Preserving Wedding Invites: Tips For Longevity

Wedding invitations are one of the few tangible items from your wedding day. They're a reminder of the memories and happiness of that special day. So, it's no surprise that many people want to preserve their wedding invitations. There are several ways to do this, from framing the invitation to creating a unique ornament or keepsake box. You could even turn your invitation into a decoupage plate or a pillow. Whatever method you choose, preserving your wedding invitation will ensure that you can cherish those memories for years to come.

Frame it

Framing your wedding invitation is a great way to preserve it and there are several ways to go about it. You can either do it yourself or have it professionally framed.

If you want to frame it yourself, you can purchase a ready-made frame that matches your home decor and is slightly larger than your invitation. Clean the frame thoroughly, ensuring there is nothing between the invitation and the glass. You can also brush off the invitation to remove any dust or hair. Place the invitation upside down on the glass and put the cardboard backing on top of it. Finally, secure the back of the frame by snapping, screwing, or turning it closed.

If you prefer a professional framing service, Golden Silhouette is a popular choice for creating themed masterpieces from invitation paper. You can also include additional items, such as a petal from your wedding bouquet, to make it more special.

When deciding on the arrangement, consider hanging your framed invitation alongside other wedding memorabilia, such as save-the-date cards, photos, or letters. This creates a gallery wall effect and allows you to tell your love story through these precious items.

Framing your wedding invitation is a simple yet meaningful way to preserve this cherished memento and ensure it stands the test of time.

Turn it into a decoupage plate

Decoupage is a great way to preserve your wedding invitation and create a unique and personalised gift for your loved ones. Glenda Perrett of Marye-Kelley Decoupage says that brides often bring their wedding invitations to be decoupaged as a gift for their parents and in-laws as a thank-you and remembrance of their special day.

The process of decoupaging an invitation onto a plate is a creative way to showcase your wedding stationery. The first step is to choose a plate that will serve as the base for your design. You can select a plain ceramic or porcelain plate in the size and shape that complements your invitation design.

Next, carefully cut out the invitation and any other elements you want to include, such as the envelope lining. Arrange the pieces on the plate to create a visually appealing composition. You can play around with different layouts until you find the one that suits your vision.

Once you're happy with the arrangement, it's time to adhere the invitation to the plate. You can use a decoupage glue or medium, carefully brushing it onto the back of the paper pieces and then onto the plate. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles with a soft brush or cloth.

After the glue has dried, you can add additional coats of decoupage medium to seal and protect your design. This will also give your plate a shiny finish. You can add as many coats as you like, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.

Finally, you can add any finishing touches, such as a ribbon or a personalised message on the back of the plate. This transformed wedding invitation plate will make a cherished keepsake for yourself or a meaningful gift for your loved ones.

Create a keepsake box

A wedding keepsake box is a perfect way to preserve your wedding invitation and other mementos from your special day. Here are some tips to create a meaningful and personalised keepsake box:

Choose the Right Box:

Select a box that is the appropriate size to hold all your desired items. Consider whether you will be storing delicate paper items such as invitations and photographs, or larger items such as shoes or decor. You can opt for a simple, elegant box or a more intricate, decorative one. Some boxes have dividers or compartments to help organise your items, while others are more open for custom arrangement.

Preserve Your Wedding Invitation:

The invitation is a central part of your keepsake box. You can choose to frame it within the box, or simply place it inside. If you want to get creative, you could cut the invitation into thin strips, curl them, and place them inside a clear ornament, perhaps with some glitter, to hang within the box or on your Christmas tree.

Include Other Special Items:

There are endless possibilities for what else you can include in your keepsake box. Here are some ideas:

• A swatch of your wedding dress or veil
• A copy of your vows
• The cork from a champagne bottle
• Dried flowers from your bouquet
• Cake toppers
• Newspaper from the day of your wedding
• Photographs
• Maps, reception cards, or other stationery
• Hairpieces, confetti, dried petals, or other small items

Customise and Display:

You can personalise your keepsake box by adding your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote. Consider whether you want to display the box in your home, perhaps on a bookshelf or dresser, or if you prefer to store it away safely to be opened and reminisced upon from time to time.

Your wedding keepsake box will be a cherished item, allowing you to relive the memories of your special day for years to come.

Make a Christmas ornament

Preserving your wedding invitation is a great way to cherish the memories of your special day. One creative way to do this is by turning it into a Christmas ornament. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a Christmas ornament out of your wedding invitation:

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials: a clear glass or plastic ornament with a removable top, your wedding invitation, a pen or similar object, scissors, and glitter (optional). You may also want to have some ribbon or string on hand to hang the ornament.

Step 2: Cut the Invitation into Strips

Start by carefully cutting your wedding invitation into thin strips. Aim for a width of about 1/4" for each strip. You may want to practice on plain paper first to get a feel for the cutting. The number of strips you'll need depends on the size of your ornament and the thickness of the invitation paper.

Step 3: Curl the Strips

Take each strip and gently wrap it around a pen or a similar object to create a gentle curl. Be careful not to crease or tear the paper. The goal is to give the strips a soft, elegant curve. You may find that tighter curls don't work as well, especially if your invitation paper is thick.

Step 4: Insert the Strips into the Ornament

Now, it's time to assemble the ornament. Remove the top of the ornament and carefully insert the curled strips of paper inside. As you add more strips, gently shake the ornament to help the paper settle and make room for more. You can also use a thin tool, like a chopstick, to help arrange the paper inside.

Step 5: Add Some Sparkle (Optional)

If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your ornament, sprinkle a small amount of glitter inside. You can use traditional glitter or opt for a more subtle shimmer. Just be sure to put a piece of paper under the ornament to catch any excess glitter.

Step 6: Secure the Top and Add Ribbon

Once you're happy with the amount of paper and glitter inside, secure the top of the ornament back in place. If your ornament doesn't already have a hanging mechanism, use ribbon or string to create a loop for hanging. You can tie the ribbon around the top of the ornament or through a small hole if it has one.

Step 7: Display and Cherish

Now, your wedding invitation ornament is ready to be displayed on your Christmas tree! This ornament will become a cherished part of your holiday décor and a wonderful reminder of your wedding day. Each year, as you hang the ornament, you'll be able to reflect on the memories and joy of your special day.

Feel free to get creative and personalize your ornament further. For example, you could add small charms, dried flowers, or other meaningful items inside the ornament. You could also experiment with different types of paper, such as sheet music or coloured cardstock, to create a unique and meaningful keepsake.

Photograph it and add it to your wedding album

There are many ways to preserve your wedding invitations, but one of the most special is to photograph it and add it to your wedding album. This way, you can always look back on your special day and remember the beautiful invitation you chose. Here are some tips to make the most of this idea:

Firstly, ensure you have a high-quality photograph of your invitation. You could consider hiring a professional photographer to capture the perfect image, or you could set up a mini photoshoot yourself with a good camera. Make sure the lighting is good and the invitation is displayed nicely, perhaps with some other wedding items such as your bouquet or garter.

Secondly, when it comes to creating your wedding album, choose a high-quality album that will last for years to come. Consider the paper type and cover material, and whether you want a digital or physical album (or both!). There are many companies that offer wedding album printing services, so be sure to shop around and find one that suits your style and budget.

Thirdly, when designing your album, think about the placement of the invitation photograph. You may want to give it a prominent position, perhaps on a full page, or even the cover. You could also add some text to the page, such as the date of your wedding or a special message.

Finally, don't forget to include your wedding invitation photograph in any digital albums or social media posts you create. This way, you can easily share your happy memories with friends and family, and you'll always have a digital copy of your invitation, even if the physical album is misplaced.

By following these steps, you'll be able to preserve your wedding invitation in a beautiful and meaningful way, ensuring you can cherish the memories for years to come.

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