled effect. It layers well with other papers like vellum or cotton cardstock.
• Felt: A unique, thick cardstock with a texture similar to canvas. It gives invitations an elegant, sophisticated appearance.
• Kraft or recycled cardstock: A rustic, trendy option that resembles coarse brown grocery bags but with a polished finish.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper is measured in pounds (# or lb) in the US and grams per square meter (gsm) in Europe. When choosing the weight, consider that the higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the more professional your invitations will look. Here's a general guide:

• 80-90# is ideal for most home printers.
• 100# can work with some home printers but may cause issues with others.
• 110-130# is the heaviest weight you can likely print yourself and will give a very professional look.
• 150# and above is best left to professional printers and letterpress printing.

Printer Compatibility

Before settling on a paper type and weight, consider the printer you'll be using. Different printers have varying capabilities when it comes to paper thickness. Review your printer's instructions and do a test print to determine its maximum paper weight capacity. Start with 80# cardstock and gradually increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming. Then go one weight down for the best results.

Colour and Design

When choosing the colour of your paper, consider whether you want a simple and elegant look or something bolder and more colourful. White or cream-coloured paper is traditional, but you can also opt for coloured cardstock to match your wedding colours. If you want to incorporate colour without going too bold, consider using coloured envelopes or adding colourful accents like ribbons or paper sashes.

Additionally, think about the design of your invitation. If you're printing at home, designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds will yield better results and save on ink. Avoid designs with coloured backgrounds or large watercolour elements, as these will use a lot of ink and may turn out imperfect on home printers.

Select your envelopes

When it comes to selecting envelopes for your DIY wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose envelopes that fit your invitations with a bit of room to spare. You don't want them to be the exact same size as your invitations, as this can make it difficult to insert and remove the contents. Don't forget to consider the size of your RSVP cards as well, and select envelopes that will accommodate them comfortably.

When choosing envelope colours, it's important to strike a balance. If you want to add a pop of colour to your invitation suite, opt for a light-coloured envelope so that the address is still visible. Darker envelopes might require lighter-coloured ink or special printing methods to ensure readability. Alternatively, you can use envelope liners to add a touch of colour or pattern to your invitations.

If you're looking for places to buy wedding envelopes, there are several online retailers that offer a wide variety of options. Cards & Pockets, Envelopes.com, LCI Paper, Paper Source, Etsy, Minted, Amazon, Staples, The Paper Mill Store, and JAM Paper are all great options to explore. These retailers provide a range of colours, sizes, and styles to suit your wedding theme and budget.

If you're feeling particularly crafty, you can even make your own envelopes from common paper or paper-like materials. Disassemble a store-bought envelope to create a reusable template, then use light adhesive to seal your handmade envelopes. This option allows you to fully customise your envelopes and create a truly unique invitation suite.

Plan ahead for things to go wrong

DIY wedding invitations can be a fun and budget-friendly project, but it's important to plan ahead and expect some things to go wrong. Here are some detailed tips to help you navigate potential challenges:

• Buy extra supplies: It's better to have more than you need rather than running out halfway through your project. Purchase about 10% more supplies than you think you'll need, including ribbon, paper, ink, envelopes, and any other materials you're using. That way, you're prepared for mistakes or the need to reprint.
• Plan for emergencies: Unexpected issues may arise, so it's worth spending a little extra upfront to avoid last-minute scrambling. For example, if you're cutting it close with the number of invitations, buy a larger pack. The same goes for ink – consider getting an extra pack to avoid running out mid-project.
• Allow for mistakes: Factor in a buffer because things may not go according to plan. Give yourself extra time and supplies to account for any errors or adjustments you may need to make.
• Practice and proofread: Before finalizing your design, practice creating a few invitations to ensure you're confident in your process. Also, proofread your invitations carefully to catch any errors. Enlist multiple people to read through the wording and check for spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes.
• Consider time and cost: DIY projects can be time-consuming and may not always be cheaper than hiring a professional. Be realistic about the time commitment and the cost of materials, tools, and supplies. Compare prices and shop around for deals to stay within your budget.
• Set a timeline: Give yourself a deadline for sending out the invitations and work backward from there. Include buffer time in your timeline to account for potential delays or the need to reorder supplies. It's better to have your invitations ready earlier rather than later.

Add a personal touch

Adding a personal touch to your DIY wedding invitations is a great way to make your invites unique and special. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Engagement Photos

If you have beautiful engagement photos, consider including them in your invitations. This is a wonderful way to showcase your soon-to-be spouse and add a personal element to your invites. Be sure to schedule your photo session early enough so that you have the pictures ready before sending out your invites.

Wedding Website

Instead of including all the wedding details in your invitation suite, list your wedding website, where guests can find all the necessary information. This saves space on your invitations and provides a central hub for guests to refer to.

Custom Stamps

Head to your local post office and choose unique stamps that reflect your interests as a couple. Whether they feature animals, flowers, hearts, or fruits, custom stamps add a fun and unexpected element to your invitations.

Custom Wax Seal

Enhance the look of your DIY wedding invitations with a custom wax seal. This can be as simple as buying wax seal stickers that match your wedding colours or theme. It's an easy way to make your invitations look more elegant and expensive.

Play with Colour

If your invitation template allows for colour changes, don't be afraid to experiment. Keep the colours consistent with your wedding palette to create a cohesive look. Be bold and make design choices that truly speak to you and your partner.

Envelope Liners

Add a fun and unexpected touch to your invitations by using patterned wrapping paper or scrapbooking paper as envelope liners. This is a great way to add a pop of colour or pattern and surprise your guests when they open the envelope.

Calligraphy

Consider using calligraphy for addressing envelopes, writing the names of the couple, creating wax seals, or adding other decorative elements to your invitations. Calligraphy gives your invites a handcrafted and elegant feel. You can even try your hand at it yourself or enlist the help of a local calligrapher.

Personalised Stamps

Create your own personalised stamps featuring a photo or illustration of you and your partner. This adds a unique touch to your invitations and is a fun way to showcase your personalities.

Ribbons and Twine

Tie your invitation suite together with ribbons or twine that complement your wedding colours. This adds a whimsical and romantic touch to your invites, especially if you're going for a rustic or vintage theme.

Frequently asked questions