Designing Your Own Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

DIY wedding invitations are a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. While it may seem daunting, creating your own invitations is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. From designing and printing to assembling and decorating, with the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can make beautiful invitations that wow your guests. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making DIY wedding invitations, offering tips and tricks for a professional-looking result. We will also discuss the benefits of DIY invitations and provide ideas for customisation.

Choosing the right paper

When it comes to choosing the right paper for your DIY wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of paper you choose will depend on the printing method you plan to use. Flat printing, letterpress, and foil stamping are typically done on 110# or 220# paper, while screen printing can be done on a variety of paper weights. If you want to achieve a luxurious look and feel, go for a thicker paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock. You can also add texture to your invitations by choosing a paper with a linen or felt finish.

The color of the paper is another important consideration. While white is a popular choice for wedding invitations, you can also choose from a variety of colors such as stone, blush, wine, or navy. If you want to add a pop of color, consider using a metallic or shimmery paper, or even a glitter paper for something extra sparkly. You can also opt for a natural look with eco-friendly paper made from recycled materials.

When ordering paper, it is recommended to order 20-25% more than you need to allow for mistakes and practice. This will ensure you have enough material to create a cohesive set of invitations. It is also a good idea to order a sample pack or swatch book to see and feel the different paper options before making a final decision.

In addition to the paper itself, you will also need to consider envelopes, adhesives, and decorative embellishments. Choose envelopes that complement the size and color of your invitations, and consider adding envelope liners for a touch of elegance. For adhesives, you can use a Xyron machine or opt for permanent or removable glue. Decorative embellishments such as paper sashes, ribbons, or stamps can also be added to create a unique and personalized invitation.

Using templates

Canva, for example, offers free, beautifully designed templates that are easy to personalise. You can pick the style you like and start editing. You can also choose to download and email the invites to your guests or have them printed and delivered to your door. Canva also offers a range of paper and finish options, as well as envelopes, to fit your budget and taste.

Greetings Island also offers a wide selection of printable wedding invitation templates, ranging from classic and simple designs to bright and punchy options. The templates are free with a subscription plan, which gives you unlimited access to all the available designs.

Other websites that offer editable wedding invitation templates include Etsy, Download & Print, Lia Griffith, Jukebox, Cards and Pockets, and The Knot Invitations.

When choosing a template, it's important to consider the style and theme of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might want to opt for a simple invite printed on recycled brown paper. You can also add a personal touch by including a photo of you and your partner on the invite.

In addition to choosing a template that reflects your wedding's style and theme, it's also important to consider the cost of printing. Be sure to factor in the size of your invitations, paper type, whether they will be flat or folded, and any other embellishments you may want to include.

Before finalising your design, it's also a good idea to proofread your invitation by having someone else read it over for any errors or mistakes.

Adding decorations

Ribbons, Twine, and Paper Sashes

Adding a ribbon, some twine, or a paper sash is a simple yet effective way to decorate your invitations. Choose a material like satin, grosgrain, velvet, or silk to tie your invitation and any additional cards together. You can even add a custom tag for a personalised touch. This is a great way to keep all the elements of your invitation together and give it a handmade feel.

Gold Foil Details

Gold foil is an inexpensive way to add an elegant and luxurious feel to your invitations. You can add gold foil anywhere on your invitation, and it will look brilliant. It looks best when sparse and scattered, so there's no pressure to make every invitation identical.

Wax Seals

A wax seal is a classic way to decorate your envelopes and can be personalised with your initials. You can use real wax and a rubber stamp or order stick-on seals. They add a luxurious and elegant finish to your invitations.

Envelope Liners

Envelope liners are a great way to add a surprise element of decoration to your invitations. You can make your own using any paper and a template, or follow a DIY tutorial to create a pretty liner. You can also buy custom liners or use a personalised embosser for a subtle and elegant touch.

Creative Edging

Get creative with the edges of your invitations using a special punch or stamp cutter. These tools are available in various sizes and designs and are easy to use, just make sure you have a steady hand!

