Creating Clear Acrylic Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Clear acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern alternative to traditional paper invitations. Acrylic is a transparent plastic material that is stiff, clear, and lightweight. It can be dressed up for a luxurious design or dressed down for a minimalist look, making it adaptable to any wedding aesthetic. Creating DIY acrylic invitations is not difficult, and various tools and materials can be used to engrave or print on the acrylic. Acrylic invitations can be customised with different colours, fonts, and designs, and they can also be paired with other materials such as pressed flowers, ribbons, or wax seals. When mailing acrylic invitations, it is important to package them carefully to avoid breakage and choose the appropriate envelopes and postage.

Choosing a design: Opt for a simple colour or a custom blend to make it seem like marble or quartz

When it comes to choosing a design for your acrylic wedding invitations, you can opt for a simple colour or a custom blend to make it seem like marble or quartz. Acrylic invitations are a unique and modern alternative to traditional paper invitations, offering a sleek, minimalist look that complements many wedding themes and styles.

If you want to keep things simple, opt for a clear acrylic invitation. This transparent material allows your message to stand out and exist within any space you choose to place the invites. It also provides a picture-perfect backdrop, as it can go anywhere. Clear acrylic gives the appearance of glass while being lighter and more durable.

However, if you want to add a unique twist, consider a custom blend to make your invitations resemble marble or quartz. Marble is a popular trend in wedding stationery, instantly adding a touch of luxury to your invites. You can create a marble effect using programs like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, or you can explore options like Staples, which offers customisable invitations.

Another option is to layer multiple pieces of acrylic with other materials to create framed or layered effects. For example, you can sandwich two pieces of acrylic with pressed dried florals, moss, or a hand-painted design in between. This adds a one-of-a-kind touch to your invitations.

Remember, when choosing a design, consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and discuss your goals with the designer to ensure you're getting the best fit.

Packaging: Use bubble mailers or padded envelopes to ensure your invitations arrive intact

When it comes to sending out your acrylic wedding invitations, you'll want to make sure they arrive in pristine condition. Bubble mailers and padded envelopes are both excellent choices to ensure your invitations are protected during transit. Here's a detailed guide on how to use these packaging options:

Bubble Mailers:

Bubble mailers are made of a shipping envelope that contains bubble wrap inside. The bubble wrap provides air-cushioned protection for your invitations, safeguarding them from scratches or damage. The exterior of the mailer is usually made of durable Kraft paper, which is strong, tear-resistant, and elastic. This combination of bubble wrap and sturdy paper makes bubble mailers ideal for shipping flat, solid items that require extra padding, such as invitations.

When using bubble mailers, make sure the invitations are snugly fitted inside and won't shift during transportation. You can also add extra protection by including cardboard panels or additional bubble wrap around the invitations before placing them in the mailer. Take one of the assembled invitations to the post office to have it weighed, and they can advise you on the exact postage required.

Padded Envelopes:

Padded envelopes are another great option for sending your acrylic wedding invitations. They provide extra cushioning and support during mailing. The exterior is often made of heavy paper or paperboard, while the padding inside can be bubble wrap, newsprint, or other filler materials. Padded envelopes are perfect for invitations as they provide a flat, protected space.

When using padded envelopes, ensure that the invitations fit comfortably and don't slide around inside. You can use tissue paper or cardboard to fill any extra space within the envelope, providing additional protection. Similar to bubble mailers, take one of the assembled invitations to the post office to determine the correct postage.

Additional Tips:

• Always handle the invitations with clean hands to minimize the need for frequent cleaning.
• Consider adding a “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” label on the packaging to alert postal workers to handle the package with extra care.
• Consult with the postal service about any special treatment, insurance, and tracking options for added security during shipping.

Cost: Budget $50 as a minimum for acrylic invitations per piece

Clear acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern alternative to traditional paper invitations. The transparent or translucent acrylic material offers the appearance of glass, while being lighter and more durable. Creating DIY acrylic invitations is a popular choice for many couples as it allows for customisation and creativity.

