Framing A Wedding Invitation: The Perfect Gift Idea

Wedding invitations are often carefully designed and can be a beautiful memento of a couple's happiest day. There are many ways to preserve and display your wedding invitation, but one of the most popular and straightforward options is to frame it. This can be done by the couple themselves or by a professional framer, and the finished piece can be a wonderful addition to the couple's home decor or a thoughtful gift for family members.

Choosing a frame style

When it comes to choosing a frame style for your wedding invitation, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want a simple frame or a more decorative one. Simple frames tend to be more versatile and can easily match the existing decor in your home. On the other hand, decorative frames can add a touch of elegance or glamour to your invitation and can become a statement piece in your home.

If you're leaning towards a simple frame, consider a minimalist design with little to no edging. This can help keep the focus on the invitation itself. Look for frames with a thin pencil line trim or a sleek, gold-accented acrylic design if you want something understated yet elegant. If you're after a more rustic or casual look, a shadow box frame with a streamlined design and a textured burlap background could be a good option.

For those who want something more decorative, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you're looking for a timeless and elegant design, consider a frame with beaded trim or gold "applique" of florals on each corner. These designs can add a touch of glamour to your invitation and are perfect for more formal or traditional weddings. If you want something more modern, you could opt for a frame with a unique shape, such as a brass gem-shaped frame or an ornate brass frame.

Another thing to consider is whether you want a single or double invitation frame. Single invitation frames are great if you just want to display the invitation itself, while double invitation frames allow you to display both the front and back of the invitation or include a photo alongside the invitation. This can be a great way to showcase additional details or special memories from your wedding.

Lastly, don't forget to choose a frame size that is larger than or exactly the same size as your invitation to ensure it fits perfectly and doesn't get bent or damaged.

Adding personal touches

Choose a Themed Frame

Select a frame that complements the wedding invitation's style and colour scheme. For instance, if the invitation has a rustic theme, opt for a frame with a burlap background or a distressed finish. If the invitation is elegant and sophisticated, consider a sleek, gold-accented frame or one adorned with floral appliques.

Include Additional Mementos

Enhance the framed invitation by incorporating other special items. You could include pressed petals from the wedding bouquet, adding a romantic touch. If you have access to the wedding dress, include a small swatch of the fabric, making it even more personal.

Customise with Engravings

Engravings can add a unique and elegant touch to the frame. Consider engraving the couple's names, the wedding date, or a meaningful quote or lyric. You could also include a heartfelt message, expressing your happiness and best wishes for the couple.

DIY Shadow Box

If you're feeling creative, design a shadow box frame to display the invitation. This allows you to include multiple items, such as the invitation, photos, menu cards, and other wedding memorabilia. You can even add dried greenery or flowers for a whimsical touch.

Embellish with Ribbons or Fabrics

Ribbons and fabrics can add a delicate and decorative element to your framed invitation. Consider using a soft, flowing ribbon in a colour that complements the invitation's design. You could also incorporate lace or fabric with a meaningful pattern or texture.

Add a Personalised Mat

Include a personalised mat or backing board inside the frame. Choose a colour that enhances the invitation's design, or opt for a neutral shade like white or cream. You could also add a thin border in a contrasting colour to make the invitation stand out.

Remember, when adding personal touches, it's essential to keep the couple's style and preferences in mind. Strive to create a gift that reflects their unique personalities and celebrates their special day.

Framing the invitation

Framing a wedding invitation is a great way to preserve memories of the special day and can be a wonderful gift for a newlywed couple or a present for your partner on a wedding anniversary. There are several ways to frame an invitation, and you can choose to do it yourself or have it done by a professional.

If you're taking the DIY approach, you'll need to select a frame that complements the invitation's style and size. The frame can be minimalist with little to no edging, or you can opt for a bolder design with gold or silver accents. Consider using a double invitation frame, which allows you to display both the front and back of the invitation. You can also include additional mementos, such as pressed flowers from the wedding bouquet or a special letter.

