Design, Create, And Sell: Wedding Invitations

There are many things to consider when starting a wedding invitation business. From creating designs and understanding paper options to outsourcing production and learning the mailing process, it can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Here are some key steps to help you get started:

- Research the marketplace: Determine the demand for your service by identifying your target customers, understanding your competition, and setting competitive prices. Be mindful of the increasing number of DIY wedding invitation websites offering low prices due to high volume.

- Get yourself qualified: Learn graphic design and how to create wedding designs using online classes or design programs such as Adobe Creative Suite. Understand different paper options to better explain them to customers.

- Figure out your costs: Create a pre-launch budget that includes expenses such as phone, internet, computers, invitation materials, and attorney/accountant fees. Also, develop an operating budget to calculate monthly costs and determine your break-even point.

- Write a business plan: Utilise free online templates and resources, such as the SBA website and the SCORE website, to create a comprehensive wedding invitation business plan.

- Test-market your product: Create samples and gather feedback from wedding planners, stationery stores, and potential customers. Ask specific questions to validate your product and pricing strategy.

- Get the legalities in order: Ensure you have the necessary licenses, tax identification, and business structure in place before launching. Consult with a tax advisor to determine the appropriate business structure for your specific circumstances.

- Start your launch slowly: Begin test-selling your invitations at local fairs, festivals, and stores, and use small test mailings to gather feedback. This will allow you to make adjustments to your products, marketing channels, and pricing before a full launch.

Graphic design for wedding invitations

Graphic design is a crucial aspect of creating wedding invitations. Here are some tips and tricks for designing wedding invitations:

Software and Programs

The Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard for graphic design, and programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop are commonly used for invitation design. These programs offer a wide range of features and tools that allow designers to create unique and personalised invitations. Other programs such as Procreate on the iPad can also be used, but Adobe programs are preferable for troubleshooting and the availability of online tutorials.

Design Principles

Applying graphic design principles can elevate the overall look and feel of a wedding invitation. A free course on Invitation Composition + Layout is offered by designbylaney.com, which teaches graphic design principles specifically for wedding invitations. Additionally, understanding traditional wedding invitation etiquette and wording is essential. Websites like Emily Post offer valuable resources for ensuring that the invitation designs serve their functional purpose while also being aesthetically pleasing.

Style and Aesthetic

The style and aesthetic of wedding invitations can vary depending on the client's preferences and requirements. For instance, Pretty Gilded, a luxury invitation design studio, specialises in seamlessly integrating traditional Indian elements with contemporary layouts and styles, catering to the modern Indian bride. Thus, understanding the target audience and ideal client profile is crucial for designing wedding invitations that align with their tastes and expectations.

Online Resources

Websites like Dribbble offer a wealth of inspirational designs, illustrations, and graphic elements from renowned designers worldwide. Additionally, online platforms such as Freepik provide free downloadable templates, vectors, and images that can serve as a starting point for creating wedding invitations.

Networking and Community

Building a community and networking with other wedding invitation designers can be beneficial. designbylaney.com offers a membership community called Stationery School, providing monthly courses and resources specifically for wedding invitation designers.

By following these tips and staying dedicated to the craft, designers can create beautiful and functional wedding invitations that cater to their clients' needs and expectations.

Etiquette for wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of wedding planning, and it's important to follow certain etiquette guidelines to ensure they are well-received by your guests. Here are some tips to ensure your invitations are both functional and stylish:

Timing is Everything

It is customary to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. For a destination wedding, it is advisable to send out invitations 12 weeks in advance.

Provide Clear Information

Ensure your invitations include all the necessary details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony. If the reception is at the same venue, a simple "reception to follow" note will suffice. For separate reception venues, include the time and location on a separate card. It is also helpful to include any pre- or post-wedding events, hotel information, and a link to your wedding website.

Be Mindful of Addressing

When addressing the invitations, be clear about who is invited. For couples with children, specify "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" instead of "The Smith Family" if only the adults are invited. If children are invited, include their names on the line beneath their parents' names. For guests with a plus-one, write "and Guest" or include the name of their significant other if you know it.

Provide RSVP Details

Don't forget to include an RSVP date, typically two to three weeks before the wedding, to give you enough time to finalise numbers with your caterer. Provide pre-addressed and stamped envelopes to make it easy for guests to respond, or direct them to a specific email, phone number, or wedding website URL.

Avoid Incorrect Start Times

It is important to put the correct start time on your invitations. Guests tend to arrive early for weddings, so indicating an earlier time may result in guests waiting longer than necessary.

Avoid Including Registry Information

It is considered impolite to include registry information directly on your invitations. Instead, include a link to your wedding website on an information insert, and ensure the registry tab is clearly marked.

Consider the Design and Wording

Familiarise yourself with traditional wedding invitation etiquette and wording to ensure your invitations serve their functional purpose. The wording should include a request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information. The invitation should also indicate the dress code, either explicitly or through the invitation design.

