Embellishing Store-Bought Wedding Invites: Easy, Affordable, Creative Ideas

Wedding invitations set the tone for your big day, so it's no surprise that couples want them to be unique. Embellishing store-bought invitations is a great way to add a personal touch and make them stand out. From simple DIY techniques to creative add-ons, there are endless ways to elevate your wedding invitations. Whether you're a craft enthusiast or just looking for a fun project, this guide will explore various methods to transform your store-bought wedding invitations into works of art.

Mount invitations on burlap

Mounting invitations on burlap is a great way to add a rustic, elegant touch to your wedding stationery. Here are some detailed steps and ideas to help you create beautiful burlap-mounted wedding invitations:

Choosing the Right Burlap

First, you'll need to select the burlap fabric for your invitations. Consider the colour and texture of the burlap to ensure it complements your wedding theme and colour palette. The texture can vary from a smooth finish to a more textured, rustic look.

Preparing the Burlap

Before mounting your invitations, cut the burlap into rectangles that are slightly larger than your invitation cards. You can also consider adding a decorative edge to the burlap, such as a fringe or a scalloped edge, for a more crafted look.

Mounting the Invitations

There are a few ways to mount your invitations onto the burlap. One option is to use a strong adhesive, such as a spray adhesive or a glue stick, to attach the invitation to the burlap. Ensure you apply an even coat to avoid any bumps or bubbles. Another option is to use a sewing technique, where you stitch the invitation to the burlap. This adds a unique, handmade touch.

Embellishing the Burlap

To further embellish the burlap-mounted invitations, consider adding some decorative elements. You can wrap twine or ribbon around the invitation, tying it in a bow or a simple knot. Small embellishments like pearls, crystals, or dried flowers can also be glued to the burlap for a delicate, elegant finish.

Finalising the Invitations

Once the invitations are mounted and embellished, it's important to ensure they are secure and presentable. Check that all glued elements are dried and firmly attached. If you're posting the invitations, consider using envelopes made from Kraft paper or another natural-looking material to complement the burlap.

Mounting invitations on burlap is a unique way to add a personal, rustic touch to your wedding stationery. With attention to detail and a bit of creativity, you can design elegant and memorable invitations for your special day.

Add lace envelope liners

Adding lace envelope liners to your store-bought wedding invitations is a great way to elevate your stationery and add a personal touch. Here are some tips and steps to help you create elegant and customised lace envelope liners:

Choosing the Right Lace

When selecting lace for your envelope liners, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. For a rustic or vintage-inspired wedding, opt for ivory or cream-coloured lace with a delicate pattern. If you're having a more formal or glamorous celebration, you might choose bolder lace with intricate details or even a touch of sparkle. Play around with different types of lace to find the perfect match for your invitations.

Sourcing Materials

You can find lace at most craft stores, or you could even recycle lace from old fabric items or clothing. Look for lace that is thin enough to fit inside the envelope comfortably but sturdy enough to hold up during the cutting and gluing process. As for the envelopes, it's recommended to purchase envelopes and liners from the same vendor to ensure they line up perfectly. Euro Flap Style envelopes in various colours are a popular choice and can be found at Paper Source.

Creating the Template

Creating a template will ensure that all your envelope liners are uniform in size. Start by tracing your envelope onto a piece of heavyweight cardstock or chipboard. Cut out this template, then trim 3/4 inch from the bottom and 1/8 inch from each side. This will allow the lace liners to slide in easily. You now have a custom template to create uniformly sized liners.

Cutting the Lace

Using your template, carefully trace the shape of the liner onto the back of your chosen lace fabric. Cut out each liner individually, ensuring precise edges. This process can be time-consuming, so take your time and consider recruiting some helpers to speed things up.

Assembling the Liners

Now it's time to attach the lace liners to your envelopes. Apply a line of tape near the edges of the envelope's flap, then carefully slide the lace liner inside, holding the top so that the tape doesn't attach prematurely. Centre the liner, just touching or slightly under the envelope's glue line, and press down to secure it in place. Finally, fold the envelope along its fold line, and you're done!

Final Thoughts

Adding lace envelope liners is a detailed process but well worth the effort to create elegant and one-of-a-kind wedding invitations. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different types of lace and envelope combinations to achieve your desired look. Happy crafting!