When framing the invitation, start by removing the back of the frame and giving it a thorough cleaning. Ensure there is no dust or hair on the invitation itself. Place the invitation upside down on the glass and then put the cardboard backing on top of it. Finally, secure the back of the frame by snapping, screwing, or turning buttons, depending on its design.

If you prefer a professional's touch, you can register for a double invitation frame or engage a professional framing service. Some services even offer to include a petal from the wedding bouquet within the frame for a unique touch.

Framing a wedding invitation is a simple yet meaningful way to cherish and display memories of the big day. It can be a heartfelt gift or a special addition to your home décor, reminding you of the happiest day of your life.

Hanging the frame

Hanging your framed wedding invitation is a great way to display it as a keepsake and a piece of home decor. Here are some tips and ideas for hanging your frame:

Selecting a Frame

When choosing a frame, consider the style and colour that will complement your wedding invitation and home decor. You can opt for a minimalist frame with little to no edging, or go for a more decorative option, such as a shadow box or a frame with gold accents. If you want to display multiple items, such as your invitation, photos, and other mementos, consider a collage frame or a frame with multiple openings.

Preparing the Frame

Before hanging your frame, ensure that it is clean and free of any debris. Remove the back of the frame and place the invitation inside, upside down, on the glass. Use double-sided tape or folded-over washi tape to secure the invitation in place. Then, place the cardboard backing on top of the invitation and close the frame securely.

Choosing a Location

Decide on the location for your framed invitation before you start hanging. Consider a narrow spot on a wall, next to a mirror, or create a gallery wall by arranging multiple frames with other wedding mementos, letters, vows, or photos. Lay out the frames on the floor or a table to plan your arrangement before hanging them on the wall.

Start by hanging the centrepiece frame first, especially if you are creating a gallery wall. Line up the remaining frames with the centre frame, marking the spots on the wall. Then, hammer in nails and hang the remaining frames to complete your display.

Additional Tips

• If you want to include pressed flowers or eucalyptus leaves in your frame, ensure they are completely dry before placing them in the frame.
• Consider adding a layer of non-acidic, archival paper between the invitation and the cardboard backing to prevent discolouration over time.
• If you are giving the framed invitation as a gift, you can include a special note or message in the frame to surprise the recipient.

Gift-giving tips

Framing a wedding invitation is a thoughtful and sentimental gift for a couple on their wedding day or first anniversary. It is a way to bottle the memory of their big day and doubles as home decor.

• Choose a frame that suits the invitation and the couple's style: Consider the design and colour of the invitation when selecting a frame. If the invitation has a rustic, casual, or modern feel, choose a frame that complements it. You can opt for a sleek, gold-accented frame for an invitation with gilded gold leafing or a rustic shadow box for a casual, rustic invitation.
• Consider the size of the frame: Ensure the frame is either larger than the invitation or the same size. This will ensure the invitation fits perfectly without any adjustments.
• Add a personal touch: Include something special with the framed invitation, such as a pressed flower from the wedding bouquet, a meaningful letter, or a photo of the couple. You can also add their wedding vows or a special message engraved on the frame.
• Use the right adhesive: When securing the invitation in the frame, use double-sided tape or folded-over washi tape. Washi tape is gentler on paper and can be easily removed. Choose a light-coloured tape so it doesn't show through.
• Ensure a clean display: Before framing, clean the glass and brush off any lint or hair from the invitation. This will ensure a clear and flawless display.
• Think about the arrangement: If you plan to give multiple framed invitations or create a gallery wall, arrange the frames before hanging them. Lay them out on the floor or a table to decide on the best configuration.
• Consider additional keepsakes: You can pair the framed invitation with other wedding keepsakes, such as a decoupaged plate, a glass wedding invitation box, or a Christmas ornament made from the invitation. These additional items can enhance the gift and provide more ways to preserve memories.

Framing a wedding invitation is a heartfelt way to commemorate the couple's special day. By following these tips, you can create a meaningful and aesthetically pleasing gift that the couple will cherish for years to come.

Frequently asked questions