When budgeting for acrylic invitations, it is important to keep in mind that the cost per piece can start at around $50 and go up depending on various factors. This minimum budget ensures that you receive a quality product and covers the cost of materials and labour. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when planning your acrylic invitations:

Thickness of Acrylic: The thickness of the acrylic will impact the overall cost. Basic acrylic invitations typically range from 0.5 mm to 1 mm in thickness, while more premium options can be up to 2 mm thick. The thicker the acrylic, the higher the cost per piece.

Size and Weight: The size and weight of the invitations will affect postage costs. It is recommended to use thicker envelopes or box mailers to ensure the safe delivery of your acrylic invitations. These thicker envelopes or boxes will add to the overall weight, potentially increasing postage costs.

Embellishments: Adding embellishments such as wax seals, ribbons, or fabric accents can enhance the invitation's aesthetic appeal but will also increase the cost. If you plan to include additional inserts, RSVP cards, or enclosures, budget accordingly as these will also impact the final price.

Printing and Customisation: Custom printing, laser cutting, or other personalisation options will add to the cost per piece. If you require custom shapes, gold foil printing, or other specialised printing techniques, the price per invitation is likely to increase.

Quantity: Ordering a larger quantity of invitations can sometimes result in discounted pricing per piece. If you have a large guest list, consider negotiating a bulk order discount with your chosen supplier.

Shipping and Handling: Acrylic invitations may require special handling during shipping due to their fragile nature. This can include additional packaging, insurance, and tracking services, all of which will add to the overall cost.

It is important to note that the prices of acrylic invitations can vary depending on the supplier and your specific requirements. Always request quotes from multiple suppliers and compare the options available to stay within your budget.

Envelopes: Choose a heavier-weight envelope stock between 80-100 lb to protect the acrylic

When it comes to sending out your acrylic wedding invitations, it's important to choose the right envelope to ensure they arrive safely and in one piece. Acrylic is a fragile material that can easily break or shatter during the mailing process, so selecting a sturdy envelope is crucial.

The weight of the envelope stock plays a vital role in protecting your acrylic invitations. Opt for a heavier-weight envelope stock between 80-100 lb. This extra thickness will provide a stronger barrier against potential damage during transit. It will also ensure that your invitations don't bend or get crushed under the weight of other mail items.

You can find envelopes in this weight range from companies that specialise in bulk envelopes for weddings, such as envelopes.com. These companies typically carry a variety of envelope sizes and colours, allowing you to choose an option that complements your acrylic invitation design.

To further protect your acrylic invitations, consider using padded envelopes or bubble mailers. While this option may deviate from the traditional wedding invitation packaging, it significantly reduces the risk of breakage. If you prefer a more standard presentation, special boxes designed for mailing invitations are also available.

Remember, the choice of envelope not only ensures the safe arrival of your invitations but also contributes to the overall aesthetic of your wedding stationery. So, take into account the colour, size, and style of the envelope to create a cohesive and elegant look for your wedding invitations.

Customisation: Acrylic invitations can be customised with pressed flowers, gold foil, belly bands, wax seals and more

Clear acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern alternative to traditional paper invitations. The transparent or translucent material gives them a minimalist aesthetic that complements many wedding styles. Acrylic invitations can be customised in numerous ways to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Pressed flowers are a beautiful way to embellish clear acrylic invitations. Real flowers can be pressed and dried to create a natural, romantic look. This technique works particularly well with floral-themed weddings.

Gold foil is another eye-catching customisation option. Gold foil vellum wraps, for example, can add a luxurious and elegant touch to the invitations. Gold foil can also be used to line the edges of the acrylic invitations for a sleek and sophisticated finish.

Belly bands are a stylish addition to any wedding invitation. They can be made from vellum, fabric, or paper and are used to wrap around the invitation, holding together the different elements of the suite. Belly bands can be customised with foil printing, wax seals, or ribbons for a truly unique look.

Wax seals are an easy way to add a regal and elegant finishing touch to acrylic invitations. They can be used to seal envelopes or to secure belly bands in place. Custom wax seals with the couple's initials or wedding monogram can be ordered online.

Frequently asked questions