George Boyle
Wedding invitations are the first formal interaction with your guests about your wedding day, so making them stand out is important. There are many ways to dress up DIY wedding invitations without breaking the bank. Couples can choose from a variety of customisable templates on Canva, Etsy, and Papier, which can be edited and personalised with photographs, text, and images. These can then be printed at home or with a printing shop. To add a luxurious feel, couples can choose high-quality, thick, or handmade paper, and add special touches like ribbon, wax seals, glitter, and laser-cut designs. For a unique touch, invitations can be shaped like a state or have rounded edges, and come in a box with chocolates, fresh greenery, or seashells.
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What You'll Learn
Using online templates
Canva, for example, has a wide range of templates with various designs, including minimalist, rustic, and modern options. You can personalise your invitations by adding your own images, fonts, and colours. Greetings Island is another excellent option, offering free and premium wedding invitation templates with custom options for fonts, colours, stickers, and photos. They also provide a design guide to help you create invitations that suit your taste and style.
In addition to the design, there are a few key pieces of information that you should include on your wedding invitations. Essential details such as the names of the couple, the wedding date, time, and location are crucial. It is also helpful to include information about the reception, dress code, parking instructions, and your wedding website URL.
Once you've designed your invitations, you can choose to print them yourself or use a professional printing service offered by some websites. You can also share your invitations via email or social media platforms, ensuring that all your guests receive the information they need.
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Choosing paper type
The paper type you choose for your DIY wedding invitations will depend on your budget, the style of your wedding, and the printing method.
If you are planning to print your invitations at home, you will need to check the maximum weight of paper that your printer can handle by reviewing its instructions and doing a test print. Desktop printers are often limited in the paper thickness, or weight, they can accommodate. If you are printing invitations with illustrations, you may want to opt for linen cardstock over cotton cardstock, as illustrations tend to pop more on the former.
If you are looking for a paper type that is compatible with specialty printing methods like letterpress or foil stamping, you should opt for a heavier cardstock paper. Linen and cotton styles are also popular choices for wedding invitations. If you are going for an earthy, organic, and textural wedding style, you can choose a paper that complements this style. For instance, kraft, or recycled cardstock, has a rustic look and a textured, fibrous feel that is perfect for vintage or outdoorsy weddings.
If you want to add a luxurious feel to your invitations, choosing high-quality, thick, or handmade paper is a good option. Thicker paper is also perceived as more formal. The paper weight is one of the most important factors when it comes to your wedding invitation's formality. If you want to include pockets or envelopes with your invitations, you will need to choose a heavier paper type that can support these additions.
Finally, if you are concerned about sustainability, you can opt for recycled or sustainably sourced papers.
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Adding embellishments
One idea is to use vellum, a semi-transparent paper that can be printed on, as an overlay on top of your invitation. This can be paired with a shimmery gold pocket envelope for a more sophisticated look. You can also use rustic paper, such as recycled brown paper, to give your invitations a natural, outdoor feel. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider using coloured scrapbook paper that matches your wedding colours.
For a more natural, rustic look, you can add twine and eucalyptus to your invitations. This is perfect for outdoor or rustic-themed weddings. Another idea is to use lace, which can be glued or sewn onto the invitation for a delicate, romantic touch.
If you want to add some sparkle to your invitations, consider gluing crystals onto them, as shown in the example from Hitch Design Studio. You can also use a crystal brad to keep all the cards in the invitation suite connected. A ribbon tied around the invitation is another elegant way to embellish, with the RSVP card tucked inside.
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Printing and postage
When it comes to printing and postage for DIY wedding invitations, there are several options to consider. Firstly, decide on the paper type and thickness. Thick cardstock is recommended for a more upscale feel and to ensure durability. Vistaprint offers ultra-thick paper that is cost-effective and can be ordered as a free sample to test. Etsy also offers a variety of paper options and provides a free sample kit with all their choices.
Next, consider the printing method. You can print at home, but this may be challenging if you want a coloured font on a dark background. Local printing companies, such as Staples, offer various paper types and finishes, and can provide cutting services for a small fee. Online services like Vistaprint, Canva, and basic invite dot com are also popular choices, with some users praising their quality and affordability.
Finally, for postage, calculate the number of invitations and the weight of each, as these will impact the total cost. Postage prices can vary, especially if sending invitations internationally, so be sure to research the appropriate rates. To save money, consider using postcards, which often require less postage than letters.
Overall, the printing and postage process for DIY wedding invitations requires careful consideration of paper type, printing method, and postage rates to ensure a cost-effective and timely outcome.
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Matching envelopes
There are two main styles of envelopes for wedding invitations: single envelopes and double envelopes. Single envelopes consist of one invitation envelope and one response card envelope, with the names of the invited guests and mailing address on the front, and the return address on the envelope flap. Double envelopes, on the other hand, are more formal and traditional. They include an inner and outer envelope, with the outer envelope used for mailing and addressed to the household. The inner envelope holds the invitation suite and lists the names of each guest, providing an additional layer of protection and keeping the outer envelope clean.
To create matching envelopes, you can consider using envelope liners, which add elegance, colour, or a fun custom touch to your invitations. You can purchase pre-cut envelope liners in various colours, patterns, and textures, or create your own custom liners to match your invitations. If you decide to make your own, it is recommended to purchase envelopes and liners from the same vendor to ensure they fit together perfectly. You can trace the shape of the envelope liner onto the back of your liner paper and then trim each one by hand, or you can create a digital design and upload it for printing.
When assembling your envelopes, it is important to take your time to avoid misaligned elements and improperly sealed envelopes. It is suggested to assemble a sample invitation suite first to use as a template for the rest of your invitations. This will ensure consistency and reduce waste. Remember to always order 10-15% more envelopes than your guest count to account for any mistakes or last-minute additions.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to dress up DIY wedding invitations, such as:
- Using high-quality, thick, or handmade paper
- Adding speciality printing like metal foiling, embossing, or letterpress
- Including pockets, which add a level of sophistication
- Using envelopes with a pop of colour or printed designs
- Adding a ribbon that matches the colour of the invitation
DIY invitation ideas include:
- Using a free template from Canva and printing the invitations yourself
- Buying envelopes and paper from Amazon and Etsy
- Adding a custom wax seal with your initials
- Handwriting the addresses with calligraphy
- Including a QR code or a photo of the couple
To make DIY wedding invitations look more luxurious, consider:
- Using glitter paper or glittery laser-cut wraps, belly bands, and card edges
- Mounting the invitation on a larger piece of coloured paper to create a border
- Adding tags, buckles, keys, little flowers, or other detailed embellishments
- Using speciality printing like metal foiling, embossing, or letterpress
- Including pockets, which add a level of sophistication
Some unique DIY wedding invitation ideas include:
- Using a shaped invitation, such as a circle or a scalloped edge
- Sending the invitation in a box instead of an envelope, with unique details like chocolates or fresh greenery
- Adding a pop of colour to the envelope or invitation edge
- Using a wrap to create a "big reveal" as guests open the invitation
- Including a silk ribbon or wax seal
Some tips for making DIY wedding invitations include:
- Using a template from Canva or Etsy to design the invitation
- Printing the invitations yourself or using a printing service like Kinkos
- Choosing thick paper (around 100-130lb) to prevent paper jams
- Using a paper guillotine cutter to ensure straight lines
- Including a QR code or extra information on the back of the invitation to keep it simple
