Design, Create, And Print Your Own Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but printing your own is a budget-friendly alternative for couples who don't mind a little DIY work. There are several steps to the process, from designing the invitations to printing and assembling them.

First, decide whether you want to design the invitations yourself or purchase a template. If you're designing them yourself, you can use software such as Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Word. If you're buying a template, you can find them on sites like Etsy, Creative Market, and stock photography websites.

Next, you'll need to order paper and envelopes for your invitations. You can purchase an invitation suite, which includes blank invitations, enclosures, and envelopes, or you can buy cardstock and envelopes separately. If you go with the latter option, you'll need to cut the cardstock to the desired size.

Once you have your design and paper, it's time to print your invitations. You can use your home printer or take them to a local print shop. If you're printing at home, make sure you have enough ink and test print your invitations to ensure they come out correctly.

Finally, assemble your invitations and put them in envelopes. This step can be a fun opportunity to involve family and friends in the wedding preparations.

Choose a template and customise it

Once you have decided on the style and theme of your wedding invitation, it's time to choose a template and customise it. There are many websites that offer free and premium customisable wedding invitation templates, such as Canva, Greetings Island, Etsy, Creative Market, and stock photography websites. You can also create your own template from scratch using programs like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Photoshop.

When choosing a template, opt for one with just 2-3 colours to save on printing costs. You can also add colour to your invitations by using coloured cardstock. If you want to include your wedding colours, consider printing a black-and-white design on coloured cardstock or backing your invitations with patterned paper.

If you're comfortable with customising the template yourself, you can download the template and change the details. This is usually the most inexpensive option. However, if you want to change any design elements, you can reach out to the designer, who will typically be able to accommodate your requests and send you a ready-to-print file.

When customising your template, pay attention to the language and wording you use. Ensure that it suits your style as a couple and reflects the theme and style of your wedding. Consider whether you want it to sound traditional or contemporary. It's also a good idea to have someone else proofread your invitation to check for any errors or mistakes.

In addition to the invitation itself, you can also design and customise inserts such as details and directions cards, reception information, and registry cards. These can be created using a simple Word document or Canva, using a font that coordinates with your invitation. However, if you want to save money, you can forgo the inserts and direct your guests to your wedding website for more details.

Buy paper and envelopes

When it comes to buying paper and envelopes for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the style and colour you want. Simple and elegant? Bold and colourful? Watercolour? Having a clear idea of the style you want will help you choose the right paper and envelopes.

Next, think about the weight and texture of the paper. A thicker paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, will give a more luxurious feel. You can also choose paper with a bit of texture, such as linen or felt. If you're not sure, buy a few samples to test on your printer before committing to a large quantity.

When choosing envelopes, make sure they fit your invitations with a bit of room to spare. Don't forget to allow for RSVP cards and any other inserts. You can add a pop of colour with your envelopes, but be sure the address can still be clearly seen. Envelope liners are also a great way to dress up your invitations.

Finally, don't forget to plan for any mistakes or reprints by buying about 10% more paper and envelopes than you think you'll need. This will ensure you have enough in case of any mishaps.

Design your invitations

The first step in designing your wedding invitations is to choose a template. You can find templates on websites like Etsy, Creative Market, stock photography websites, VistaPrint, and Canva. When selecting a template, consider your budget, the number of colours used, and whether you want to add your wedding colours through coloured cardstock. Templates typically cost between $5 and $20, with some sites offering discounts or deals.

If you are a skilled designer or simply want to design your own invitations, you can use software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva. This option gives you more freedom to create a design that suits your preferences and wedding theme.

When designing your invitations, keep in mind that simpler designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds tend to look better when printed at home. If you plan to use elaborate designs with heavy colours, you may need to invest in high-quality paper and ink to achieve the desired result.

Another important consideration is the text and font style. Choose a font that complements your wedding theme and is easy to read. You can also use foil lettering and accents to add a fancy touch to your invitations.

