Crafting Passport Wedding Invites: A Diy Guide

Planning a destination wedding? Consider making your own passport wedding invitations. Passport invitations are unique and creative compared to generic and traditional invitations. You can make them as personalised as you like and they can be designed for all types of occasions. You can find free templates online to help you get started.

When making your own passport wedding invitations, it's important to keep in mind that not all paper is printer-friendly. If you're using a laser or inkjet printer, it's best to steer clear of exotic paper. You should also remember that printers cannot print white, so if you use coloured paper, everything that is supposed to be white will appear in the colour of the paper.

There are many online resources and templates to help you design and create your own passport wedding invitations.

Choosing a template

If you decide to create your own template, you can use a program like Adobe Express or Canva, which offer free online invitation templates that you can customise. These programs allow you to add your own photos, images, and designs, giving you the freedom to create a unique and personalised invitation.

On the other hand, if you prefer to use a pre-made template, there are many online resources, such as Etsy and Template.net, that offer a wide range of passport invitation templates for various events, including weddings. These templates are customisable and can be downloaded and edited to fit your specific needs.

When choosing a template, it is important to consider the theme and style of your wedding. Select a template that complements your wedding colours and personal style. You can also look for templates that incorporate travel themes, such as maps and travel stamps, which are particularly fitting for a destination wedding.

Additionally, pay attention to the details of the template, such as the cover design, colour palette, and font choices. These elements should reflect your wedding's aesthetic and create a cohesive look for your invitation suite.

Remember, the template you choose will serve as the foundation for your passport wedding invitations, so take the time to explore different options and select one that truly speaks to your vision.

Gathering supplies

Gathering the right supplies is an important step in the process of making DIY passport wedding invitations. Here is a detailed list of the supplies you will need:

• Invitation Template: You can find customizable passport invitation templates online, such as on websites like Etsy, Template.net, or Adobe Express. These templates can be personalized to match your wedding theme and colors. Some templates are free, while others are available for purchase.
• Paper: For printing your invitations, you will need high-quality paper. Look for cardstock with a weight of at least 100 lb (220 gsm / 110 lb is also mentioned). This will ensure your invitations have a sturdy and luxurious feel. You can choose between plain white cardstock or go for a colored option, such as brown cardstock, to match your theme.
• Printer: Decide whether you want to print the invitations yourself at home or use a professional printing service. If printing at home, make sure your printer can handle heavy cardstock. Otherwise, research local print centers or online printing services that offer competitive prices and high-quality results.
• Envelopes: Choose envelopes that fit your invitations without folding them. You can opt for plain envelopes or add a touch of elegance with ivory white chiffon silk ribbons.
• Embellishments: To give your invitations a special touch, consider adding embellishments such as satin ribbons, plane charms, or envelope seals. These can be found at craft stores or online.
• Scissors: Scissors will be useful for cutting the paper to size, especially if you are printing on larger paper and need to trim the invitations.
• Paper Trimmer: For perfectly straight edges, consider using a paper trimmer instead of scissors. This will give your invitations a more professional look.
• Bone Folder: Scoring a line down the middle of the invitation with a bone folder will help you create a clean fold without creasing the paper.
• Computer: You will need a computer to design and personalize your invitations, as well as to download and print the final product.
• Online Editor: Some invitation templates can be customized using online editors like Corjl, which allow you to edit text, fonts, colors, and add your own photos.

Once you have gathered all the necessary supplies, you can start the process of designing and assembling your DIY passport wedding invitations.

Personalising your invitation

Now comes the fun part: customising your passport wedding invitation. This is where you can let your creativity flow and tailor the invitation to your liking. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Choose a Template that Fits Your Theme

The first step is to select a template that aligns with your wedding theme and style. Consider the colour scheme, font styles, and overall design that best represent your vision. You can browse through various online platforms, such as Creative Things Studio, Template.net, or Etsy, to find a diverse range of templates, from classic and elegant to fun and vibrant designs.

