Crafting A Wedding Card: Diy Guide For Beginners

DIY wedding cards are a popular choice for many brides, either to save money or create a unique design. There are many ways to make a DIY wedding card, from designing it from scratch to using online templates. The process can be as simple or as complicated as you want, but it's important to consider the final form of your invite, the printing options, and the materials you'll need. Whether you choose to design your own or use a template, making your own wedding card is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your special day.

Printing options

There are several printing options available for DIY wedding cards. Each option has its pros and cons, so it is important to consider your specific requirements before making a decision. Here are some of the most common printing options:

• Letterpress: Letterpress printing is a designer and paper lover's dream, resulting in visually lovely invitations that are highly coveted on Pinterest. However, it is an expensive option as it requires heavy machinery and is considered a fine art.
• Online Printing: Online printing companies offer a wide variety of options, and it is usually possible to request a proof of your invitation before finalising the order. While this option may be more convenient, your paper options will be limited to those offered by the company.
• At-Home Printing: Printing wedding invitations at home is the most accessible option, allowing you to work on the project in smaller chunks. However, it is important to test the paper and printer beforehand, as printers can be finicky and limited in their paper options.
• Local Printing: Local print shops offer the advantage of having more control over the printing process and the final result. Some shops may even allow you to bring your own paper or use their paper cutters for free. However, the prices may not always be competitive with online vendors.
• Gocco Printing: Gocco printing is a small-scale version of screen printing that is popular on the Internet. However, it is almost a dead art, so it may not be worth investing time and resources into learning this technique just for your wedding invitations.

When considering printing options, it is important to think about the final form of your invitation, including its overall look and the process you want to use to create it. Additionally, keep in mind the amount of colour in your design, as this will affect both your paper choice and ink consumption.

Paper choices

Paper is a crucial component of your DIY wedding card, and there are several factors to consider when making your choice. Firstly, the type of printer you have and the type of ink it uses will influence your paper selection. Dye-based ink, commonly used in inkjet printers, produces vivid colours and deep blacks but lacks the longevity of pigment-based ink. If you opt for pigment-based ink, be prepared for higher costs as it requires multiple colour pots.

The weight and thickness of the paper are also important considerations. For wedding invites, choose a durable material with a paper weight of at least 80 pounds or 12-point stock to achieve the desired heft and feel. Additionally, some paper types may be too heavy for your printer, so ensure that your printer can handle the paper stock you select.

The amount of colour in your design will also impact your paper choice. Designs with extensive colour coverage may require paper that can handle heavy ink usage. If your design includes mostly photos, pairing dye-based ink with photo paper will enhance the sharpness and colour of your images. For dye-based ink, choose paper with a coating such as semi-gloss, gloss, matte, resin, or polymer to reduce bleeding. Alternatively, swell-able papers can also be used with dye-based ink.

If you opt for pigment-based ink, you can explore a variety of textured paper options such as linen, feltweave card stocks, and cotton rag, which are popular choices for wedding invitations. These paper types can usually be found at office supply stores or local stationery shops, which often offer a wider range of paper finishes and weights.

To save costs, consider printing multiple invitations, RSVP cards, or place cards on each sheet. Resize your invites to fit more on a page, reducing paper waste and allowing you to invest in heavier paper stock. Smaller invites are also less likely to get folded or bent during mailing, ensuring they arrive intact.

Finally, if you plan to keep your invitation as a framed memento, choose archival-quality paper designed to preserve your print for decades. These specialty papers may be more expensive and specific to certain ink types, but they will ensure your invitation remains in pristine condition for years to come.

Design tips

Designing your own wedding invitations can be a fun and creative process, but it can also be a little daunting if you're not sure where to start. Here are some tips to help you create beautiful and unique DIY wedding invitations that will wow your guests:

Understand Layout Styles

Before you begin designing, it's important to understand the different layout styles you can choose from. The layout will determine how the text and graphics are arranged on the invitation. You can go for a traditional and classic layout or experiment with more modern and unique arrangements. Play around with different layouts to see which one works best for your invitation.

Choose the Right Program for Designing

There are many programs available that can help you design your invitations, such as Adobe Express or Canva. These programs offer templates, fonts, and design elements that can make the process easier. You can also use programs like Microsoft Word, which you may already have access to, to create simple yet elegant invitations. Play around with different programs to see which one offers the features and flexibility you need for your design.

Explore Typography

Typography, or the art of arranging letters and text, is an important aspect of invitation design. Choose a font that reflects the style and theme of your wedding. You can go for a classic and elegant font or something more modern and whimsical. Consider the legibility of the font, especially if you have a lot of text to include. You can also mix and match different fonts to create a unique look, but be careful not to overuse this technique as it can make your invitation look cluttered.

