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

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating your wedding invitations doesn't have to be. There are many online tools and templates available to help you design and print your own wedding invitations. In this article, we will explore the different options for making an account to create your own wedding invitations, from free online tools to premium services, and provide a step-by-step guide to designing, customizing, and printing your invitations. We will also discuss the benefits of DIY wedding invitations and offer tips and tricks from experts to ensure your invitations look professional and elegant.

Selecting a design template

Consider your wedding theme and style:

Choose a design template that complements the theme and style of your wedding. Whether you're having a rustic barn wedding, a classic elegant affair, or a modern minimalist celebration, select a template that reflects the overall aesthetic of your big day. This will help create a cohesive look and feel for your entire wedding.

Think about your colour palette:

Consider your wedding colour palette when selecting a design template. Choose a template that incorporates your chosen colours or complements them well. This will create a visually appealing invitation that ties into your wedding's aesthetic. You can also opt for a neutral template if you prefer a more understated look.

Decide on the level of formality:

Your wedding invitation should reflect the level of formality of your event. If you're having a black-tie affair, opt for a more elegant and traditional design template. If your wedding is more casual, you can choose a fun and whimsical template or even create your own design from scratch.

Personalise with photos or illustrations:

Adding a personal touch to your invitations can make them even more special. Consider selecting a template that allows you to include your photos, or choose a design with beautiful illustrations or graphics that represent your style. This can make your invitations more visually appealing and memorable.

Explore different layouts:

Play around with different layout options to find the one that suits your needs best. Consider the amount of information you need to include and choose a template with a clear and organised layout. You can opt for a single-sided or double-sided invitation, depending on the amount of text and any additional details you want to include.

Customise with fonts and wording:

The right font can enhance the overall look and feel of your invitation. Select a template that offers custom font options or allows you to upload your own fonts. This will allow you to match the font style to your theme, whether it's classic, modern, or whimsical. Additionally, pay attention to the wording on the template and ensure it aligns with the tone and style of your wedding.

Remember, your wedding invitation is one of the first impressions your guests will have of your special day, so take your time to select a design template that truly represents you and your partner. By considering the above factors, you'll be able to choose a template that is not only visually appealing but also captures the essence of your celebration.

Customising your template

Fonts and Colours

Choose a font and colour scheme that reflect your wedding theme and your personality as a couple. For example, if you're going for a rustic theme, you might opt for a simple font printed on recycled brown paper. Or, if you want a modern and trendy feel, you could go for a minimalist design with bold colours. Play around with different combinations until you find something that feels right.

Photos and Graphics

Adding personal photos to your wedding invitations is a great way to make them unique. You can feature a photo of you and your fiancé(e), or choose a graphic or symbol that represents your love story. If you don't want to use photos, there are plenty of other graphics to choose from, such as flowers, leaves, or abstract designs.

Text and Wording

The wording of your invitation is essential, as it conveys important information about your wedding. Be sure to include the full names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, and how to RSVP. But you can also have fun with the wording, adding quotes or time-honoured traditions that reflect your personality.

Printing and Paper

The type of paper and printing style you choose can also add a unique touch to your invitations. For a rustic or vintage feel, consider using embossed text or gold foil on thick, textured paper. Or, if you're going for a more modern look, try a sleek, simple design on smooth, lightweight paper.

Digital Effects

If you're sending your invitations digitally, you can add animated effects to make them stand out. This could be as simple as adding animation to certain elements or using video or interactive features to create a unique and memorable invitation.

Remember, your wedding invitation is one of the most significant keepsakes of your lifetime, so take your time to customise it and make it truly yours!

Previewing your design

Take Advantage of the Preview Feature: Most online invitation design platforms, such as VistaPrint and Canva, offer a preview feature. Utilize this feature to see how your invitation will look once it's printed. Pay attention to the placement of text, images, and other design elements to ensure they are aligned correctly and there are no overlaps or gaps.

Check for Consistency: Ensure that the design, colors, fonts, and wording are consistent throughout the invitation. Check that the style and tone match the theme of your wedding and your personal style. Confirm that the information, such as dates, times, and locations, is accurate and spelled correctly.

