Designing Your Digital Wedding Invitation Card

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but digital wedding invitation cards can make the process a little easier. There are many online tools that allow couples to design their own invitations, choosing from a range of templates, colour schemes, fonts, and customisable images. These invitations can then be shared via email or social media, saving time and money, as well as reducing your carbon footprint. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, these digital designs can also be printed and sent by mail.

Choose a platform to design your card

There are many platforms available to design your digital wedding invitation card. Here are some options to consider:

Greetings Island

Greetings Island offers elegant wedding invitation templates with custom styles, allowing you to design your own invitation from scratch. You can choose from various custom options for fonts, colours, stickers, and photos. They offer free, online invitation templates for DIY enthusiasts, which can be downloaded, emailed, or shared online via social media or messaging apps. You can also add a QR code to the invitation for easy RSVP responses. Additionally, they provide high-quality printing services for those who prefer traditional mailed invitations.

Paperless Post

Paperless Post allows you to craft custom wedding invitations that complement your wedding, whether it's formal, classic, casual, or unique. You can enhance your invitation design with your preferred colours, fonts, and photos. They offer customisable templates from renowned designers, such as Monique Lhuillier, kate spade new york, and Oscar de la Renta. You can add a backdrop, choose an envelope and liner, and change the colour palette to match your wedding theme. Paperless Post also enables you to include useful blocks, such as Travel or Accommodations Block, Schedule Block, and Wedding Party Block, providing your guests with all the necessary details.

Zola Wedding Invitations

Zola is a one-stop wedding shop with an extensive collection of invitation designs, ranging from classic and formal to fun and whimsical. They offer unique designs for elopements and vow renewals, and you can personalise your invitation with a photo. Zola provides five free samples, free envelopes and addressing, and digital RSVP management through their wedding website feature.

Artifact Uprising Wedding Invitations

Artifact Uprising offers a sample kit with various designs, themes, and paper types. They provide almost 20 different invite designs, and you can choose from digital, foil-stamped, or custom-engraved printing styles. The paper used is thick, archival, and Forest Stewardship Council-certified, ensuring eco-consciousness.

Zazzle Wedding Invitations

Zazzle is a digital design site that offers a wide range of wedding invitation options, including digital invitations for a paperless approach. They provide various themes, such as "modern," "destination," or "rustic and backyard," and a "budget" category for cost-conscious couples. You can also find unique add-ons like beautifully designed envelopes and return labels.

Shutterfly The Wedding Shop

Shutterfly offers beautiful, photo-featured designs and a range of other styles. They provide various invitation formats, including flat, gate-fold, trifold, and even magnets. You can also upload your custom design. Shutterfly frequently offers promotions and discount codes, making it a cost-effective option.

These platforms provide a variety of tools, templates, and customisation options to help you create stunning digital wedding invitation cards. Choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences to design invitations that truly reflect your wedding's style and theme.

Select a theme and colour scheme

Selecting a theme and colour scheme for your digital wedding invitation card is a crucial step in setting the tone and style for your big day. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect combination:

Consider the Season and Surroundings:

Think about the season and location of your wedding. This can inspire your colour choices and create a cohesive look. For example, a summer garden party theme might feature pastel pinks or vibrant salmon hues, while a winter wedding could incorporate cool purple or icy blue shades. Nature-inspired weddings can draw from the colours of the surrounding foliage, flowers, and sky.

Choose a Colourful or Neutral Base:

Decide on one or two main colours that will serve as the foundation of your invitation card. These colours can be bold and bright, such as yellow, orange, or pink, or more subdued neutrals like taupe, brown, or grey. These base colours will be the most prominent in your design.

Add Complementary Accents:

Select one or two secondary colours that complement your main hues. These could be analogous colours (next to each other on the colour wheel) for a soothing effect or complementary colours (opposite on the colour wheel) for a playful contrast. Don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional combinations!

Incorporate Metallics:

Metallic accents like gold, silver, or rose gold can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your invitation. These colours pair well with a variety of base colours and can be used sparingly to create a luxurious feel.

Match Your Wedding Theme:

If you have a specific wedding theme, such as rustic, vintage, or modern, choose colours that reflect that theme. For example, a rustic wedding might feature earthy tones like browns and creams, while a modern wedding could showcase sleek black and white designs.

Incorporate Your Personality:

Ultimately, your wedding invitation should reflect your personality and style as a couple. If you have a favourite colour or a shade that holds special meaning for you, don't be afraid to make it a part of your invitation. It's your day, so let your colours shine!

• Dusty rose and glittering gold: A romantic and soft combination, perfect for an elegant affair.
• Navy blue and gold: A modern and elegant combination, especially fitting for a minimalist wedding.
• Sage and French blue: A romantic and classic combination with a hint of bold contrast.
• Coral and pastel blue: A beautiful blend where the metallic bronze text stands out.
• Black, white, and silver: A classic combination, with the option to add a personal touch with a photo of the couple.

