Crafting Luxurious Wedding Invites On A Budget

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but they don't have to be. With a little creativity and some DIY, you can make cheap wedding invitations look expensive and elegant. Here are some ideas to get you started: choose heavyweight papers with rich solids or shimmering metallics, add a ribbon or lace for a romantic touch, use fancy paper cutting equipment for a professional finish, or download a template and print your own invitations. You can also add personal touches like a wax seal, vintage stamps, or pressed flowers to make your invitations stand out. By combining good supplies, creative ideas, and a can-do spirit, you can create beautiful and affordable wedding invitations.

Use a heavy card stock

Using a heavy card stock is a great way to make your wedding invitations look luxurious without breaking the bank. The weight of the card stock you choose will matter for printing, mailing, and the general feel of the invitation.

The first thing to consider is whether you will be printing your invitations at home or taking them to a local print shop. Most home printers can handle 80-pound cardstock, but some can go up to 100-pound cardstock. If you are printing at home, start with 80-pound cardstock and increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming. If you are using a local print shop, you can go with a thicker cardstock, starting at 100-pound and working your way up.

When choosing the weight of your cardstock, keep in mind that the thicker the cardstock, the more professional and luxurious your invitations will look and feel. Cardstock weight ranges from 45-pound to 300-pound or higher. For wedding invitations, you will likely want to use cardstock that is at least 80-pound, with 110-pound or heavier giving your invitations a more luxurious feel.

In addition to weight, you can also choose from a variety of cardstock textures to add a unique touch to your invitations. Some popular options include linen cardstock, which has a delicate woven texture, and cotton cardstock, which has a smooth, modern look. You can also find cardstock with a wood grain texture or a subtle vertical ridge pattern.

By choosing a heavy card stock and experimenting with different textures, you can create elegant and luxurious wedding invitations without spending a fortune.

Add a ribbon

Adding a ribbon to your wedding invitations is a simple yet effective way to elevate their look. Ribbons are a clever way to incorporate your wedding colour scheme or theme, and they can be used to neatly tie together all the different elements of your invitation suite, such as travel information and RSVP cards.

When choosing a ribbon, consider the width of the ribbon in relation to your wedding style. A wider ribbon, such as a 25mm satin ribbon, can give a formal and luxurious look, while a skinnier ribbon, like 10mm, can create a more casual feel. You can also opt for a simple bow-style knot, which is quick to do but still gives an impression of true luxury. If you want to add a special touch, try a Dior bow, which is often used on laser-cut wedding wraps, and add a small pearl or crystal embellishment. Another option is a double bow, which is a fun and easy update to a classic single bow.

When attaching the ribbon to your invitations, you can use a variety of methods, such as a tiny metal charm or a paper clip, to secure it in place. Just be sure to check with your local post office to ensure that your chosen method does not incur additional postage.

Embellish with stamps

Embellishing your wedding invitations with stamps is a great way to add a unique and personalised touch. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Firstly, consider investing in a personalised stamp. This can be a great way to add a custom design element to your invitations. You can use a personalised stamp to create your wedding invites or simply add your return address to the envelopes. Etsy offers a wide variety of custom rubber stamps to choose from.

Vintage stamps are another option to elevate your wedding invitations. They add a touch of elegance and can help set the tone for your big day. You can often find vintage stamps on eBay or specialist stamp websites. Vintage stamps may cost a little more, but they will make your invitations stand out. Play around with different colours and designs to match your wedding vibe and personality.

If you're looking for a more subtle approach, try embossing. A personalised embosser will add a subtle and elegant touch to your invitations. It's a great way to add a monogram or custom design without being too flashy. You can find custom monogram embossers on websites like Paper Source and Etsy.

Stamps can also be used to create a wax seal, adding a touch of old-world luxury to your invitations. You can find wax seals in specialty paper or craft stores, as well as on Etsy. Just be sure to practise before sealing all your invitations to ensure a neat finish.

Finally, don't forget about the postage stamps! While not technically an embellishment, choosing the right postage stamps can tie your invitations together. Opt for wedding-themed Forever Stamps or vintage stamps that match your wedding colours or theme. You can even create a cohesive stamp theme by using stamps from your desk drawer and purchasing additional ones in the same style.

With these ideas in mind, you can elevate your wedding invitations with stamps, adding a touch of elegance and personalisation to your special day.

Line your envelopes

Lining your envelopes is a great way to add a special touch to your wedding invitations without breaking the bank. It's an easy DIY project that can elevate the look of your invites and make them stand out in the mail stack. Here are some tips and tricks to help you line your envelopes like a pro:

Choose Your Materials:

• Select a heavyweight cardstock or chipboard for creating your template. This will provide a sturdy base for your liners.
• Decide on the paper you want to use for lining your envelopes. You can choose wrapping paper, which is a cost-effective option, or go for specialty paper with patterns or designs that match your wedding theme.
• Gather your tools: You'll need an X-acto knife or scissors, glue sticks or tape runners, and a cutting mat or protective surface to work on.

Create Your Template:

• Take one envelope and trace its outline onto your cardstock or chipboard.
• Cut out the template carefully.
• To ensure your liners slide in easily, cut off 3/4 inch from the bottom of the template and 1/8 inch from each side.

Cut and Insert Your Liners:

• Trace your template onto the back of your chosen lining paper. If using wrapping paper, trace the pattern-side down.
• Cut out your liners.
• Insert the liners into your envelopes, folding the envelope flap with the liner inside before securing it with adhesive.
• Use a tape runner or glue stick to secure the liner to the flap.

Customise Your Design:

• Explore different patterns and papers to create unique looks for your envelopes. You can match your wedding theme or colour palette.
• Consider adding a personal touch, such as a monogram or a motif that reflects your wedding style.
• Play around with different envelope flap styles, such as the Euro Flap, to enhance the overall appearance.

Lining your envelopes is a simple yet effective way to make your wedding invitations look luxurious without spending a fortune. It adds a touch of elegance and showcases your attention to detail. So, get creative, have fun, and impress your guests with your beautifully lined envelopes!

Handwrite with calligraphy

Handwritten wedding invitations are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. They are unique and one-of-a-kind, elegant and sophisticated, and they help create a connection between you and your guests.

If you have beautiful handwriting, or have always dreamed of being able to write nicely, calligraphy wedding invitations are a great way to express your creativity. You can choose from a variety of calligraphy fonts, from modern calligraphy with a relaxed style and lots of character and bounce to the letters, to traditional calligraphy scripts like copperplate, which has been used for many centuries.

If you are writing the invitations yourself, you will need to purchase the proper materials and tools, including a dip pen, metal nibs, bottled ink, and plenty of paper. You will also need to choose a handwriting style and practice, practice, practice. A good nib for beginners is the Nikko G, which holds ink for long periods of writing and glides smoothly across most papers. Pre-mixed bottled ink, such as Higgins Eternal or Written Word Calligraphy, is recommended as it is easy to load into a dip pen. For practice paper, Canson Mixed Media is a good option as the ink doesn't tend to bleed, and its smooth texture allows the nib to glide easily.

When choosing a handwriting style, select a lettering style that matches the formality and atmosphere of your wedding. For example, a formal script for an evening affair, or a breezier cursive for a beachfront ceremony. Combining different styles or experimenting with custom lettering can also create a unique and visually appealing invitation suite.

Keep in mind that hand-lettering can be time-consuming, so it's important to start the process early and be patient and persistent as you experiment with different tools and styles.

Frequently asked questions