Crafting Your Wedding Card: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding cards are a great way to give guests a glimpse into what to expect from your big day. While they can be expensive, making your own wedding cards is a fun and cost-effective option. You can choose to design and print them yourself, or use a template from sites like Canva, VistaPrint, Shutterfly, Etsy, and more. When designing your card, consider the paper type, weight, and finish, as well as the overall style and theme of your wedding.

Choosing a template and customising your design

When it comes to choosing a template and customising your design, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a template that reflects the theme of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might opt for a simple design printed on recycled brown paper. Or, if you're having a modern wedding, you could choose a minimalist template. You'll also want to think about the colour scheme and style of your wedding and try to incorporate this into your design.

There are many online platforms that offer a range of wedding invitation templates, often for free. These templates are customisable, allowing you to add your own text, images, fonts and colours. Some platforms even offer the option to upload your own photos, which can be a nice personal touch. You can also choose from a variety of layouts, including square, portrait and landscape.

When customising your design, consider the information you need to include. The invitation should include the names of the couple, the date, time and location of the wedding, and any additional information such as the wedding website or gift registry details. Don't forget to include RSVP details, and it can be helpful to include an RSVP deadline.

You can also add decorative elements to your design, such as shapes, lines, graphics and illustrations. If you're printing your invitations, you might want to consider special printing styles like embossed text or gold foil. If you're sending digital invites, you could add animation or other effects to make your message stand out.

Once you've finalised your design, you can download it, print it, or share it electronically via email or social media. If you plan to print your invitations, consider the type of paper you want to use, as well as any envelopes or other finishing touches you may want to include.

Selecting the right paper

Paper Weight and Thickness:

The weight of the paper is usually expressed in pounds, and the standard weight for wedding invitations ranges from 100# to 120#. Heavier paper, such as 110# to 130#, will give your invitations a more luxurious and professional look. However, keep in mind that thicker paper might not be compatible with all printers, so it's important to check your printer's specifications before making a purchase.

Printer Compatibility:

Before choosing the paper, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. Home printers often have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle, so it's recommended to review your printer's instructions and perform a test print to determine its maximum capacity. Starting with 80# cardstock and gradually increasing the weight is a good way to find the right thickness for your printer.

Paper Type and Texture:

The type of paper you choose will depend on the printing method and the desired look and feel of your invitation. Solid white cardstock is a popular choice for printing at home due to its smooth, matte finish and availability in various colours and weights. Linen cardstock, with its delicate woven texture, can add visual interest and hide imperfections in printing. Cotton cardstock is smooth, highly absorbent, and gives invitations a modern look, while Kraft (recycled) cardstock offers a rustic, vintage charm.

Paper Colour:

While paper is available in a wide range of colours, classic white or soft, natural hues are often chosen for wedding invitations. Fluorescent white cotton provides a crisp, brilliant white, while pearl white cotton has warm undertones for a softer look. Coloured cardstock can also be paired with coloured envelopes to create a fun and cohesive look.

Paper Finish:

The finish of the paper can enhance the overall appearance of your invitation. Glossy or metallic finishes add a subtle shimmer, while matte finishes provide a more understated look. Uncoated cotton paper generally absorbs ink well, and a smooth, coated paper can give an elegant appearance, although it may not work with all printers.

Environmental Considerations:

If you're environmentally conscious, recycled paper is a popular option, especially for rustic or boho-themed weddings.

Printing your card

Printer and Ink Selection:

Firstly, consider the type of printer you have and the ink it uses. Dye-based ink, commonly used in inkjet printers, offers a wide colour gamut, deep blacks, and brilliant saturation. It works well with semi-gloss or gloss-coated paper. However, it may not last as long as other options. On the other hand, pigment-based ink, which is left on the paper's surface, produces longer-lasting prints, especially when paired with archival papers. Keep in mind that elaborate and colourful designs will use up ink quickly, so you may need replacement cartridges.

Paper Choice:

The paper you choose will significantly impact the look and feel of your wedding card. Opt for durable paper with a weight of at least 80 pounds or 12-point stock. If your design includes mostly photos, pair dye-based ink with photo paper for the best results. For dye-based ink, use paper with a coating such as semi-gloss, gloss, matte, resin, or polymer to reduce bleeding. For a textured look, consider linen, feltweave card stocks, or cotton rag, which work well with pigment ink. Ensure that your printer can handle the chosen paper weight to avoid any printing issues.

Design and Printing:

When designing your card, consider using "bleeds," where design elements extend beyond the trim edge to avoid unwanted white spaces. Calibrate your screen for colour balance to ensure the printed colours match your screen. If you want to add foil lettering, you can do this at home with some creativity. Avoid using scissors to cut your invites, and instead, invest in a paper cutter or use an X-Acto knife for clean, even cuts.

You can print your invitations at home if you have a decent printer and nice paper. Both inkjet and laser printers can do the job, but be sure to select the highest-quality print settings. Using black ink only and coloured paper can help save money. However, if you're concerned about wasting specialty paper, consider outsourcing the printing to a professional print shop.

Final Steps:

After printing, there are a few more steps to complete your wedding cards. Embellishments like ribbons, wax seals, or pressed flowers can add a special touch. Don't forget to include envelopes and consider envelope liners made from pretty paper, fabric, or even an engagement photo. Weigh your entire invitation at the post office to determine the correct postage, and consider asking the postal worker to hand-cancel them to avoid potential damage.

Creating your own wedding cards can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to add a personal touch to your special day.

Embellishments and extras

Now for the fun part: adding some creative flair to your wedding cards! There are endless ways to make your invites stand out and reflect your personality and style. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Envelopes

The envelope is the first thing your guests will see, so why not make a statement? Envelope liners are a popular choice and can be made with pretty paper, fabric, or even an engagement photo. You could also add envelope seals, return address labels, or stamps for that extra touch. If you're feeling adventurous, consider using coloured or textured envelopes to really make an impression.

Embellishments

Add some sparkle to your cards with foil lettering or accents. Foil printing can be easily achieved at home with a laminator, giving your invites a fancy, professional look. You can also include letterpress, embossing, or die-cutting for an elegant, raised effect. These techniques can be done at home with affordable DIY tools like the Cricut Cuttlebug machine.

Paper type and weight

The type of paper you choose can elevate the look and feel of your invites. Consider using textured paper such as linen, feltweave card stock, or cotton rag for a luxurious touch. Recycled paper is also a popular option, especially for rustic or boho-themed weddings. Don't forget to choose a durable paper with a weight of at least 80 pounds or 12-point stock for that elegant, hefty feel.

Printing techniques

When it comes to printing, you have a few options to make your invites unique. If you're printing at home, use the highest-quality print settings and consider using coloured paper to add a splash of colour without the cost of ink. Alternatively, outsource the printing to a professional shop, especially if you're worried about wasting specialty paper. They can also help with cutting the invitations for a small fee.

Design and layout

Play around with different fonts, colours, and design elements to create a stylish invitation. You can find free fonts online and mix up to three different fonts for a modern look. Add your own images, graphics, or photos to personalise the invite and make it truly yours. Don't forget to include all the essential information such as the request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, and location.

Extras

There are a few extra touches you can add to your wedding card suite, such as RSVP cards, enclosures, and itinerary cards. You can also extend your chosen design or colour scheme to other wedding essentials like ceremony programs, menus, and thank you cards for a cohesive look.

Sending your invitations

The first step in sending your invitations is to finalise your guest list. This will give you an idea of how many invitations you need to send out. It's recommended that you send your invitations at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding, so make sure you order your cards and have them ready to go in advance of this.

When it comes to addressing your envelopes, you could hire a calligrapher, but this can be expensive. A more affordable option is to enlist your friends to help, or to print out pretty labels. Don't forget to include your return address, either as a label or a stamp.

Before you post your invitations, it's a good idea to visit the post office to weigh your entire invitation so you can buy the correct postage. Square envelopes cost more to mail, so rectangular envelopes are a better option if you want to save money. You can also ask the postal worker to hand cancel your invitations to avoid any damage to the envelopes.

Finally, when it's time to send your invitations, take them to the post office and ask for them to be hand-cancelled. This will help ensure that your envelopes arrive in good condition.

Frequently asked questions