Printing Watercolor Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Watercolour wedding invitations are a unique and crafty way to invite guests to your wedding. They are a fun DIY project that can be done at home, and there are many online tutorials to help you create the perfect invitation. The process involves designing the invitation on software, printing it on watercolour paper, and then adding watercolour paint to create a whimsical effect. You can also add other decorative touches, such as calligraphy, vellum paper, and lace. The final result is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind invitation that your guests are sure to love.

Choosing the right paper

When it comes to choosing the right paper for your wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider. The type of printer, the weight and finish of the paper, and the desired look and feel of the invitations are all important things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you choose the best paper for your watercolor wedding invitations:

• Printer Compatibility: Different printers have different capabilities and limitations when it comes to paper thickness and weight. It's important to review your printer's instructions and perform a test print to determine the maximum weight of paper it can handle. Start with a lower weight paper, such as 80# cardstock, and gradually increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming. Then, choose a weight that is slightly lower to ensure optimal printing results.
• Paper Weight: The weight of cardstock ranges from 45# to 300# or higher. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the more luxurious your invitations will look and feel. For a more professional appearance, aim for cardstock in the range of 100# to 130#. However, keep in mind that thicker cardstock may require industrial printers or professional printing services.
• Paper Finish: The finish of the paper can enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitations. Linen cardstock, for example, has a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest and can help hide imperfections. Cotton cardstock is smooth, highly absorbent, and gives invitations a clean, modern look. It is also considered "photo-safe," making it ideal for invitations featuring photographs. If you're looking for something unique, consider felt cardstock, which has a texture similar to canvas, or kraft cardstock, which has a rustic, on-trend look.
• Watercolor Compatibility: If you plan to add watercolor paint to your invitations, it's important to choose a paper that can handle it. Perform a trial run to see how your chosen paper absorbs water and dries. You may need to place a heavy book on top of your invitations to help them dry flat.
• Cost and Availability: The cost of paper can vary depending on the type, weight, and finish. Consider your budget and shop around to find the best options that fit within your price range. Additionally, take into account the availability of the paper and whether you can easily purchase it from local or online retailers.
• Printing Techniques: Different printing techniques, such as engraving, embossing, foil stamping, and letterpress, can affect the overall look and cost of your invitations. Consider the printing technique you plan to use and choose a paper that is compatible and will showcase the technique effectively.

Remember, choosing the right paper for your wedding invitations may involve a bit of trial and error. Don't be afraid to experiment with different papers to find the one that best suits your printer, design preferences, and budget.

Using the right printer

Printing your own wedding invitations can be a great way to save money, but it does require a lot of work. If you're up for the task, choosing the right printer is essential to achieving the desired results. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting the best printer for printing watercolor wedding invitations:

Printer Type

The two main types of printers to choose from are inkjet and laser printers. While both can produce high-quality results, they have distinct characteristics that can impact your final product. Inkjet printers are generally better suited for printing on thicker paper, such as cardstock, as the ink absorbs into the paper, resulting in more vibrant colors. Laser printers use toner, which is essentially powdered plastic. When printing on thicker paper, it is crucial to adjust the print settings to "thick stock" or "cardstock" to ensure the toner fuses correctly and doesn't flake or smudge.

Printer Recommendations

Several printers are recommended for DIY wedding invitations, each offering unique features:

• Canon Pixma TR8620 All-in-one Printer: This printer offers excellent graphic, text, and photo printing quality. It supports wired or wireless printing and can copy, scan, and fax from your computer, tablet, or phone. The LCD screen makes navigation a breeze. It can handle various cardboard materials and prints at a fast speed of 9.2 pages per minute in black and 3.2 pages per minute in color.
• Canon Pixma Pro 100: This printer is capable of handling cardstock and watercolor paper like a dream, resulting in beautiful, high-quality prints.
• HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e: An upgraded version of the HP Office Jet Pro 9015, this printer delivers high-quality text, impressive graphics, and fast printing speeds of up to 22 pages per minute. It offers mobile or wireless printing, 2-sided printing, and scanning capabilities. Additionally, it features a self-healing function that detects and repairs issues automatically.
• Epson EcoTank ET-2750: The Epson EcoTank offers a unique cartridge-free printing experience with easy-to-fill ink tanks. It provides a cost-effective solution with two years' worth of ink included, allowing you to print up to 5,200 pages. While the print quality may not match the other printers, it still delivers decent results with a 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution.
• Epson WorkForce WF-7210 Wide Format Printer: This wide-format printer offers fast printing speeds of up to 18 pages per minute and can handle various paper types, including semi-gloss, glossy, matte, and cardstock up to 68 lb bond. It can also print on #10 envelopes.

Paper Type

When creating watercolor wedding invitations, consider using watercolor paper instead of traditional cardstock. Watercolor paper adds a unique, vintage feel to your invitations, giving them a slightly worn and intricately hand-painted look. It also holds paint differently than cardstock, resulting in a beveled appearance that is sure to impress your guests.

Ink Considerations

When choosing a printer, consider the cost of ink and its impact on the environment. Some printers offer convenient ink subscription services, such as HP Instant Ink and Canon's Pixma Print Plan, which can save you money and ensure a steady supply of ink. Additionally, look for printers with individual ink systems, as they allow you to replace only the colors you need, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.