Calligraphy

Addressing your invitations with beautiful calligraphy is a great way to make an impact. You can take a calligraphy class or follow a DIY tutorial to up your handwriting game and make your envelopes stand out.

Watercolour

Printing your invitations on watercolour paper and adding a watercolour wash will give them an artistic and expensive look. You can also add a watercolour background to your invitations for a unique touch.

Vellum Jackets

Vellum jackets are a great way to elevate your invitations and make them look professional. These translucent cases add a touch of luxury and can be pre-folded, saving you time.

There are endless ways to decorate your DIY wedding invitations, and these ideas are a great starting point to spark your creativity. Have fun crafting your perfect invitations!

Printing and assembling

Printing:

• Choose your paper: Select a high-quality paper that complements your wedding theme and colour scheme. Consider the weight and texture of the paper, such as cardstock or textured paper, to create a luxurious feel. Order 20-25% more paper than you need to allow for mistakes and practice.
• Design your invitations: Decide on the layout, font, font size, ink colour, alignment, and line spacing. Play around with different elements to create a design that reflects your personal style and wedding theme.
• Customise your template: Use online tools or downloadable software to create your own template or customise a pre-made template. Include all the necessary information, such as the wedding date, time, location, and RSVP details.
• Proofread and finalise: Before finalising the design, ask multiple people to proofread the text for any errors or mistakes. Make sure the colours and alignment are correct, and test print on a single sheet of paper before printing the entire batch.
• Select your printing method: You can choose to print the invitations yourself at home or use an online printing service, such as Costco or Office Depot. If printing at home, ensure your printer is in good working condition and test print on different types of paper to find the best match.

Assembling:

• Prepare the invitations: If you've printed the invitations yourself, cut them to size using a paper cutter or a craft paper cutter for straight and clean edges.
• Add embellishments: Consider adding ribbons, twine, wax seals, gold edging, envelope liners, or personalised stamps to enhance the invitations. These details can add a touch of elegance or a rustic charm to your design.
• Insert into envelopes: Choose envelopes that complement your invitation design and allow for a bit of room. If you have multiple inserts, consider using an enclosure or backing to keep everything secure.
• Finalise assembly: Set up an assembly line with different stations for each step of the process. This can include applying adhesive, mounting invitations to backings, adding postage stamps, and inserting RSVP cards and envelopes.
• Weight and post: Once your invitations are assembled, take a complete set to the post office to have it weighed and to purchase the correct postage. Consider hand-cancelling to avoid potential damage during postal processing.

Remember to give yourself enough time to complete the entire process and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends or family. Enjoy the creative process of bringing your DIY wedding invitations to life!

Envelopes and postage

When it comes to envelopes and postage for your DIY wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to order 20-25% more envelopes than you need to allow for mistakes and practice. You can choose from a variety of colours and textures for your envelopes, selecting options that complement your wedding theme and colours. Lining your envelopes is an easy way to add an elegant touch to your invitations. You can use solid-coloured paper or decorative paper with patterns or textures. If you plan to emboss your return address, be sure to do this before adding the liner.

Another option to elevate your envelopes is to use a personalised embosser, which impresses your address into the envelope paper using a metal plate. This saves you from having to print or handwrite your return address. You can also add a creative touch to the envelope flaps with a return address embosser, which is an easy step that gives a professional finish. If you want to add further decoration to your envelopes, consider a personalised stamp or wax seal, which can be purchased from specialist paper or craft stores, as well as online.

When addressing your envelopes, it's worth considering using calligraphy to make an impact. You can find online tutorials to improve your calligraphy skills. The outer envelope should be addressed using the formal names of your guests, while the inner envelope can be left blank, use formal names, or be more informal. If you're using a dark-coloured envelope, a light-coloured outer envelope will make it easier to address.

Finally, don't forget to apply postage stamps to your RSVP envelopes. You can calculate the correct postage based on the weight and size of your invitations to ensure they're mailed correctly.

Frequently asked questions