Creating A Wedding Invitation Box: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are the first impression guests will have of your big day, so it's important to pick the perfect design. While invitations traditionally come in envelopes, sending them in a box is a growing trend that will surprise and delight your guests. Boxed invitations are larger and often more intricate than those sent in envelopes, and they can include small gifts for guests. They also offer an extra level of protection to ensure your invitations arrive in perfect condition.

Choosing a design and material

When it comes to choosing a design and material for your wedding invitation box, the possibilities are endless. Here are some factors to consider:

Theme and Aesthetic

The design of your wedding invitation box should align with the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. If you're having a beach wedding, for instance, you might opt for a navy box with a nautical theme or a tropical beach theme with linen and paper. If you're going for an elegant and classic style, consider a luxurious fabric such as Thai silk, suede, brocade silk, velvet, or embroidered lace. For a modern and sleek look, acrylic invitations paired with a black or blush box are a popular choice.

Colour and Embellishments

When it comes to colour, you can choose from a wide range of options, including classic shades like ivory, white, black, and gold, or more unique colours like blush pink, navy blue, and magenta. Consider adding embellishments such as foil stamping, monogram embroideries, or silk-screen printed artworks to make your invitation box truly unique.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of your invitation box will depend on the size and shape of your invitations and any additional items you plan to include. Boxes can range from square or rectangular to circular or even book-shaped. If you want to include small gifts or favours, you'll need to choose a box with enough room.

Customisation

Many companies offer customisation options, allowing you to tailor the box to your specific taste and style. You can personalise the box with your wedding logo, monogram, or custom artwork. You can also choose from various box closure types, including hinged, removable, or gate-fold.

DIY or Ready-Made

You can choose to make your own invitation boxes from scratch or purchase ready-made boxes that you can assemble yourself. DIY boxes offer more creative freedom, while ready-made options are more convenient and may be more cost-effective.

Cost

The cost of wedding invitation boxes can vary depending on the materials, embellishments, and customisation options chosen. Boxes with extra embellishments or those made from luxurious fabrics will typically be more expensive. If you're on a budget, consider using boxed invitations for your bridal shower invitations or opting for a simpler design.

Remember, your wedding invitation box is a reflection of your personal style and should set the tone for your special day. Take the time to explore different options, gather inspiration, and choose a design that speaks to you.

Adding embellishments

Choose a Theme and Colour Scheme

Decide on a theme and colour scheme that reflects your wedding aesthetic and stick to it throughout the design process. This will help create a cohesive and elegant look for your invitation suite. You can use your wedding colours or go for something more unique.

Fabric and Texture

Playing with fabric and texture is a great way to make your invitation box feel special. Consider using lace, linen, velvet, or ribbon to add a tactile element to your design. These fabrics can be used as belly bands, pockets, envelopes, or simply as decorative accents.

Natural Elements

If you're having an outdoor or rustic wedding, consider incorporating natural elements into your invitation box. Twine and eucalyptus are a perfect combination for a natural, rustic look. You could also include dried flowers or lavender for a romantic touch.

Vellum

Vellum is a great option for modern or beach weddings. It's translucent, so it adds a minimal touch while still showcasing the design of the invitation. Consider using a vellum belly band or envelope to keep your invitation suite together.

Wax Seals and Stamps

A wax seal or custom stamp is a sophisticated way to secure your invitation suite inside the box. You can use your monogram, wedding logo, or a custom design that reflects your wedding theme. Wax seals come in various colours, so you can match them to your colour scheme.

Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons and bows are a classic way to add elegance and sophistication to your invitation box. Consider using luxurious fabrics such as velvet or silk for a truly special touch. You can tie the ribbon around the box or use it to secure the invitation suite inside.

Embellishments

There are endless options for embellishments to add that extra wow factor. Consider using pearl, silver, or crystal brads, or gluing on small crystals or pearls. You could also incorporate pressed flowers or foliage for a natural, whimsical look.

Personalization

Personalize your invitation box with your and your partner's names, the wedding date, or a special message for your guests. This could be printed, embossed, or stamped onto the box, or even written by hand for an extra special touch.

Remember, your invitation box is a chance to get creative and showcase your unique style. Don't be afraid to experiment and mix and match different ideas to create something truly memorable.

Using a clear lid

Choose the Right Box

Select a box with a clear acrylic lid that complements the overall style of your wedding. The box can be made from various materials such as velvet, linen, cardboard, or even wood. Consider the colour and texture of the box to ensure it ties in with your wedding theme. For example, a navy blue velvet box with a clear lid can create an elegant and luxurious look.

