Creating Wedding Invitation Sleeves: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation sleeves are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your stationery and keep everything neatly organised. In this guide, we'll show you how to create your own wedding invitation sleeves using the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker tools. From designing your sleeve to assembling the final product, we'll take you through each step to ensure your invitations look professional and polished. So, whether you're looking to add a unique touch to your wedding invitations or create sleeves for any other occasion, follow our simple tutorial to achieve stunning results.

Using Cricut Explore

To make your wedding invitation sleeve, you will need the following:

• Cricut Explore machine
• Design Space account
• 12” x 12” Heavy Weight Cardstock
• Scoring Tool
• Pencil
• Scotch Clear Glue
• Scotch ATG Gun Double Tape
• Bone Folder
• Scissors
• Pick Me Up Tool
• Decorative Embellishments (optional)
• Decorative Pearls (optional)

First, go to Design Space and type #ME7FD5C into the search bar. You will need to purchase this image if you do not already own it. Once you have the image, add it to your project, and change the size to 6" by 11.185". You can remove any words in the design by going to contour and disabling them.

Next, cut your design. Remember to add the scoring tool to the Cricut machine to make the scores for you. Reinforce the score lines if they are not deep enough.

Finally, add any decorative embellishments or pearls to decorate your sleeve. You can also make a small version of the sleeve for the RSVP card.

Using Cricut Maker Tools

To make wedding invitation sleeves using Cricut Maker tools, you will need the following:

• Cricut Maker machine
• Cricut Design Space account
• Cricut cutting mat
• Cricut compatible material (e.g. Cricut Metallic Posterboard, Cricut Foil Kraft Board)
• Scoring tool
• Fine Debossing Tip
• Engraving Tip
• Fine Point Blade
• Foam adhesive circles
• Glue

First, open the project in Design Space and connect your Maker. Select your material, which should be something like Cricut Metallic Posterboard. Design Space will guide you through the project with prompts on your computer screen.

You will be prompted to load the Double Scoring Wheel first. Secure your poster board to the cutting mat and press the blinking arrow button to load the mat. Once loaded, press the blinking "C" to begin scoring. You will then be prompted to load the Fine Debossing Tip. Leave the mat in place.

Next, switch to the fine point blade, which will cut out the sleeve. Unload the mat. Now it's time to inscribe the initials for your sleeves. Secure the Foil Kraft Board to the mat and load the Engraving Tip into the machine. Follow the prompts to engrave. Without unloading the mat, load the fine point blade and cut out the initial coin.

Using the score lines, fold the sleeve so that the debossed design is at the bottom front. Apply two very thin lines of glue down the inside of the folded sleeve, leaving enough room for the invite to fit inside. Fold and hold until secure. Attach a foam adhesive circle to the back of the engraved coin, then stick it to the centre of the debossed design. Layer your invitation inside the sleeve.

You can also design your invitations in the Cricut Design Space app or another editor like Google Docs, Slides, Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. Upload your graphics as a Transparent PNG, selecting "complex" to preserve the details of the design. Save the image as "Save as a Print Then Cut Image". You can then slice the graphic in Cricut Design Space, duplicating, rotating, resizing, and rearranging the graphics as you see fit.

Using CatPrint

CatPrint offers a convenient way to package your wedding invitations and enclosure cards with their classic wedding invitation sleeves. These sleeves ensure that everything is well-organised inside your envelopes and give your stationery a high-end look and feel. While CatPrint does not offer printing on wedding sleeves, you can choose from a variety of paper selections.

Here's how you can use CatPrint to create your wedding invitation sleeves:

• Choose your paper stock: CatPrint offers a range of paper options, including Heavy Card Stock Plain, Heavy Card Stock 1 Sided Satin, Heavy Card Stock Kraft, Heavy Card Stock Felt/Cream Felt, Heavy Cardstock Navy, Heavy Cardstock Black, and Heavy Card Stock Shimmer/Cream Shimmer. Consider the colour and texture that best fit your wedding theme and style.
• Determine your specifications: Decide on the stock and quantity you require. The panels on the wedding sleeves are typically 5 x 7 inches, so your invitations should be slightly smaller at 4.75 x 6.75 inches. Any additional inserts will need to be the same size or smaller.
• Place your order: Email [email protected] with your chosen stock and quantity specifications to place your order. CatPrint offers flexibility by allowing you to print exactly the number of copies you need without minimum order requirements.
• Assembly: CatPrint will send you the wedding sleeves flat, so some basic assembly will be required. They provide an insider tip for the recommended glue: Scotch Scrapbooker's 2-Way Glue.
• Envelopes: The wedding sleeves are designed to fit in A7 envelopes, and CatPrint offers a variety of colour options for you to choose from. Consider adding printed envelopes with your guests' names and addresses to save time and add a touch of elegance.
• Customise your invitations: CatPrint allows you to create custom invitations by selecting or uploading your design, choosing a unique paper type, and adding optional special finishes such as gold foil or corner-rounding. You can also choose from traditional or custom sizes, as well as folding or trim options.
• Request samples: If you're unsure about the paper type or design, CatPrint offers the option to request a free sample pack. This can help you make an informed decision before placing your final order.
• Proofing: CatPrint provides the option of a free hard-copy proof when you order, ensuring that you can review and approve your wedding stationery before they print the full order. This gives you peace of mind and allows you to make any necessary changes.