Before finalising your design, be sure to proofread the text for any errors or mistakes. You can also ask a third party to review the text to ensure accuracy.

Once you are happy with your design, download a free digital proof to share with others and get their feedback. This step will help ensure that you are satisfied with the final product.

Print the invitations

Printing your own wedding invitations is a great way to save money and create your perfect design. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the printing process:

Choose a Printing Option:

You can either print the invitations yourself at home or use a professional printing service. Consider the cost of printer ink and the quality of the final product when making your decision.

Prepare the Design File:

Before printing, ensure your design file is in the correct format. Save your design as a PDF or JPEG, depending on the requirements of your chosen printing method. Check with your local print shop if you're unsure.

Test Print:

Before printing all your invitations, do a test print to ensure the design and colours come out as expected. This step is crucial, as it allows you to make any necessary adjustments and avoid wasting paper and ink.

Feed the Paper:

Load your printer with the chosen cardstock or paper for your invitations. Ensure the paper is correctly aligned and fed into the printer according to the instructions for your specific printer model.

Print in Batches:

Depending on the number of invitations, printing may take some time. Print in batches to avoid paper jams and to make the process more manageable. Stay close to the printer to monitor the process and intervene if any issues arise.

Check Ink Levels:

Ensure you have enough ink to complete the printing job. It's a good idea to have a spare ink cartridge or toner on hand to avoid running out halfway through.

Finalise the Printing:

Once you're happy with the test print and have checked ink levels, proceed with printing the remaining invitations. Remember to allow adequate drying time before handling the printed invitations, especially if using inkjet printers.

Assembly:

After printing, assemble the invitations by mounting them on cardstock, adding any enclosures or embellishments, and placing them into envelopes. This step can be a fun activity to involve family and friends in the wedding preparations.

Printing your own wedding invitations can be a rewarding project, allowing you to add a personal touch to your special day. Enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed!

Assemble the invitations

Assembling your wedding invitations is a fun and exciting task, but it can be a little confusing if you've never done it before. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Create an Assembly Line

Clear a table and give it a wipe to ensure your invitations stay pristine. Gather all the necessary pieces, including the invitation itself, any enclosure cards, envelopes, and adornments like belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals. You can either assemble each invitation and stuff them into the envelopes one by one, or create piles of invitations and then stuff them all at once.

Step 2: Start with the Invitation

Place the invitation face up on the table. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it makes sense to build upon it.

Step 3: Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional)

If you've included a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, place it on top of the invitation. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges, but it's mostly optional nowadays. Choose between tissue paper or vellum, as using both together is not recommended.

Step 4: Layer on the Reception Card

Place the reception card, which includes the time and location of the wedding reception, face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper/vellum).

Step 5: Include Other Enclosure Cards

Add any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation details, or travel information. Place them face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards of different sizes, start with the largest and work your way down.

Step 6: Don't Forget the RSVP Card

Place the reply envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the reply envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Step 7: Use an Inner Envelope (Optional)

If you're using an inner and outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope. The left edge should go in first for a single-card invitation, while the folded edge goes in first for a folded invitation. When the inner envelope flap is opened, the printed side of the invitation should be visible. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.

Step 8: Stuff the Outer Envelope

If you're using just one envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope. Again, the left edge goes in first for a single-card invitation, while the folded edge goes in first for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened.

Step 9: Seal and Address the Envelopes

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelopes, being careful to avoid using too much to prevent sogginess. Place a heavy book on top of the sealed envelopes to ensure they stay securely closed. Add any wax seals, return address labels, or rubber stamps at this point.

Step 10: Weigh and Stamp Your Invitations

Before mailing, bring a fully assembled invitation set to the post office to have it weighed. This will tell you how much postage you need, including for international invitations. It's a good idea to hand-cancel your invitations at the post office to ensure they are handled with care and aren't damaged by sorting machines.

Frequently asked questions