Creating Wedding Scrolls: Illustrator's Guide For Beginners

Creating wedding invitations using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign is a fun and simple way to make your own unique invitations. This beginner-friendly tutorial will teach you how to design a laser-cut lace-inspired card, balancing vintage-inspired details with a modern layout. You'll need access to Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign, as well as some basic knowledge of the software. The tutorial will guide you through choosing the right paper, deciding on a design, and adding decorative elements to create elegant scroll wedding invitations.

Choosing the right paper

Paper Type and Weight

The first step is to choose high-quality paper or cardstock. Heavy-weight papers, such as cardstock or watercolour paper, work well for scroll invitations as they provide durability and help maintain the shape of the scroll when rolled or folded. The standard weight for cardstock ranges from 80# to 110# or higher, with heavier weights giving your invitations a more luxurious feel. However, keep in mind that thicker cardstock might not be suitable for home printers, so it's important to consider your printing method.

Printer Compatibility

Before selecting the paper, it's crucial to determine your printing method, whether you'll be printing at home or outsourcing to a local print shop. Home printers often have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle, so it's recommended to start with 80# cardstock and gradually increase the weight to find the maximum capacity of your printer. On the other hand, industrial printers at commercial print shops can typically handle thicker paper, so you can opt for heavier weights like 100# or 110#.

Paper Finish

The finish of the paper is another important consideration. Uncoated cotton paper is generally a good option as it takes ink well. Smooth, coated paper can give a more elegant look, but it may not be compatible with all printers. If you're going for a rustic or vintage theme, consider using textured papers like linen cardstock or kraft paper, which resemble canvas or brown grocery bags, respectively.

Paper Colour and Design

When it comes to the colour and design of the paper, keep it simple and elegant. The scroll shape itself adds a decorative touch, so you don't want the paper to be too busy. Solid white cardstock is a versatile option, coming in various weights and colours, making it perfect for printing at home. If you're looking for something unique, you can explore specialty papers like parchment, which has a subtle marbled look, or wood grain cardstock, which has a subtle embossed wood texture.

Trial and Error

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing paper. It involves a bit of trial and error. Don't be afraid to experiment with different papers, weights, and finishes to find the perfect combination that suits your printer and design preferences.

By following these tips and selecting the right paper, you'll be well on your way to creating elegant and sturdy wedding scroll invitations that set the tone for your big day!

Designing the layout

When it comes to designing the layout of your wedding scroll, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure a beautiful and functional result. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Choose the Right Software:

Start by selecting the software you want to work with. Adobe Illustrator is a great option for creating wedding scrolls, as it offers a wide range of design capabilities. However, you can also use other software like Adobe InDesign or Photoshop, depending on your preference and the specific needs of your project.

Set Up Your Document:

Before you begin designing, it's crucial to set up your document correctly. Determine the size of your wedding scroll and set the dimensions accordingly. Don't forget to include bleed areas to avoid any unwanted trimming after printing. Also, ensure that your colour profile is set to CMYK for print designs or RGB for digital invitations.

Create a Mood Board:

Take some time to gather references, create a mood board, and decide on a colour palette. This step will help you establish a cohesive design style and ensure that your layout, colours, and fonts work well together. It's also a good idea to show your selections to your clients to ensure you're on the same page.

Select Your Fonts:

Choose two complementary fonts for your wedding scroll – one for headings and one for the main text. For a delicate and elegant wedding invitation, consider using a combination of a script or calligraphy font for headings and a simple, easy-to-read sans-serif font for the body text.

Add Illustrations and Graphics:

Enhance your wedding scroll with beautiful illustrations or graphics. You can purchase illustrations or create your own. Consider incorporating floral designs, abstract art, or any other elements that reflect your wedding theme and style. Play with different arrangements and sizes until you find a layout that is aesthetically pleasing and well-balanced.

Include Important Information:

Remember to include all the relevant details on your wedding scroll. This typically includes the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and any other additional information your guests may need. It's essential to keep the design simple and elegant, ensuring that the text is easy to read and doesn't overwhelm the overall design.

