Crafting Wedding Booklets: A Step-By-Step Guide For Couples

Wedding booklets are a great way to give guests a preview of your big day. They can be simple or intricate, depending on your preference. The first step is to choose a template that suits your wedding theme. You can then edit the template to include your desired content, such as the date, time, location, names of the couple, and an outline of the proceedings. Once you're happy with the design, print your booklets on your chosen paper and cut them to size. Finally, assemble your booklets by stacking the pages, punching holes, and tying them together with ribbon.

Choosing a template

Consider your wedding theme:

Look for a template that complements your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a rustic chic, vintage, or Tuscan-themed wedding, choose a template with elegant and classic designs, soft colour palettes, and maybe some floral illustrations. On the other hand, if your wedding is inspired by something like Harry Potter, you might want to choose a template with a magical or whimsical feel.

Decide on the level of customisation you want:

Template customisation can range from changing text and colours to uploading your own images and artwork. Consider how much customisation you want to do. If you want to simply edit text and change some colours, most templates will work for you. However, if you want to upload your own images and artwork, ensure you choose a template that allows for easy image integration.

Look for templates with the right features:

Before choosing a template, think about the features you want in your wedding booklet. For example, do you want to include photos, illustrations, or other graphics? Would you like to customise the border or frame? Do you want to be able to change the font style and colour scheme? Choose a template that offers these features so you have the design flexibility you need.

Browse through different sources:

There are many websites and platforms that offer wedding booklet templates. Take some time to browse through sources like Canva, Etsy, and other online marketplaces. Look for templates that appeal to your aesthetic and that offer the customisation options you desire. Reading reviews from other customers can also help you make an informed decision.

Check for ease of use:

You don't want to spend your precious time struggling with complicated software. Look for templates that are easy to use and edit, especially if you don't have a graphic design background. Some platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and simple step-by-step processes to customise your booklets quickly and efficiently.

Remember, your wedding booklet is a special keepsake that you can cherish for years to come. Choosing a template that suits your style and vision will make the process enjoyable and ensure you're happy with the final product.

Editing and printing

Once you are happy with the design of your wedding booklet, it is time to edit and print.

Editing:

• Check your work for spelling mistakes and typos. It is always a good idea to get someone else to check over your work as well.
• If you are happy with the layout, print one copy and double-check for any errors.
• Make any necessary changes to your digital template before printing the remaining copies.

Printing:

• Print your design onto any 8.5" x 11" paper you like. You could use simple white printer paper, a lovely patterned background paper, or a classy linen paper.
• If you are printing double-sided, ensure the pages will be ordered correctly once folded and secured.
• If you are printing onto a translucent paper, such as vellum, be aware that inkjet printers don't tend to print very well on this type of paper, but laser printers work better.

Cutting and scoring

Once you have printed your wedding booklets, it's time to cut and score them. This process involves cutting the paper to the correct size and creating creases along the fold lines to make the booklet easier to fold and give it a more professional finish.

For the cutting process, you will need a paper cutter, scissors, or a ruler and utility knife. Cut lengthways along the centre line of your paper. This will create two even halves that will form the inside and outside of your booklet. If you are using a ruler and utility knife, make sure to use a sharp blade and a steady hand to get a straight cut.

Next, you will need to score the paper to create the creases for folding. Use a scoring tool, or the back of your utility knife, to start the creases along the fold lines. You can also use any other blunt pointed object, such as a closed mechanical pencil. Run the tool firmly along the crease, using a ruler as a guide, to create a crisp fold.

Now that you have your paper cut and scored, it's time to fold your booklet. Accordion fold the booklet along the creases you just created. You can use a bone folder to help achieve sharper creases, or simply press firmly with the palm of your hand. First, fold in the back flap so that the printing is on the inside of the fold, then fold the front cover back so that it appears on the outside of the small wedding program.

And that's it! You now have a beautifully cut and scored wedding booklet, ready for the next steps of assembly.

Folding and assembling

Once you've designed your wedding booklet, it's time to print and assemble. Print your pages onto any 8.5" x 11" paper you like, whether it's a simple white printer paper, a patterned background paper, or a classy linen paper.

Use a good paper trimmer to cut each page into three even pieces that are 8 1/2" tall and just under 3 3/4" wide. Cut a sheet of white vellum the same size as the pages for a dreamy translucent overlay on top of the booklet. Cut a piece of coordinating cardstock slightly larger than the booklet pages — 4-1/4" wide and 8-3/4" long. When you stack the pages, your backer piece of cardstock should be flush on the top, and stick out about 1/4" on each of the other three sides, creating a nice border.

Now you're ready to assemble! Take one set of pages (including the vellum and card stock) and align all the top edges together. Then use a 1/4" rectangle punch to punch two slots in the stack, about 1/2" apart and 1/2" down from the top. This is where your ribbon is going, so you may need to use a larger, round hole if your ribbon is bulkier.

Choose a fairly wide ribbon (around 3/4") for the best effect, but remember that you may need to adjust your hole size if you choose a thicker or thinner ribbon. Wired ribbon can help you form the ribbon the way you want and gives the "knot" a nice firm hold on the paper. The length of ribbon you need will depend on the look you want to achieve and how far apart you put your holes, but 6" pieces should be enough.

Start by pokeing both ends of the ribbon through the holes, from front to back. Lay the stack face-down on the table, so the ribbon is pointing up and you're looking at the back of the booklet. Take the ribbon on the left and poke it through the hole on the right, so that it comes out the front. Then take the ribbon on the right and poke it through the hole on the left, leaving you with a criss-cross of ribbon on the back of the booklet. Flip the booklet over and you'll see both ends sticking out the front. Pull them snug and tight. Flip it back over to the back and make sure the crossed ribbons are flat and smooth. Now flip it back to the front again and you'll see a pretty faux bow on the front, with no tying required! Adjust and trim the ribbon as needed.

This simple knot has bound the pages together into a booklet that guests can easily flip through on the big day.

Adding finishing touches

Once you have assembled your wedding booklet, there are a few finishing touches you can add to make it extra special. Here are some ideas:

Ribbon

Adding a ribbon is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your wedding booklet. Choose a ribbon that complements the colour scheme of your wedding and cut it to the desired length. You can tie the ribbon in a bow or use it to seal the booklet shut. If you're concerned about fraying, you can slightly melt the edges of the ribbon with a flame, or trim them at an angle.

Vellum Overlay

For a dreamy, translucent effect, consider adding a sheet of vellum paper over the first page of your booklet. Cut the vellum to the same size as your pages and stack it on top before assembling the booklet. You can leave it blank or print a monogram or other design on it. Just be aware that inkjet printers don't tend to print well on vellum, so a laser printer is recommended.

Cardstock Backing

Adding a piece of coordinating cardstock as a backing to your booklet will give it a polished look and feel. Cut the cardstock slightly larger than your pages—about 4-1/4" wide and 8-3/4" long. When stacked, the cardstock should be flush with the top edge of the pages and stick out about 1/4" on the other three sides, creating a nice border.

Personalised Graphics

If you're feeling creative, you can upload your own images, photos, or artwork to your wedding booklet. This could include a photo of the happy couple, a monogram, or other decorative elements. You can also browse stock images, icons, and illustrations to find the perfect addition to your design.

Proofreading

Before finalising your wedding booklet, be sure to proofread it for any spelling mistakes or typos. It's easy to miss errors, so consider having someone else proofread it as well. This will ensure that your booklet looks polished and professional.

Frequently asked questions