Paper for wedding invitations

When it comes to choosing paper for wedding invitations, there are a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right paper for your wedding invitations:

Type of Paper

The type of paper you choose will impact the overall look and feel of the invitation. Common options include:

• Card and Cover Stock: This is a thick and heavy paper that gives a luxurious and elegant feel to the invitation. The standard weight for cover stock is 120 pounds, and it can come in various treatments such as satin, silk, or glossy.
• Smooth Paper: Smooth paper is the most cost-effective option and is ideal for photo printing. It has a simple and sleek appearance.
• Cotton Paper: Cotton paper is a luxurious and premium choice. It has a soft feel and a flawless appearance, free of any imperfections or fibres. It is also durable and responds well to different printing techniques.
• Eggshell Paper: Eggshell paper offers a nice middle ground, with a subtle texture that adds a touch of sophistication. It often falls within a mid-range price point.
• Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper: These options are perfect for a rustic or DIY-themed wedding, adding a personalised and intimate touch.
• Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper: These translucent papers are great for creating depth and interest in layered invitations. They can be used as accents or to mute underlying graphics.
• Acrylic: Acrylic invitations offer a dramatic and modern look. However, they come with limitations in printing techniques and can be more costly.

Paper Weight and Thickness

The weight and thickness of the paper contribute to the overall durability and quality of the invitation. Wedding invitations are typically printed on paper with a weight of 250 gsm or 100# or higher. Heavier paper, such as card and cover stock, can enhance the luxurious feel of the invitation.

Finish

The finish of the paper refers to its texture and can add a subtle touch of personality to the invitation. Some common finishes include:

• Smooth Matte: A simple and classic option that serves as a great starting point for brides.
• Linen: Linen paper has a subtle engraved pattern that adds texture and a touch of elegance.
• Eggshell: This finish has a faint toothiness, giving the paper a slightly textured feel.
• Metallic: Metallic finishes add a hint of sparkle and shine to the invitation, perfect for a glamorous wedding theme.

Eco-Friendly Options

If sustainability is important to you, consider using recycled paper for your wedding invitations. Some companies offer invitations printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, contributing to a more environmentally friendly event.

Printing wedding invitations

Digital printing is the most cost-effective option and allows for a lot of freedom in design. With digital printing, you can play with fun colours, use watercolour designs, and even print a "bleed" where the design runs off the edges of the paper.

Foil stamping is a luxury print method that can be done with metallic, holographic, and matte colours. It gives a beautiful opaque white print on dark paper and leaves a subtle indent in the paper.

Letterpress printing is similar to foil stamping but uses ink instead of a foil sheet. Any ink colour can be used, except for shiny metallics.

If you're just starting, it's recommended to explore digital printing first as it's the most cost-effective and versatile option.

When it comes to where to print your wedding invitations, you have two main options: printing in-house or outsourcing to a print shop. Printing in-house gives you more control over your schedule and can be cheaper, but it also means you'll need to invest in printers and spend time doing print adjustments and checking ink levels. Outsourcing, on the other hand, allows you to focus more on the design aspect of your business, but it can be more expensive and may require a larger minimum order quantity.

If you decide to outsource, there are print shops that cater specifically to invitation businesses, offering a variety of paper options and minimum print quantities as low as 10, which is perfect for printing samples and practicing your designs. You can also consider having a local stationery printer on hand for rush jobs or more hands-on production processes.

Additionally, there are online platforms that offer custom wedding invitation printing services, allowing you to choose from a range of stocks, inks, fold options, and finishing touches like drill holes for ribbons or rounded corners. These platforms may also provide fulfilment services, including list acquisition, list processing, addressing, and mailing.

Marketing your wedding invitation business

Marketing is a challenging aspect of any industry, and the wedding industry is no exception. However, you can easily set yourself apart by understanding your ideal client profile.

• Ideal Client Profile: Create a basic profile of the client you want to attract. This will help you tailor your messaging and speak directly to them on the platforms they use.
• Be Where the Clients Are: Determine your ideal client's demographics and preferences, such as their age, social media platforms, hobbies, and sources for wedding advice. Join relevant organisations, groups, and networks to increase your chances of meeting potential clients.
• Market with Wedding Vendors: Collaborate with wedding planners and other vendors such as venues and photographers, who can refer new business your way. Form genuine connections and focus on making their lives easier.
• Styled Shoots: Participate in styled shoots, which are mock weddings that allow you to form relationships with other vendors and gain marketing photos of your work. Research the photographers and planners involved, and ensure you get high-quality photos of your invitations.
• Online Presence: Create a website to showcase your work and optimise it for search engines (SEO). Utilise social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and TikTok, depending on your target audience. Use relevant hashtags and interact with potential clients and vendors.
• Etsy: Consider selling your invitations on Etsy, especially if you offer semi-custom or pre-designed invitations. Optimise your listings with clear descriptions, high-quality photos, relevant tags, and pricing strategies.
• Local Presence: Participate in local wedding fairs and festivals, collaborate with local stationery stores or bookstores, and network with other vendors in your area.

Frequently asked questions