Diy Wedding Invites: Crafting On A Budget

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money on them without sacrificing quality. From fully DIY options to semi-DIY and done-for-you designs, there are many ways to cut costs. For example, you could use a free design software like Canva and print the invites yourself. Alternatively, you could opt for digital invites, which are often free or low-cost, and can be sent via email or text message. If you're set on printed invites, there are many online retailers that offer stylish, low-cost options, such as Zola, Joy, Minted, TwistedStationery, Walmart, The Knot, Vistaprint, Zazzle, Shutterfly, Basic Invite, Ann's Bridal Bargains, and more.

DIY with a template

If you're looking to save money on your wedding invites, using a template is a great way to create DIY invitations. There are many free or low-cost online platforms that offer customisable wedding invitation templates, such as:

• Canva
• Adobe Express
• Microsoft
• Greetings Island
• VistaPrint

These platforms offer a range of designs to choose from, including rustic, vintage, minimalist, floral, and modern styles. You can also choose from different colour schemes, fonts, and paper types to match the theme of your wedding.

• Choose a platform and template: Select a platform that offers the features you want, such as customisation options, download or print capabilities, and pricing that suits your budget. Browse through their collection of wedding invitation templates and choose one that fits the style and theme of your wedding.
• Customise your invitation: Most templates will allow you to edit the text, colours, images, and other design elements. Add your wedding details, such as the date, time, venue, and RSVP information. You may also be able to upload your photos or add special effects.
• Finalise the design: Review your invitation for any errors or mistakes. Consider having someone else proofread it as well. Make any necessary adjustments until you are happy with the final design.
• Select your paper and printing options: Choose the type of paper you want to print your invitations on. Thicker cardstock or textured paper can give your invitations a more luxurious feel. Decide whether you want to print the invitations yourself or use a professional printing service.
• Download, print, and assemble: Download your finalised invitation design and print the desired number of copies. If you're printing at home, make sure your printer is set up correctly and test print a few copies to ensure the colours and alignment are correct. After printing, assemble your invitations and insert them into envelopes.
• Mail your invitations: Take a complete invitation (with all embellishments and inserts) to the post office to have it weighed and to purchase the correct postage. Consider any extra accommodations you may want, such as hand-cancelling to prevent potential ripping or damage.

Creating DIY wedding invites using a template is a cost-effective and creative way to invite your loved ones to your special day. By following these steps and utilising the features offered by online template platforms, you can design beautiful and personalised invitations that reflect your unique style.

Use a free design software like Canva

If you're looking to make cheap wedding invites, using a free design software like Canva is the most affordable option. Canva is a free online design platform with a range of templates, images, and customisation tools that you can use to create your dream wedding invites. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Sign up for Canva

Head to the Canva website and sign up for an account. You can sign up with your email address or use your Google or Facebook account to get started quickly. Once you're signed in, you can access the Canva design interface and begin creating your wedding invites.

Step 2: Choose a template

Canva offers a variety of wedding invitation templates to choose from. You can browse through the collection and select a template that matches your wedding theme and style. Whether you're looking for something rustic, elegant, or modern, Canva has a template to suit your needs. You can also start from scratch and design your own layout if you prefer.

Step 3: Customise your design

This is where the fun begins! Canva's drag-and-drop tool makes it easy to customise your chosen template or create your own design. You can upload your own images, photos, and artwork to add a personal touch. You can also browse Canva's extensive media library, which includes over a million stock images, graphics, and illustrations. Many of these images are free to use, while others are priced at just $1 each.

You can also experiment with different fonts, colour schemes, and design elements to make your invites unique. Play around with shapes, lines, and text boxes to create a layout that reflects your style.

Step 4: Finalise and download

Once you're happy with your design, it's time to finalise your invites. Check that you've included all the necessary information, such as the request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, location, and any additional details like the wedding website address.

Then, download your design as a print-ready PDF file. You can also share your design via email or social media directly from Canva.

Step 5: Print your invites

If you want physical copies of your invites, you can use Canva Print to order high-quality prints. Simply upload your design and choose your desired quantity. Canva will deliver the printed invites right to your doorstep. Alternatively, you can use a local printing service or print your invites at home if you have access to a good quality printer.

By following these steps and using Canva's free design tools, you can create beautiful and affordable wedding invites that perfectly reflect your style and theme. Happy designing!

Shop around for deals and discounts

When it comes to wedding invites, there are plenty of options to choose from, and shopping around for deals and discounts can help you save money. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Zola

Zola offers a range of wedding planning tools, including free digital Save the Dates, printed Save the Dates starting at $49 for 50, and invitations starting at $99.50 for 50. They also offer matching wedding paper, such as menus and thank-you cards, as well as free shipping and a seamless online experience. Their intuitive builder allows you to customise your invitations easily, and their guest list manager helps you address all your invitations for free.

Joy

Joy provides free, unlimited digital invites and printed invitations starting at $132 for 50. They offer a user-friendly guest list manager and a wedding registry. You can choose from hundreds of free digital and printed Save the Dates, invites, and ecards, which can be matched to your Joy site or customised.

Minted

Minted is a more expensive option, offering handcrafted wedding invitations from independent designers. Styles range from classic to modern, with options for luxe paper and letterpress printing. They also introduced "all-in-one" invites, which include the invitation, envelope, and RSVP postcard in one, starting at $185 for 50. Minted also offers free custom envelopes with a white, all-script font.

TwistedStationery on Etsy

Etsy is a great site for cheap wedding invitations, with many independent artists and designers offering their creations. You can find inexpensive digital downloads or order custom-printed invitations. Shops like TwistStationery offer completed suites starting at $120 for 50 invites. Etsy also has custom address stamps, which can be useful for sending out wedding invitations.

