Crafting Homemade Indian Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Indian weddings are a grand celebration of love, rich culture, and traditions. The wedding invitations are an important part of the ceremony, with their own unique artistic designs, colours, and symbolic elements. In this article, we will explore the process of creating your own homemade Indian wedding invitations, from choosing the right materials and tools to adding personal touches that reflect your culture and style. We will also discuss the significance of various design elements, such as mandalas, paisleys, and peacocks, and provide tips on customising your invitations to make them truly unique. Whether you prefer a modern or traditional approach, creating homemade Indian wedding invitations is a meaningful way to invite your loved ones to share in your special day.

Choosing colours and symbols

When creating homemade Indian wedding invitations, choosing the right colours and symbols is essential to capturing the essence of the celebration and reflecting the couple's cultural heritage and traditions. Here are some tips and ideas to consider when selecting colours and symbols for your invitations:

Colours:

Indian wedding invitations are often characterised by vibrant and rich colours. Traditional Indian wedding cards typically feature shades of red, gold, teal, and silver. These colours not only add a touch of opulence but also carry cultural significance. Here are some colour options and their meanings:

• Red: Symbolises passion, love, and vitality. It is a bold and energetic colour that can add a dramatic touch to your invitations.
• Gold: Represents prosperity, luxury, and opulence. Gold accents or foil details can elevate the elegance and richness of your invitations.
• Teal: Offers a unique and modern twist to the traditional colour palette. It can provide a calming and sophisticated backdrop for your invitation design.
• Silver: Symbolises elegance, modernity, and sophistication. Silver details can add a sleek and refined touch to your invitations.

Symbols and Motifs:

The use of symbolic elements in Indian wedding invitations is deeply rooted in Hindu culture and traditions. These motifs not only enhance the visual appeal but also carry religious and cultural significance. Here are some popular symbols and their meanings:

• Lord Ganesha or the Elephant God: Lord Ganesha is highly revered in Hindu mythology as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of knowledge, wealth, and prosperity. Including an elephant symbol or an illustration of Lord Ganesha signifies a blessing for the couple.
• Om: The sacred 'Om' symbol holds immense importance in Hindu culture. It represents the divine trinity of Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, signifying sanctity, ecstasy, and peace. Including this symbol acknowledges the spiritual aspect of the wedding ceremony.
• Swastika: This ancient symbol represents strength, stability, and prosperity. It signifies the four directions, the sun, change, and movement. Please note that this symbol should not be confused with the symbol of Nazi ideology.
• Peacock: The peacock is a majestic bird that symbolises beauty, richness, and joy. Its feathers are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Incorporating peacock feathers or illustrations can add a vibrant and elegant touch to your invitations.
• Lotus: The lotus flower holds a sacred place in Hindu culture. It symbolises purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth. Including a lotus motif reflects the sanctity and spiritual aspect of the wedding ceremony.
• Mango Leaves and Kalash: These elements symbolise fertility and prosperity, invoking blessings of abundance for the couple.
• Paisley: The paisley pattern is a popular motif in Indian wedding invitations. It represents fertility and is believed to ward off evil spirits.
• Mandala: Mandalas are intricate circular designs that hold spiritual significance in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. They represent the universe, peace, harmony, and union, making them an ideal symbol for wedding invitations.

When selecting colours and symbols for your homemade Indian wedding invitations, consider the cultural and religious significance of each element. These choices will not only enhance the visual appeal of your invitations but also weave a deeper layer of meaning and tradition into your wedding celebrations.

Selecting the card type

Traditional Card Designs

Traditional Indian wedding cards are known for their intricate and artistic designs. The colour palette typically includes shades of red, gold, teal, and silver, although other colours such as burgundy, purple, peach, blue, and green are also popular. These cards often feature symbolic elements of cultural and religious significance. For example, you may want to incorporate:

• Mandalas: These are part of Hindu and Buddhist cultures and represent the universe, peace, harmony, and union.
• Paisley: This design element represents fertility and is believed to ward off evil.
• Ganesh: The elephant-headed Ganesh is the "remover of all obstacles" in Hindu tradition, and it is customary to worship him before a wedding to bring prosperity.
• Peacocks: Peacock designs represent beauty, richness, and joy, and their feathers are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
• Florals: Flowers are a key symbol in Indian weddings, with the bride and groom exchanging floral garlands during the ceremony.

Card Type and Material

The type of card or paper you choose will depend on the overall style and design of your invitation. Here are some options to consider:

• Chipboard: This is a sturdy and thick material that can be used as the main backing for your invitation. It provides a more durable and premium feel.
• Cardstock: This is a lighter-weight option that is commonly used for invitations. It is available in various colours and textures and can be a more cost-effective choice.
• Leafing: You can add a luxurious touch to your invitations with leafing in copper, gold, or silver. This can be used to create elegant borders or accents on your invitation design.
• Paper Envelopes: Envelopes are essential for sending your invitations. Choose a colour and style that complement your invitation design. Consider including a liner inside the envelope that matches your invitation's theme.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of your card will depend on the amount of information you need to include and the overall design aesthetic. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Standard Sizes: Typically, wedding invitations are around 4.25" x 6.25", which is a common size for envelopes as well. However, you can choose a different size to create a unique look.
• Custom Shapes: Consider die-cutting your invitations into custom shapes, such as squares, circles, or even intricate shapes like lotuses or elephants. This adds a unique and creative touch to your invitations.
• Folded Cards: You may also want to consider a folded card style, especially if you have a lot of information to include. This can create a neat and organised look while providing more space for details.

