Crafting Wedding Invites: Painting Techniques For Beginners

Hand-painted wedding invitations are a unique and special way to invite guests to your wedding. They can be customised and personalised to your colour theme, creative concept, and any other desires you may have. Working with an artist to design your wedding invitations ensures that your vision is brought to life and that your invitations are truly one-of-a-kind. In this article, we will explore the process of creating hand-painted wedding invitations, from choosing a designer to combining different art techniques to create a stunning final product. We will also discuss the benefits of hand-painted invitations and why they are worth the effort and cost.

Choosing a bespoke design

Finding the Right Stationer

Begin by finding a stationer whose style and aesthetic align with your vision. Look for someone who specialises in bespoke designs and has experience creating wedding invitations. You can browse online marketplaces, such as Etsy, or seek out independent stationers. It's important to view their portfolio and previous work to ensure their style matches your own.

Communication and Customisation

When working with a bespoke designer, effective communication is key. Be prepared to share your ideas, colour schemes, themes, and any specific requests. Many stationers will offer customisation options, such as changing colours, fonts, wording, and paper type. Don't be afraid to ask questions and provide feedback throughout the process.

Inspiration and Personalisation

Your wedding venue can be a great source of inspiration for your invitation design. Consider featuring a custom painting or illustration of your venue on the invitation, with or without a floral border. You can also incorporate meaningful symbols or motifs that represent significant moments in your relationship. If you have a special size or shape in mind, be sure to discuss this with your designer.

Samples and Proofing

Before finalising your order, ask your stationer about the option of receiving samples or proofs. This will allow you to see and feel the quality of the paper, as well as visualise the overall design. Many stationers offer paper swatches and ribbon samples, which can help you make informed decisions about the materials used.

Timeline and Budget

Bespoke wedding invitations can vary in price depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used. Be sure to discuss pricing and your budget with your stationer upfront. Additionally, keep in mind that the production time for bespoke invitations may be longer than standard designs, so plan accordingly to ensure you receive your invitations in time.

Remember, your wedding invitations set the tone for your special day, so choosing a bespoke design allows you to create something that truly reflects your style and personality.

Selecting the right paper

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper, measured in pounds or grams per square meter, indicates its thickness. Most cardstocks suitable for home printers weigh 80 lbs or less. Heavier cardstocks, such as 100 lbs and above, will give your invitations a more professional and luxurious look. However, thicker papers may require industrial printers or letterpress printing.

Printer Compatibility

Before choosing a paper weight, consider the type of printer you will be using. Home printers have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle, so it's important to review your printer's instructions and perform a test print to determine its maximum capacity.

Paper Type

The type of paper you select will depend on your desired aesthetic and printing technique. Here are some popular options:

• Solid White Cardstock: A medium to heavyweight paper made from tree pulp with a smooth, matte finish. It is available in various colours and weights, making it versatile and budget-friendly.
• Linen Cardstock: Features a delicate woven texture and a matte finish, resembling linen fabric. It adds visual interest and elegance to your invitations while hiding printing imperfections.
• Cotton Cardstock: Smooth to the touch, highly absorbent, and compatible with both laser and inkjet printing. It gives invitations a modern look and is considered "photo-safe", making it ideal for scrapbooking.
• Parchment: A thin, semi-translucent paper with a subtle marbled effect. It adds a unique, dreamy touch to spring or intimate weddings.
• Felt: A thick cardstock with a texture between cotton and canvas, providing an elegant, sophisticated feel.
• Kraft or Recycled Cardstock: A rustic, eco-friendly option with a coarse, fibrous look, perfect for vintage or outdoor weddings.
• Vellum: A translucent paper that can be printed on or layered over illustrations for a subtle depth.
• Eggshell: Delicate and durable paper with a subtle texture and a matte finish. It enhances the richness and intensity of colours, making it ideal for designs with vibrant hues.
• Pearlescent: Smooth cardstock with a glossy, iridescent surface that adds a touch of sparkle and glamour to your invitations.
• Double and Triple Thick Cardstock: Premium options that provide a sturdy, luxurious feel, perfect for invitations that don't require envelopes.

Colour and Texture

When selecting a paper colour, consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding. Monochromatic schemes or a combination of three colours can create an elegant, sophisticated look. Additionally, layering different textures, such as matte and shimmery papers, can add depth and interest to your invitations.

Envelopes and adornments

When it comes to envelopes and adornments, there are many options to choose from to elevate your wedding invitations.

