Creating Rustic Wedding Invites: A Handmade Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and invitations are one of the first things you'll need to buy. If you're looking for a way to save money, you might want to consider making your own rustic wedding invitations. This can be a fun and creative process, and you can make them as simple or intricate as you like. You can find free rustic wedding invitation templates online, which you can then customise and print yourself. You can also buy pre-made invitations and add your own personal touches, such as dried flowers or lace. If you're feeling extra creative, you can design your invitations from scratch using materials such as chipboard, leafing, envelopes, and your choice of paper.

Choosing a rustic theme

Natural Elements and Materials

Rustic wedding invitations often incorporate natural elements and materials such as wood and florals. You can use actual wood slices or wooden cards for your invitations, or opt for printed invitations with wooden textures and patterns. If you're feeling creative, you can even try painting or engraving your invitations onto wood. When it comes to florals, you can include illustrations or watercolour paintings of wildflowers, greenery, or any other rustic-themed flowers that match your wedding theme.

Colour Palette

When choosing a colour palette for your rustic wedding invitations, consider earthy tones and soft, muted colours. Shades of brown, green, beige, and cream are commonly used in rustic designs. You can also add pops of colour, such as burgundy or orange, to make certain elements stand out. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours to find the perfect combination that reflects your style.

Textures and Embellishments

To add a tactile element to your invitations, consider incorporating different textures and embellishments. You can use kraft paper, burlap, twine, or ribbon to create a rustic, handmade feel. Lace is also a popular choice for adding a vintage touch to your invitations. These elements can be used to decorate the invitations themselves or as part of the envelope sealing.

Font and Wording

The font and wording you choose for your rustic wedding invitations can also contribute to the overall theme. Consider using script fonts or handwritten calligraphy for a more personal and rustic look. You can also incorporate decorative elements, such as floral wreaths or wooden textures, into the font or as dividers between sections of text. When it comes to wording, you can include rustic-themed phrases or simply use language that reflects the tone and style of your wedding.

DIY and Customisation

One of the benefits of choosing a rustic theme for your wedding invitations is the flexibility it offers. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different materials, colours, and textures. You can find many online resources and templates that you can customise to match your specific theme. If you have the time and skills, you can even try drawing or painting your own illustrations to add a truly personal touch to your invitations. Remember, the beauty of rustic invitations lies in their unique, handmade imperfections!

Selecting materials and tools

To make your own rustic wedding invitations, you will need to select the right materials and tools to achieve the desired look and feel. Here is a list of suggested items to help you get started:

• Paper: Choose a sturdy paper such as chipboard or cardstock for the invitation base. You can also use Kraft paper, which is a popular choice for rustic invitations. Consider the colour and texture of the paper to match your theme.
• Envelopes: Ensure you have envelopes for both the invitation and RSVP cards. It is recommended to purchase about 10% more than you need to account for any mistakes.
• Design: Decide on a design that incorporates rustic elements such as barnwood, florals, lace, or watercolour. You can create your own design using programmes like Adobe InDesign or choose from various online templates.
• Embellishments: Add extra touches like copper or gold leafing, twine, ribbon, or dried flowers to enhance the rustic aesthetic.
• Tools: Gather the necessary tools for assembling your invitations, including scissors, glue (such as Modpodge or hot glue), leafing adhesive (if using leafing), and double-sided tape.
• Printer: You can print your invitations at home using a standard printer, or you can engage the services of a professional print shop for higher quality results.

Remember, the beauty of handmade rustic invitations is in their uniqueness and imperfection, so don't worry if your creations are not perfectly neat. Embrace the scuffed and dishevelled look!

Designing the invitations

Choosing a Design

First, decide on the overall design and style of your invitations. Rustic wedding invitations often feature natural elements like barnwood, florals, and watercolour accents. You can choose to incorporate these elements through illustrations, colours, or even the type of paper you use.

Creating the Layout

Once you have a general idea of the design, it's time to create the layout. This includes deciding on the text placement, font styles and sizes, and any additional embellishments. If you're using a template, you can simply input your information and make adjustments as needed. If you're starting from scratch, you can use software like Adobe InDesign to create your layout.

Adding Personal Touches

To make your invitations truly unique, consider adding some personal touches. This could include using a custom colour palette that matches your wedding colours, adding illustrations or drawings, or even including a small piece of lace or twine for a rustic touch. You can also get creative with the envelope, perhaps using a unique envelope liner or adding a wax seal for a special touch.

