Designing Postcard Wedding Invites: A Creative Diy Guide

Wedding invitations are one of the most significant keepsakes of your lifetime. They are also a great way to give your guests a glimpse of what awaits on your big day. If you're looking to save some money on your wedding invites, you might want to consider making your own. This can be done inexpensively and in a fun way by using a platform such as Canva, Greetings Island or VistaPrint. These platforms offer a range of templates and customisation options, allowing you to create beautiful invitations with a professional look.

Choosing a design: Select a template or create a custom design

When it comes to choosing a design for your DIY wedding invitations, you can either select a template or create a custom design from scratch.

Select a Template

If you're short on time or design confidence, there are plenty of online resources offering customisable wedding invitation templates. Greetings Island, VistaPrint, Postable, and Canva all offer a range of templates to choose from, with options to filter by style, size, colour, and more. You can then personalise the template with your wedding details, photos, and any other design elements you wish to include.

Create a Custom Design

If you're feeling creative and want to design your invitations from scratch, you can use a web-based design tool like Canva. This platform offers a simple drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to easily create and customise your invitations. You can upload your own artwork, photos, fonts, and clipart, or utilise the various design elements, templates, and graphics available on the platform.

Whether you choose to use a template or create your own design, you'll be able to add personal touches to make your invitations unique and reflective of your wedding style.

Customisation: Add personal touches like photos, fonts, colours, and graphics

Adding personal touches to your wedding invitations is a great way to make them unique and special. Here are some ideas to customise your postcard wedding invitations:

Photos

Including photos on your wedding invitations is a wonderful way to add a personal touch. You can feature your photos in various ways, such as uploading them and adding text over the image or choosing a design that incorporates your photos. This is an excellent method to showcase your personality as a couple and give your guests a glimpse into your lives.

Fonts

The font you choose for your wedding invitations can also add a unique touch. Consider selecting a font that aligns with your wedding theme and style. There are thousands of fonts available for personal use, ranging from formal and elegant to casual and playful. You can also use accent fonts to highlight specific information, such as the names of the couple or the wedding date. Play around with different fonts and see which ones work best with your design.

Colours

Colour is another powerful tool to personalise your wedding invitations. Opt for colours that reflect your wedding theme or your favourite shades. You can also use colours to create a specific atmosphere, such as soft pastels for a vintage vibe or bold hues for a playful and whimsical feel. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and carry those colours throughout your wedding stationery.

Graphics

Graphics and illustrations can also be used to customise your wedding invitations. From floral patterns and botanical designs to rustic charms and modern typography, there are endless options to choose from. You can even create your own graphics or hire a designer to bring your vision to life. These visual elements will enhance the visual appeal of your invitations and make them truly one-of-a-kind.

Remember to have fun with the customisation process and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of photos, fonts, colours, and graphics to create postcard wedding invitations that truly represent you and your partner.

Paper type: Select paper weight and finish, e.g. matte, pearl, linen, glossy, or hemp-blend

When it comes to selecting the paper type for your DIY wedding invitations, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, you'll need to determine the printing method—whether you'll be printing at home or using a professional printing service. This is important because different printers have different capabilities in terms of handling paper weight and thickness. For instance, most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80 lb (216 gsm) to 100 lb (270 gsm) cardstock, but it's always a good idea to check your printer manual for specific recommendations. On the other hand, professional print shops may have different equipment and capabilities, so be sure to inquire about their ability to accommodate your chosen paper weight, thickness, and texture.

Another factor to consider is the style of your invitation. If you're creating a flat invitation card, a heavier weight cardstock of 80 lb and above is recommended. Conversely, if you're making a folding invitation card, a lighter weight paper in the range of 65 lb to 100 lb cover is suggested.

Now, let's discuss the various paper finishes available:

• Matte: This finish gives a smooth and elegant appearance to your invitations. It is often used for a modern and minimalistic look.
• Pearl: A pearl finish adds a subtle shine and elegance to your invitations. It can be a beautiful choice for a classic or formal wedding theme.
• Linen: Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture and a matte finish. It is perfect for hiding imperfections and adding visual interest to simple invitations.
• Glossy: Glossy paper gives your invitations a shiny and sleek appearance. It can make colours appear more vibrant.
• Hemp-blend: This option offers a natural and eco-friendly choice for your invitations, often made from recycled materials.

When selecting the paper weight and finish, it's important to consider the overall tone and style of your wedding. Thicker and heavier cardstock, such as 110 lb and above, can give your invitations a more luxurious and professional look. On the other hand, lighter weight paper can be more delicate and cost-effective, especially if you're mailing your invitations and want to keep postage costs down. Ultimately, the choice of paper weight and finish depends on your personal preference and the desired aesthetic for your special day.

Printing: Print at home or use a professional service

When it comes to printing your wedding invitations, you have two main options: printing at home or using a professional printing service. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your budget, the complexity of your design, and how much time and effort you're able to put into the project.

Printing your wedding invitations at home can be a cost-effective option, especially if you're on a tight budget. It also gives you greater flexibility and control over the final result. However, it can be time-consuming and may require some trial and error to get the desired outcome. If you choose to print at home, it's important to consider the cost of ink and paper, and it's recommended to avoid full-bleed background colours to save on ink. Doing a black-and-white design can also be cheaper. When printing at home, it's advisable to download your design as a PDF file and select crop marks and bleeds so you know where to trim your paper.

Using a professional printing service, on the other hand, can offer a more convenient and stress-free option. They will have the expertise and equipment to ensure your invitations are printed to a high standard. Many online platforms, such as VistaPrint, Greetings Island, and Canva, offer professional printing services at competitive prices. They may also provide additional services such as envelope addressing and mailing. When using a professional service, be sure to check their file requirements and download your design in the appropriate format, such as a high-quality PDF, PNG, or JPG.

Whether you choose to print your postcard wedding invitations at home or use a professional service, it's important to carefully consider your options and plan accordingly. Creating a timeline and gathering all the necessary materials beforehand can help ensure a smooth process.

Envelopes: Consider envelope colour, size, and whether to include stickers or wax seals

When making your own postcard wedding invitations, there are several things to consider when it comes to envelopes, including the colour, size, and whether to include stickers or wax seals.

Envelope Colour

The colour of your envelopes can be chosen to match your wedding theme or the design of your invitations. You may opt for a classic white or cream envelope, or go for a more colourful option that reflects your wedding colours. Consider whether you want your envelopes to be a subtle or standout feature of your invitations.

Envelope Size

It's important to choose the right size envelope for your postcard wedding invitations. The envelope should be large enough to fit your invitation comfortably, with a little extra room for any additional inserts or embellishments. Make sure to measure your invitations carefully before selecting your envelopes.

Stickers or Wax Seals

You can add a touch of personality and creativity to your envelopes by including stickers or wax seals.

Stickers are a quick and easy way to decorate your envelopes. There are various sticker designs available, such as hearts, florals, or monograms. You can also find stickers in different colours and materials, such as foil or metallic finishes.

Wax seals offer a more traditional and elegant option for sealing your envelopes. You can choose from a range of colours and designs, including monograms, florals, or vintage stamps. Wax seals can be purchased pre-made with adhesive backing, or you can create your own using a wax seal stamp and melted wax. If you opt for traditional wax seals, consider using outer envelopes to protect the seals during mailing. Alternatively, you can ask your local post office about hand-sorting your invitations to avoid any potential damage.

Frequently asked questions