Play with Colours and Themes

Colour is a powerful tool in design, and you can use it to create a specific theme or mood for your invitation. Choose a colour palette that reflects your wedding colours or the overall style of your wedding. You can use colours to highlight important information or to create a cohesive look throughout the invitation suite. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and themes until you find the perfect combination that represents your special day.

Add Personal Touches

Your DIY wedding invitations are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Consider incorporating meaningful symbols, quotes, or even your own artwork into the design. You can also use photos of the happy couple or include a personal message to your guests. These personal touches will make your invitations unique and memorable.

Proof and Print

Once you've finalised your design, it's time to proofread and print your invitations. Carefully review the text for any errors or typos. Consider printing a test copy to ensure that the colours and layout are exactly how you envisioned them. Make any necessary adjustments before printing the final copies. Remember to choose a high-quality paper that complements your design and represents the tone of your wedding.

Packaging and embellishments

The packaging and embellishments you choose for your DIY wedding card will depend on the overall look and feel you are aiming for. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create elegant and beautiful wedding cards:

Choose the Right Paper

The paper you select will significantly impact the final look and feel of your wedding card. Opt for a durable material with a paper weight of at least 80 pounds or 12-point stock to give your invitations a luxurious feel. If your design includes photos, pair dye-based ink with photo paper to enhance the sharpness and colour. Paper with a semi-gloss, gloss, matte, resin, or polymer coating works well with dye-based ink and reduces bleeding. Alternatively, you can use swell-able papers, which "swell" as they absorb the ink.

If you want to add texture to your invitations, consider using pigment ink with linen, feltweave card stock, or cotton rag paper. These options are readily available at office supply stores and stationery shops. Just be mindful of the paper weight, as some printers may not handle heavier stock. Always check your printer's specifications before purchasing paper.

Embellishments and Add-ons

If you plan to add embellishments, such as ribbons, wax seals, or additional cards, keep in mind that this will increase the weight of your invitation suite. This may result in higher postage fees, so be sure to use a kitchen scale and check the postal service website for accurate postage estimates. Additionally, square-shaped invitations and envelopes typically cost more to mail, so it's best to stick with standard rectangular sizes.

Creative Techniques

There are various creative techniques you can use to embellish your wedding cards. For instance, foil lettering and accents can be easily applied at home with a little extra effort and creativity. You can also achieve a professional look by using tools like the Cricut Cuttlebug machine for letterpress, embossing, or die-cutting. If you want to include wax seals, combine wax, an iron, and a hammer to create a personalised image on the back of your invitation.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

When assembling your invitations, use a paper cutter or an X-Acto knife to ensure straight and clean cuts. Avoid using scissors, as they can result in uneven edges. If you plan to mail your invitations, be mindful of the size and weight to prevent bending or folding during processing.

Proofing and Testing

Before finalising your design, create test prints to proof your work and make any necessary adjustments. This step will help you perfect the colours, layout, and overall appearance of your invitations. Additionally, if you're printing your own invitations, be prepared to make adjustments to your printer settings and paper choices to achieve the desired results.

Design considerations

When designing your DIY wedding card, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure your card not only looks beautiful but also accurately reflects your wedding theme and your personality.

Firstly, consider the printing style you wish to use. Letterpress, for instance, is a coveted style that produces visually lovely results, but it can be expensive due to the heavy machinery required. Online printing offers convenience and a wide variety of options, although you may have to pay extra for paper samples and proofs. At-home printing is the most accessible option, allowing you to work on your project in smaller chunks, but it may limit your paper and ink choices. Local printing gives you more control over the process and is a good option for short-run printing.

The type of printer and ink you have will influence your design. Dye-based ink, commonly used in inkjet printers, offers a wide colour gamut, deep blacks, and brilliant saturation, working well with semi-gloss or gloss-coated paper. However, it may not have the longevity of pigment-based ink, which produces prints that last longer, especially when paired with archival papers. Keep in mind that elaborate designs with heavy colour usage will quickly drain your ink reserves.

The paper you choose is another crucial aspect. Select a durable material with a weight of at least 80 pounds or 12-point stock to achieve the heft and feel typically associated with invitations. If your design includes photos, pair dye-based ink with photo paper for the best results. Paper with coatings such as semi-gloss, gloss, matte, resin, or polymer works well with dye-based ink to reduce bleeding. For pigment ink, you can explore textured paper options like linen, feltweave card stocks, and cotton rag. Ensure the paper weight is compatible with your printer to avoid damage.

When designing your card, remember to include a request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, location, and any additional information like the wedding website and gift list details. You may also want to stylise your font to match your wedding theme. The classic wedding invitation size is a 5 x 7 inches flat, rectangular card, but you can customise the size to make it more petite or opt for a long, thin card.

Finally, consider adding personal touches like foil lettering or accents, letterpress, embossing, or die-cutting for a professional look. Calibrate your screen for colour balance to ensure accurate colour replication, and use a paper cutter or X-Acto knife for clean, even cuts when trimming your invitations.

Frequently asked questions