Crafting Unique Wedding Invites: Make Yours Stand Out

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process as they inform guests of the details and give them a glimpse of the wedding style. There are many ways to make your wedding invitations stand out, from choosing high-quality paper and printing methods to adding personal touches such as ribbons, wax seals, and creative edging. You can also use online tools and templates to design your own invitations, allowing you to customize the fonts, colours, and graphics to match your wedding theme. Whether you decide to DIY or hire a professional, putting thought into your wedding invitations will create a lasting impression on your guests.

High-quality paper and printing methods

The first impression your guests will have of your wedding is the invitation, so it's important to make it stand out. The paper and printing method you choose will set the tone for your wedding, so it's worth considering the different options available to you.

Paper Types

The type of paper you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on your budget and style preferences. Here are some popular options:

• Card and Cover Stock: Thick, heavy card stock gives a luxurious feel to your invitations. The standard weight for card stock is 120 pounds, and it can come in a variety of finishes, including unfinished, satin, silk, and glossy.
• Cotton Fiber: This is the most expensive option, but it feels super soft and has no imperfections. It's also very durable and absorbs ink well, making it a good choice for letterpress printing.
• Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper: These options are perfect for rustic-style weddings, giving a DIY touch to your invitations.
• Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper: These translucent papers can be used as layers to add depth and interest to your invitations.
• Board Wedding Invitations: Made with three layers of paper, these invitations are thick and sturdy and won't bend in the mail.
• Pearlescent Paper: This paper has a shimmery finish that adds elegance to your invitations. It gives a soft glow to photographs.

Printing Methods

There are several printing methods to choose from, each with its own unique look and feel. Here are some popular options:

• Engraving and Embossing: These high-end techniques create raised letters and images on your invitations, adding a hint of luxury. Engraving uses ink, while embossing creates a colorless imprint.
• Foil Stamping: This method adds shine to your invitations by pressing metallic foil onto the paper. It's perfect for creating a glamorous effect.
• Letterpress: This technique creates a soft, romantic feel with a vintage vibe. It works well with cotton paper to absorb the ink and show off the texture.
• UV and Thermographic Printing: These heat-based methods give a slight shine to raised lettering. Thermography is a good choice if you want a metallic look without the high cost of foil stamping.
• Flat Digital Printing: This budget-friendly option offers freedom, flexibility, and affordability. It's a good choice if you want to include images or play with paper textures and finishes.

Creative edging

Tools and Techniques

Using a special punch or stamp cutter is an easy and inexpensive way to create fancy corners or edges on your invitations. These tools are readily available in various sizes and designs from craft stores or online. It is important to have a steady hand and work on a good table when using these tools to ensure the patterns are aligned correctly. Alternatively, you can use a metal ruler with cork backing and a mat board to create a soft yet perfect deckle edge. This technique involves ripping the paper against the edge of the ruler, and it can be time-consuming, so it is recommended to break it up into a few days to rest your fingers.

Paper Choice

When creating creative edging, it is recommended to use 80-100# cardstock. Heavier paper can be harder to rip easily. Eggshell or cotton paper types are also good choices as they give very nice, organic edges. Handmade paper is another option that adds a unique, vintage touch to your invitations.

Gold Edging

For a luxurious touch, consider adding a gilded edge to your invitations. You can use a gold leaf paint pen or a gold ink pad to tap or blot along the edges of the paper. This technique is simple yet effective and will definitely make your invitations stand out.

Deckled Edging

Deckled edging is a popular trend in the stationery world, giving your invitations a soft, feathery edge. You can achieve this look by using special deckling scissors, a deckled edge ripping ruler, or purchasing paper that is already deckled to certain sizes. Deckled edging can be time-consuming, so it is recommended to plan accordingly and perhaps break up the task over a few days.

Shaped Invitations

Instead of the typical rectangular shape, consider creating shaped invitations. You can add a unique touch with rounded or scalloped edges, or even a completely custom shape such as a state outline. This unexpected element will definitely make your invitations stand out.

Customised stamps

If you're looking for something truly unique, consider creating your own stamp with a custom font combination. Choose a bold font for your names and a simple font for your home address, or opt for a stamp with a heart design to let your guests know they're in for a romantic event. You can also find stamps with fun designs, such as a VW bus, wine glasses, or a rustic wreath.

In addition to adding a personalised touch to your invitations, customised stamps can also be a practical choice. Return address stamps can save you time and money, especially if you have a long guest list. They can also be used on other wedding stationery, such as save-the-date cards, thank-you cards, and even dessert toppers. So, if you're looking for a way to make your wedding invitations stand out, consider investing in a customised stamp. It's a small detail that can make a big impact.

Envelope liners

Materials and Sourcing

You can find envelope liners in a variety of materials, including paper and suede. If you're environmentally conscious, opt for recycled paper—for example, Paper Culture offers envelope liners made from 100% recycled paper, and they even plant a tree for every order placed. Etsy is another excellent source for envelope liners, with a wide range of options, from floral graphics to minimalist designs, and you can often find DIY templates to customise and print yourself.

Design and Customisation

Assembly

Some envelope liners come with an easy-to-use peel-off strip, so you can assemble them without any glue. This feature is convenient and ensures a neat finish. If you're DIY-inclined, you can also create your own liners using templates and special paper.

Combining with Other Elements

Combine envelope liners with other decorative elements, such as ribbons, wax seals, or calligraphy, for an even more luxurious and personalised invitation suite.

Wax seals

You can purchase wax seals in a variety of colours, such as antique gold, dusty blue, champagne pink, and eucalyptus green. You can also customise your wax seal with your initials, monograms, or wedding date.

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own wax seals using a wax seal stamp kit. These kits come with a wooden hilt and a brass head, which you can customise with your choice of design. When using a wax seal kit, it's important to practise a few times to get the right amount of wax and avoid any mess.

For a more convenient option, you can also purchase self-adhesive wax seal stickers. These stickers are easy to use and come in a variety of designs, including floral, heart, and wreath patterns. You can also find wax seal stickers in different shapes, such as circles, squares, and hearts.

Whether you make your own wax seals or opt for stickers, this addition to your wedding invitations is sure to make them stand out and excite your guests about the celebration to come.

Frequently asked questions