Printing and Assembly

After finalising your design, it's time to print your invitations. You can use your home printer or take your design to a professional print shop. If you're including multiple cards, like an RSVP card, you'll need to assemble everything together. This could be as simple as tying the pieces together with twine or placing them inside an envelope.

Don't Stress the Small Stuff

Remember, your invitations don't have to be perfect. Embrace the imperfections that come with handmade items, as this adds to the rustic charm. So, don't worry if your invitations aren't exactly as you imagined or if they have a few smudges. Your guests will appreciate the time and effort you put into creating something unique.

Printing and assembling

• Select your design: Choose a design that reflects your wedding theme and style. You can find many free templates online or create your own using programs like Adobe InDesign. Select a design that includes natural elements like barnwood, florals, watercolour, and abstract accents to achieve a rustic look.
• Customise your invitation: Use customising tools to add personal touches to your chosen template. You can change font styles, sizes, and colours to match your wedding's colour scheme. Consider adding embellishments like stickers or stamps.
• Prepare your materials: Ensure you have all the necessary materials, including high-quality paper or cardstock, envelopes, and any additional decorations like twine, lace, or leaves. It is recommended to have about 10% more envelopes than needed to account for any mistakes.
• Print your invitations: You can use your home printer or engage a professional printing service for higher-quality results. If printing at home, consider using textured paper to add a luxurious feel to your invitations.
• Assemble the layers: Many rustic invitations have multiple layers, including backing, adhesive, and decorative elements. Cut your backing layer to size, leaving enough space for the invitation and any additional layers. Adhere the invitation to the backing using double-sided tape or glue.
• Add decorative touches: If you wish to include lace, leafing, or other decorative elements, carefully attach them using an appropriate adhesive. For lace, you can use Modpodge and hot glue to secure it in place. For leafing, apply leafing adhesive to the desired area and press the leafing into the paper.
• Finalise the assembly: Once all layers and decorations are in place, double-check that everything is securely attached. Place your invitation inside the envelope, ensuring it fits comfortably. You may need to adjust the size of the layers if the fit is too snug.
• Repeat the process: Create a similar process for any additional cards, such as RSVP cards, ensuring they coordinate with your main invitation.
• Proofread and finalise: Before sending your invitations, carefully review all the information, including dates, times, and locations. Ensure that your invitations are free of any spelling or grammatical errors.
• Share or send your invitations: If you've chosen to create digital invitations, you can share them via SMS, Facebook, WhatsApp, or email. For physical invitations, address the envelopes and send them out to your guests.

Your handmade rustic wedding invitations will set the tone for your special day and provide your guests with a beautiful keepsake. Enjoy the process of creating these invitations, and don't worry if they look a bit scruffy—that's the charm of the rustic, shabby-chic style!

Sharing or sending out

Once you've designed your rustic wedding invitations, it's time to send them out to your guests. Here are some tips for sharing or sending out your handmade invites:

• If you're happy with your printed invitations, it's time to place them in their envelopes. Consider adding a sprig of dried wildflower or lavender to each envelope, tying it with twine or ribbon for a rustic touch.
• If you want to add an extra personal touch, you can handwrite your guests' addresses on the envelopes. This can be time-consuming, so be sure to give yourself enough time to complete this task.
• When addressing your envelopes, use formal titles and the full names of your guests. Double-check spelling and accuracy to avoid any confusion or mishaps.
• It's a good idea to weigh your completed invitation (with envelope, RSVP card, and any additional inserts) at the post office to ensure you're affixing the correct postage. This is especially important if your invitations are bulky or heavy due to embellishments.
• Consider creating a spreadsheet or using a guest list management tool to keep track of who has been sent an invitation and whether they have RSVP'd. This will help you stay organized and ensure no one is accidentally left off the guest list.
• If you're concerned about the environment, look into using recycled paper and envelopes for your invitations. You can also encourage guests to recycle their invitations after the wedding.
• If you're short on time or prefer a more digital approach, there are online platforms that allow you to create and send electronic invitations. This option may be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• If you have guests who are unable to attend in person, consider live-streaming your wedding and including a link or instructions in your invitation so they can join in on your special day virtually.
• When sending out your invitations, be mindful of any cultural or religious traditions that may impact your guests' ability to attend. For example, if you have guests who observe religious holidays, avoid scheduling your wedding on those dates.
• Finally, don't forget to enjoy the process! Creating and sending out handmade wedding invitations can be a fun and creative experience.

Frequently asked questions