Crafting Wedding Cards: A Guide To Making Yours

Wedding cards are a significant keepsake and an important part of the wedding planning process. Making your own wedding cards is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. With the help of online tools and templates, creating DIY wedding cards is easier than ever. In this discussion, we will explore different ways to design and create wedding cards, from choosing a theme and colour scheme to selecting the right tools and materials. We will also offer tips and tricks for customising your cards, including adding personal photos and using creative fonts. Whether you're looking for a rustic, modern, or elegant design, we'll provide you with the inspiration and guidance to make your own unique wedding cards.

Choosing a template and design

Next, decide on the tone you want to convey. Are you aiming for classic elegance or a more relaxed, playful vibe? The design you choose should reflect the atmosphere you want to create for your wedding. Consider whether you want to include photos of yourselves or stick to a more traditional text-based invitation.

Now it's time to explore the templates available. Websites like Canva, VistaPrint, and Greetings Island offer a wide range of customizable templates. You can filter your search by style, colour, and size to find options that fit your vision. Play around with different fonts, colours, and layouts until you find a combination that you love.

Don't be afraid to get creative and add personal touches. For example, you can use flower graphics as borders for a garden wedding or incorporate cultural elements that reflect your heritage. Remember, your wedding invitation is a keepsake that you and your guests will cherish forever, so take your time to find the perfect template and design.

Adding personal touches

Incorporate Your Wedding Theme

Start by considering your wedding theme and colours. You can reflect this in your card design, whether it's a rustic, beach, garden, or winter wedding. Use colour schemes, motifs, and decorative elements that tie into your theme. This could be as simple as adding a watercolour wash in your wedding colours or using a specific font that matches your theme. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might use kraft paper, twine, and dried flower decorations.

Get Creative with Paper and Materials

Think about using non-traditional materials for your cards, such as v

Printing and sharing

Once you've designed your wedding card, it's time to print and share it with your loved ones. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

Printing:

• If you're happy with your design and want to get it printed, consider using online printing services. Websites like Canva, Greetings Island, and Pure Invitation offer printing services for your convenience. They will deliver the printed invitations to your doorstep.
• If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can download your design and print it at home or use a local printing service. This gives you more control over the paper quality and finishes.
• When choosing paper, opt for something sturdy like chipboard for the main backing. Regular cardstock might be too flimsy. You can also use recycled paper if you want to be environmentally conscious.
• Think about the size of your invitations. The classic wedding invitation size is 5 x 7 inches, but you can customise it to your preference, such as a more compact 4.25" x 6" version or a long, thin 4 x 9.5" card.

Sharing:

• Online sharing: If you have guests who prefer digital invites, you can share your wedding invitations electronically via email or social media. This option is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
• Mailing: For a traditional approach, send your invitations through the mail. This adds a personal touch and gives your guests a physical keepsake. Don't forget to include RSVP envelopes with return postage to make it easier for your guests to respond.
• Timing: It's recommended to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings, allow extra time, and consider sending out ''Save the Date' cards four to six months in advance.

Cost and budget

The cost of wedding invitations can quickly add up, especially if you have a large number of guests. However, there are several ways to create beautiful DIY wedding invitations without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you stay within your budget:

• Choose the right paper stock: Opt for a smooth matte paper card stock instead of more expensive options like cotton fiber invitations.
• Skip the envelope liner: Envelope liners can increase the cost of your invitations. Consider using a colourful or untraditional outer envelope instead.
• Provide additional information online: Instead of including multiple inserts in your invitation suite, provide details such as RSVP cards, directions, and maps on your wedding website.
• Order in advance: Avoid rush fees and last-minute alterations by ordering your invitations at least eight to nine months in advance.
• Consider alternative designs: Look for printable invitation templates online or create your own using beginner-friendly software like Canva or Microsoft Word.
• Assemble yourself: Rather than hiring a professional, assemble your invitations yourself. This includes any embellishments such as ribbons, wax seals, or envelope liners.
• Proofread carefully: Before printing, thoroughly proofread the design and wording of your invitations to avoid costly mistakes.
• Shop around: Compare prices from different suppliers and choose affordable options that fit your budget.
• Choose standard sizing: Non-standard sizes and shapes, such as square invitations, can increase postage costs. Stick to the standard 5x7 size to keep costs down.
• Limit inserts: Skip extra inserts like RSVP cards and maps. Provide essential information on your website instead.
• Select free envelopes: Some suppliers offer free premium envelopes with each order, helping you save on additional costs.
• Remove foil: Foil details can increase the cost of your invitations. Remove foil elements to reduce the price per card.
• Combine orders: If you're ordering other printed materials like save-the-date cards or thank-you cards, combine your orders with the same supplier to take advantage of bulk discounts.
• Order in bulk: Ordering a larger quantity can often lead to volume discounts. Consider ordering invitations for other events like bridal showers or engagement parties at the same time.
• Compare shipping costs: Factor in shipping costs when comparing prices. Sometimes, a more affordable option may have higher shipping fees, negating the potential savings.
• Plan ahead: Start designing your invitations early to allow enough time for printing and assembly. This will help you avoid rush fees and ensure you stay within your budget.
• Seek discounts: Look for discount codes or promotions offered by the supplier. Some websites offer discounts for first-time customers or bulk orders.
• Recycle materials: If you're crafty, recycle materials from your home or second-hand stores to create unique invitations. This can include using vintage items, ribbons, or paper cuttings.

Timing and logistics

The first step in the logistics of making your own wedding cards is deciding on the shape and dimensions of your cards. Traditionally, wedding invitations are rectangular, with dimensions of 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. This is a good option if you want to give your cards a classic feel and keep printing costs down. However, you can also opt for other popular styles, such as horizontal rectangles or scalloped designs.

Next, consider your wedding location and how this might influence the theme and design of your invites. For example, if you're getting married in a church, you might opt for a more traditional and romantic aesthetic. On the other hand, a rustic and natural look might be more appropriate for a country or farm setting.

When it comes to the design of your cards, it's important to choose romantic fonts that fit your wedding theme. Cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent choices for wedding invites, especially for the names of the couple. These fonts are soft, romantic, and elegant. They also pair well with a serif font for the rest of the text.

In terms of timing, it's recommended that you send out your wedding invitations at least 6-8 weeks before your wedding. This gives guests enough time to make arrangements and RSVP. However, if you're planning a destination wedding or accommodating international guests, it's better to send out your invites around 3 months in advance.

Don't forget to send out save-the-date cards as well! These should be sent out 4-6 months before your wedding for local weddings, and 8-12 months in advance for destination weddings.

Finally, decide on your delivery method. You can send virtual e-vites or create a mini website for your wedding invitations, which is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. Or, you can send physical invitations through the mail, which is more traditional and gives your guests something tangible to keep.

Frequently asked questions