Remember, the card type you choose should reflect the overall theme and style of your wedding and be something that you and your partner love!

Using online tools

Making homemade Indian wedding invitations online is a convenient and efficient way to create beautiful and personalised designs. Several online tools and platforms offer customisable templates, design features, and printing or sharing options. Here is a step-by-step guide to using online tools to create your homemade Indian wedding invitations:

Step 1: Choose an Online Platform

Begin by selecting a suitable online platform that offers wedding invitation design services. Some popular options include Paperless Post, Greetings Island, and Adobe Express. These platforms provide customisable templates, design features, and sharing or printing options.

Step 2: Select a Template

Browse through the available templates on the chosen platform. These templates are typically customisable and can be tailored to your preferences. You can select a template that aligns with the theme and style of your wedding. Consider the colour palette, cultural symbols, and overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Step 3: Customise Your Invitation

This is where your creativity comes into play. Customise the selected template to make it unique to your wedding. You can personalise the invitation by changing the colours, fonts, backgrounds, envelopes, stickers, and stamps to match your wedding theme. Include cultural and religious symbols such as mandalas, paisley designs, peacock feathers, floral elements, and religious icons. You can also incorporate bold colours like red, gold, teal, and silver, which are commonly associated with Indian wedding invitations.

Step 4: Add Essential Information

Ensure you include all the necessary details in your invitation. This includes the event schedule, venue details, and dress code. You can also add a personal touch by including a prayer or religious quote from your religion. Additionally, consider adding a registry or gift information block for your guests' convenience.

Step 5: Finalise and Share or Print

Once you are happy with the design and content of your invitation, it's time to finalise and share or print it. Online platforms usually offer various sharing options, such as email, text, or shareable links. If you prefer printed invitations, you can use a home printer or take the file to a professional print shop.

By following these steps and utilising the features offered by online tools, you can create beautiful and personalised homemade Indian wedding invitations that capture the essence of your special day.

Adding personal touches

Homemade Indian wedding invitations can be personalised in many ways. Here are some ideas to add a unique touch to your invites:

Colours

Traditional Indian wedding cards often feature colours like red, gold, teal, and silver. You could also incorporate shades of yellow to represent the turmeric used in the Haldi ceremony, or pinks, greens, and purples that honour the bride's beauty in the Mehendi ceremony.

Symbols and motifs

Symbols and motifs can add a touch of authenticity and tradition to your invitations. Some popular choices include:

• The lotus, which symbolises purity and enlightenment and is a common motif in Hindu weddings.
• Peacock feathers, which represent beauty and grace.
• Elephants, a symbol of strength and good luck.
• Mango leaves and Kalash, which symbolise fertility and prosperity.

Ribbons and twine

Adding a ribbon or twine to your invitation is a great way to keep all the elements together, such as travel information and RSVP cards. You can also add a tag for an extra special touch.

Creative edging

Get creative with edging using punches or stamp cutters. They come in a variety of sizes and designs and are easy to use. Just make sure you have a steady hand and a good table to work on!

Calligraphy

Address your invitations beautifully with calligraphy. There are many online classes and DIY tutorials available to help you improve your calligraphy skills.

Sharing the invitations

Once you've designed your homemade Indian wedding invitations, it's time to share them with your friends and family. There are several ways to do this, including printing and mailing them, or sharing them electronically. Here are some detailed instructions on how to share your invitations:

Printing and Mailing

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can print your invitations at home or take the digital file to a print shop for professional results. This option is still considered the preferred etiquette for wedding invitations. Ensure you have the correct number of invitations by accounting for couples or families who will only need one invitation. Don't forget to purchase envelopes for mailing, and consider getting a few extra in case of mistakes.

Electronic Sharing

Electronic invitations are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to printed invitations. They are also useful for ensuring members of the wedding party have the details on hand for reference. You can share digital copies directly from some websites via SMS, email, WhatsApp, or social media platforms such as Facebook. Additionally, you can create a video invitation to share on platforms like WhatsApp, Leher, or Facebook.

Timing

It is recommended to send out your invitations 2-4 months before the wedding date to give your guests ample time to make arrangements, especially if they need to request time off work or book travel.

Information to Include

Your invitations should include essential details such as the event schedule with dates and timings for each ceremony, venue addresses, and any specific dress codes. You may also want to include additional information such as the wedding website, gift registry details, and an RSVP deadline.

Other Cards and Invitations

Apart from the main invitation, there are other integral cards and invitations for a Hindu wedding. These include Mehendi and Sangeet card inserts, Save-the-Date cards, RSVP Cards, and Wedding Thank You cards.

Frequently asked questions