Finalize and Export:

Once you're happy with your layout, it's time to finalize your design. Check that all the elements are properly aligned and that there are no errors in the text. Convert your fonts into curves to ensure that your layout remains intact, even if the fonts are not installed on another device. Finally, save your file in the appropriate format, such as TIFF or PDF, for printing or digital use.

Remember, when designing your wedding scroll layout, it's essential to keep your design elegant and straightforward. The scroll shape itself adds a decorative touch, so you don't need to overcomplicate the layout. Focus on creating a clear hierarchy of information, using fonts and illustrations to guide your guests' attention to the most important details.

Rolling or folding the scroll

Rolling or folding your wedding scroll by hand is a simple process. To begin, gently roll one end of the invitation, being careful to keep the design and text straight and centred. Continue rolling the paper until it is tightly rolled. Alternatively, you can fold your scroll by first folding it in half lengthwise, then bringing the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, forming a triangle. Next, fold the triangle in half, and continue folding until the entire invitation is compact.

If you're looking for a more efficient method, you can use a rolling tool or a scroll invitation kit. These tools can help you achieve a tighter roll with more precision. Another option is to use a wooden rod, which can add an aesthetic appeal to your scroll invitations. To do this, cut off any excess paper from the top and bottom, leaving a margin of about 1.25 inches. Then, score and fold the top and bottom of the paper twice each, using half the circumference of the rod as your guide. Glue these folds to create a tube at the top and bottom of the page. Finally, pass the wooden rod through the tube ends and secure it with end caps.

Once your scroll is rolled or folded, you can add decorative elements such as ribbons, twine, charms, or beads to enhance its elegance. You can also finish it with a seal or wax stamp. If you prefer a rustic or vintage style, consider using burlap or lace as a wrapping for your scroll.

Adding decorative elements

When it comes to adding decorative elements to your wedding scroll, the sky is the limit. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Embellishments

Add a touch of sparkle or shine to your scroll with embellishments such as rhinestones, pearls, or metal charms. You can attach these with a strong adhesive or sew them onto the scroll for a more secure hold.

Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons are a classic way to add elegance to your scroll. You can tie a ribbon around the centre of the scroll, or attach it to the ends to create a bow. For a more rustic look, try using twine or thin rope instead of ribbon.

Wax Seals

A wax seal is a beautiful way to secure your scroll, and it adds a touch of old-world charm. You can choose a seal design that reflects your wedding theme or simply use your initials.

Stamps or Embossing

If you don't want to use a wax seal, you can create a similar effect with a stamped or embossed design. This can be a great way to incorporate your wedding motif or monograms.

Wrappings

Consider wrapping your scroll in a material that complements your wedding theme. For a rustic or vintage feel, burlap or lace wrappings can be a lovely choice.

Charms and Beads

In addition to ribbons, you can also add small charms or beads to your scroll. These can dangle from the ribbon or be attached to the scroll itself.

Boxes or Containers

Present your scroll in a decorative box or container, perhaps along with other wedding stationery items such as RSVP cards. This adds a touch of luxury to your invitation suite.

Exporting the design

Now that you've created your wedding invitation, it's time to export it so that it's ready for printing. First, make sure to save your artwork by going to File > Save. Then, follow these steps to export your file:

• Go to File > Export.
• Choose Adobe PDF (Print) from the Format drop-down menu.
• Give your file a suitable name, such as 'Wedding_Invite_For_Print.pdf', and click Save.
• In the Export Adobe PDF window, select [Press Quality] or [PDF/X-1a:2001] from the Preset menu.
• Set the Page Range to include all pages of your invitation design.
• Under the Marks and Bleeds menu, check "All Printer's Marks" and "Use Document Bleed Settings".
• Finally, click Export to create your print-ready PDF file.

Your wedding invitation is now ready to be sent off for printing! You can also use this exported file to share your design with others and make any final adjustments before printing.

It's always a good idea to check with your printer to see if they have any specific requirements or preferences for the exported file. Some printers may require different export settings for layers that need to be cut or perforated, so it's worth confirming these details before exporting your final design.

Congratulations! You've successfully created and exported your wedding invitation using Adobe Illustrator and/or Adobe InDesign.

Frequently asked questions