Creating Wallet-Style Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are an essential part of planning your big day. They give your guests a glimpse into what awaits and help them prepare for the celebration. While the costs of wedding invitations can add up quickly, there are ways to create beautiful wallet-style invitations without breaking the bank. With a few simple steps and some creative ideas, you can make stylish and elegant DIY wallet invitations that will impress your guests and set the tone for your wedding.

Choosing a template

• Theme and Style: Consider the theme and style of your wedding. Are you going for a rustic, elegant, minimalist, or modern look? Choose a template that reflects the overall aesthetic of your wedding. This will help create a cohesive feel for your special day.
• Color Scheme: Select a color scheme that complements your wedding colors. This could be a neutral palette, pastels, bold colors, or a mix of shades that match your wedding theme.
• Layout: Decide on the layout of your invitation. Wallet-style invitations typically have a standard rectangular shape, but you can also choose a more unique shape, such as square or long and thin. Consider the amount of information you need to include and choose a layout that allows for clear and concise wording.
• Personalization: Look for templates that offer customization options. You should be able to personalize the invitation with your names, wedding date, venue address, and any other relevant details. Some templates may also allow you to upload your own photos, change font styles, or add shapes and lines to make the design more personal.
• Printing Options: Decide whether you want to print the invitations yourself or use a professional printing service. Some platforms offer high-quality printing services with different paper types, such as matte, pearl, linen, or glossy, to elevate the look and feel of your invitations.
• Online Reviews: When choosing an online platform, consider reading reviews from other customers. This can give you an idea of the quality of the templates, customization options, and customer support offered by the website.
• Cost: Compare the prices of different templates and printing options. Creating your own wedding invitations can be a cost-effective choice, so find a platform that offers templates within your budget.

By considering these factors, you can choose a template that not only fits your wallet-style wedding invitation needs but also reflects your personal style and the theme of your wedding day.

Customising the design

Wallet-style wedding invitations are a great DIY project, and there are many ways to customise the design to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choosing a Theme

First, decide on a theme that reflects your wedding style. Are you going for a rustic look, with recycled brown paper and string? Or perhaps you want something modern and minimalist? Other popular themes include vintage, with soft pastel colours and delicate motifs, or bold type, with a focus on the text and a neutral colour palette.

Colours and Fonts

Once you have a theme, you can choose your colours and fonts. Basic Invite has over 160 colour options and 100 distinctive fonts to choose from. You can also add your own images, fonts and colours to make your invitations unique. Play around with different combinations until you find something that suits your style.

Adding Personal Touches

To make your invitations extra special, consider adding a photo of you and your fiancé. You can also include shapes and lines, or even QR codes, for a fun and modern touch. If you want to keep it traditional, stick to elegant text and beautiful imagery.

Printing and Paper

When it comes to printing, you can choose from a range of paper types, including matte, pearl, linen, glossy and hemp-blend. Consider the weight and durability of the paper, as well as how well it will showcase your design. For a rustic look, you might choose recycled paper, while a modern invitation could be printed on sleek, premium paper.

Envelopes and Extras

Don't forget to add the finishing touches with envelopes and extras. Printed envelopes give a professional look, while RSVP cards and enclosures will complete your invitation suite. You can even include a link to download a mobile wallet pass announcement, so your guests can keep all the wedding information in one place.

With so many options available, you can create wallet-style wedding invitations that are truly personalised and reflect your unique style.

Adding personal touches

Wallet-style wedding invitations are a great way to give your guests a sneak peek of your wedding theme and inject your personality as a couple into the design of your big day. Here are some ideas for adding personal touches to your wallet-style wedding invitations:

Custom Designs and Photos

Add a personal touch by incorporating custom designs or photos of you and your partner. This could be a portrait-style illustration of you both doing your favourite things or a photo of you two from childhood to adulthood, showcasing your journey together. You can also create a custom stamp with your monogram or a couple portrait to use on your invitations.

Unique Hashtag

Create a unique hashtag just for your special day, and include it on your invitations. This will encourage your social media-savvy guests to use the hashtag when posting about your wedding, making it easy for you to find and relive all the memorable moments shared by your guests.

Personalised Message or Quote

Include a favourite quote or a meaningful message on your invitations. This could be a beloved quote from a book or movie, or a personal note expressing your excitement to share your special day with your guests.

Custom Colours and Fonts

Choose colours and fonts that reflect your wedding theme and personalities. You can also incorporate your wedding colours into the design of your invitations, whether it's a subtle accent or a bold splash of colour. Play around with different combinations to see what works best.

Add a Map

If you're planning a destination wedding or have guests travelling from out of town, include a small map or illustration of the wedding venue and surrounding area. This adds a whimsical touch and helps your guests visualise the celebration to come.

RSVP Cards

While not necessary, including RSVP cards with your invitations is a thoughtful and practical way to ensure you receive responses from your guests. It's also a chance to add a creative element that matches your invitation design, whether it's a fun illustration or a more elegant and minimalist approach.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of you and your partner, so have fun with the design process and don't be afraid to get creative!

Printing the invitations

If you're looking for a cost-effective option, consider ordering a small quantity of invitations first to see and feel the quality before placing a larger order. This way, you can make any necessary adjustments to your design and ensure you're happy with the final product.

When it comes to printing, you have two main options: digital printing and letterpress printing. Digital printing is often more affordable and offers a wider range of colours, while letterpress printing creates a more luxurious, textured look and feel. Whichever option you choose, be sure to proofread your designs carefully and check that all the information is correct before sending them to print.

In terms of timing, it's recommended to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, if you're planning a destination wedding or accommodating international guests, it's best to send them out around three months in advance.

Sharing the final product

Now that you've designed and crafted your wallet-style wedding invitations, it's time to share your creations with your friends and family. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

Printing and Delivery

If you've opted for a physical invitation, printing and delivering your invitations is a great way to ensure they reach your guests. Online services like Canva and VistaPrint offer printing services, allowing you to upload your designs and receive high-quality prints at your doorstep. This option is perfect for those who want to place their invitations in the hands of their loved ones.

Email and Social Media

For a more modern approach, consider sharing your invitations electronically via email or social media. Both Canva and VistaPrint offer the option to share your designs directly through these platforms. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also ensures your invitations reach your guests instantly, making it ideal for time-sensitive responses.

Mailing List and Addressing

When sending out your invitations, don't forget to include a mailing list and proper addressing. VistaPrint provides free recipient addressing when you add custom envelopes to your order. You can enter your recipients' information individually or upload a pre-existing list. VistaPrint also allows you to customize how you want your recipients' names to appear, accommodating various forms of address styles.

RSVP Management

Managing RSVPs can be simplified by including a clear call to action in your invitations. Whether it's a dedicated phone number, email address, or an online RSVP form, make sure your guests know how to respond. This will help you keep track of attendance and plan accordingly.

Extras and Enclosures

Enhance your invitations with extras such as RSVP cards, enclosures, and envelopes. These additions not only make your invitations more engaging but also provide an opportunity to include additional information. Consider adding a map or directions to the venue, accommodation suggestions, or even a wedding itinerary to help your guests navigate the big day with ease.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of your special day, so take the time to share them in a way that aligns with your celebration. Whether you opt for physical prints or digital sharing, your loved ones will surely appreciate the thought and creativity that went into crafting your wallet-style wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions