Affordable Wedding Invitations: Diy Guide And Tips

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing quality. From fully DIY options to semi-DIY and done-for-you designs, there are many ways to create affordable wedding invitations. For instance, you can use a free design software like Canva and print the invitations yourself. Alternatively, you can use a professional printing service, such as Shutterfly or Zazzle, which often offer great sales and discounts. Basic Invite is another great resource for low-cost wedding invitations, offering everything from inexpensive invites to specialty invitations on materials such as acrylic or wood at affordable prices.

Online templates and printing services

Online Templates

Canva, for example, is a DIY design platform that allows you to create your own invitations. You can then opt to print them through the Canva website. Etsy is another great option, where you can find cheap wedding invitations in the form of fully designed and printed pieces, or templates that you can edit and print yourself.

Online Printing Services

If you're looking for online printing services, Prints of Love is a good option for high-quality yet affordable printing, with free 2-3 day shipping. Another option is Vistaprint, which is an inexpensive online printing service that provides quality paper goods. They almost always have some sort of sale or coupon code available. Zazzle is another fantastic resource for affordable invitations, with thousands of wedding invitation templates that you can customise and order prints of.

Other Options

If you're looking for something more simple and affordable, you can also consider sending digital invitations through a website like Paperless Post, which allows you to send free digital wedding invitations via email.

DIY vs professional printing

There are a variety of options available for couples looking to create affordable wedding invitations. These can be broadly categorised into two options: DIY and professional printing.

DIY Wedding Invitations

DIY wedding invitations can be a budget-friendly alternative for couples who are comfortable with a bit of DIY work. There are several online platforms, such as Canva, Greetingsisland.com, and Etsy, that offer free or low-cost templates that can be customised and printed at home. This option allows for a high level of customisation and flexibility in terms of design and wording. However, printing at home can be time-consuming and may require additional investments in paper, ink, and other supplies. It is important to consider the cost of ink and paper, which can be expensive, especially for high-quality paper stock and heavily saturated inks.

Professional Printing Services

Professional printing services, on the other hand, offer convenience and a more polished look for wedding invitations. There are several online printing services available, such as Shutterfly, Zazzle, Basic Invite, and Vistaprint, that offer affordable printing packages specifically for wedding invitations. These services often provide a wide range of customisation options, including foil stamping, die-cut corners, and coordinating items. Additionally, they may offer discounts or coupon codes to make the option even more affordable.

Comparison

Both DIY and professional printing services have their advantages and disadvantages. DIY wedding invitations offer greater customisation and flexibility but may require more time and effort. On the other hand, professional printing services provide convenience and a more polished look, but at a potentially higher cost. Couples should consider their budget, time constraints, and desired level of customisation when deciding between DIY and professional printing for their wedding invitations.

Choosing paper and envelopes

When it comes to choosing paper and envelopes for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider to keep costs low. Firstly, opt for a smaller invitation suite with limited embellishments and materials. This will help you stay within your budget without compromising on quality.

When selecting paper, it's recommended to use card stock for wedding invitations as it gives a luxurious feel. The weight of the paper is important, with thicker, heavier paper exuding a more luxurious feeling. The typical weight for commonly used cover stock is 120 pounds, which can come in a variety of finishes, including satin, silk, glossy, and smooth matte. If you're looking for a textured finish, consider adding a linen texture to your paper, which gives it a slightly crosshatched surface that mimics the feel of linen fabric.

If you're environmentally conscious or prefer a rustic style, recycled paper is a great option. Recycled paper invitations come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from kraft cardstock to pulpy, handmade papers. Cotton paper is another durable option that absorbs ink well, resulting in richer colours.

For envelopes, consider using glassine or clear vellum paper, which are flexible, translucent, and smooth. These papers can be used to create depth and interest by layering them with other papers. They can also be used as accents, such as belly bands that hold all the elements of the invitation package together.

Overall, by choosing the right type of paper and keeping embellishments to a minimum, you can create elegant and affordable wedding invitations.

Customisation options

There are many customisation options available for couples looking to make their own affordable wedding invitations. From the design to the printing, there are plenty of ways to make your invitations unique to your wedding.

First, consider the style you want for your invitation. Do you want something simple and elegant, or bold and colourful? Do you want to include a watercolour motif or a specific font? It's helpful to create a Pinterest board as a mood board to identify your style and see what trends emerge.

Next, you'll need to choose your customisation options. You can either do this yourself or have the designer do it for you. If you want to keep costs down, the most inexpensive option is to download the template and change the details yourself. However, if you want any design elements changed, the designer will be able to accommodate your requests and send the ready-to-print file back to you.

When it comes to the language of your invitation, ensure you choose wording that suits you as a couple. Decide if you want it to sound traditional or contemporary, and whether it matches the theme and style of your wedding.

As you're editing the wording and finalising your design, be sure to ask others to read through it and check for errors and spelling mistakes. You could also try reading it out loud to check for grammar errors.

If you're printing your invitations at home, you'll need to select your paper type. Generally, the thicker the paper, the more luxurious it will feel. A 120 lb. uncoated cardstock will offer a gorgeous look and feel, and you could also consider something with a bit of texture, such as linen or felt.

Finally, you'll need to select your envelopes. Choose envelopes that will fit and match your invitation, with a bit of room to spare. Don't forget to include RSVP envelopes too. If you want to add a pop of colour, choose an envelope colour that is light enough so that the address can still be seen. Envelope liners are also a great way to dress up your invitations.

Cost-saving measures

• Skip the extras: RSVP cards, directions, and maps are not essential. Include all the necessary information on your wedding website instead.
• Choose a design with more white space and a lighter-coloured background. This will look better when printed at home and save on printer ink.
• Opt for digital invites, which can be sent via email or SMS.
• Keep your guest list small.
• Choose a design without foil.
• Buy from a company that offers low prices without compromising on quality, such as Ann's Bridal Bargains.
• Buy from a company that offers discounts, such as Zola, which offers 30% off all paper items.
• Buy from a company that includes envelopes for free, such as Basic Invite.
• Buy from a company that offers free shipping, such as Zola.
• Buy from a company that offers free digital Save the Dates, such as Zola.
• Buy from a company that offers free custom envelopes, such as Minted.
• Buy from a company that offers free guest addressing, such as Minted.
• Buy from a company that offers free samples, such as The Knot.
• Buy from a company that offers promotions, such as The Knot, which is currently offering free reprints if you need to change your date.
• Buy from a company that offers discounts on bulk purchases, such as Shutterfly.
• Buy from a company that offers coupon codes, such as Zazzle.
• Buy from a company that offers free digital invites, such as Joy.

Frequently asked questions