Crafting Wedding Invitation Keepsakes: Treasured Gifts For Couples

Wedding invitations are often beautifully designed and packed with meaning, making them ideal for transformation into keepsake gifts. There are many ways to preserve an invitation, from framing it to creating a unique ornament, plate, or box. These items can be displayed in the home as a reminder of the special day and can even be passed down through generations as family heirlooms. With a little creativity, you can turn a simple invitation into a cherished memento.

Framing the invitation

Framing a wedding invitation is a straightforward way to preserve it as a keepsake gift. You can either frame the invitation yourself, register for a double invitation frame, or have the invitation professionally framed.

If you want to frame the invitation yourself, you will need a frame, the invitation, and a few other supplies. First, select a frame that matches the aesthetic of the invitation. The frame should be larger than the invitation or the same size. If you are creating a gallery wall with multiple frames, consider purchasing matching frames.

Next, take the back off the frame and clean it thoroughly. It is important to ensure that there is nothing between the invitation and the glass. You may also want to brush off the invitation to remove any hair or lint. Then, place the invitation upside down on the glass and put the cardboard back on top of it. Finally, snap or screw the back onto the frame.

If you want to add a special touch to your framed invitation, consider including a petal from your wedding bouquet. You could also create a gallery wall with multiple frames, featuring the invitation alongside letters, vows, photos, or other sentimental items.

Creating a memory box

Choose a Box

Select a box that is sturdy and made from a material that will protect your keepsakes. Consider the size of the box based on the number of items you plan to include. You can opt for a simple cardboard or wooden box and decorate it yourself, or purchase a box specifically designed for memory keepsakes.

Wedding Invitation Display

The wedding invitation is the focal point of your memory box. You can choose to frame it before placing it in the box or simply keep it as is. If you want to get creative, you could cut the invitation into a specific shape or use decoupage techniques to display it on the inside lid of the box. That way, it's visible every time you open the box.

Other Mementos to Include

• A swatch of fabric from your wedding gown, veil, or a bridesmaid dress.
• A copy of your wedding vows, either printed or handwritten.
• Dried flowers from your bouquet or floral arrangements.
• The cork from the first bottle of champagne you popped open.
• Any special photos from the day, or a small photo album.
• Your full stationery suite, including RSVP cards, envelopes, and any other paper goods.
• Small gifts or accessories exchanged between you and your spouse on the wedding day.
• A program from the ceremony, if you had one.
• A map or reception card, especially if your wedding had a unique location.

Personalize Your Memory Box

You can further personalize your memory box by decorating the outside with:

• A photo from your wedding day.
• Dried flowers or other natural elements.
• A custom label or plaque with your names and wedding date.
• Ribbons or other embellishments that match your wedding colors.

Making a Christmas ornament

A wedding invitation is often a beautiful work of art, personalised to reflect the couple's personality and creativity. It is a physical reminder of a special celebration, so it is the perfect memento to keep and cherish. Here is a guide on how to make a Christmas ornament from a wedding invitation, the perfect gift for a couple's first Christmas as a memento of their special day.

Firstly, you will need an empty glass ball ornament which can be purchased at most craft stores, and a wedding invitation. Cut the invitation into thin strips, trying to cut along the lines of text to preserve important words and dates. Depending on the size of your ornament, you may not have room for all the strips, so choose your favourites and grab a strip to wrap tightly around a pen or pencil. Once wound, let go, and the coil will come off the stick. Fluff out the coil to expand it, so it fills the space in the ornament better.

Open the top of the ornament and place the coil inside. Continue making coils and placing them inside until the ball is full. It is a good idea to put the most important strips, with the couple's names, the date and location, into the ornament near the end, so they can be positioned to be visible from the outside. Once the ball is full, put the top back on, thread some ribbon through the hole and tie a knot.

This is a simple and effective way to create a fun, personalised ornament, and a great way to use invitations that would otherwise be thrown away.

Decoupaging a plate

First, gather your materials. You will need a clear glass or plastic plate, Mod Podge (in your desired finish), and patterned paper or cardstock. You can find these supplies at your local craft store or online. Wash and dry your plate with warm soapy water or rubbing alcohol to ensure it is clean and ready for decoupaging.

Next, use a pencil to trace the flat portion of the underside of the plate onto your chosen paper. Cut along the traced line and test the fit by placing the cut-out circle on the bottom of your plate. Make any necessary adjustments by trimming excess paper. This paper will serve as the background for your design.

Now, it's time to create your design. Use the first circle as a template to trace and cut additional circles in various colours or patterns. You can play with different combinations of patterns and colours to create a unique and visually interesting design. Once you're happy with your design, set the paper circles aside.

Flip your plate upside down and apply a thick coat of Mod Podge to the flat circle in the centre of the plate, right up to the edge. Quickly place one of your paper circles onto the Mod Podge, pattern-side down, and smooth it out with your fingers to remove any bubbles. If bubbles appear, simply press them towards the edges of the paper.

Apply another layer of Mod Podge over the top of the paper to protect it from spills and help affix it securely to the plate. Allow the plate to dry and cure upside down for about 24 hours. After that, your decoupaged plate is ready to be displayed or used! Just remember to carefully hand-wash it and avoid getting the underside too wet.

With this simple technique, you can transform an ordinary plate into a cherished keepsake that commemorates your wedding day. It's a fun and creative way to preserve your invitation and create a lasting memento.

Engraving a tray

A wedding invitation is a beautiful memento of a couple's special day. To preserve your wedding invitation, you could consider engraving a tray. This can be a unique and functional keepsake to display in your home, perhaps in your dining room or kitchen.

There are a few ways to go about this. Firstly, you could opt for a sterling silver or pewter tray, which can be engraved with your invitation design. This classic choice can be passed down through generations as a family heirloom. You can also include other details, such as significant dates, monograms, or heartfelt messages.

Another option is to go for a glass tray. This modern choice can be engraved with your invitation's personalized script, symbols, logos, or any other details you wish to include. Glass-engraved trays can be a unique way to showcase your gourmet cooking and entertain guests.

If you're feeling creative, you could even design your own tray with a trusted invitation site, allowing you to print your invitation on a tray of your choice. This way, you can include all the details you want, such as your wedding colours or a particular design that matches your personality as a couple.

Frequently asked questions