Step 2: Design the Cover

The cover of your passport invitation sets the tone for the entire suite. Customise the front page by choosing a background colour that complements your theme. You can also add decorative elements, such as travel-themed images or illustrations, to make it more visually appealing.

Step 3: Add an Introduction or Tagline

Include a short description of the event and the name of the celebrants on the cover. This will give your guests a clear understanding of the occasion and set the right expectations. For example, you can write "John and Emily's Destination Wedding" or "An Adventure Begins: Join Us on Our Special Day."

Step 4: Insert a Picture

Passports typically have a photo for identification. Add a headshot or a fun photo of the celebrants or the couple inside the passport invitation. This adds a personal touch and makes the invitation more engaging.

Step 5: Provide Event Details

As with any invitation, it is crucial to include the specific date, time, and venue of the wedding. You can also provide additional information such as the dress code, wedding website, or any other relevant details your guests may need to know.

Step 6: Include an RSVP

Incorporate an RSVP section in your invitation, providing the name and contact details of the person guests should reach out to confirm their attendance. This is an important step to help you keep track of your guest list and plan accordingly.

Step 7: Add Travel Stamps

To enhance the passport theme, you can include stamps of different destinations or travel-related images. These can be in various shapes and colours, adding a playful touch to your invitation.

Step 8: Consider a Passport Code

Take your design a step further by adding a mock-up machine-readable code, similar to the ones found on real passports. This code can be placed at the bottom of the invitation, giving it an authentic passport feel.

Step 9: Finalise and Print

Once you have finalised your design, it's time to download and print your invitations. Choose a high-quality paper stock, such as cardstock or silk coverstock, to ensure your invitations look and feel luxurious. You can print them at home or use a professional printing service for the best results.

Remember, the key to personalising your passport wedding invitation is to be creative and thoughtful. Add unique touches that reflect your style and theme, and don't be afraid to think outside the box. Your guests will surely appreciate the effort and attention to detail that goes into crafting these invitations.

Downloading and printing

Once you've designed your passport wedding invitation, it's time to download and print it.

Choosing the Correct Settings

Choose the appropriate settings depending on where you will be printing from:

• Printing with a professional printing centre like Prints of Love or Printed.com: Paper size should be the design default size. Show bleed and select the US or EU/AU format depending on where you are based.
• Printing at home or at a local print centre: Paper size should be A4 or 8.5 x 11". Show bleed, show trim marks and tile the same design.

Where to Print

For the best results, it is recommended to use a professional printing centre. If you are based in the US, Prints of Love offers high-quality printing at competitive prices, as well as free envelopes and fast shipping. For those in the UK, Printed.com is a good option. Vista Print is another alternative for those in other countries.

Paper Type

If you are printing from home, it is recommended to use high-quality stock paper with a minimum weight of 100 lb or more. Check your printer instructions to ensure it can handle heavy cardstock.

Trimming and Folding

If you are printing from home, you will need to trim your cards following the trim marks on the sheet. A paper trimmer will give you perfectly clean edges. After that, fold your cards with a bone folder scorer to avoid creating creases on the paper. Score a line down the middle of the card and fold it on the bumpy side of the line.

Trimming, folding and assembling

Trimming, folding, and assembling are the final steps in creating your passport wedding invitations.

If you are printing your invitations at home, you will need to trim your cards following the trim marks on the sheet. Using a paper trimmer will give you perfectly clean edges.

After trimming, fold your cards with a bone folder scorer to avoid creating creases on the paper. Score a line down the middle of the card and fold it on the bumpy side of the line.

The last step is to assemble your invitations. Insert the details card and boarding pass RSVP card inside the passport. Finally, tie everything together with a satin ribbon. Insert the invite into the envelope.

To add an extra touch, you can print the address on each envelope using a template that features the same travel theme as the invitation.

Frequently asked questions