Creating Wedding Envelopes: A Guide To Diy Wedding Stationery

Wedding invitations are an essential part of any couple's planning checklist, but they can be expensive. One way to save money is to make your own envelopes. This can be a fun project and a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding stationery. You can make envelopes from paper, cardstock, vellum, or patterned paper, and decorate them with washi tape, stamps, ribbons, or bows. You can even make your own envelope liners to add extra style and colour. There are plenty of online tutorials to help you get started, and you can find free envelope templates online.

Choosing the right paper

When making your own wedding envelopes, choosing the right paper is essential. Here are some tips to help you select the best paper for your envelopes:

Printer Compatibility

First, consider the type of printer you will be using. Different printers have varying capabilities and limitations when it comes to paper thickness and weight. Home desktop printers, for instance, often have restrictions on the maximum paper thickness they can handle. It is recommended to review your printer's instructions and perform a test print to determine its capabilities. Start with 80# cardstock and gradually increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper, measured in pounds (#) or grams per square meter (gsm), is a crucial factor. Cardstock weight typically ranges from 45# to 300# or higher. For home printers, 80# to 90# cardstock is ideal, as it can usually feed through without any issues. If you want to give your invitations a more professional look, aim for 100# cardstock, but be aware that some home printers may struggle with this weight. For the heaviest weight you can print yourself, go for 110# to 130# cardstock, but you may need to use industrial printers from print shops to handle this weight.

Paper Finish

The finish of the paper can also make a difference. Uncoated cotton paper is generally good at absorbing ink. A smooth, coated paper can give your envelopes a more elegant look, but it may not be compatible with all printers. If you want to hide imperfections or quality issues, consider using textured cardstock, such as linen cardstock, which has a delicate woven texture and a matte finish. Kraft paper is another option for a rustic or vintage look.

Envelope Liners

If you plan to include envelope liners, remember that you need to ensure everything fits inside the envelope. Select a thin paper for the liners, similar to everyday office printer paper, so that the envelope can close easily.

Paper Colour

You can also experiment with different paper colours to add a unique touch to your envelopes. For a simple, elegant look, opt for solid white cardstock. If you want to incorporate colour, consider using simple coloured cardstock, which has a smooth finish and comes in various colours and weights. You can pair it with coloured envelopes to create a fun and cohesive look for your wedding stationery.

In summary, choosing the right paper for your wedding envelopes involves considering factors such as printer compatibility, paper weight, finish, and colour. By selecting the appropriate paper, you can ensure your envelopes look and function perfectly for your special day.

Selecting a design

• Start by considering your wedding vision and style. Think about the things that make your wedding unique, such as your flowers, décor, venue, and bridesmaids' dresses. This will help you create a suite that reflects you as a couple and sets the tone for your entire wedding.
• Create a vision board to gather inspiration and identify your style preferences. Use platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media apps to find ideas and create a collection of images that resonate with you. This will help you determine the overall style and theme of your wedding day.
• Decide on the level of customisation you want. You can choose to design the entire suite from scratch, personalise certain aspects such as adding a custom crest or sketch, or use online templates that can be customised to your liking.
• Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding theme. Consider using colours that match your bridesmaids' dresses, wedding decor, or flowers. This will create a cohesive look for your invitations.
• Select the right paper type and weight. Uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice for wedding invitations, as it has a luxurious look and feel. You can also opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish for a more textured appearance. Ensure the paper is compatible with your printer and can handle the weight and size of your chosen design.
• Enhance your envelopes with embellishments. Consider adding ribbons, wax seals, or envelope liners to elevate the design and make them more unique. These extra touches will create a tactile experience for your guests and make your invitations stand out.
• Don't forget the envelope liners! Envelope liners are a great way to add a pop of colour and showcase your wedding theme. They serve as the background for your invitations and can be created at home using text-weight paper and a simple template.
• Seek inspiration from free resources. The New York Public Library and The Metropolitan Museum of Art offer free artwork that you can use for your envelope design. This is a cost-effective way to add a unique touch to your invitations without breaking the bank.

Printing your envelopes

There are a few different ways to print your wedding envelopes. If you are looking for a cost-effective option, you can print your envelopes at home. This option will allow you to have greater control over the design and customisation of your envelopes. However, it is important to note that printing at home can be challenging and time-consuming.

To print your envelopes at home, you will need to purchase or gather the following materials:

• A compatible printer that can handle the weight and size of your paper.
• Paper – uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice, but you can also opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish for a more textured look.
• Envelopes – these can be purchased pre-made in a coordinating colour or made by hand.
• Adhesive – glue dots or double-stick tape are recommended for assembling the envelopes and adding any additional adornments.
• Embellishments – optional, but you can include ribbons, wax seals, or envelope liners to elevate your invitations.

Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps:

• Identify your design – consider your wedding aesthetic and keep your printer type in mind. You can use Pinterest for design inspiration, including illustrations, colours, fonts, and decorative elements.
• Figure out the wording – select a tone that reflects your wedding aesthetic and personality, whether it be traditional, conversational, or formal.
• Create your design – use a designer software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign for professional-level designs. Alternatively, beginner-friendly options include Canva and Microsoft Word.
• Proofread your design – before printing, thoroughly review the design and proofread the wording. It is recommended to have a third party read through as well to check for errors.
• Print your envelopes – run a few tests to ensure the text is legible and saturated. Adjust the settings as needed until you are satisfied with the colour balance.
• Cut your envelopes – use a paper cutter or craft knife to cut your envelopes down to the right size. The standard size for invitations is 5" x 7".
• Assemble your envelopes – place your inserts inside the corresponding envelopes, seal them, and add any desired adornments.

Another option for printing your envelopes is to use a professional printing service. This option may be more expensive, but it can provide a higher-quality result and save you time and effort. You can submit your designs to a professional printer, who will then print and deliver the finished envelopes to you.

Additionally, if you are looking for a more unique and handmade option, you can convert common paper or paper-like materials into envelopes. This involves locating a commercial envelope in the size you prefer and using a light touch to release the glue holding it together. Once disassembled, you can use the envelope as a reusable template to create your own.

Finally, remember to weigh your final envelopes before mailing to ensure they do not exceed the weight limit and incur additional postage fees.

Assembling your envelopes

Firstly, you will need to gather all the necessary materials. This includes your envelopes, printed lining pattern, paper cutter or scissors, pencil for tracing, and an adhesive like tape or a glue stick. You may also want to include embellishments such as ribbons, wax seals, or envelope liners for an extra special touch.

Once you have your materials, start by cutting your envelope liners based on your envelope size. You can use a paper cutter/trimmer from a craft store or Amazon, or sharp scissors. Then, find a template online to ensure your cuts are precise. There are many free envelope liner templates available with a quick Google search.

Next, it's time to slide the liners into your envelopes. Use a small amount of adhesive to secure the liners in place, and adjust them so that they line up perfectly.

After your liners are in place, insert your invitations and seal the envelopes. You can use glue dots or double-stick tape for a more secure closure.

Finally, add any additional adornments, such as tying a ribbon around the envelope or applying a wax seal. Your envelopes are now ready to be mailed!

Assembling your wedding envelopes can be a fun and creative process, and it's a great way to add a personal touch to your invitations. Enjoy this special time with your loved ones as you prepare for your big day!

Addressing your envelopes

Formatting and Wording:

It is important to use the correct formatting and wording when addressing your wedding invitation envelopes. Here are some guidelines:

• Names: On the envelope, list the names of the specific people who are invited. For couples, you can use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name or list both their first names. For unmarried couples living together, list their full names together on one line.
• Families: You can address families collectively (e.g., "The Monroe Family") or list the names of the parents and their children separately.
• Tone: The tone of your wording should reflect your wedding aesthetic and your personality. For a black-tie affair, use a formal tone, while for a casual wedding, you may opt for a more conversational style.

Handwriting vs. Printing:

There is an ongoing debate about whether it is more proper to handwrite or print addresses on wedding invitation envelopes. Traditional wedding etiquette suggests handwriting, as it is more intimate and in line with social correspondence. However, printing can be a more practical option, especially if you have neat handwriting or prefer a more modern look.

Timing:

It is recommended to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding. However, if you are planning a destination wedding or expecting many out-of-town guests, it is advisable to send them out three months in advance to allow enough time for travel arrangements.

Postage and Weight:

Before mailing your invitations, ensure you have the correct postage by taking a complete suite (invitation, envelopes, and any inserts) to the post office to be weighed. Handmade envelopes that weigh less than one ounce typically do not require additional postage.

Return Address:

Don't forget to include your return address on the envelope, either by printing it directly or using printed labels. This will ensure that any undelivered invitations are returned to you.

Tools for Addressing:

When addressing your envelopes, you can use a variety of tools, such as:

• Pens: Sharpies are a popular choice as they write well on most surfaces, including glossy or shiny envelopes.
• Calligraphy: For a more elegant and traditional look, consider hiring a calligrapher or learning basic calligraphy yourself.
• Labels: If you prefer a printed look but don't want to use your home printer, you can order printed labels with your addresses.

Remember to proofread all the addresses and double-check the envelopes before mailing them to ensure accuracy and avoid any delivery issues.

Frequently asked questions