Crafting Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are an essential part of the planning process, but they can be expensive. The average couple spends over $500 on wedding invitations alone. However, there are ways to save money on this expense by making your own invitations. DIY wedding invitations can be simple or elaborate, depending on your preferences and skills. This process involves choosing a design, paper, printing method, and embellishments. You can also add personal touches to make your invitations unique and reflective of your love story.

Choosing a printing method: online, at-home, or local

There are several options for printing your wedding invitations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things to consider when choosing a printing method:

Online Printing Services:

Online printing services offer convenience and can be more affordable than local print shops. They often provide a wide range of paper types, sizes, and finishes to choose from. Some popular online printing services include Prints of Love, Vistaprint, Zazzle, and Overnight Prints. These services allow you to upload your custom designs and have them printed and delivered to you. Costs can vary depending on the quantity, paper type, and additional features you choose.

At-Home Printing:

Printing your wedding invitations at home gives you greater control over the process and can save you money. However, it may require a significant investment in time and resources. You will need to purchase or have access to a good quality printer with enough ink, as well as the appropriate paper and envelopes. This option is best for those who are comfortable with the design and printing process and have the necessary equipment.

Local Print Shops:

Using a local print shop allows you to see and feel the final product before committing. You can choose from a variety of paper types and finishes, and some shops may even offer design services to help you create your invitations. Costs can vary depending on the shop and the complexity of your design. This option may be more expensive than online services but can offer a more personalized experience.

When choosing a printing method, consider your budget, the level of customization you desire, and the time and resources you are willing to invest. Each option has its benefits, so select the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Selecting the right paper: weight, finish, and texture

Selecting the right paper weight, finish, and texture is an important step in making your wedding invitations. The weight, finish, and texture of the paper you choose will depend on your printing method, theme, style, and budget. Here are some tips to help you select the right paper for your wedding invitations:

• Weight: The weight of the paper is typically measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). The heavier the paper, the thicker and more luxurious it will feel. However, thicker paper can also increase printing and postage costs. For wedding invitations, it is recommended to use cardstock with a weight of at least 90 lbs. If you are printing at home, your printer may have weight limitations, so be sure to check your printer's manual.
• Texture: The texture of the paper refers to its tooth or roughness. Smooth paper has a low tooth, while paper with a high tooth feels rougher to the touch. Textured papers such as vellum, linen, or felt can add a tactile quality to your invitations. If you are printing at home, textured paper can also help hide imperfections.
• Finish: The finish of the paper refers to its coating or surface treatment. Common finishes include matte, gloss, and pearl/shimmer. A matte finish has a flat, non-shiny surface, while a gloss finish is shiny and reflective. Pearl or shimmer finishes have a subtle sparkle and are ideal for adding a classy touch to your invitations.
• Theme and Style: Choose a paper that reflects your wedding theme and complements your colour palette. For a classic look, consider traditional options like cotton or linen in white or ivory. For a modern wedding, sleek and smooth papers work well, and you can experiment with printable modern neutrals like grey or light blue.
• Printing Method: The printing method you choose will impact the type of paper you can use. Digital printing may require lighter weight paper, while letterpress and foil stamping require heavier weight paper. If you are printing at home, consider using lighter cardstock, such as 80-90 lbs, to ensure compatibility with your printer.

Designing your invitations: layout, typography, and wording

The layout, typography, and wording of your wedding invitations are crucial aspects that will set the tone for your big day. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you design elegant and informative invitations:

Layout

The layout of your wedding invitation includes the overall design, shape, and dimensions. Here are some considerations for creating a visually appealing layout:

• Choose a shape and dimensions: Traditionally, wedding invitations are rectangular, with dimensions of 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. This classic option can also help keep printing costs down. However, you can also opt for other popular styles, such as horizontal rectangles or scalloped designs.
• Consider your wedding location and theme: The location and theme of your wedding can guide the overall design and layout. For example, a church wedding may call for a more traditional and romantic aesthetic, while a rustic or farm setting might inspire a natural and organic look.
• Think about your imagery: Using a photo of you and your partner can add a personal touch and make your invitations more memorable. Consider pairing the photo with a watercolour texture or a simple colour theme.
• Be creative: Feel free to think outside the box and incorporate unique elements that reflect your relationship. You can play with different formats, themes, and even include personal jokes or illustrations.

Typography

The choice of font, or typography, plays a significant role in the overall appearance and tone of your wedding invitations. Here are some tips for selecting the right fonts:

• Choose romantic and elegant fonts: Opt for cursive or calligraphy fonts, especially for the names of the couple. These styles are soft, romantic, and elegant. They pair well with a serif font for the remaining text.
• Legibility is key: While some highly scripted or thin fonts may look appealing, ensure that they are easy for your guests to read. You don't want your important information to get lost in hard-to-read typography.
• Consider accent fonts: Using accent fonts for specific elements, such as the names of the couple or the wedding date, can make them stand out and create a visually interesting design.
• Match your wedding theme: Select fonts that complement your wedding theme. For example, a bold and playful font might suit a casual event, while a formal event could call for elegant and timeless typefaces.

Wording

The wording of your wedding invitations should include essential information while reflecting your personal style. Here are some guidelines for crafting the perfect text:

• Include the necessary details: Ensure you provide the host names, a warm invitation sentence, the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception. You may also include a separate RSVP card or instructions for a digital RSVP.
• Provide additional information separately: Smaller details, such as travel, accommodation, attire suggestions, and parking information, can be included on a separate card or your wedding website. This helps keep the invitation uncluttered and easy to read.
• Be clear about the guest list: Specify whether children are invited and if guests are allowed to bring plus ones. This information can be included on the invitation wording or the envelope.
• Proofread and ensure clarity: Carefully proofread your invitations to avoid errors. Also, be precise with timings, directions, and instructions to avoid confusion for your guests.
• Follow traditional etiquette or modern alternatives: Traditional wedding invitation wording includes elements such as expressing time using "noon" instead of "12:00 pm". However, feel free to modernise the wording to match your style, such as using the couple's names as hosts instead of the parents.
• Provide a request for attendance: A simple phrase like "With great excitement, we invite you to share this special day with us!" sets the tone and expresses your joy in inviting your guests.

Printing your invitations: testing, proofreading, and cutting

Once you have your design and paper ready, it's time to print your invitations. If you're printing at home, run a few tests first. Home printers usually display images that are a shade or two darker than your digital design, so you'll want to ensure the text is legible and saturated. Adjust your printer settings and keep testing until you're happy with the colour balance.

If your design has a full-colour background or you're unsure about your printer's abilities, consider using a professional printer for precise colour-matching and cutting.

Before printing your final product, proofread your design and have someone else check it too. Pay close attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation. Once you're happy with the text and design, save your file as a PDF, which will print at a higher quality than a JPEG. A template resolution quality of at least 300 DPI will create a crisp result.

Now it's time to print! If you're printing at home, use a paper cutter or craft knife to cut your invitations down to the right size. The standard size for invitations is five inches by seven inches, but additional inserts will vary in length and width. If you've printed your invitations at a store, they may offer an option to cut them for you.

Finalising your invitations: assembling, addressing, and posting

Once you've designed and crafted your wedding invitations, it's time to assemble, address, and post them. Here's a step-by-step guide to finalising your invitations:

• Get organised: About a month before your desired send-out date, start getting your invitations ready. This timing will allow your guests adequate time to respond and help you get a reliable headcount a week or two before the wedding.
• Handwriting or calligraphy: The address on a wedding invitation should be handwritten. If your handwriting is not neat or if you want a more formal look, consider hiring a professional calligrapher. You'll need to provide them with a printed guest list, including full addresses, social titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.), and professional titles. Allow at least two to three weeks for this process, as calligraphers may require more time.
• Addressing etiquette:

• Outer envelopes: Write the guests' full names and social titles on the outer envelopes. Avoid nicknames or initials. For married couples, address them as "Mr. and Mrs.". For a man with a suffix, you can write "Mr. Joseph Morales, Jr." or "Mr. Joseph Morales IV".
• Inner envelopes: The inner envelope should include the names of all invited guests in the household, including children. You can omit the children's names if they are not invited, but be aware that some guests may still assume they are welcome.

• Spell out all words: In addresses, spell out abbreviations like "Street" instead of "St." and "Apartment" instead of "Apt.". This also applies to city and state names, e.g., "Washington, District of Columbia.". House numbers smaller than 20 should also be spelled out.
• Return address: The preferred place for the return address is on the envelope's back flap. While traditional etiquette called for blind embossing, most couples now have the return address printed in the same method as their invitations, as blind embossing is difficult to read.
• Assembling the invitation suite:

• Place the invitation at the bottom, print side up.
• You may add a sheet of tissue paper over the invitation to prevent smearing.
• Stack all other inserts, such as a map, reception card, and reply card, on top of the invitation in order of size, with the smallest on top.
• The reply card should be placed under the flap of its envelope, which should be pre-printed with the mailing address and stamped.
• Insert everything into the inner envelope with the print side up, so guests see the lettering when they open the envelope.
• Slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.

Weigh and post your invitations:

• Bring a completed invitation to the post office to have it weighed. Many invitations require postage for at least two ounces.
• Ask about stamp options at your local post office or browse a wider variety online.
• You can request hand-cancelling at the post office to prevent damage caused by machines.
• Alternatively, some towns will cancel your stamps with their town name. Contact the postmaster and send your invitations to them, allowing enough time for processing and delivery.

Frequently asked questions