Add text, including key details and a personal message

When creating a digital wedding invitation card, it's essential to include key details and a personal message to ensure your guests have all the information they need for your big day. Here are some tips to help you add text and create a heartfelt invitation:

Key Details to Include:

• Full names of the couple: Traditionally, the bride's name appears first, followed by the groom's name. However, for same-sex couples or those choosing to forgo tradition, the order can be determined by what visually fits best with your card design.
• Date, time, and location: Ensure you provide the date, time, and venue address for both the ceremony and reception. If your wedding festivities will take place at multiple locations, clearly list each address and indicate if transportation will be provided for guests.
• RSVP information: Include instructions on how to RSVP, such as a phone number, email address, or a link to your wedding website. Additionally, mention the deadline date for RSVPs to help you stay organised and allow enough time for finalising details with your vendors.
• Additional logistics: Consider adding other relevant details, such as guidance on dress code, information on your gift registry, and whether children are invited or if the event is adults-only.

Adding a Personal Message:

A wedding invitation is an opportunity to showcase your personality and set the tone for your wedding. Here are some ways to add a personal touch:

• Customise your text: Choose a font that reflects your wedding theme and your style as a couple. Whether it's a classic serif font, a modern sans-serif, or something more whimsical, the right font can enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitation.
• Incorporate a heartfelt message: Write a warm and welcoming note to your guests, expressing your excitement to celebrate this special occasion with them. You can also include a favourite quote or a meaningful line from a poem or song to make it extra special.
• Share your story: If you're using a digital platform or website, consider adding a "esordio" or "About Us" section to share your love story with your guests. This can include how you met, a description of the proposal, or even fun facts about each other.
• Upload your photos: Include engagement photos or other favourite snapshots of the two of you. This adds a visual element that makes your invitation more engaging and personal.

Include images or illustrations

When creating a digital wedding invitation card, you can include images or illustrations to add a personal touch to your design. Here are some tips and ideas to consider:

Types of Images or Illustrations

• Engagement Photos: You can upload your engagement photos to add a personal touch to your invitation. Consider using a close-up image of the happy couple or a photo that showcases your engagement rings.
• Monograms or Initials: Using a monogram or your initials can be a stylish way to represent your union. This could be a simple design element or the focal point of your invitation.
• Floral Designs: Floral illustrations or patterns are a popular choice for wedding invitations. You can choose elegant watercolour pastels or bright and cheery blossoms to match your wedding theme.
• Rustic Themes: If you're planning a rustic or outdoor wedding, consider using illustrations of leaves, vines, or other natural elements. You can also incorporate recycled paper or brown paper as your background for a rustic feel.
• Destination-inspired Illustrations: For a destination wedding, transport your guests to your venue with illustrations of the local scenery, landmarks, or tropical backgrounds.
• Simple and Minimalist Designs: If you prefer a modern or minimalist aesthetic, opt for simple illustrations or geometric shapes. A monochromatic photo of the couple or a bold colour block can also make a statement.

Customisation Options

When using online tools or templates to create your digital invitation, you'll have various customisation options for your images:

• Backgrounds: Choose a background that complements your image or illustration. This could be a solid colour, a textured effect, or a subtle pattern.
• Colour Palette: Coordinate your image colours with your wedding theme. You can adjust the colour saturation, apply filters, or convert images to black and white for a classic look.
• Text Overlay: Add text on top of your images or illustrations to incorporate important details, such as the date, time, and venue information. Play around with different fonts and text sizes to create a balanced design.
• Frames and Borders: Use frames or borders to highlight your images or create a polished look. This can also help to separate different sections of your invitation.

Share your invitation via email or social media

Once you've created your digital wedding invitation, it's time to send it out to your guests! Here are some tips on how to share your invitation via email or social media:

Email

To send your invitation via email, simply attach the file to your email message. You can either send it as an image file (such as a JPEG or PNG) or as a PDF. If you're using an online invitation service, they may provide you with a direct link to your invitation that you can include in your email. Be sure to include a clear subject line, such as "Join us on our special day!" and a personal message in the body of the email. You can also use email tracking tools to see when your guests have opened your invitation and whether they've RSVP'd.

Social Media

Sharing your wedding invitation on social media is a great way to reach your guests and create a buzz around your upcoming nuptials. You can post your invitation directly to your social media profiles, such as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Use relevant hashtags to make it easy for your guests to find and follow your wedding journey. You can also create a private group or event page specifically for your wedding guests, where you can post updates, share your invitation, and allow guests to RSVP directly. This is a great way to keep all your wedding-related information in one place and create a sense of community among your guests.

Online Tools

There are also online tools and platforms specifically designed for sharing wedding invitations and managing guest lists. These platforms often offer customizable templates, RSVP tracking, and the ability to share your invitation via email or social media with just a few clicks. Some even provide mobile apps, making it easy for your guests to access all the information they need about your wedding on their smartphones.

QR Codes

Another option for sharing your digital wedding invitation is to create a QR code that guests can scan with their smartphones. This will take them directly to your wedding invitation or a dedicated website or page with all the details they need. You can include this QR code on any physical save-the-date cards or other wedding stationery you send out, as well as on your wedding website or social media profiles.

Remember to include all the essential information on your digital invitation, such as the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and any other relevant details, such as the dress code or accommodation options for guests. By sharing your invitation via email or social media, you can easily reach your guests and get them excited about your big day!

Frequently asked questions