Creating Wedding Scroll Boxes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding scroll boxes are a unique and elegant way to invite guests to your wedding. They are typically made of high-quality paper and feature a rolled or folded design that resembles a scroll. To create a scroll wedding invitation, start by choosing high-quality paper or cardstock. Decide on the design and layout, including the names of the couple, the date, location, and other details. Keep the design simple and elegant, as the scroll shape itself adds a decorative touch. Once the design is complete, roll or fold the invitation into a scroll shape by hand or with a tool. Tie it with a ribbon or decorative element to secure it. You can also add charms or beads for an extra touch of elegance. These invitations can be sent on their own or enclosed in a matching envelope or decorative box.

Choosing the right paper

When it comes to choosing the right paper for your wedding scroll boxes, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select high-quality paper or cardstock that will ensure your invitations are sturdy and hold their shape when rolled or folded. Heavy-weight papers, such as cardstock or watercolour paper, work well for scroll invitations. If you're printing at home, it's crucial to choose a paper that is compatible with your printer. For example, desktop printers may have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle, so it's a good idea to review your printer's instructions and do a test print.

The weight of the paper is another important consideration. In the US, cardstock weights are measured in pounds, while in Europe, they are measured in grams per square metre (gsm). Cardstock weight typically ranges from 45# to 300# or higher, and a good rule of thumb is that the higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock. For most home printers, 80# to 90# cardstock is ideal, while 110# to 130# will give your invitations a more professional look but may require industrial printers.

Different types of cardstock offer varied textures, feels, and prices. Solid white cardstock, for instance, is a medium to heavyweight paper made from tree pulp with a smooth, matte finish. It is perfect for printing at home and comes in a variety of colours and weights. Linen cardstock, on the other hand, has a delicate woven texture and a matte finish, making it ideal for hiding imperfections or quality issues that may occur during home printing. Cotton cardstock is smooth, highly absorbent, and considered "photo safe", making it a popular choice for wedding invitations.

The finish of the paper is also important. Uncoated cotton paper generally takes ink very well, while a smooth, coated paper can give a more elegant look but may not be compatible with all printers. If you're looking for a rustic look, brown Kraft paper is a great option.

Overall, choosing the right paper for your wedding scroll boxes depends on factors such as printer compatibility, weight, texture, finish, and your personal style.

Designing the layout

When designing the layout of your wedding scroll invitations, it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure they look elegant and are easy to read.

Firstly, decide on the information you want to include. The invitation should contain the names of the couple, the date and location of the wedding, and any other relevant details such as the wedding theme or dress code. It's best to keep the design simple and elegant, letting the scroll shape add a decorative touch.

Next, consider the placement of the text. If you're rolling the invitation, ensure the text is straight and centred so that it's easy to read when unrolled. If you're creating a folded scroll, place the text in the centre of the paper, leaving enough space at the edges for folding.

You can also enhance the layout with decorative elements. For example, you can add embellishments, ribbons, or charms to the scroll. A seal or wax stamp can add a touch of elegance, while burlap or lace wrapping can give it a rustic or vintage feel.

Additionally, pay attention to the font style and size. Choose a font that is legible and fits the overall style of your wedding. The font size should be large enough to read, especially if you're including important details that your guests need to know.

Finally, don't forget to leave some negative space. Avoid overcrowding the invitation with too much text or decorations, as this can make it look cluttered. A well-designed layout will have a balance of text and empty space, making it visually appealing and easy to read.

Rolling or folding the paper

Once you've chosen your paper and designed your invitation, it's time to roll or fold it into a scroll shape. This can be done by hand or with a rolling tool or scroll invitation kit. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Rolling the Invitation by Hand:

Gently start rolling one end of the invitation. Make sure to keep the text and design straight and centred as you roll. Continue rolling the paper until it is tightly rolled. You can secure the scroll with a ribbon or piece of twine tied around the middle or attached to the ends to create a bow.

Assembling a Folded Scroll:

For a folded scroll, start by folding the invitation in half lengthwise. Then, fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, forming a triangle shape. Fold this triangle in half and continue folding until the entire invitation is folded into a compact, scroll-like shape. Again, you can use a ribbon or twine to secure the scroll, tying it around the middle or ends of the scroll.

Additional Tips:

You can also add other decorative elements, such as charms or beads, to the ribbon for an extra touch of elegance. If you want to give your scroll invitations a rustic or vintage feel, consider using burlap or lace as a wrapping. You can also add a seal or wax stamp for a more elegant finish.

Adding decorative elements

Ribbons and Bows

Adorn your scroll boxes with elegant ribbons or create beautiful bows to secure the scrolls. This adds a touch of sophistication and charm to the overall presentation.

Charms and Beads

Embellish the ribbons or the scroll box itself with small decorative charms or beads. These can be chosen to match your wedding theme or colour palette, adding a whimsical touch to the design.

Wax Seals

For a truly unique touch, consider using a wax seal to secure your scrolls. You can customise the wax colour and seal design to reflect your wedding theme, such as a monogram or a symbol that holds special meaning for you.

Burlap or Lace Wrapping

If you're aiming for a rustic or vintage aesthetic, wrap your scrolls in burlap or lace. This adds a layer of texture and visual interest, giving your invitations an antique-inspired charm.

Stamps or Embossing

Enhance the visual appeal of your scrolls by incorporating stamped or embossed designs onto the paper. This can be a beautiful way to include your initials, the wedding date, or a motif that ties into your wedding theme.

Decorative Boxes or Containers

Present your wedding scroll invitations in elegant boxes or containers. These can be customised to match your wedding colours or theme, adding a luxurious touch to your invitations. Consider using boxes with decorative lids or unique shapes to make a lasting impression.

Presenting the scroll

Choosing a Box

Firstly, decide on the box that will contain your scroll. This could be a simple cardboard box, or you could opt for something more decorative, such as a wooden box with a laser-cut design or a velvet box with a gold mirror acrylic finish. These boxes can be personalised with the couple's names, wedding date, or other details.

Adding Decorative Elements

To make your scroll invitation even more special, consider adding some decorative elements to the box. This could include a wax seal, a ribbon, or a piece of twine to tie the scroll. You could also include a small gift or filler item, such as a treasure map for a pirate-themed wedding.

Scroll Design

The scroll itself should be made from high-quality paper or cardstock, ensuring it holds its shape when rolled or folded. The design should be simple and elegant, with the names of the couple, the wedding date, location, and any other relevant details.

Rolling or Folding the Scroll

You can choose to roll or fold your scroll invitation. If rolling, start by gently rolling one end and continue until it is tightly rolled, ensuring the text and design stay centred. For a folded scroll, fold the invitation in half lengthwise, then bring the bottom edge up to meet the top, forming a triangle. Continue folding until the invitation is compact.

Final Touches

Once your scroll is rolled or folded, secure it with a ribbon, twine, or another decorative element. You can also add charms, beads, or a seal or wax stamp for a touch of elegance. If you wish, you can also wrap the scroll in burlap or lace for a rustic or vintage feel.

Presentation

Finally, present your scroll invitation in its box, along with any other wedding stationery, such as RSVP and information cards. This will create a beautiful and unique invitation that your guests will surely admire.

Frequently asked questions