Creating Handmade Wedding Cards: A Step-By-Step Guide

Handmade wedding cards are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding day. They allow you to express your creativity and craft something unique, and are a cost-effective alternative to store-bought cards. With a variety of options to choose from, you can tailor your invitations to match your wedding theme and personal style. In this article, we will take you through a simple step-by-step guide to making your own beautiful wedding invitations. We will cover everything from gathering materials to assembling your invites, so you can create professional-looking results that are sure to impress your guests.

Gather materials: blank laser cut pockets, A4 cardstock, glitter card, scissors, and optional embellishments

To make your own wedding invitations, you will need to gather the following materials: blank laser-cut pockets, A4 cardstock, glitter card, scissors, and any optional embellishments. These can include ribbons, bows, tags, or wax seals for the envelopes.

Blank laser-cut invitation pockets are available in a variety of colours, including blush pink, ivory, and white. You can choose the colour that best matches your wedding theme or personal style. The pockets will form the base of your invitations, creating a professional and elegant look.

A4 cardstock will be used for the invitation itself and any guest information cards. It provides a sturdy and high-quality base for your printed designs. When printing, ensure that the text is centred and consider doing a test print on regular paper first to avoid any mistakes. After printing, use scissors or a paper cutter to trim the cards down to size, making them slightly smaller than the glitter card or pocket size to create a sophisticated border effect.

The A4 glitter card is optional but will add a touch of sparkle to your invitations. Cut the glitter card to size, ensuring it fits within the pocket and provides a nice border around the invitation and guest information cards. You can choose to forgo the glitter card and instead apply double-sided tape to the back of your printed cards, attaching them directly to the blank laser-cut pocket.

Scissors or a paper cutter are essential tools for trimming and cutting your cardstock and glitter card to the correct sizes. They help you achieve precise and straight edges, contributing to the professional appearance of your invitations.

Finally, you can choose to include optional embellishments to add a personal touch or extra flair to your invitations. Experiment with different designs, such as ribbons, bows, or wax seals, to find what best represents your wedding theme and personality. These embellishments can be easily attached using double-sided tape or glue.

Print invitations and guest information cards, then trim to size

Now that you have gathered your materials, it is time to print your invitations and guest information cards. Start by designing the content on your computer. Be sure to include all the relevant details such as the date, time, venue, and any other additional information for your guests. Once you are happy with the design, print the designs onto A4 cardstock using a high-quality printer. Centre the text and consider doing a test print on regular paper first to avoid any mistakes.

After printing, use scissors or a paper cutter to trim the printed cards down to size. Remember that the invitation and guest information cards should be slightly smaller than the glitter card or the pocket size to create an elegant border effect. Cut the glitter card to size as well, ensuring it fits within the pocket while providing a nice border around the invitation and guest information cards.

Assemble the invitation cards: apply double-sided tape and stick cards onto the glitter backing

Now that you have printed and cut your cards down to size, it's time to assemble your invitation cards. Take your double-sided tape and apply three strips to the back of your invitation and guest information cards. This will ensure a secure hold for your cards.

Next, carefully align the cards onto the glitter backing. If you opted for a glitter card in your design, this is where you will stick your invitation and guest information cards. Ensure that the glitter card is centred within the pocket, providing a nice border around the cards. Check that the cards are aligned straight and that there is an even border around the cards to maintain a professional look.

Once you have stuck the cards onto the glitter backing, you can gently slide the assembled card into the blank laser cut pocket. Be careful not to overstuff the pocket and ensure that the card slides in easily without bending or causing any damage.

Insert the invitation card into the pocket

Now that you have assembled your invitation card, it's time to insert it into the blank laser-cut pocket. This is a straightforward step, but it requires care and precision to ensure a neat and professional finish.

First, gently slide your assembled invitation card into the pocket. Ensure that the pocket is not overstuffed and that the insert slides in easily without any bending or damage. You may need to gently bend the edges of the card or pocket to achieve a smooth insertion.

The invitation card should fit snugly within the pocket, with no gaps or bulges. If you have included a glitter card backing, ensure that it is securely attached and does not shift or move when the card is inserted.

Once the card is fully inserted, gently smooth out any creases or wrinkles on the pocket. You want the final product to look sleek and elegant, so take the time to ensure that the pocket and card align perfectly.

If you have chosen to add a ribbon, bow, or wax seal to your invitation, you may want to consider adding it after inserting the card into the pocket. This will ensure that your embellishments are securely attached and do not get damaged during the insertion process.

Remember, the key to creating elegant and professional-looking wedding invitations is attention to detail. Take your time with each step, and don't be afraid to make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. Your guests will surely appreciate the time and effort that went into crafting these beautiful invitations.

Embellish your invitations with ribbons, bows, or wax seals

Adding ribbons, bows, or wax seals to your handmade wedding cards is a great way to elevate their look and feel. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to embellish your invitations with these elements:

Ribbons and Bows:

The first step is to choose the type of ribbon you want to use. Satin ribbons, for example, can add richness and elegance to your invitations. Cut your chosen ribbon into strips long enough to wrap around your invitations with some excess. You can also use a smaller ribbon to add a decorative knot.

Next, you'll want to adhere the ribbon to your invitations. Using a glue stick, double-sided tape, or liquid glue can be messy and may affect the smoothness of your ribbon. A better option is to use a tool like the Baby Xyron, which turns the ribbon into a sticker, allowing for a smooth and quick application.

Once your ribbon is adhered, you can add the knotted ribbon on top and secure it at the back. You can then mount the entire invitation onto a backing card to add texture and colour.

Wax Seals:

Wax seals are a beautiful, ornamental way to secure your wedding invitations, evoking a regal, Old World aesthetic. The traditional method involves melting one end of a stick of wax and allowing it to drip directly onto the parchment. You can use a wax furnace, traditional wax sticks, or a glue gun with round wax sticks to melt the wax.

After applying the wax, use an engraved metal stamp to press into the cooling wax, creating an imprint of your chosen design. You can work with a professional stationer to create a custom design featuring your monogram, wedding date, or any other detail.

If making your own wax seals seems daunting, you can opt for self-adhesive wax seals, which are handmade by professional wedding stationers and can be customised with your initials or other details.

Whether you choose ribbons, bows, or wax seals, these embellishments will undoubtedly add a special touch to your handmade wedding cards.

Frequently asked questions