Crafting Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavour, so it's no surprise that many couples opt to design and create their own wedding invitations. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about making wedding invitations from scratch, including design inspiration, materials, and printing options. Whether you're a crafting novice or a DIY enthusiast, read on for tips and tricks to create beautiful and personalised wedding invitations that will impress your guests.

Choosing a design and template

Know Your Options:

Before deciding on a design, it's important to understand the different types of DIY wedding invitation options available:

• Editable Digital Templates: You can find editable templates online, which allow you to personalise and edit the design, and then have the company print and deliver the invitations to you. This option offers customisation without the hassle of printing at home.
• Printable Templates: With this option, you purchase a template, personalise it, and then print the invitations yourself at home or through a printing shop. This gives you greater control over the paper choice and allows for DIY touches like stamps or handwritten signatures.
• From Scratch: If you're feeling creative, you can design your invitations completely from scratch using platforms like Canva, which offer free templates and design tools for inspiration. You can then choose to print them or send them as digital invitations.

Consider Your Skills and Time:

Be realistic about your skill set and the time you can dedicate to this project. DIY wedding invitations can be time-consuming, especially if you're making them in bulk. Practise your design a few times before committing, and remember that your invitations may not look as polished as those made by professionals.

Choose a Template or Design:

When selecting a template or designing from scratch, consider the following:

• Colour Scheme: Opt for a design with just 2-3 colours to reduce printing costs. Using coloured cardstock or backing your invitations with patterned paper is a great way to incorporate your wedding colours without using too much ink.
• White Space: Designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds will not only save on ink but will also print better on home printers.
• Font: Choose romantic and elegant fonts that complement the overall design. Cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent choices for wedding invitations, especially for the names. You can also pair them with a serif font for the rest of the text.
• Imagery: Consider using a photo of the couple or a watercolour motif to add a personal touch.
• Theme: Think about your wedding's theme and location. For example, a rustic or natural look might suit a country or farm setting.
• Shape and Dimensions: Traditional wedding invitations are rectangular, measuring 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. However, you can also explore other popular styles like horizontal rectangles or scalloped designs.
• Paper Type: Opt for thicker cardstock, such as 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, for a more luxurious feel. Textured paper, such as linen or felt, can also elevate the design.
• File Type: Ensure you have the correct file type for printing. PDF generally offers higher quality than JPEG. A resolution of 300 DPI or higher is recommended for a crisp, clean print.

Remember to take your time, practise your design, and don't be afraid to add personal touches to make your invitations unique and reflective of your special day.

Selecting paper and printing options

Selecting the right paper and printing options for your wedding invitations is crucial to achieving the desired look and feel. Here are some detailed tips to help you make the best choices:

Paper Types:

• Card and Cover Stock: This is the most common type of paper used for wedding invitations. Opting for thick, heavy card stock, typically starting at 120 lb, gives your invitations a luxurious and elegant feel. You can choose from various finishes, such as satin, silk, glossy, or matte, with textures like linen or eggshell adding a subtle touch of sophistication.
• Cotton Fiber: Cotton paper is the costliest option but offers a super soft feel with no imperfections. It is incredibly durable and responds well to different printing techniques, making it a favourite among couples.
• Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper: These options provide a rustic and intimate feel to your invitations, perfect for outdoor or DIY-themed weddings.
• Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper: These translucent papers add depth and interest to your invitations, often used in layered designs. They can also be used for belly bands or accents like envelope liners.
• Acrylic: Acrylic invitations offer a dramatic and modern look but come with limitations in printing techniques and a higher price tag.
• Recycled Paper: For eco-friendly couples, recycled paper is a great choice. It comes in various shapes and sizes, from kraft cardstock to handmade pulpy papers, adding a unique touch to your invitations.
• Linen Finish: Linen paper has a textured, cross-hatched surface that resembles linen fabric, providing an elegant and high-quality look.
• Vellum: Vellum has a sheer and frosted appearance, often layered over opaque paper. It can be used for invitations, belly bands, or envelope liners, adding a delicate touch.
• Pearlescent Paper: Pearlescent paper adds a subtle shimmer to your invitations, enhancing any photographs included in the design. It is an elegant choice, especially for couples incorporating images.
• Board Paper: Board paper is a heavy cardstock, typically made with three layers, ensuring your invitations arrive in perfect condition without bending in the mail.

Printing Options:

• Thermography: This budget-friendly technique gives a slightly raised text effect without the high cost of engraving or embossing. It creates a painted-on look that is both elegant and affordable.
• Engraving and Embossing: These high-end techniques add a luxurious touch to your invitations. Engraving involves pressing ink onto the paper, while embossing creates a colorless imprint, perfect for monograms or borders.
• Foil Stamping: Foil stamping is a glamorous and unique option, where metallic foil is pressed onto the paper, creating a crisp and clean effect. It can be combined with other printing techniques to add a touch of shine.
• Letterpress: Letterpress is a softer and more romantic printing style, where ink is stamped into soft cotton stock, resulting in a vintage feel with a slight blur around the edges.
• UV and Thermographic Printing: These heat-based methods add a slight shine to raised lettering. Thermographic printing is a flexible and affordable option, available in various colours, including metallic hues.
• Flat Digital Printing: This budget-friendly option offers freedom and flexibility in design. While it doesn't add tactile dimension, it allows for playing with paper textures and finishes, and can be enhanced with embellishments.

When choosing your paper and printing options, it is essential to consider your budget, desired look and feel, and the overall theme of your wedding. Remember to review your printer's instructions and always do test prints to ensure the best results.