Use pearl, silver, or crystal brads

Adding pearl, silver, or crystal brads is a great way to embellish your wedding invitations and make them stand out. Brads are small, decorative fasteners that can be used to add a touch of elegance and sparkle to your invitations. They can also be used to secure multiple cards together, keeping your invitation neat and tidy.

When choosing pearl, silver, or crystal brads, consider the overall colour scheme and style of your wedding invitations. You may want to match the brads to other embellishments you are using, such as pearl stickers or ribbons. If you're using a neutral colour palette for your invitations, pearl or crystal brads can add a subtle touch of glamour. Silver brads, on the other hand, can be a great choice for a more modern or glamorous invitation suite.

To attach the brads, simply pierce a small hole in the desired location on your invitation. You can use a standard hole punch or a craft knife to create the hole. Then, carefully insert the brad through the hole, opening the prongs on the back to secure it in place.

If you want to get creative, you can use the brads to attach additional embellishments to your invitations. For example, you could use a brad to secure a small bundle of dried flowers or a sprig of greenery to your invitation, adding a natural, rustic touch. Alternatively, you could use the brads to attach a tag with additional information or a small envelope containing extra details about the wedding.

Using pearl, silver, or crystal brads is a simple yet effective way to embellish your store-bought wedding invitations. With just a few small additions, you can transform your invitations and create a unique and personalised suite that reflects your wedding style.

Tie twine or ribbon around invites

Tying twine or ribbon around your wedding invites is a great way to embellish store-bought wedding invitations and give them a rustic feel. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this look:

Step 1: Cut the Twine or Ribbon

First, you'll need to cut your twine or ribbon into pieces. For twine, cut it into 2-foot (0.61-metre) pieces. For ribbon, cut 33-inch (84-cm) pieces. Make sure you have enough pieces for all your invitations, and consider allowing for a little extra in case of mistakes. If you're using ribbon, opt for satin or silk without any wire on the inside, and choose a colour that complements your invitations and wedding theme.

Step 2: Stack Your Invitations

Now, you'll need to stack the different pieces of your invitation. Place the largest piece, usually the invitation itself, at the bottom, and then add the other inserts on top in descending order of size, with the smallest piece on top. Make sure all the pieces are facing the right way up and are neatly aligned.

Step 3: Position the Twine or Ribbon

Lay one piece of twine or ribbon on a flat surface, and then place your invitation bundle in the centre, positioning it so that there's roughly the same amount of twine or ribbon on each side. If your invitation has pre-cut ribbon slits at the back, you can thread the ribbon through these instead.

Step 4: Tie a Bow

Take the ends of the twine or ribbon and tie them together in a neat bow with large loops. Ensure the centre knot is tight so that the invitation stays securely bundled. Adjust the position of the bow if necessary, so that it sits directly in the centre.

Step 5: Trim the Ends (Ribbon Only)

If you're using ribbon, take a pair of sharp scissors and cut the ends of the ribbon at an angle to create a neat, symmetrical finish.

And that's it! Your embellished wedding invitations are now ready to be placed in their envelopes and sent out to your guests.

Spray with glitter spray paint

Spraying your wedding invitations with glitter spray paint is a simple way to add a little sparkle and make them stand out. This technique is perfect if you're short on time, as it's quick and easy to do, and it won't ruin your invitations.

First, choose a glitter spray paint that complements the design of your invitations. For example, if your invitations already have a glittered look, a glitter spray paint will enhance this feature. Krylon Glitter Spray Paint in Gold is a good option and can be found at Michaels.

Next, prepare your work area. It's important to do this in a well-ventilated space. Place your invitations on a flat surface, ensuring there is enough room to spray each card individually without smudging or smearing the paint. Cover your work area with newspaper or a drop cloth to protect it from any excess spray.

Now, you're ready to start spraying! Hold the can of glitter spray paint about 6-12 inches away from the invitation. Spray using light, even strokes, ensuring you cover the entire surface of the card. Take care not to overspray in one area, as this may cause dripping or an uneven finish.

Let the invitations dry completely before handling them. The drying time may vary depending on the type of spray paint used, but a good rule of thumb is to allow at least 15-20 minutes.

And that's it! You've successfully added a touch of sparkle to your wedding invitations. This technique is an easy and affordable way to embellish store-bought wedding invitations, giving them a unique and personalized feel.

Frequently asked questions