Designing Your Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, so it's no surprise that many couples are looking for ways to cut costs. One option is to make your own wedding invitations. This can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your big day, and it can also save you money. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps of designing and creating your own wedding invitations, from choosing the right paper and printing options to adding those special finishing touches. We'll also look at some of the potential pitfalls and how to avoid them, so you can ensure your DIY wedding invitations look professional and elegant.

Choosing a design and customising it

Before you start looking, consider the style you want for your invitation. Do you want something simple and elegant, or bold and colourful? It's helpful to create a Pinterest board as a mood board to identify your style. Pin everything you love, then go back and look at what you're pinning a lot of. If you find a trend in certain fonts or colours, consider starting with designers who utilise those elements.

Once you've found a design you love, it's time to personalise it. Customise your template by uploading your own photos, customising colour schemes, and using shapes and lines. You can also add your own images, fonts, and colours to make easy, beautiful DIY wedding invitations. Most templates will allow you to add all the details that make your wedding invitations authentically yours, including text, colours, images, and even QR codes.

If you're printing at home, it's important to make sure that all of your equipment is working properly. Your computer screen may not give you an accurate depiction of how the design will actually print. Spend time printing tests and adjusting the settings on your printer to get the colours you want.

Finally, don't forget to preview your design before finalising your order. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that everything looks perfect.

Selecting the right paper

Weight

The weight of the paper, or thickness, is an important consideration when selecting your paper. In the US, cardstock is measured in pounds, with the standard weight for cardstock ranging from 45# to 300# or higher. The higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the more luxurious your invitations will feel. For home printing, 80# cardstock is a good starting point, with 100# and 110# being the highest weights most home printers can handle. If you're using a professional printing service, you can go even higher, with weights of 150# and above giving your invitations a truly premium feel.

Texture

The texture of the paper you choose will depend on the printing method you select. For inkjet printing, a textured cardstock can help to hide any imperfections, with linen cardstock being a popular choice. Cotton cardstock is another good option for inkjet printing as it is highly absorbent. If you're using a laser printer, a smoother cardstock is preferable as too much texture can cause problems.

Finish

The finish of the paper will also impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Solid white cardstock is a classic option that comes in a variety of colours and weights, making it perfect for printing at home. Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture and a matte finish, adding a subtle touch of elegance to your invitations. Cotton cardstock is another popular choice, known for its smooth feel and ability to absorb ink well. For a rustic look, kraft or recycled cardstock resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags and has a trendy, on-theme appearance.

Other Considerations

In addition to weight, texture, and finish, there are a few other things to keep in mind when selecting your paper. If you're printing at home, be sure to review your printer's instructions to determine the maximum weight of paper it can handle, and always do a test print before committing to a large order. It's also a good idea to save your invitations on a thumb drive in a high-resolution PDF format when using a professional printing service. This will ensure that your designs are printed clearly and accurately.

Printing and assembling

Once you have designed your wedding invitations, it's time to print and assemble them. Here are some tips to help you through the process:

• Select a printing service: You can choose to print your invitations at home or use an online printing service such as VistaPrint, Shutterfly, or a local print shop like Staples or FedEx. Printing at home gives you more control over the paper type and quality, while using a printing service can be more convenient and may offer more options for customisation.
• Paper choice: The type of paper you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Consider using cardstock for a more luxurious feel. Specialty paper stores or print shops will have a range of options, including different weights, textures, and colours. Test different papers on your home printer to ensure compatibility before committing to a large quantity.
• Ink usage: Keep in mind that invitations with colourful backgrounds or designs may use a lot of ink, increasing the overall cost. If printing at home, consider designs that utilise more white space and lighter colours to save on ink.
• Print settings: Spend time adjusting the print settings and doing test prints to ensure that the colours and alignment are correct. This is especially important if you are using a professional printing service, as you want to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
• Envelopes: Choose envelopes that fit your invitation size and style. Consider adding a pop of colour or using envelope liners for a stylish touch. Don't forget to allow for envelopes for any RSVP cards or additional inserts.
• Assembly: Use a paper cutter or craft cutter for clean, straight cuts. For assembling layers or adding envelope liners, use glue dots or double-stick tape for a neat and secure finish.
• Postage: Once your invitations are assembled, take a complete invitation (with all inserts and embellishments) to your local post office to have it weighed and to purchase the correct postage. The shape and size of the envelope can impact the cost, and you may also want to request hand-cancelling to avoid potential damage during processing.

Choosing envelopes

When it comes to choosing envelopes for your wedding invites, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to select envelopes that are the right size for your invitations. It's important to ensure that the envelopes aren't the exact same size as your invitations, as you'll need to allow for some room. Standard sizes for wedding envelopes include 5 x 7, C5, C6, and C7. If you opt for a square envelope, you can choose from sizes such as 130mm and 155mm.

The colour of your envelopes is another important consideration. You can choose envelopes that match or contrast with your wedding theme. Whether you prefer subtle pastels or bold, statement hues, there are plenty of options available. Just remember that if you want to add a pop of colour, choose an envelope shade that is light enough so that the address can still be clearly seen. Envelope liners can also be a great way to dress up your invitations and add a touch of elegance.

When selecting envelopes, it's also essential to consider the paper stock. Opting for luxury paper stocks, such as Colorplan 135gsm envelopes, can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your wedding invitations. These envelopes are carefully chosen to provide the best quality and are designed to safeguard your precious invites until they reach your guests' hands.

Finally, don't forget about the postage. Make sure to calculate the correct postage for your envelopes based on the weight and size of your invitations. It's always a good idea to test the postage with something similar in size and weight before sending out your invitations to avoid any issues.

Finalising and sending

Once you are happy with the design of your wedding invites, it's time to finalise and send them out to your guests. Here are some steps to help you with this process:

Proofreading and Customisation

Before finalising your design, it is crucial to proofread your invitation for any errors or mistakes. Ask a friend or family member to read through the text to ensure nothing is missed. If you're working with a designer, they will usually offer customisation services, allowing you to change fonts, colours, and other design elements to match your vision.

Printing and Paper Selection

Decide whether you want to print your invitations at home or use a professional printing service. If printing at home, ensure your printer is working correctly and do test prints to adjust colours and settings. Select a high-quality paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock with a linen or felt texture, to give your invitations a luxurious feel.

Assembly and Envelopes

For a clean and professional look, use a paper cutter with a sharp blade to trim your invitations. Consider using glue dots or double-stick tape for assembly and envelope sealing. Choose envelopes that complement your invitation's size and design, allowing for a bit of room so the invitation doesn't fit too snugly.

Timing and Mailing

Plan to send your wedding invitations out 4-5 months before your wedding, giving your guests ample time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. For destination weddings or international guests, send invitations 6-10 months in advance. Take your fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the correct postage, and consider requesting "Hand Cancel" to avoid potential damage during processing.

Extras and Final Checks

Don't forget to include any extra cards or enclosures with your invitations, such as RSVP cards, accommodation details, or maps. Finalise your guest list and order a few extra invitations in case of last-minute additions or lost invites. Ensure all addresses are correct, and consider using a service that offers free recipient addressing to save time and effort.

Frequently asked questions