Handmade Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and stressful endeavour, so it's no surprise that many couples are choosing to design and create their wedding invitations by hand. Not only is this a more budget-friendly option, but it also adds a personal touch to your big day. In this article, we will take you through the steps of making your own wedding invitations, from choosing a design to assembling the final product. We will also offer tips and tricks to ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. So, whether you're a crafting whizz or a DIY novice, read on for everything you need to know about creating handmade wedding invitations.

Choosing a design

Know your vision

It is important to have a clear idea of what you want your invitations to look like. Consider the theme, colours, materials and tools you will need, and what you want the finished product to look like. Take inspiration from professional wedding stationery designs, and be realistic about what you can achieve with your time and skill set.

Choose a template

If you are not confident in your design skills, you can purchase a template. These can be found on sites such as Etsy, Creative Market, and stock photography websites, and typically cost around $5 to $20. Look for a shop that seems professional and whose owner has experience printing their designs. Choose a template with just 2-3 colours to save on printing costs.

Add colour with cardstock

If you want to incorporate your wedding colours, consider printing your design on coloured cardstock. This will be cheaper than using lots of ink.

Consider your location

Think about where you are getting married and how this could influence the design of your invitations. For example, if you are getting married in a church, you might opt for a more traditional, romantic aesthetic. If you are tying the knot in a country or farm setting, a rustic and natural look might be more appropriate.

Choose romantic fonts

The font you choose can make or break the overall personality of your design. Bold, blocky fonts are best avoided, as they can appear too harsh. Cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent choices for wedding invites, especially for the names of the couple. They are soft, romantic, and elegant, and pair well with a serif font for the rest of the text.

Think about your imagery

Using a photo of the happy couple is a great way to make your invitations more personal and create a keepsake for your loved ones. When paired with a watercolour texture, a beautiful black-and-white photo can really bring the design to life.

Inject some personality

Your wedding invitations should be unique, so don't be afraid to switch up the format, themes and even incorporate some personal jokes into your design! For example, you could use a clever, 'timeline' format that maps out the course of the couple's relationship, or include illustrations.

Selecting paper and printing styles

Selecting the right paper and printing style is crucial when making wedding invitations by hand. Here are some tips to help you choose the best options for your invitations:

Paper Type and Weight

The type and weight of the paper you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Opting for a thicker paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, will give your invitations a luxurious and elegant feel. Specialty paper with a linen or felt texture can also enhance the tactile experience for your guests. If you're looking for something more unique, consider using a textured paper, such as seeded paper, which guests can plant in their gardens.

Printing Method

The printing method you choose will depend on your budget, the desired number of invitations, and the level of customisation you want. Here are some options to consider:

• Professional Printing Services: Online printing companies like Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle offer affordable invitation printing services. You can also send your completed design to a local printer like Costco or Office Depot, who can advise on the best paper for your design.
• Home Printing: If you plan to print your invitations at home, invest in high-quality ink and purchase it in bulk to save costs. Ensure your printer is in good working condition and test print on different paper types to find the best match.
• Handwriting or Hand-painting: For a truly handmade touch, consider handwriting or hand-painting your invitations. This option may be time-consuming, but it adds a personal and artistic flair to your invitations.

Design and Colour Considerations

When selecting a design, consider the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding. Choose romantic and elegant fonts, such as calligraphy or cursive, and avoid bold, blocky fonts. If incorporating colour, opt for a design with just 2-3 colours to reduce ink usage and printing costs. You can also use coloured cardstock or backing paper to add a pop of colour while keeping printing costs low.

Final Thoughts

When selecting paper and printing styles, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve, your budget, and the level of customisation and personal touch you want to incorporate. Remember to allow for some flexibility in your plans, as things may not always go according to plan. Happy crafting!

Adding inserts

Types of Inserts

The types of inserts you include will depend on the necessary details you need to share with your guests. Here are some common types of inserts to consider:

• RSVP card and envelope: This is a staple in any invitation suite. You can include cards with blanks for guests to fill in their names and the number of attendees, or you can include the number of seats reserved for them and ask them to confirm the number attending. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you are requesting a traditional RSVP by post.
• Wedding website card: Most weddings now have a website with all the necessary information in one place. Include the URL for your wedding website on an insert card, encouraging guests to refer to the site for more information.
• Reception card: If your reception is at a different location from your ceremony, include a reception card with the time and location. You can also include directions or parking information on this card. If your ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can skip this card and include the information on the main invitation.
• Pre-wedding and post-wedding events card: If you are hosting any additional events, such as a welcome party or a brunch the day after the wedding, include the date, time, and dress code on an insert.
• Travel and accommodation card: This is especially useful for destination weddings. Include an overview of travel options, such as the nearest airport and contact information for hotels where you have reserved rooms.
• Attire card: If you have a specific dress code or colour palette you want your guests to follow, include this information on an insert card. You can also include a preferred colour palette or specific attire for different events if you have multiple activities with different dress codes.
• Registry card: It is generally considered more polite to skip including registry details in your invitation suite. If you do decide to include it, keep it on a separate registry card. You can also include registry details on your wedding website.

Designing Your Inserts

When designing your inserts, consider using a font that matches your invitations to create a coordinated look. You can use a simple Word document or a design platform like Canva to create your inserts. If you are comfortable with your design skills, you can get creative and include illustrations or colour palettes on your inserts.

Printing and Assembling

Once you have designed your inserts, you can print them at home or use an online printing service. If you are printing at home, consider the cost of ink and paper, and be sure to do some test prints before printing all your inserts. When assembling your invitations, place the inserts face-up on top of the invitation, starting with the largest insert and working your way to the smallest. Remember to include an RSVP card and envelope, placing the reply envelope face-down on top of the other inserts, with the reply card under the flap.

Buying ink in bulk

If you're printing your wedding invitations at home, you'll need to buy ink. A lot of ink. So it's a good idea to buy in bulk.

You'll want to print your invitations on the "photograph" or "high" setting to achieve the best quality. This can be pricey, so it's worth looking at bulk ink packs from places like Sam's Club, Costco, or Amazon.

It's recommended to buy at least one new set of ink as a backup. If your invitations are particularly ink-heavy, you might want to buy two.

Planning for errors

Proofreading and Editing:

• Enlist multiple proofreaders: Ask at least two or more people to carefully proofread your invitations for any errors or typos. It is especially helpful to have someone who has not been involved in the design process look at the invitations with fresh eyes.
• Take your time: Don't rush the proofreading process. Read through the invitations multiple times and use different reading techniques, such as reading out loud or reading right to left, to catch any mistakes.
• Fact-check: Triple-check all critical information, such as addresses, dates, and names. Even a small typo in these details can cause confusion for your guests.
• Final approval: Before giving the final approval, order a sample of the printed invitation to proofread and ensure that everything is correct.

Planning for Reprints:

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to address any mistakes and make reprints if necessary. It is recommended to start designing your invitations at least six months in advance.
• Budget for reprints: Keep in mind that reprints can be costly. Include a buffer in your budget to cover any potential reprint expenses.
• Discuss liability: When ordering from a stationery designer or printer, carefully review their contract. Most vendors include a liability clause stating that they are not responsible for reprints, even if they made a mistake. Understand your responsibilities before signing any agreements.

Digital Backup:

• Online retailers: Consider using online stationery retailers as a backup option. They often offer quick deliveries, affordable prices, and 24/7 availability.
• Digital communication: In case of last-minute mistakes or time constraints, you can send digital invitations, email updates, or wedding website announcements to correct any errors. While it may not be your original vision, it is a practical solution to ensure your guests receive the correct information.

Assembly and Postage:

• Assembly techniques: Practice the assembly process for your invitations, especially if they include multiple sheets, embellishments, or inserts. This will help you refine the process and avoid any last-minute assembly errors.
• Postage considerations: Before finalizing your invitation design, check with your local post office to understand the postage requirements and costs. The weight, size, and shape of your invitations can impact the postage rate.

Remember, it is important to give yourself enough time to address any mistakes and make the necessary corrections. Don't rush the process, and always double-check your work. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create beautiful handmade wedding invitations that accurately convey your wedding information.

Frequently asked questions