Designing Your Own Wedding Invitation Template

Wedding invitations are one of the most important parts of wedding planning. They are a chance to tell your story and express your love, but they can also be expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, there are now many online tools and templates available to help you design and create your own wedding invitations, saving you time and money. In this article, we will explore the different options for making wedding invitation templates, from free online tools with customizable designs to printable templates that you can edit and print yourself. We will also discuss the pros and cons of each option and provide step-by-step guidance on how to create your own wedding invitations, so you can impress your guests and set the tone for your big day.

Choosing a template

Theme and Style

Firstly, think about the theme and style of your wedding. If you are having a rustic wedding, for example, you might want a simple invitation printed on recycled brown paper. For a modern wedding, a minimalist design could be a good choice. You might also want to consider specific colours or patterns that fit your theme. If you are having a destination wedding, you might want to incorporate that into your invitation design.

Personalisation

Another factor to keep in mind is how personalised you want your invitations to be. Some templates are fully editable, allowing you to adjust positioning, font, and colours. Other templates only require a few personal details. If you want to include a photo of you and your partner, make sure to choose a template with an image. You can also add a unique touch by including your uploaded photos, featured, or overlaid with text.

Printing and Sharing

The way you plan to share your invitations is another important consideration when choosing a template. If you want to print your invitations yourself, make sure to select a template that you can download and print. Check that you have access to a high-quality printer and enough ink. Alternatively, some websites offer in-house printing services for an extra cost. If you want to share your invitations electronically, look for a template that can be easily shared via email or social media.

Cost

Cost is also an important factor when choosing a template. While some templates are free, others require a subscription or have additional costs for certain graphics. If you are on a budget, there are cost-effective options available, and you can also compare prices across different websites.

Ease of Use

Finally, consider how easy the template is to use and customise. Look for a user-friendly interface that allows you to tailor the design to your taste. Drag-and-drop tools can also be helpful for placing elements onto your design.

Customising the design

Choose a Theme or Style

Decide on a theme or style that suits your wedding vision and personality as a couple. Are you going for a rustic, elegant, minimalist, or vintage vibe? Perhaps you want a modern, fun, or traditional look? There are hundreds of editable designs and themes to choose from, so take your time selecting the one that feels right for you.

Colours and Fonts

Customise the colour scheme and fonts to match your chosen theme and style. Play around with different combinations and preview them in real time to find the perfect fit. You can also add shapes and lines to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Photos and Graphics

Add a personal touch by including a photo of you and your partner on the invite. You can also incorporate other graphics, such as floral frames, watercolour arrangements, or even a photo of your wedding venue. Using drag-and-drop tools, you can easily place these elements onto your design.

Text and Wording

Include all the essential information, such as the full names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding. You may also want to include the wedding website address, gift list details, and information about other wedding events like the bachelor/bachelorette party or bridal shower. Get creative with the wording to make it fun and engaging.

Paper Type and Finish

Select the type of paper and finish that aligns with your theme. For a rustic wedding, consider recycled brown paper, while premium or fancy paper might suit a more elegant affair. You can also choose from various card sizes, such as the classic 5 x 7 inches or a more petite 4.25 x 6 inches.

Remember, your wedding invitation is a reflection of you as a couple, so have fun with the customisation process and create something that you and your guests will cherish forever.

Adding photos

Choosing the Right Photo

The photo you choose for your wedding invitation should capture the essence of the couple and reflect the style and tone of the wedding. Consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and select a photo that aligns with it. For example, if you're having a formal wedding, a formal portrait of the couple in formal attire might be a good choice. On the other hand, if your wedding is more casual and fun, a candid shot could be perfect.

Photo Styles

There are many different styles of photos that you can use for your wedding invitations. Here are some popular options:

• Formal posed portraits: Classic and timeless photos of the couple in formal attire, often taken by a professional photographer.
• Casual candid shots: More relaxed and informal photos that capture the couple in natural settings or casual moments.
• Engagement photos: Photos specifically taken for the invitations, featuring the couple in a variety of poses and settings.
• Landscape shots: Photos featuring a scenic location significant to the couple, such as a favourite park or beach.
• Silhouette shots: Photos featuring the couple's silhouette against a backdrop like a sunset or city skyline.
• Black and white photos: Classic and elegant, these photos can add a touch of timelessness to your invitations.
• Vintage-style photos: Edited to look old-fashioned or vintage, perhaps with a sepia tone or other filters.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Photos

There are many creative ways to include photos in your wedding invitation design:

• Cut-out shapes: Cut your photo into a unique shape, such as a heart or the couple's initials, and attach it to the invitation.
• Overlay: Place a transparent overlay with the photo on top of the invitation's text or background.
• Polaroid style: Add a white border and a caption to make your photo look like a polaroid picture.
• Filmstrip: Arrange several small photos in a filmstrip style, with wedding details included between each photo.
• Collage: Create a cohesive and visually interesting design by arranging multiple photos in a collage.
• Envelope liner: Use the photo as an envelope liner, adding a unique touch before the invitation is even opened.

Online Tools

There are several online tools and platforms that can help you design and create your wedding invitation template with photos:

• Canva: Offers free, customizable, and printable wedding invitation templates. You can simply drag and drop your photos onto the template.
• Greetings Island: Provides a gallery of photo wedding invitation templates, from classic to casual styles. You can easily upload your photos and customise the text.
• Basic Invite: Features an easy-to-use online design tool with drag-and-drop functionality and real-time previews.
• Mixbook: Allows you to upload your photos to their customizable templates and adjust layout, fonts, colours, and other design elements.
• Etsy: Offers a wide range of photo wedding invitation templates, including minimalist, modern, and elegant designs.

Remember to choose high-quality, clear, and well-lit photos for the best results. With these ideas and tools, you can create beautiful and personalised wedding invitation templates with photos that will impress your guests!

Printing the invitations

Once you've created your wedding invitation template, it's time to print your invitations. Here are some tips and options for printing your wedding invitations:

Printing Options:

• Professional Printing Services: You can use online printing services such as Canva Print, VistaPrint, Smartpress, or local printing shops. These services offer various paper options, finishes, and customisation. They can also handle large quantities of invitations efficiently.
• Home Printing: If you prefer a more hands-on approach or have a smaller number of invitations, you can print them at home. This option gives you greater control over the paper type and printing process.
• Retail Stores: Some retail stores, like Staples, Walmart, and FedEx, offer printing services. This option is convenient if you need quick turnaround times or have a physical copy of your design.

Considerations:

• Paper Type and Finish: Choose a paper type and finish that aligns with your wedding theme and desired look. Options include coated, linen, recycled paper, premium, or fancy paper. Consider the thickness and texture to ensure they fit your vision.
• Customisation: Many printing services offer customisation options such as drill holes for ribbons, scoring, folding, perforations, rounded corners, and envelope customisation. Variable data printing allows you to personalise each invitation with your guest's name and address.
• Proofing: Before finalising your order, request a proof to review the design, colours, and layout. This step ensures that you are happy with the invitation's appearance and there are no errors.
• Cost: Compare prices between different printing services, as costs can vary. Some services offer discounts or promotional codes, so look out for those to save money.
• Turnaround Time: Consider the time it will take to print and deliver your invitations, especially if you have a specific deadline. Some services offer faster delivery options for an additional fee.
• Addressing: Decide how you want to address the invitations. You can handwrite the addresses, use custom-printed envelopes, or print address labels.

Sharing the invitations

Once you've created your wedding invitation template, it's time to share it with your friends and family. Here are some tips for sharing your invitations:

Digital Sharing:

• Email: You can email your invitations to your guests. This option is convenient and allows you to reach guests all over the world instantly.
• Social Media: Share your invitations via social media platforms. This is a great way to reach a wider audience, especially if you have friends and family who are active social media users. You can post them directly through social media or use the share button in Canva to post to your accounts.
• Messaging Apps: Share your invitations via messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. This is a more direct and personal approach, ensuring that your guests receive the invitation instantly.

Printing and Mailing:

• Printing Services: Consider using a printing service to print your invitations. Services like Canva Print offer high-quality prints and deliver them right to your doorstep. This option is convenient and ensures your invitations look professional.
• Professional Printing Services: Greetings Island offers high-quality printing services to complement their invitation templates. They also provide premium membership that unlocks over 5000 designs.
• At-Home Printing: You can also choose to print your invitations at home. However, keep in mind that this option may be more costly than you expect when you factor in ink, paper, and envelope costs. Additionally, home printers may not be able to handle thicker cardstock or double-sided printing.

Other Considerations:

• Timing: It is recommended that you send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding. For save-the-date cards, four to six months in advance is generally suggested.
• RSVP Deadline: Set your RSVP date three to four weeks before your wedding. This will give you time to follow up on any missing responses before providing final numbers to your vendors.
• Addressing: Addressing invitations can be complex. Keep it professional by addressing the family, couple, or individual with "plus guest" as appropriate. Be clear about whether children are invited.

Remember to choose the sharing method that best suits your needs and preferences. The most important thing is that your invitations reach your guests, and they contain all the necessary information about your special day.

Frequently asked questions