Walmart

Walmart offers a large selection of cheap wedding invitations, starting at $39 for 60 invites with envelopes. They have classic designs, such as calligraphy invitations, and more modern options like gold marbled invites. Same-day delivery may also be available.

The Knot

The Knot offers a wide range of designs, with over 300 options to choose from, and the ability to coordinate them with a matching wedding website. They also have promotions, such as free reprints if you need to change your date, and they plant a tree for every stationery purchase. The Knot's invitation prices start at $110 for 50 invitations.

Vistaprint

Vistaprint is a well-known DIY printing website that offers customisable wedding invitations starting at $50 for 50 invitations with envelopes. They provide prepared templates that you can easily customise and order online.

LD Design Loft on Zazzle

Similar to Vistaprint, Zazzle allows you to customise your wedding invitations from thousands of templates. Their prices start at $25 for 50 invitations with envelopes, and they offer a wide range of themes, from elegant floral to art deco designs.

Paperless Post

Paperless Post is a great option if you're looking to send email invitations. They offer beautiful and elegant designs, with many free options available. For an additional cost, you can select invitations by famous designers. Their pricing is based on "coins," and the number of coins needed depends on the number of recipients.

Zazzle

Zazzle offers budget wedding invitations with discounts of up to 50% on select designs. They have a wide range of styles, including modern, minimalist, and rustic options.

Ann's Bridal Bargains

Ann's Bridal Bargains provides affordable wedding invitations, with sets that include free RSVP cards and are available in various themes and styles. Their invitations are just 99 cents each, and they offer a heavier weight paper option, shimmer paper, and textured paper for an additional cost.

Choose digital invites

Digital wedding invites are a great way to save money without compromising on style. They can be as beautiful as their physical counterparts, and there are many benefits to going paperless.

Firstly, digital invites are much cheaper than physical invites, which can cost between $5,000 and $8,000 on average. Digital invites, on the other hand, rarely cost more than $100. This is a huge saving, especially for couples on a budget or those who want to allocate their money elsewhere, like hosting an open bar at the reception.

Secondly, digital invites save a lot of time. There's no need to stuff envelopes, secure stamps, or write out addresses by hand. This is incredibly convenient, especially when you have a long list of other wedding-related tasks to complete.

Thirdly, digital invites are environmentally friendly. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of your wedding, digital invites are a great way to ensure your special day remains eco-friendly.

Digital invites also allow for seamless design. It's easy to create a cohesive package with digital invites, save-the-dates, a wedding website, and thank-you cards all in the same design suite. This consistency is something your guests will notice and appreciate.

Finally, RSVPs are much easier with digital invites. Online invitation services direct guests to your wedding website, where they can instantly RSVP, and you receive that information immediately. No more waiting for postal RSVPs to trickle in!

• Greenvelope: Costs begin at $19 for up to 20 people and include RSVP tracking. You can edit the background, colours, and text to suit your wedding theme.
• Evite: Evite Premium invitations begin at $15.99 for 15 invites. You can add photos, embellishments, and even upload your own custom designs.
• Paperless Post: This site offers beautiful invitation templates from renowned designers. You can also upload your own design. Pricing is based on "coins", with packages starting at 25 coins for $12.
• Bliss & Bone: Modern and sleek designs with unique features like texture and shadowing. Invites are priced per recipient and start at 90 cents each.
• Etsy: Etsy offers editable digital invitation templates, including classic and rustic designs, at very affordable prices, with some downloads available for as little as $2.
• Riley & Grey: Specialises in creating luxury wedding websites and matching digital invites. Prices start at $35 per month for site hosting, which includes a digital invitation design.

Digital invites are a cost-effective, time-saving, and eco-friendly option for your wedding. With so many design options available, you can easily create beautiful invites that match your wedding vision.

Keep your guest list small

Keeping your guest list small is one of the most effective ways to save money when planning a wedding. Here are some tips to help you keep your guest list small and manageable:

Set a Realistic Budget

Before you start planning your guest list, it's crucial to have a clear and realistic budget in place. The number of guests you invite will significantly impact your spending, from catering costs to venue capacity. By setting a budget first, you can determine how many people you can afford to invite. This will help you stay within your financial limits and avoid the temptation to overspend.

Prioritize Close Loved Ones

When creating your guest list, start by prioritizing your closest loved ones and immediate family members. Think about the people you truly want to celebrate with and those who are essential to your special day. This might include your parents, siblings, grandparents, and close friends. By focusing on your VIPs first, you can ensure that your guest list remains small and meaningful.

Establish Parameters

To keep your guest list under control, it's helpful to establish some parameters or rules. For example, you might decide to only invite people you have a close relationship with or those you've met within a certain timeframe. You can also set guidelines for plus-ones, such as only inviting partners of those in serious, long-term relationships. These parameters will help you stay focused and make decisions about who to include or exclude.

Be Selective with Plus-Ones

When it comes to plus-ones, it's essential to be mindful and selective. You don't have to give everyone a plus-one, especially if they are not in a committed relationship. If you're trying to keep your guest list small, consider only allowing plus-ones for your wedding party, engaged couples, or those who live together. This will help reduce the number of guests and keep your costs down.

Consider an Adults-Only Wedding

If you're worried about your guest list getting out of hand, consider making your wedding an adults-only affair. While it may be a difficult conversation with parents and friends, it's a valid option to reduce the number of attendees. By not inviting children, you can significantly decrease your headcount and create a more intimate atmosphere.

Manage Expectations

When creating your guest list, it's important to manage expectations, especially if others are contributing financially to your wedding. Be transparent about your budget and the number of guests you can afford to invite. Have open and honest conversations with your parents and in-laws about their guest list requests, and set clear boundaries if needed. Remember, it's your wedding, and you have the final say in who gets invited.

Frequently asked questions