Creating Wedding Invitations: Etsy's Diy Guide

Etsy is a treasure trove of wedding inspiration, and one of the most important purchases for your big day can be found on the site: wedding invitations. There are a variety of options available, from modern calligraphy to watercolour motifs, and even unique record wedding invitations. You can also find downloadable templates that can be customised and printed at home. This is a budget-friendly option for couples who want to save money where they can. There are plenty of talented stationers and graphic designers on Etsy who offer downloadable files that can be customised and printed at home.

Choosing a theme and colour scheme

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to decide on a theme and colour scheme, creating a mood board on Pinterest is a great option. Pin all the wedding inspiration that you love, and then analyse your board to see if there are any recurring colours or fonts. This can give you a great starting point for deciding on a theme and colour scheme.

Another thing to consider is the style of your wedding. Are you going for something simple and elegant, or bold and colourful? Maybe you want a watercolour motif or a rustic look? Etsy has a wide range of wedding invitation options to choose from, so you're sure to find something that fits your style.

• Navy blue and rustic: featuring burlap and kraft brown with a splash of navy blue.
• Nautical: with navy and white stripes and a hint of lace.
• Woodland: with a mod geometric print and rose gold accents.
• Beach: with seaside blue watercolour shades and starfish accents.
• Tropical: with vibrant colours and tropical motifs.
• Spring floral: with a personalised monogram and a soft, romantic style.

Remember, your wedding invitations should reflect your personality and the style of your wedding. So take your time, browse through the many options available on Etsy, and don't be afraid to get creative!

DIY vs. professional printing

If you're looking to make wedding invitations on Etsy, you can either opt for a DIY approach or enlist the services of a professional printer. Here's a detailed comparison between the two options:

DIY Wedding Invitations:

DIY wedding invitations offer a cost-effective alternative for couples who are crafty and willing to put in the time and effort. Here are some advantages of this approach:

• Cost savings: Creating your own invitations can be significantly cheaper than hiring a professional, especially if you're on a tight budget.
• Customization: With DIY, you have complete control over the design, allowing you to personalize every aspect of the invitation to match your wedding's style and theme.
• Flexibility: You can choose from a wide range of downloadable templates available on sites like Etsy, or design your invitations from scratch if you're feeling creative.
• Convenience: If you're short on time, DIY invitations can be a faster option since you don't have to wait for a professional to design and print them.

However, there are also some challenges to consider:

• Time and effort: Designing and printing your own invitations can be time-consuming, especially if you're creating a large number of invitations.
• Quality: Achieving a professional-looking result may require multiple test prints and adjustments, and even then, the final product might not match the quality of a professional printer.
• Hidden costs: The cost of ink, paper, envelopes, and other materials can add up quickly, especially if you opt for high-quality paper or intricate designs.

Professional Printing:

Hiring a professional printer for your wedding invitations has its own set of benefits and drawbacks:

• Quality and expertise: Professional printers have the skills and equipment to produce high-quality invitations with crisp text and accurate colour representation.
• Consistency: With professional printing, you can expect each invitation to look identical, whereas DIY printing may result in slight variations between invitations.
• Efficiency: Professionals can handle large quantities of invitations quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort.
• Design options: Many professional printers offer their own templates or custom design services, saving you the hassle of designing the invitations yourself.

On the other hand, there are some potential downsides to consider:

• Cost: Hiring a professional will likely be more expensive than DIY, especially if you require custom designs or specialized printing techniques (e.g., letterpress, foil stamping).
• Lack of personalization: While professionals can create beautiful invitations, you might not have the same level of creative control as you would with DIY.
• Timeframe: Depending on the printer's schedule and the complexity of your order, it may take several days or even weeks to receive your finished invitations.

In conclusion, both DIY and professional printing have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're deciding between the two, consider your budget, the level of customization you desire, and the amount of time and effort you're willing to invest in creating your wedding invitations.

Selecting paper type and weight

Selecting the right paper type and weight is crucial for creating elegant and professional-looking wedding invitations. Here are some tips to help you choose the best paper for your Etsy wedding invitations:

Paper Type:

When choosing the paper type for your wedding invitations, opt for something thicker than regular printer paper to achieve a luxurious look and feel. A good choice would be uncoated cardstock with a weight of 120 lb. This weight ensures your invitations feel substantial without being too heavy or difficult to print. You can also consider adding texture to your invitations by choosing a linen or felt finish, which will give them a sophisticated and tactile appeal.

Specialty Stationery Stores:

To find the perfect paper for your invitations, it is recommended to visit specialty stationery stores or print shops. These stores will offer a wide variety of paper types and weights, allowing you to feel and compare different options. Their experts can also guide you in selecting the most suitable paper for your printing method, whether foil printing, UV printing, or digital printing.

Paper Samples:

Before purchasing a large quantity, it is advisable to take a few paper samples home to test. Trying out different paper options on your home printer will help you ensure that your invitations print correctly and meet your desired quality standards. This step can save you from the disappointment of discovering that your chosen paper doesn't work well with your printer.

File Type for Printing:

When working with a designer, remember to specify the file type you require for printing to avoid any issues. Printing from a PDF file will generally result in higher quality than a JPEG. However, keep in mind that different printing options, such as online or local print shops, may have specific file type requirements, so it's essential to communicate your printing plans clearly.

Template Resolution:

To ensure a crisp and clear print, pay attention to the template resolution quality. A resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher is recommended for the best results. This specification will help you create invitations with sharp text and clear images, ensuring a professional finish.

Ink Usage:

Consider the ink usage when selecting your paper and design. Designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds will not only look better when printed at home but will also help you save on ink costs. If your design has a colourful background or white font, consider having a print shop handle the printing, as they have the equipment to produce more precise and vibrant results.

Printer Limitations:

Keep in mind the limitations of your home printer. Home printers may not accurately depict how the design will print, often resulting in colours that are a shade or two darker than expected. To achieve the desired colour balance, spend time printing tests and adjusting your printer settings. Alternatively, consider using a professional printing service for better colour accuracy and consistency.

Budgeting for ink and paper

Consider the Quantity:

The number of invitations you need is directly proportional to the cost. A small gathering of 80 guests will be significantly more affordable than a grand event with 400 or more attendees. However, higher quantities can also lead to price breaks, such as a lower per-invitation cost when printing 300 instead of 50. It is recommended to order about 10% more invitations than needed to account for last-minute guest list additions and keepsakes.

Evaluate Your Wedding Style:

The formality and style of your wedding will influence the cost of invitations. A formal, black-tie event might call for luxurious touches like gold foil, letterpress printing, or double-thick stock, which can increase expenses. On the other hand, a more casual celebration may require less formal paper accessories, resulting in lower costs.

Prioritize Your Preferences:

If you have your heart set on specific extras, such as patterned liners, gold foil, or specialty-coloured envelopes with white ink printing, be prepared for these additions to quickly increase your overall cost. However, if you're willing to splurge on these details, they can create a memorable and elegant invitation suite. Conversely, opting for a basic invitation and envelope set can help streamline costs.

Look for Ways to Save:

There are several strategies to reduce costs without compromising the overall aesthetic. Consider sending an RSVP postcard instead of a reply card with an envelope to save on printing and postage. Alternatively, you can print your details card on both sides instead of including a separate accommodations card. Discuss your needs with your stationer, as they may have creative suggestions for cost-cutting, such as using a return address stamp instead of printed addresses.

Understand the Impact of Printing Methods:

The chosen printing method significantly affects the cost of your invitations. Digital printing, the most budget-friendly option, involves printing directly from a computer file and is ideal for designs with multiple colours. Offset printing and thermography are more expensive, starting at $800 for 100 invitations, but offer a higher-quality finish. Letterpress printing, which involves manually creating custom presses, is even pricier, with a starting cost of around $1,500 for 100 invitations. Engraving, the most extravagant and labour-intensive printing method, will cost a minimum of $2,000 for 100 invitations.

Compare Etsy Options:

Etsy offers a wide range of wedding invitation options to suit different budgets and styles. You can find printable invitations, custom designs, and DIY templates on the platform. Compare prices and read reviews from other customers to make an informed decision.

Customising your template

Choose your style

Before you start customising, it's essential to have a clear idea of the style you want for your invitations. Do you prefer a simple and elegant look, or are you leaning towards something bold and colourful? Perhaps you want to incorporate a watercolour motif or a specific theme, such as rustic, beach, or woodland. Creating a Pinterest board as a mood board is an excellent way to identify your style and narrow down your options.

Select your designer

Etsy is home to numerous talented designers and stationers who offer customisable templates. Some popular options include Archer and Olive, Hello Tenfold, Smitten on Paper, and Three Eggs Design. You can also find designers who specialise in specific styles, such as botanical-inspired designs or watercolour motifs. If you're looking for something truly unique, you can even find designers who will create a custom portrait or illustration of you and your partner.

Customise your template

Once you've chosen your designer and template, it's time to customise! Most designers will allow you to change the details yourself, such as the wording and font. However, if you want to modify any design elements, the designer is usually happy to accommodate your requests and send you a ready-to-print file. This is also the time to ensure your language suits your personality as a couple and matches the tone and theme of your wedding. Don't forget to proofread your text for any errors!

Choose your printing method

You have two main options for printing your invitations: doing it yourself at home or using a professional printing service. DIY printing can be more affordable, but it may be more complicated and time-consuming. Professional printing services, such as Costco or Office Depot, can provide a more polished look and feel to your invitations and help you select the best paper and trim cards to the perfect size.

Select your paper

The type of paper you choose will significantly impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Kate Weber, owner of West + Pine, recommends opting for a thicker paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, for a luxurious feel. You can also add texture with options like linen or felt paper. It's a good idea to test out different paper samples on your printer at home before committing to ensure the best results.

Finalise the details

Before you start printing, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including envelopes, RSVP cards, and any embellishments like belly bands or envelope liners. Don't forget to factor in the cost of ink and paper, especially if you choose a design with a colourful background or heavy ink coverage. Lastly, weigh your completed invitation at the post office to calculate the correct postage, and consider requesting "Hand Cancel, Please" to avoid any potential damage during processing.

Frequently asked questions