Creating Acrylic Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern alternative to traditional paper invitations. They are made from transparent or translucent acrylic material, giving them a minimalist aesthetic that complements many wedding themes. Creating acrylic invitations involves purchasing acrylic sheets, designing the invitations on a computer, and cutting and engraving the acrylic. This process can be done at home with the right equipment or through a third-party service. When sending out acrylic invitations, it is important to package them carefully to avoid scratches or damage during transit. Acrylic invitations may also require additional postage due to their weight and non-standard shape.

Choosing acrylic over paper

Acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern alternative to traditional paper invitations. Here are some reasons why you may choose acrylic over paper:

Memorable and Long-Lasting Impression

Acrylic invitations offer a memorable experience for your guests. Their distinct texture and transparent appearance set them apart from paper invitations, giving them a modern and minimalist aesthetic that complements a variety of wedding themes and styles. The durability of acrylic also means that the invitations can be preserved as mementos, becoming treasured keepsakes for both you and your guests.

Versatility and Adaptability

Acrylic invitations can be dressed up for a super-luxe design or dressed down for a more minimalist look. This versatility allows you to create an invitation that fits any wedding aesthetic. Acrylic can be customised in various colours, thicknesses, and designs to match your wedding's colour palette and theme. You can even incorporate natural elements like moss, sand, or florals for a softer, more romantic feel.

Enhanced Visual Appeal

The clear acrylic material helps your message stand out and can be placed in any space you choose. It is perfect for photographs as it can be positioned anywhere to enhance the visual appeal of your wedding invitations. Acrylic invitations are also ideal for showcasing intricate details, such as illustrations, calligraphy, or monogram designs.

Durability and Protection

Acrylic invitations are made from durable material that is less prone to damage during shipping compared to paper. To ensure their safe arrival, they are typically placed in protective sleeves or covers, padded envelopes, or rigid boxes. This protective packaging not only keeps the invitations secure but also enhances their luxurious presentation.

While acrylic invitations may come with higher costs and considerations, such as additional postage and guest convenience, they offer a unique and memorable way to invite your loved ones to your special day.

Design ideas

Acrylic wedding invitations offer a unique and modern twist on traditional paper invitations. The transparent or translucent material provides a memorable experience for recipients, allowing them to see through the invitation. This attribute also makes them ideal for photographs, as they can complement any backdrop.

When designing your acrylic invitations, consider the following ideas:

• Nature-inspired designs: Incorporate floral, eucalyptus, or greenery themes, either as elegant laser-cut designs or printed graphics. You can also add a personal touch by including a sketch of your wedding venue.
• Colour schemes: Opt for clear acrylic to showcase the modern, minimalist aesthetic, or explore coloured acrylic options, such as mirror, frosted, or gold acrylic. You can also choose coloured envelopes or wax seals to accompany the invitations.
• Font and text size: Ensure the font and text size are legible, especially for older guests.
• Thickness and weight: Thicker and heavier invitations may require additional postage, so consider this when designing your invitations to avoid unexpected costs.
• Embellishments: Enhance the sleek, minimalist look with simple additions like a black wrap pocket, or get creative with ribbon, fabric accents, translucent wraps, wax seals, pressed flowers, or charms.
• Customisation: Personalise your invitations with photos, gold or rose gold foil, or QR codes. You can also customise the thickness, colour, font, and size to match your wedding theme.
• Enclosures: Include additional inserts or RSVP cards with your invitations. Acrylic enclosures can be paired with white or ecru paper enclosures to provide practical information for guests, such as directions or accommodation details.

Remember to consider the overall presentation and postage cost implications when adding enclosures. Acrylic invitations may require hand delivery or courier services to ensure they arrive safely and undamaged.

Thickness

When it comes to acrylic wedding invitations, thickness is an important consideration. Most invitation shops, both online and offline, consider 2mm to be the standard thickness for acrylic invitations, although the thickness can vary depending on your preference and budget. Thicker invitations tend to be more expensive, so opting for a thinner acrylic card can be a good way to save money.

There are typically three thickness options for acrylic wedding invitations: 1mm (0.04"), 2mm (0.08"), and 3mm (0.12"). The price per invitation increases with thickness, so choosing a thinner option can help keep costs down. For example, the unit price for 1mm invitations can be around $2.80 each for an order of 100 pieces, while 2mm invitations may cost around $3.80 each for the same quantity.

The mailing cost for acrylic invitations also depends on their thickness. A starting price of $0.70 each for 1mm invitations can increase to $3.60 each for 2mm invitations. Therefore, choosing a thinner invitation can significantly reduce postage expenses.