Proofread for Errors: Carefully review your invitation for any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting mistakes. Ask a friend or family member to proofread as well, as fresh eyes can often catch errors that you may have missed. Pay close attention to names, dates, and other important details.

Consider the Paper Type: The choice of paper can affect the overall appearance of your invitation. Thicker cardstock, for example, can give a more luxurious feel, while lighter stocks may have a more delicate, elegant look. Consider how the paper type will enhance the colors and details of your design.

Get a Second Opinion: Share your design with your partner, wedding party, or trusted friends to get their feedback. They may spot something you missed or have suggestions for improvements. It's also helpful to have another set of eyes to ensure that your invitation is clear and easy to understand for your guests.

By following these tips and carefully previewing your design, you can ensure that your wedding invitations accurately reflect your vision and set the right tone for your big day. Remember to take your time and make any necessary adjustments before finalizing your design.

Choosing paper type and quantity

The type of paper you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on several factors, including your budget, the style of your wedding, and the printing method you select.

Paper Types

Cardstock is the most common type of paper for wedding invitations. It is a medium-to-heavyweight paper made from tree pulp or cotton with a smooth, matte finish. Cardstock is measured in pounds, with weights ranging from 45# to 300# or higher. For wedding invitations, you'll typically want to use cardstock in the 80# to 150# range. The higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the more luxurious and expensive it will feel.

Cotton cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations because of its smooth texture and ability to absorb ink well. It is also considered "photo-safe", making it a good option if you want to include a photograph. Linen cardstock, which has a delicate woven texture, is another elegant option that can add visual interest to simple invitations.

For a rustic or vintage-style wedding, consider kraft cardstock, which resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags. Parchment, a thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marbled look, can also add a unique touch to small or spring weddings.

If you're looking for something more modern, translucent vellum can be used to layer on top of an opaque sheet of paper or to print the invitation details directly onto. It adds depth and interest to the invitation suite.

For a truly elegant and heavyweight invitation, opt for board paper, which is made with three layers of paper and will not bend in the mail.

Paper Quantity

The number of invitations you need will depend on the number of guests you plan to invite. It's always a good idea to order a few extra in case of last-minute additions to the guest list or mistakes made while addressing the envelopes.

If you're ordering 100 invitations or more, some stationery companies offer discounted rates. For example, WeddingWire Invitations offer 100 invitations for $229, while Minted's prices start at $234 for 100 invitations.

Printing Methods

The printing method you choose will also impact the paper type you select. Here are some of the most common printing methods for wedding invitations:

• Thermography: A budget-friendly technique that gives a slightly raised text effect without the high cost of engraving or embossing.
• Engraving: A classic technique where paper is pressed between an inked plate and a metal plate to create raised letters.
• Embossing: Similar to engraving, but without ink, resulting in a colorless imprint.
• Foil stamping: A trendy technique that adds shine to the invitation by pressing metallic foil onto the paper.
• Letterpress: A custom die format that uses a soft, romantic feel, resulting in a bit of bleed and blur around the edges.
• UV and thermographic printing: Newer technologies that create a slight shine on raised lettering.
• Flat digital printing: A budget-friendly option that offers freedom, flexibility, and affordability.

Finalising your purchase

If you are looking for a more professional finish, you can use a printing service. Some online invitation services, such as Greetings Island, offer high-quality printing services. Alternatively, you can use a local printing shop. If you are printing at home, it is recommended to use a paper cutter with a sharp blade to achieve clean cuts for your invitations.

Before finalising your purchase, it is important to proofread your design. Check for any errors or spelling mistakes and consider reading it aloud to check for grammar errors. You can also create a free digital proof to share your ideas with someone else, such as your partner, a friend, or a wedding planner.

When you are happy with your design and have made any necessary adjustments, you can finalise your order by entering your payment and shipping information. Your invitations will then be professionally printed, packaged, and delivered to your home.

Frequently asked questions