Using Amazon products

Creating your own wedding invitation sleeves is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your special day. Here are the steps to make them using products available on Amazon:

Materials Needed:

• Cricut Explore: This machine allows you to design and cut your invitation sleeves with precision.
• 12" x 12" Heavy Weight Cardstock: Go for a sturdy cardstock that will hold up as your invitation sleeve.
• Scotch ATG Gun Double Tape: A strong adhesive is crucial for ensuring your invitation sleeve stays securely closed.
• Scotch Clear Glue: Clear glue will help with attaching any additional decorations without leaving visible residue.
• Scoring Tool: This tool helps create crisp fold lines for a neat and professional finish.
• Bone Folder: Use this to smooth out any creases and create sharp folds.
• Pencil: For marking guidelines or any freehand designs you wish to add.
• Decorative Embellishments: Add a touch of sparkle or elegance with decorative pearls, stickers, or other embellishments of your choice.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Design: Using the Cricut Explore machine, access Design Space and search for your desired image. Adjust the image size to fit your invitation; for a standard 7" x 5" invitation, a width of 6" and height of 11.185" should work well.
• Customization: If you want to remove any words or design elements, utilize the contour feature to disable them.
• Cutting: Load your heavy-weight cardstock into the Cricut machine. Remember to add the scoring tool to create precise fold lines. Cut out your desired design, reinforcing the score lines if needed.
• Assembly: Fold your sleeve along the score lines, using the bone folder to create sharp creases. Secure the sleeve with the double-sided tape, ensuring a firm hold.
• Embellishment: Decorate your sleeve with pearls, stickers, or any other embellishments. Get creative and add a personal touch to make your invitations stand out!
• Final Touches: If you're happy with the main design, consider creating a smaller version for RSVP cards or experimenting with different colours and sizes to suit your wedding theme.

By following these steps and using the products available on Amazon, you can craft elegant and unique wedding invitation sleeves that will impress your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Using Etsy products

Etsy offers a wide range of wedding invitation sleeves, including pre-folded vellum jackets, laser-cut designs, and acrylic invitations with envelopes. Here are some ideas for using Etsy products to create elegant and unique wedding invitation sleeves:

Pre-folded Vellum Jackets:

Etsy offers pre-folded vellum jackets in various designs, such as floral, tropical leaves, and plain translucent. These jackets are sized for standard 5"x7" invitations and can be cut to any size. They are an elegant way to enclose your wedding invitations, with some featuring printed designs or pearl embellishments.

Laser-Cut Designs:

For a unique and intricate look, consider using laser-cut invitation sleeves. Etsy sellers offer designs such as cream laser-cut covers, lace jackets, and gate-fold sleeves with a laser-cut floral pattern. These sleeves add a delicate and sophisticated touch to your wedding invitations.

Acrylic Invitations with Envelopes:

For a modern and luxurious feel, acrylic invitations are a great choice. Etsy offers customizable acrylic trifold invitations with gold foil printing and envelopes. This combination of acrylic and foil creates a sleek and elegant impression.

Wax Seals and Enclosures:

Add a touch of tradition and elegance with wax seals. Etsy offers pre-folded vellum jackets with wax seal sets, featuring designs like botanical wax seals with vellum wraps or embossed gold-foiled invitations with gold tassel seals. These seals provide a sophisticated finish to your wedding invitations.

Customizable Templates:

If you're looking for a personalized option, Etsy offers customizable templates for invitation sleeves. These templates are compatible with cutting machines like Cricut and Silhouette. You can choose from various designs, including pocket envelope templates, invitation holder templates, and lace jacket templates.

By combining these Etsy products and customizing them to your taste, you can create elegant and unique wedding invitation sleeves that will impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions