Create Dreamy Wedding Announcements With Watercolor Flowers

Watercolor flowers are a popular choice for wedding announcements, with their soft, romantic look. There are many ways to create watercolor flowers for wedding invitations, from using brush pens to painting with a paintbrush and water. You can also find pre-made watercolor flower designs on websites like Etsy and Zazzle, which offer customizable templates. Basic Invite also offers an easy way to create watercolor wedding invitations with a wide range of templates and design options. For a more hands-on approach, Paperlust provides tips and tricks for creating DIY watercolor invitations, including how to achieve a gradient effect and add event details using a computer.

Choosing the right paper

When it comes to choosing the right paper for your wedding announcement, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to select a smooth watercolour paper. This type of paper is designed to handle wet media, such as watercolour paints or markers, and will ensure that your artwork turns out beautifully.

The weight of the paper is also an important consideration. For wedding invitations, it is recommended to use paper that is at least 140 lb. This weight will give your invitations a sturdy and high-quality feel. Using a lighter weight paper may make your invitations seem flimsy, so it's best to avoid this.

Another factor to think about is the colour of your paper. If you're creating a watercolour effect with paints or markers, a white or cream-coloured paper will work best. This will allow the colours to show up brightly and true to colour. However, if you're going for a more subtle or modern look, you could consider using a coloured paper. For example, a light blue watercolour paper with navy blue envelopes would be perfect for a winter or winery wedding.

Finally, if you plan on printing your invitations, it's important to choose a paper that is compatible with your printer. Most home printers are designed to work with standard paper sizes and weights, so as long as you stay within those parameters, you shouldn't have any issues.

With these considerations in mind, you'll be able to choose the perfect paper for your watercolour flower wedding announcements.

Selecting appropriate colours

Selecting the right colours for your wedding announcement is a crucial step in ensuring that your invitations reflect your style and personality. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect colours for your watercolour flower design:

Firstly, consider your wedding colour palette. If you have already chosen specific colours for your wedding, try to incorporate them into your invitations. This could be your wedding flowers, bridesmaid dresses, or any other decorative elements you plan to include in your celebration. Using your wedding colours in the invitations will help to create a cohesive and well-coordinated look for your special day.

If you want to add a romantic and elegant touch to your invitations, soft and subtle colours like blush pink, peach, and ivory are excellent choices. These colours evoke a sense of warmth and tenderness, making them perfect for spring and summer weddings. For a more modern twist, consider adding gold or silver foiling to your design. This combination will add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your announcements.

On the other hand, if you prefer a bolder and more vibrant aesthetic, don't be afraid to experiment with rich hues such as navy, burgundy, or purple. These colours can create a striking contrast against the soft watercolour flowers and will certainly make your invitations stand out. You can also play with different shades of the same colour to create a gradient effect, adding depth and interest to your design.

For a whimsical and playful invitation, consider incorporating pastel colours like mint green, light blue, or yellow. These shades are perfect for a garden wedding or a celebration during the warmer months. If you want to add a touch of masculinity to your design, combine these pastel colours with navy or dark blue accents. This combination will create a beautiful balance, reflecting the blend of femininity and masculinity present in your union.

Lastly, don't shy away from experimenting with different colour combinations. If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing and matching unexpected colours to create a unique and artistic invitation. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to colour selection. Trust your instincts and choose colours that resonate with you and your partner.

Using the right tools

Paper

Start with smooth watercolor paper as your base. The weight of the paper is important; for invitations, it is recommended to use 140 lb watercolor paper. This weight ensures that the paper is sturdy enough to hold the watercolor paint without becoming too flimsy or buckling easily.

Paintbrushes

Invest in a good set of paintbrushes specifically designed for watercolor painting. These brushes have soft, absorbent bristles that can hold a good amount of water and paint, allowing you to create smooth, blended effects.

Watercolor Paint

For a dreamy, romantic effect, opt for watercolor paint. Watercolors offer a soft and delicate appearance that is perfect for floral designs. You can choose from various colors to match your wedding theme and create light or dark washes by adjusting the amount of water you use.

Tombow Dual Brush Pens

Alternatively, you can use Tombow Dual Brush Pens, which offer a convenient way to create watercolor effects without the need for paint. These pens have a brush tip on one end and a fine tip on the other, making it easy to draw and blend colors. They come in various colors, allowing you to match your wedding color palette.

Computer and Printer

Once you've created your floral artwork, you'll need to scan or photograph it to upload it to your computer. This step allows you to add text and other details to your invitation using software. Finally, you'll need a good-quality printer to print your invitations, preferably one that can handle thicker paper stocks.

Envelopes

Don't forget to choose envelopes that complement your invitations. You can opt for plain envelopes or add a creative touch by using envelopes in your wedding colors or with a hint of letterpress or foil for a luxurious feel.

With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you'll be well on your way to crafting stunning watercolor flower wedding announcements that will impress your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Adding text and details

Now that you have created your watercolour flowers, it's time to add the text and final details to your wedding announcement. Here are some steps to help you through the process:

• Scan or photograph your artwork: Before adding any text, you will need to digitise your watercolour painting. Use a scanner or simply take a photo of your artwork with your phone or camera. Make sure the lighting is good and the image is clear and in focus.
• Choose a software program: Open your scanned or photographed artwork in a graphic design software program such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. These programs offer a variety of tools that will help you add and format your text.
• Select an elegant font: Choose a font that complements the style of your watercolour flowers. Consider classic serif fonts such as Times New Roman or Cambria, or opt for a modern sans-serif font like Helvetica or Arial. You can also explore online font libraries for more unique options.
• Add the text: Start by adding the essential information, such as the names of the happy couple, the date, time, and venue of the wedding. You may also want to include additional details like the dress code, RSVP information, and any special instructions for guests.
• Experiment with text placement: Try placing the text in different areas of your announcement to see what looks best. You can centre the text in the middle of the flowers, or place it off to one side to create a more asymmetrical layout. Play around with the font size and spacing to ensure the text is legible.
• Add additional decorative elements (optional): Consider adding some subtle decorative elements, such as delicate lines, borders, or other graphic elements that complement your watercolour flowers. These can help to frame your text and enhance the overall design.
• Proofread and edit: Once you have added all the text and details, carefully proofread your announcement for any spelling or grammatical errors. It may be helpful to have a friend or family member review it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
• Print a test copy: Before printing all your announcements, print a test copy to ensure that the colours, text, and overall design meet your expectations. Make any necessary adjustments to your digital file until you are happy with the final result.
• Finalise and print: Once you are satisfied with the design, send your finalised digital file to a professional printer. Choose a high-quality paper stock that complements your watercolour theme, such as a textured paper that mimics the look and feel of watercolour paper.
• Assemble and send: After receiving your printed announcements, carefully assemble them, and prepare them for mailing. This may involve folding, adding envelopes, or including any additional inserts, such as RSVP cards. Your wedding announcements are now ready to be sent out to your guests!

Printing and sharing

Once you have created your watercolour wedding announcement, it's time to think about printing and sharing your design. Here are some tips to help you through the process:

Finding a Printer

If you are not planning to hand-paint each announcement, you will need to find a printer. You could use a local print shop or an online service. Online services such as Etsy, Zazzle, and Basic Invite offer a wide range of watercolour wedding announcement designs that can be customised and printed. These sites often provide free shipping and other discounts.

Paper Choice

The type of paper you choose will depend on the printer you select and your personal preference. Smooth watercolour paper is a good option for creating your design and scanning or photographing it. However, when it comes to printing, you may want to consider the paper options provided by the printer, such as premium paper choices to ensure your invitations look flawless.

Customisation

Customising your wedding announcements is an important step to make them unique to your special day. Most online printing services offer customisation tools that allow you to modify colours, fonts, and even add photos. You can also include personal touches, such as a watercolour painting of your wedding venue, to make your announcements even more special.

Proofreading

Before finalising your design and sending it to print, be sure to proofread all the text for any spelling or grammatical errors. This is a crucial step to ensure that your announcements are flawless. You can also ask a friend or family member to review your design for a fresh pair of eyes.

Sharing

Finally, when your announcements are ready, it's time to share them with your loved ones. If you are sending physical invitations, you may want to consider including RSVP cards, place cards, and envelopes with your announcements. For digital announcements, you can share them via email or through wedding websites, which some online services provide as a free feature.

Frequently asked questions