Adding inserts and personal touches

Types of Inserts

The number and 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. Don't forget to include a self-addressed envelope with a stamp and a deadline for responses.
• Wedding website card: Most weddings have a website with information such as the dress code, registry details, and other useful information for guests. Include the URL for your wedding website on this card.
• Reception card: If your reception is at a different location from the ceremony, include a separate card with the time and location of the reception, as well as any relevant directions or parking information. If the ceremony and reception are at the same place, you can skip this card and include the information on the main invitation.
• Pre-wedding and post-wedding events card: If you're hosting any additional events, such as a welcome party or a day-after brunch, include the date, time, and dress code on a separate 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 any hotels where you've reserved rooms.
• Map or directions card: Include a custom map or written directions to your wedding venue, along with key landmarks, parking areas, and entrances.
• Attire card: If you have a specific dress code or colour palette you want your guests to follow, include this information on a separate card.

Personal Touches

Adding personal touches to your wedding invitations can make them feel more special and unique. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Gold foil details: Gold foil is an elegant and luxurious addition to any wedding invitation. You can add gold foil to the border of your insert card or scatter it throughout the design.
• Watercolour backgrounds: If you're artistic, consider painting the background of your invitations with watercolours. Each invitation will be unique, and you can use similar colours and placement to create a cohesive set.
• Textured paper: Printing or writing your invitations on textured paper, such as linen or felt, can elevate the look and feel of your invitations.
• Pinned or hand-tied invitations: If your invitations consist of multiple sheets of paper, try pinning them together with a gold, silver, or rose gold fastener. Alternatively, add a hand-tied piece of string or ribbon for a rustic touch.
• Real flowers or floral wax seals: Include dried flowers or botanical leaves on your invitations or use them to adorn your wax seals. You can also personalise wax seals with your initials.
• Vellum invitation jackets: Wrap your invitations in translucent vellum cases to give them a professional and elegant look.
• Personalised envelope inserts: Download generic templates, print them out, and cut them to size to create personalised envelope inserts.
• Customised postage stamps: Use vintage postage stamps or custom guest address labels that coordinate with your invitation design.
• Calligraphy or digital addressing: Address your invitations with calligraphy for a unique and elegant touch, or use a digital addressing service for a more affordable option.

Budgeting for materials and postage

The cost of materials and postage for your wedding invitations will depend on the style of your invitations, the weight and shape of your envelopes, and the number of invitations you need. Here are some tips to help you budget for these expenses:

Determine the Style and Size of Your Invitations

The style and size of your invitations will impact the cost of materials and postage. Traditional wedding invitations are rectangular, measuring 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. This size is a good option to keep printing costs down. Larger or non-standard sizes, such as squares, may require extra postage. If you want to include additional inserts, such as direction cards, RSVP cards, or reception cards, budget for larger envelopes and possibly higher postage rates.

Consider the Weight of Your Envelopes

The weight of your envelopes, including any embellishments like wax seals or ribbons, will affect postage costs. Most wedding invitations weigh more than 1 ounce. Each additional ounce incurs an extra charge. For example, the standard rate for a rectangular lightweight letter is $0.73, but each extra ounce costs $0.28 on top. So, for a 2-ounce invitation, you would pay $0.92.

Factor in Embellishments and Non-Machinable Costs

Any embellishments that add thickness to your envelope, such as wax seals or certain types of ribbons, will result in a "non-machinable" surcharge. This typically costs an additional $0.46. Square envelopes are also considered non-machinable and will incur this extra fee.

Calculate the Number of Invitations

The number of invitations you need will depend on your guest list. It is recommended to have 5-10 extra invitations as keepsakes and for any last-minute additions to your guest list. This quantity will impact the total cost of materials, as you will need to budget for envelopes, paper, ink, and any other embellishments for each invitation.

Budget for Postage and Envelopes

Don't forget to include postage and envelopes in your budget. The cost of postage will depend on the weight and shape of your envelopes, as mentioned above. You will need postage for the invitation suite outer envelope and the RSVP response envelope. The standard USPS postage rate for a 1-ounce envelope is $0.68, but rates increase with weight. You may also want to consider the cost of vintage postage, which can add a unique touch to your invitations but will be more expensive than standard postage.

Compare DIY vs. Professional Printing Costs

If you are crafting your invitations by hand, factor in the cost of ink and paper. High-quality paper stock and saturated inks can be expensive. Alternatively, you can opt for professional printing services, which offer various options like double-thick paper, special finishes, or white ink addressing. Compare costs and decide which option fits your budget.

By following these steps and considering all the associated costs, you can effectively budget for materials and postage when creating your wedding invitations from scratch.

Finalising and assembling the invitations

Finalising and assembling your wedding invitations is the last step in the process of creating your own invites. Here are some tips to help you with this stage:

Proofreading

Before finalising your design, it is important to proofread your invitations for any errors. Enlist the help of others to check over the wording and details to ensure there are no mistakes. This is especially important if you are printing a large number of invitations, as mistakes may be costly to fix.

Printing

If you are printing your invitations at home, ensure you have the correct paper, ink and envelopes. Test print your design a few times to ensure the colours and alignment are correct. If you are using a professional printing service, send them your final design file in the correct format.

Assembly

If your invitations consist of multiple sheets of paper, consider how you will assemble them. You could use glue dots, double-sided tape, or a fastener in the corner to secure the pages together. Add any finishing touches, such as wax seals, envelope liners, or ribbons.

Weighing and Posting

Once your invitations are assembled, take a complete invitation to the post office to be weighed. The weight and shape of the envelope will determine the cost of postage. If you are concerned about your invitations being damaged in the mail, ask your postal worker about hand-cancelling.

Frequently asked questions