Adding text

• Choose Your Font: Select a font that complements the whimsical and romantic style of your watercolor invitations. You can opt for a script font like Digory Doodles or choose a simple and elegant font like Arcon, a sans-serif font. Remember to keep your font choices consistent throughout the invitation suite for a cohesive look.
• Create Text Frames: Using your chosen design software, create text frames at the top of your invitation. These frames will serve as placeholders for your text. You can adjust the size, placement, and rotation of these frames to fit your design aesthetic.
• Add Names: Start by adding the names of the happy couple. In the first text frame, type 'Name 1' and adjust the font, size, and colour to match your design. You can rotate the frame slightly anti-clockwise to give it a playful tilt. Repeat this process for 'Name 2' in the frame below.
• Include an Ampersand: Paste another text frame between the names, adding an ampersand ('&') to symbolise the union of the couple. This is a simple yet stylish touch.
• Create a Circle: Using the Ellipse Tool, create a circle with a diameter of about 24 mm. Set the fill colour to a shade of your choice, such as midnight blue. This circle will serve as a design element to complement the text.
• Add Date and Year: Create text frames on either side of the circle, adding the month and day of your wedding. Use the same font as the names but in all caps, with a smaller size, such as 18 pt. For the year, split it between two text frames on each side of the circle, maintaining the same formatting.
• Include a Personal Message: Create a longer, narrow text frame along the centre point of the page. Here, you can add a heartfelt message such as 'Please join us to celebrate our wedding'. Adjust the font size and leading to ensure the text is legible.
• Provide Event Details: Add another text frame below the first, leaving a gap in between. In this frame, include the time and place of the ceremony, following the same formatting as the previous text.
• Separate Sections with a Tilde: As a decorative touch, add a tilde symbol (~) in a centred text frame between the different sections of your invitation. This adds a subtle design element to break up the text.
• Finish with a Final Message: At the bottom of the page, add a final text frame with a message such as 'Dinner, dancing & fun to follow the ceremony'. You can use a script font like Digory Doodles here to add a touch of elegance.
• Repeat for RSVP Card: Follow similar steps for your RSVP card, adding text frames with 'RSVP' and other relevant details. Play around with font sizes, colours, and placement to create a visually appealing layout.

Remember to proofread all your text carefully to avoid any typos or errors. Once you're happy with the design and text placement, export your invitations as print-ready files and send them off to your chosen printer.

Creating a watercolour effect

Using Watercolour Paper and Paint

This method involves using watercolour paper, paint, and brushes to create a watercolour design by hand. Cut the watercolour paper to the desired size, and be sure to test your printer on a sheet of watercolour paper to ensure it can handle the heavy paper. You can then paint your design, being careful not to use too much water to avoid warping the paper. Allow the paint to dry, and then scan or photograph your artwork. You can then add text and other details using software on your computer before printing your invitations.

Using Tombow Dual Brush Pens

This technique uses Tombow Dual Brush Pens in the colours of your choice, along with smooth watercolour paper. For a romantic invitation, draw flower and leaf shapes with the pens and then soften the edges with water and a paintbrush. Repeat this process if you want a more intense colour. For a feminine invitation, add colour to the corners of the paper and blend it with water and a paintbrush. Once dry, draw simple flowers with a pen. A more modern and subtle invitation can be created by colouring a one-inch strip at the bottom of the paper with a brush pen, and then using a paintbrush and water to create a gradient effect by dragging the water up the paper.

Using Adobe InDesign

This method uses software to create a watercolour effect. First, download a watercolour background image and a paper background image. In Adobe InDesign, create a new document with the appropriate dimensions and set the intent to 'Print'. Create layers for the paper, watercolour, and typography. Add your paper texture image and adjust the transparency settings to give it a luxurious look. Then, add your watercolour background image and set the mode to 'Multiply' to bring through the paper texture. You can then add text and other design elements to complete your invitation.

Printing and Assembly

Regardless of the method you choose to create your watercolour effect, the final step is printing and assembling your invitations. Depending on your printer's capabilities, you may need to print your invitations at a professional printing service. After printing, assemble your invitations with any insert cards, maps, RSVP cards, and envelopes. Don't forget to add stamps to your envelopes!

Assembling the invitations

Once you have finalised your design, it's time to assemble your invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Using a heavy-duty paper cutter, cut your watercolour paper to the desired size. The standard invitation size is 5" x 7", which fits A7 envelopes. For RSVP and details cards, cut the paper to 3.5" x 5", which fits 4 bar envelopes.
• Test your printer by printing your design on a sheet of watercolour paper. Some printers may not be able to handle the heavy paper, so you might need to use a professional printing service instead.
• After ensuring your printer can handle the paper, print your invitations, RSVP cards, and details cards. Depending on the complexity of your design and the quality of your printer, you may need to discard some invitations due to smearing or other issues.
• Cut your invitations and insert cards to size, if you haven't already.
• Paint your invitations, being careful not to use too much water to avoid warping the paper. Allow the paint to dry completely.
• If you are including a map, draw a 5" x 7" location map and scan it. Then, print the map onto vellum paper.
• Address your envelopes using calligraphy pens and ink. Allow the ink to dry completely before handling. You may need to treat the envelopes with hairspray if the ink tends to smear.
• Assemble your invitations by placing the invitation, map, RSVP card, RSVP envelope, and details card inside the envelope.
• Add postage stamps to your envelopes. The number of stamps required will depend on the weight of your invitation suite and your destination.
• Mail your invitations!

Assembling your watercolour wedding invitations can be a fun and creative process. Enjoy the experience and don't be afraid to get a little messy with the paint!

Frequently asked questions