While thicker invitations may give a more weighty and impressive impression, thinner invitations are just as durable and can be a more affordable option, especially if you plan to add embellishments or combine them with other materials. Thinner acrylic invitations, such as those with a thickness of 1mm, can be easily customised with wax seals, ribbon ties, laser-cut designs, or vellum wraps without incurring high costs.

In summary, when deciding on the thickness of your acrylic wedding invitations, consider your budget, the desired weight and impression, customisation options, and mailing costs. Opting for a thinner acrylic invitation can provide a cost-effective solution without compromising on durability or aesthetics.

Cost

The cost of acrylic wedding invitations can vary depending on the supplier, the complexity of the design, and the number of invitations ordered. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved:

Etsy:

Etsy offers a wide range of acrylic wedding invitation options, with prices starting as low as $0.20 per invitation for bulk orders. For example, an order of 50 invitations with gold foil and blush pink envelopes costs $3.75 each. More intricate designs, such as the Luxury Modern Gold Leaf Clear Acrylic invitation, can cost up to $114.00. Etsy also offers free shipping on selected items.

Amazon:

Amazon provides a variety of acrylic invitation options, including blank acrylic sheets for DIY invitations and pre-made invitations. The cost of blank acrylic sheets ranges from $7.69 for a pack of 10 to $26.99 for 50 sheets. Pre-made invitations, such as the Luxury Acrylic Glass Invitation, are priced at $8.99, excluding delivery charges.

Clarity & Co:

Clarity & Co. offers customizable acrylic invitations with two complimentary revisions. Additional changes beyond this incur a $5 fee per revision. The company provides affordable options, with prices for acrylic invitations ranging from high to low.

StylishWedd:

While specific prices are not listed, StylishWedd mentions offering acrylic wedding invitations at "a very affordable price." They also provide a 5% discount code for customers.

Staples:

Staples offers a range of clear acrylic wedding invitations with various designs, such as the "Pretty Peonies Invitation" and the "Monogram Chaplet Invitation." However, their website does not provide specific pricing information.

Additional Costs:

It is important to consider additional costs associated with acrylic invitations, such as postage. Due to their weight and non-standard shape, acrylic invitations may require extra postage. One user mentioned that the postage for acrylic invitations was "more than double" their budgeted price. Another factor to consider is the cost of enclosures, such as response cards, reception cards, or direction inserts. These can be included in acrylic or printed on paper, and the weight and size will impact the overall postage cost.

In conclusion, the cost of acrylic wedding invitations can vary widely depending on the supplier, the complexity of the design, and the number of invitations required. It is essential to factor in additional costs, such as postage and enclosures, when budgeting for acrylic wedding invitations.

Cleaning and care

Acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern alternative to traditional paper invitations. To ensure that your acrylic invitations remain in pristine condition, proper cleaning and care are essential. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you maintain the quality of your acrylic wedding invitations:

Cleaning Acrylic Invitations:

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth: Microfiber or cotton cloths are ideal for cleaning acrylic surfaces. Avoid using paper towels or scrub brushes, as they can scratch the acrylic.
• Prepare a mild cleaning solution: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Avoid using ammonia-based or window cleaning products, as they may damage the acrylic material.
• Avoid applying excessive pressure: When cleaning the invitations, be gentle and avoid using a lot of pressure, as it may cause scratches on the surface.
• Remove dust before washing: To minimize the risk of scratching, use a clean, dry cloth or a feather duster to remove dust and debris before applying any liquid cleaning solution.
• Clean with a circular motion: Dip the soft cloth into the cleaning solution, wring out the excess liquid, and gently wipe the invitation in a circular motion. Focus on areas with smudges and fingerprints.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the cloth with clean water to remove soap residue. Then, dampen the cloth with clean water and wipe the invitation again to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Finally, dry the invitation with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots or streaks.

Additional Care Tips:

• Handle with clean hands: Always handle the invitations with clean hands to minimize the need for frequent cleaning.
• Keep protective sheets on: Leave the protective sheets on the front and back of the invitations until you are ready to mail them or hand them out.
• Store in a protective case: When not in use, store the invitations in a protective case or sleeve to prevent dust accumulation and scratches.
• Avoid stacking unprotected: Do not stack unprotected acrylic sheets on top of each other, as this may lead to scratches or damage.
• Use appropriate packaging for mailing: When mailing the invitations, place each one in a protective sleeve or cover to prevent scratches or smudges during transit. Padded envelopes or rigid boxes designed for acrylic invitations are excellent choices.

Frequently asked questions