Crafting A Wedding Invitation Portfolio: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are a great way to express your creativity and get hands-on with your wedding planning. Whether you're designing them yourself or hiring a professional, there are many options to consider, from paper type and printing method to embellishments and postage. When preparing a physical portfolio of wedding invitations, it's important to showcase a variety of designs, paper choices, and printing techniques. This allows potential clients to see and feel the quality of your work, as well as visualize how their own invitations could look. A well-curated physical portfolio can be a powerful tool for attracting new business and showcasing your unique style.

Paper and printing options

There are two basic types of paper weights to choose from for wedding stationery: text paper and cardstock paper. Text paper is the standard 'letterhead' paper you'd use in a home printer, and it comes in weights between 20-80 lbs. Cardstock paper, on the other hand, is thicker and more durable, like a postcard or business card. It comes in weights between 45-200 lbs. For wedding invitations, it's recommended to use at least 80 lb paper, with weights of 100-110 lbs giving a more professional look.

There are several types of stationery paper to choose from, depending on your wedding theme, budget, and personal preferences:

• Cotton paper is a popular choice for brides who want a clean and classic look. It feels soft, is strong and durable, and absorbs ink well. It can be a little pricey, but you can opt for a cotton blend to lower costs.
• Linen paper is a semi-rough paper that looks and feels like fine linen fabric. It's a subtle, traditional, and timeless option that gives wedding invitations a luxurious finish.
• Vellum is a thin, sheer, and translucent paper that adds a soft, frosted touch to wedding invitations. It can be used in many ways, from layering on top of invitations to printing directly onto it.
• Recycled paper is a low-cost, eco-friendly option composed of repurposed materials. It comes in various textures, colours, and thicknesses, with brown kraft card stock being a common choice for natural or rustic weddings.

When choosing paper, it's important to consider the printing technique you plan to use. Some printing methods, such as engraving and embossing, can add a hint of luxury to your invitations, but they also increase the cost. Other methods like foil stamping and letterpress can also enhance the look and feel of your invitations. If you're on a budget, flat digital printing is a cost-effective option that still allows for freedom and flexibility in your design.

When printing at home, it's important to consider the capabilities of your printer. Desktop printers may be limited in the paper thickness they can handle, so it's recommended to start with 80# cardstock and increase the weight gradually to find the optimal thickness for your printer. Using textured cardstock can also help hide imperfections in the printing. If you're looking for professional-quality prints, consider using a local print shop, which can provide better results at a lower cost than boutique printing services.

Design tips

The design of your wedding invitations is important, as it is the first glimpse your guests will get of your wedding aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and functional invitation suite.

Layout and Information

The layout of your wedding invitations should be simple and easy to read, with only the most essential information included. The key details to include are the who, what, when, and where of the nuptials. This typically includes the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the ceremony. If you have a wedding website, it is also a good idea to include the URL on the invitation or on a separate details card.

RSVP Cards

It is standard to include a physical RSVP card with a stamped and addressed envelope, even if you are giving guests the option to respond online. This makes it easier for guests who may not be comfortable responding digitally. It is also a nice opportunity to include some fun wording that reflects your personality.

Additional Cards

Depending on the specifics of your wedding, you may want to include some additional cards in your invitation suite. For example, if your ceremony and reception are at different venues, you can include a reception card with the reception details. If you have guests travelling in from out of town, you may want to include an accommodations card with hotel information. A directions card can also be helpful, especially for guests without smartphones or if your wedding is in a rural area with poor cell service.

Paper and Printing

There are many options available when it comes to paper type, weight, and finish. Smooth paper is the most cost-effective option and is best for photo printing, while cotton paper is more luxurious but also more expensive. Eggshell paper is a nice middle ground, with a little texture. The weight of the paper is measured in pounds, with higher numbers indicating thicker paper. For wedding invitations, it is generally recommended to use paper with a weight of 250 gsm or 100# or higher.

There are also several printing methods to choose from. Digital printing is the most cost-effective and flexible option, allowing for fun colours and designs. Foil stamping creates a luxurious look with a shiny finish, while letterpress printing uses ink and creates an indented design.

Assembly and Embellishments

When assembling your invitation suite, be mindful of the weight, especially if you are including multiple cards and embellishments. Bulky invitations may require additional postage. Square envelopes and invitations may also cost more to mail, so it is best to avoid this shape. To seal your envelopes, you can use a cotton swab or paintbrush to moisten the adhesive, or opt for double-sided tape or a glue stick for a more secure closure.

Proofreading and Mailing

Before mailing your invitations, be sure to proofread all the details and check that the addresses are correct. It is recommended to hand-deliver your invitations to the post office rather than putting them in a mailbox, especially if your invitations are bulky or have embellishments. Ask the postal clerk to hand-cancel your invitations to avoid them going through a machine, which can cause damage.

Paper choices

Types of Paper

• Recycled paper is an eco-friendly option, often made from kraft cardstock or pulpy, handmade papers, giving it a rustic look and feel.
• Cotton paper is a durable option that provides a luxurious feel. It absorbs ink well, resulting in richer colours.
• Linen finish paper is a high-quality cotton-blend paper with a textured, crosshatched surface that resembles linen fabric. It provides an elegant and unique look.
• Vellum is a translucent paper made from cotton and wood pulp. It can be used as an overlay or accent to the invitation, adding depth and interest.
• Glassine is a light and waxy paper typically used for envelopes, liners, pouches, or accents rather than the invitation itself. It can be filled with confetti for a unique touch.
• Board is a thick and sturdy cardstock, usually made with three layers of paper and a cotton texture, ensuring the invitation doesn't bend in the mail.
• Pearlescent paper has a shimmery finish, adding elegance and a soft glow to photographs.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper, measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm), will impact the look and feel of your invitations. The rule of thumb is that higher weight paper is thicker and more durable. For home printers, 80# to 100# paper is recommended, while professional printers can handle 110# to 130# paper for a more luxurious feel.

Paper Finish

The finish of the paper refers to its texture and feel. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice, but you can also choose from a variety of finishes like linen, eggshell, metallic, or pearlescent to add visual interest and elegance to your invitations.

Packaging and embellishments

When it comes to packaging and embellishments for wedding invitations, there are endless possibilities to elevate the design and create a luxurious experience for the recipient. Here are some ideas to consider:

Packaging:

• Outer Envelope: Choose an envelope that complements the style and colour scheme of your invitation suite. Consider the size and weight of the envelope to ensure it can accommodate all the components comfortably.
• Inner Envelope: Adding an inner envelope provides an extra layer of protection for your invitation and can be a practical way to list the names of the invited guests.
• Belly Bands: If you're not using an inner envelope, belly bands made of ribbon, quality paper, or fabric are a stylish way to hold together all the cards in a neat stack.
• Wax Seals: A wax seal adds a personalised touch to your invitation suite, especially when customised with a couple's monogram or initials. It can be used to seal the envelope or secure the inner contents, creating a luxurious and elegant feel.
• Envelope Liners: Envelope liners add a pop of colour or pattern to the inside of your envelope, creating a surprising and delightful detail for the recipient.

Embellishments:

• Paper Finish and Texture: The paper you choose for your invitations can elevate the overall design. Consider options like smooth paper, cotton paper, or eggshell paper, each offering a unique finish and texture.
• Printing Techniques: Explore different printing methods such as digital printing, foil stamping, or letterpress printing to add dimension and luxury to your invitations. Foil stamping, for example, creates a shiny, luxurious look, while letterpress printing provides a subtle indent into the paper.
• Ribbons and Wraps: Wide, hand-dyed silk wraps or handmade silk ribbons with organic edges can be used to elegantly bind the invitation suite together.
• Illustrations and Maps: Include custom vellum illustrations or hand-painted maps of the wedding venue or location to give your invitations a whimsical and unique touch.
• Details Card: If your invitation card is simple and minimalistic, include a details card to provide additional information about the wedding, such as accommodation options, directions, or a link to your wedding website.

These are just a few ideas to enhance the packaging and embellishments of your wedding invitation portfolio. Don't be afraid to mix and match different elements to create a suite that truly reflects the style and theme of the wedding.

Weighing and postage

Weighing and posting your wedding invitations correctly is crucial to ensure they arrive safely and promptly at their destinations. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Firstly, it's important to understand that the weight and dimensions of your fully assembled wedding invitation suite will determine the postage cost. Most postal services, such as the USPS, charge based on weight and size. So, the first step is to assemble a complete invitation, including all inserts, cards, and embellishments like wax seals or ribbons.

Next, take this assembled invitation to your local post office and have it weighed and inspected by a staff member. They will advise you on the correct amount and type of postage required. It's a good idea to assemble a few variations if you plan to have different inserts or embellishments for certain guests, as these can affect the weight and required postage.

The weight of your invitations will likely fall into one of the standard weight categories offered by postal services. For example, in the US, a standard letter weighing one ounce or less would require a Forever Stamp, currently priced at around $0.73. Heavier invitations, between one and two ounces, would require additional postage of $0.20, so you'd need a Forever Stamp plus the extra postage stamp.

If your invitations are particularly heavy, you may need to use a higher denomination stamp or a combination of stamps to make up the required postage. Alternatively, you could reduce the weight of your invitations by removing some inserts or choosing lighter-weight paper.

Some postal services, like the USPS, offer hand-cancelling, which means your invitations will be manually processed rather than going through a machine, reducing the risk of damage. This service usually incurs an additional cost, so factor this into your calculations.

Finally, remember to include postage for any other items in your wedding stationery suite, such as save-the-date cards or RSVP cards. It's standard to include a stamped and addressed envelope with your RSVP cards to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Frequently asked questions