Creating Acrylic Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern way to invite guests to your wedding. Acrylic is a transparent plastic material that is stiff and clear, resembling glass but without the same breakability. It is a popular choice for couples who want a sleek and minimalist invitation that showcases their wedding style. With its adaptability, acrylic invitations can be dressed up for a luxurious look or dressed down for a more simple and elegant approach. In this article, we will discuss the different design options, costs, and printing methods for acrylic wedding invitations, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to print them.

Choosing the design

Acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern way to invite guests to your wedding. The design process can be exciting but overwhelming, so here are some tips to help you choose the perfect design for your special day.

Colour

Acrylic invitations are typically clear, but they don't have to be. You can choose a custom colour blend to make it seem like marble or quartz, or opt for any other colour you desire. Clear invitations allow the colours of your envelope and any additional inserts to shine through, creating a bright and vibrant first impression.

Thickness

The standard thickness for acrylic invitations is 1/8 inch, but you can choose a different thickness to suit your preferences. Clarity & Co. offer three different thicknesses: 0.02", 0.04", and 0.08". A thicker invitation will have a more premium, luxurious feel, but will also increase the weight and postage costs.

Design Elements

Acrylic invitations can be dressed up or down to suit the aesthetic of your wedding. You can keep it simple with just printing on the acrylic, or you can add other design elements to create a more complex and polished look. Some ideas include:

• Sandwiching multiple pieces of acrylic together with pressed flowers, moss, or a hand-painted design in between
• Adding a sleeve or box for the invitation, perhaps made from suede or another luxurious material
• Including a belly band or envelope liner, such as metallic paper or a patterned option
• Using a unique font, such as handwritten calligraphy
• Playing with the shape of the invitation, such as a curved edge

Printing Techniques

There are several printing techniques you can use for acrylic invitations, each creating a different look and feel.

• Digital printing: This is a budget-friendly option that allows for freedom and flexibility in your design. It is best suited for image-driven invitations and can also be used to play with paper textures and finishes.
• Screen printing: This technique is often used for acrylic invitations and can create a crisp, modern look.
• Etching or engraving: These techniques can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your invitations.
• Foil stamping: A glamorous and unique option that is adaptable to any design aesthetic.
• Letterpress: A soft, romantic printing style that is slightly more affordable than foil stamping.

Remember to discuss your design goals and ask plenty of questions to ensure you're happy with the final product. Choosing the right design will ensure your invitations make a statement and offer a glimpse of the style of your wedding.

Printing options

Acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern alternative to traditional paper invitations. They offer a sleek and minimalist look that can be dressed up or down to suit the style of your wedding. When it comes to printing options, there are a few different methods you can consider:

• UV Printing: UV printing is a great option for acrylic invitations as it provides a high-quality and durable finish. This method uses ultraviolet light to cure or dry the ink, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colours. With UV printing, you can choose to print in full colour or opt for white ink, which stands out beautifully against the clear acrylic.
• Foil Stamping: Foil stamping is a process where foil is applied to the acrylic using a heated die, resulting in a shiny and luxurious finish. This technique is often used to add accents, such as gold or silver foil, to the invitation design. It can be paired with white ink printing to create a sophisticated and elegant look.
• Screen Printing: Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a traditional printing method that uses a mesh screen and ink-blocking stencil to apply ink onto the surface of the acrylic. This technique allows for a wide range of colours and designs, making it a versatile option for acrylic invitations.
• Digital Printing: Digital printing is a cost-effective and efficient method for printing acrylic invitations. It involves using digital files and inkjet or laser printers to print directly onto the acrylic surface. This option is ideal for smaller quantities and allows for customisation and quick turnaround times.
• Laser Engraving: Laser engraving is a unique way to add text or designs to your acrylic invitations. This method uses a laser to etch the surface of the acrylic, creating a subtle and elegant finish. Laser engraving is a permanent and durable option that adds a touch of sophistication to your invitations.
• Handwriting or Calligraphy: For a more personal and artistic touch, you can consider handwriting or calligraphy for your acrylic invitations. This option allows you to add a human element to your invitations, making them truly one-of-a-kind. You can choose from a variety of ink colours, including white, gold, or silver, to match your wedding theme.

When choosing a printing option, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as your budget and the amount of customisation you require. It's always a good idea to request samples or mock-ups from your chosen printer to ensure that you are happy with the final product.

Cost

The cost of acrylic wedding invitations will vary depending on the complexity of the design, the quality of the acrylic, the thickness, and the finish. The cheapest options are likely to be cut with a saw blade, while higher-quality invitations will be cut with lasers and finished with edge polishers.

Chris Neubauer, owner of Yonder Design, suggests budgeting a minimum of $50 per invitation for acrylic invitations. This price can, however, increase dramatically depending on the level of complexity and finish.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider searching independent retailers on Etsy or sites like BasicInvite for pre-made designs. For example, Etsy seller HappyinvitationnTR offers acrylic wedding invitations for $22.50, while another Etsy seller, LunainvitationGifts, has them on sale for $114.00 (usually $190).

It's also worth considering that the cost of mailing acrylic invitations will be higher than standard paper invitations due to the need for protective packaging such as special boxes or padded envelopes.

Mailing considerations

When it comes to mailing your acrylic wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they arrive safely and intact. Firstly, due to the nature of the material, acrylic invitations can be more fragile than traditional paper invitations, so it's important to package them securely. Special boxes or padded envelopes are often used to provide protection during transit. Keep in mind that the cost of mailing will depend on the size, thickness, and weight of the invitation, as well as the number of accompanying suite pieces. Therefore, it's crucial to consider these mailing costs in your budget to avoid unexpected expenses.

To save costs, you may want to consider the dimensions of your invitations and choose standard mailing sizes to avoid additional charges for oversized items. Additionally, the thickness of the acrylic can impact the mailing cost, so opt for standard thicknesses of around 1/8 inch or 3 mm to keep expenses down. If your invitation has irregular dimensions or is particularly thick, expect to pay a premium for postage.

Another important consideration is the recipient's address. International shipping can be costly, especially for larger or heavier invitations. If you're inviting guests from overseas, you may want to look into local printing options to save on postage or consider including the cost of postage in your budget. Additionally, some postal services offer discounted rates for bulk mailouts, so it's worth investigating if you're sending out a large number of invitations.

Finally, it's a good idea to allow extra time for delivery when mailing acrylic wedding invitations. Due to their delicate nature, they may take longer to process and deliver than regular mail. By allowing a buffer in your timeline, you can ensure that your invitations arrive on time and reduce the risk of delays.

Design inspiration

Acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and modern choice for couples who want to make a statement with their wedding stationery. Acrylic is a stiff, transparent plastic material that weighs less than glass and offers a sleek and minimalist look. When it comes to design inspiration for your acrylic wedding invitations, here are some ideas to consider:

Colour and Print

Acrylic invitations are typically clear, but they can also be customised to match your wedding colour palette. Consider using white ink printing, which stands out beautifully against the clear acrylic. For a more complex design, you can use full-colour printing to create a vibrant and eye-catching invitation. Gold foil, rose gold foil, and silver foil are also popular choices for adding a touch of luxury and elegance to your invitations.

Font and Typography

From simple and modern calligraphy to handwritten calligraphy, the font you choose can add personality to your invitations. Consider a font that reflects the style and theme of your wedding, whether it's elegant, whimsical, or rustic.

Shape and Size

While most acrylic invitations are rectangular, you can also opt for unique shapes such as circles or arches. Standard invitation sizes are 5" x 7", but you can also customise the size to fit your design and content.

Layering and Framing

Acrylic invitations can be layered with other materials such as pressed flowers, dried florals, or hand-painted designs to create a 3D effect. You can also use acrylic as a frame around a paper invitation to add depth and dimension to your suite.

Packaging and Envelopes

When sending out your acrylic invitations, consider placing them in designed sleeves or envelopes to protect them during shipping. You can choose modern designs with chic patterns or go for a classic look with gold or silver foil envelopes.

Themed Designs

If you're having a themed wedding, you can incorporate this into your invitation design. For example, a glam Miami wedding could inspire acrylic invitations with a custom suede design, while a retro bohemian wedding might call for a wavy pattern on the palette.

Illustrations and Motifs

Instead of just text, consider including illustrations or motifs on your acrylic invitations. Floral motifs, greenery, and botanical borders are popular choices that add a touch of nature to your suite. You can also use illustrations to tie your entire invitation suite together, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

With these design inspirations in mind, you can create stunning acrylic wedding invitations that will impress your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Frequently asked questions