Customise the Lid

Personalise the clear lid to make it unique to your wedding. You can add a gold monogram of your initials, or even a custom message. This will not only make the box more special but also ensure that it ties in with the overall aesthetic of your wedding. You could also opt for a simple clear acrylic box with a gold or silver lid, adding a touch of modern elegance.

Play with Colours

When designing your invitation box, consider using colours that complement each other. For instance, a clear lid paired with a blush pink suede box and a custom printed paper interior can create a soft and romantic look. Alternatively, you could go for a bold contrast, such as a black velvet box with a clear lid, adding a touch of sophistication.

Include Special Details

Think about adding small details to your invitation box to make it even more special. For example, you could include a small bottle of bubbly or some chocolates inside the box for your guests to enjoy. You could also add a wax seal with your monogram or a ribbon in your wedding colours to the outside of the box. These extra touches will delight your guests and set the tone for your celebration.

Showcase Your Invitations

Remember that the main purpose of the box is to showcase your invitations. Ensure that the clear lid displays the invitations beautifully. You may want to add some acrylic or clear elements to the invitations themselves, such as an acrylic menu or a transparent envelope. This will create a cohesive look and allow your guests to get a glimpse of what's inside.

Including gifts

When it comes to including gifts in your wedding invitation box, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Edible Treats

Including a little treat for your guests to enjoy is a lovely way to get them excited for the celebration ahead. Beacon Lane's "Beach Blues" boxed wedding invitation includes a pretty navy box with a nautical theme, which could be complemented by some sea-salt chocolates or sugar cookies. Alternatively, opt for a slot-in treat like macarons or chocolate chip cookies. If you're feeling extra fancy, a small bottle of bubbly or sparkling rosé will definitely have your guests swooning.

Wellness Gifts

If you're embracing a wellness theme, why not include essential oils and a candle wedding favour in your boxed invitations? This adds an extra special touch and gives your guests a little memento to cherish.

Stationery Gifts

If you're looking for a gift that's a little more long-lasting, you could include a custom wax seal stamp kit with your invitations. This is a useful gift that your guests can use for their own stationery, adding a personal touch to their correspondence.

Keepsakes

Including a keepsake in your invitation box is a wonderful way to give your guests something to remember your special day by. A custom monogrammed stamp or logo can be used to personalise items such as luxury paper boxes or linen stationery designs. These can be used as portfolio or photo boxes, providing a practical and memorable gift. Alternatively, opt for a unique paperweight or a custom brooch to adorn the invitation box itself.

Themed Gifts

Tie your invitation box and gift together with a fun theme. If you're having a beach wedding, include a pair of sunglasses or a personalised beach towel in a colour that matches your wedding palette. For a literary-themed wedding, construct boxes that mimic books, or use thrifted old books as your invitation boxes.

Remember, the key is to choose gifts that reflect your personality and the style of your wedding. Whether it's a sweet treat, a practical gift, or a themed surprise, your guests are sure to appreciate the thought and effort that goes into these special touches.

Picking a colour scheme

• Consider the seasonality and location of your wedding. For example, soft pastel colours like blush, blue, and cream are romantic and delicate, while bolder colours like emerald green and black can create a contemporary or regal aesthetic.
• Choose one or two main colours and then select one or two secondary colours, including a neutral shade, to complement them. For instance, a combination of sage, French blue, pale pink, gold, and cream creates a romantic and classic look.
• Add an accent colour, such as metallic gold or silver, to use sparingly throughout your design.
• Draw inspiration from your wedding venue or natural surroundings. For a beach wedding, you could use turquoise watercolours, while a fall wedding could feature earthy tones like burgundy, rust, and ivory.
• Think about the mood you want to evoke. For a playful and quirky design, cotton candy colours like perky pinks and blues are a great choice.
• If you want to include flowers or a bottle of wine in your invitation box, you can use them as a starting point for your colour palette.
• Look for inspiration from wedding invitations online or on Pinterest. You can also find unique colour combinations by experimenting with unconventional applications or modern twists on classic designs.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match colours. Combining two strong colours, like orange and fuchsia, can make a bold statement, while a rainbow colour palette can be tastefully executed with a maximalist theme.
• If you're creating a clear or acrylic invitation, consider the background colour of your box as well, to ensure the colours complement each other.
• Finally, don't forget to have fun and get creative! Your wedding invitation box should reflect your personal style and the theme of your special day.

Frequently asked questions