Envelopes

First, you need to consider the size of your invitation and choose an envelope that fits. Standard sizes include C5, C6, C7, DL, square, 5x7, and RSVP. You can also choose from a variety of colours, such as white, ivory, cream, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, grey, brown, black, silver, and gold. If you want to add a luxurious touch, consider envelopes with a hammer effect, linen effect, die-cut, or lightly textured finish.

Adornments

Adornments such as belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals can add a special touch to your invitations. Belly bands are a great way to secure your invitation suite and give it a polished look. Vellum or tissue paper overlays can add a delicate touch and protect your invitation from smudging. Ribbons or wax seals can be used to seal your envelope and add a decorative element.

Assembly

When assembling your invitations, create an assembly line to make the process more efficient. Start by placing the invitation face-up on the table, followed by any tissue paper or vellum overlay. Then, add the reception card and any other enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodations, or travel information. Finally, place the reply envelope face-down, with the reply card under the flap, before inserting everything into the envelope.

Mailing

Plan to assemble and stuff your invitations at least a week before you want to mail them, as it can be a time-consuming process, especially if you're adding adornments. If you're using two envelopes (an inner and outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation into the inner envelope first, followed by the outer envelope. If using one envelope, insert the assembled invitation with the printed side of the invitation facing up.

Using different painting techniques

When it comes to painting your wedding invitations, there are several techniques you can use to create beautiful and unique designs. Here are some instructions and tips to help you get started:

Watercolour Washes

Begin by choosing a high-quality, textured paper that will enhance the overall look of your invitation. Create watercolour washes on the paper to give it a unique appearance. You can use whites, neutrals, and dark colours for accents, as well as specific coloured papers to match your wedding theme. This technique will add a subtle, artistic touch to your invitations.

Ink Work and Acrylic Paint

Combine ink work with acrylic paint to create sharp and vivid lines that contrast with the faint, wispy watercolour washes. This combination will give your invitations a stunning and elegant design with added dimension.

Hand-Painted Envelopes

Add a "wow" factor by hand-painting your envelopes. Use luxurious, textured paper and consider making them oversized. This will create a lasting impression on your guests, as they will be able to appreciate the artwork and effort that went into creating each envelope.

Custom Illustrations

Work with an artist or designer to create custom illustrations that reflect your personalities and passions as a couple. For example, you can include details from your wedding venue, such as florals or architectural elements, or incorporate your favourite flowers or travel destinations. These personalised touches will make your invitations truly unique.

Calligraphy

Use calligraphy to add another dimension to your invitations. Calligraphy can be used for the text of the invitation itself or for any additional wording you may want to include, such as the names of the happy couple or a romantic quote.

Remember to choose a designer or artist whose style and portfolio resonate with you. By combining these different painting techniques and working closely with your chosen artist, you can create elegant and meaningful wedding invitations that will impress your guests.

Working with a designer

Initial Consultation:

Start by reaching out to the designer and sharing your vision for the invitations. Be prepared to discuss important details such as the theme, colour palette, and any specific elements you want to include. The designer will ask questions to understand your preferences and may provide a "getting to know you" questionnaire to personalise the design. This is also the time to discuss timelines, pricing, and the overall process.

Design Concepts and Revisions:

Based on your initial discussion, the designer will create design concepts, usually 2-3 options for you to choose from. These concepts will incorporate the colour scheme, layout, and any specific artwork or illustrations you requested. Don't be afraid to provide feedback and request revisions. Communicate your thoughts clearly, and don't hesitate to share any adjustments or additions you would like to see.

Finalising the Design:

Once you are happy with the design concept, the designer will finalise the artwork and make any necessary adjustments. This is the time to ensure all the information is correct, including spelling and grammar. Pay attention to the smallest details, as you want the invitations to be perfect.

Production and Assembly:

After you approve the final design, the designer will start the production process, which may involve printing, painting, and assembling the invitations. This phase can be time-consuming, especially if the invitations include hand-painted elements or intricate details. The designer may work with print houses and vendors to source materials and produce the final product.

Stuffing and Packaging:

Once the invitations are ready, they will need to be placed in envelopes, sealed, and packaged securely for shipping. This step ensures that your invitations are handled with care and arrive safely at their destination.

Shipping:

International shipping is typically available and will take a few working days. The package will likely require a signature upon delivery to ensure its safe arrival.

Remember, working with a designer is a collaborative and creative process. Be open to suggestions and trust the designer's expertise, as they will guide you through the entire process to create beautiful, personalised wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions