Creating Custom Wedding Invitations With Your Cricut

If you're looking to save money on your wedding invitations, you may want to consider making them yourself using a Cricut machine. Cricut machines are a type of electronic cutting machine that allows you to cut a variety of materials with precision, and they can be used to create versatile, elegant, and customizable wedding invitations. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of how to print wedding invitations using a Cricut machine, from designing the invitation to assembling the final product. We will also discuss the different types of Cricut machines and the various ways you can use them to create invitations, such as print-then-cut, foil transfer, engraving, pen tool, and laser cut. So, whether you're a craft enthusiast or just looking to save some money on your wedding expenses, read on to learn how to make stunning wedding invitations using a Cricut machine.

Design the invitation

Designing your wedding invitation is the first step in creating your wedding invitations using a Cricut machine. You can use design software such as Adobe Illustrator or the Cricut Design Space app to create your own unique design.

Cricut Design Space is cloud-based, allowing you to access your files from any device at any time. You can edit and personalise your project with ease, accessing the library to find images and fonts or uploading your own artwork. You can also use other editors such as Google Docs, Slides, Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, but you will have to cut the invitations by hand.

When using Cricut Design Space, you can choose from a wide range of fonts, graphics and templates. If you are using your own design created in Adobe Illustrator, you will need to save it as a SVG file and then import it into the Cricut software. You can also use Canva to design your own invitation or customise a pre-designed template, then export the invitation image and upload it to Cricut Design Space.

When designing your invitation, you can use transparent PNG graphics, which are bitmap format images with the background already removed, making it easier to lay out and overlap images and text. When uploading the transparent PNG, select 'complex' to preserve the details of the design. You can then duplicate, rotate, resize and rearrange the graphics layers as you see fit.

Once you have your design ready, you can gather the materials you will need for your invitations. This typically includes cardstock or specialty paper for the invitation itself, as well as any additional elements such as envelopes, ribbons or embellishments.

Prepare your Cricut machine

To prepare your Cricut machine for printing wedding invitations, you'll need to ensure you have the right machine and materials. The Cricut Explore Air machine is perfect for cutting most wedding invitations, with its ample size being great for cutting out invite pockets, detailed invite jackets, trifold designs, and more. If you're looking to engrave acrylic or cut thicker materials, you may want to opt for the Cricut Maker.

Next, you'll need to set up your machine and connect it to your computer or mobile device. Load the appropriate cutting mat based on the materials you plan to use. A 12"x12" LightGrip Cutting Mat is a good option for most paper invitations. If your Cricut has been used many times before, it's a good idea to start with a fresh mat and a new cutting blade to ensure clean and precise cuts.

You'll also need to decide on the design of your invitations. You can create your own design using software like Adobe Illustrator or Cricut's Design Space, or purchase and download a Cricut-friendly design file from Etsy or a DIY craft blog. If you're creating your own design, choose from a wide range of fonts, graphics, and templates or design something entirely unique. Once you have your design ready, you can import it into Cricut's Design Space.

Finally, load the design into the Cricut Design Space and adjust the settings to match the type of paper or cardstock you're using. This ensures the Cricut machine cuts accurately without damaging the material.

Load the design and adjust settings

Once you have your design ready, you can import it into Cricut's Design Space. This is where you will adjust the settings to match the type of paper or cardstock you are using. This ensures the Cricut machine cuts accurately without damaging the material.

If you are using the Cricut Design Space app, you can upload your design by selecting "Save as a Print Then Cut Image". You can then duplicate, rotate, resize, and rearrange the different elements of your design.

If you are using Adobe Illustrator, you will need to save your design as an SVG file and then import it into the Cricut software.

After importing your design, you will need to load the appropriate cutting mat based on the materials you are using. Place the cardstock or paper onto the cutting mat and load it into the Cricut machine.

Follow the prompts on the Design Space to start the cutting process. The Cricut machine will precisely cut out your invitation design, including intricate details and shapes.

Place the cardstock or paper onto the cutting mat and load it into the Cricut machine

Now that you've designed your wedding invitation using software like Adobe Illustrator or Cricut's Design Space, and gathered the materials you need, it's time to prepare your Cricut machine. Ensure it's connected to your computer or mobile device.

The next step is to load the cardstock or paper onto the cutting mat. This process can be a little tricky, as the paper or cardstock needs to be securely attached to the mat to avoid ripping when it's fed into the machine. One way to improve the adhesion is to use a fresh, new mat. If your mat is older and has lost some of its stickiness, you can try to fuzz" it up by rubbing it with Scotch tape to create a slightly sticky surface that will hold the paper in place.

Once your paper or cardstock is securely attached to the cutting mat, it's time to load it into your Cricut machine. This process will depend on the specific model of your Cricut, but generally, you'll want to follow the instructions in the user manual to ensure the mat is properly aligned and fed into the machine.

With the mat loaded, you're now ready to begin the cutting process. Follow the prompts on the Design Space, and your Cricut machine will take care of the rest, precisely cutting out your invitation design, including any intricate details and shapes.

If you're creating multiple invitations, simply repeat this process for each one. The Cricut machine ensures consistent results, making it easy to achieve a cohesive look across all your wedding invitations.

Assemble the invitations

Once you have cut out your wedding invitations using your Cricut machine, it's time to assemble them. This is where you can get creative and add your own unique touches. Here are some step-by-step instructions to guide you through the assembly process:

Step 1: Prepare the Components

Before you begin, make sure you have all the components of your invitation ready. This includes the main invitation card, any additional inserts such as RSVP cards or information sheets, envelopes, and any embellishments you plan to use, such as ribbons or gemstones. If you are using adhesive dots or glue tape, have them readily available as well.

Step 2: Lay Out the Components

Start by laying out all the components of your invitation suite in front of you. This will help you visualize how everything will come together. Place the main invitation card in the centre and arrange the other elements around it. If you are including a belly band or pocket, lay them flat and place the invitation and inserts inside.

Step 3: Adhere the Components Together

Carefully begin adhering the components together using your chosen adhesive. If you are using glue or double-sided tape, apply a small amount to the back of each component before attaching it to the main invitation card. For adhesive dots, simply peel and stick. Be gentle and precise to avoid tearing the paper.

Step 4: Embellish Your Invitations

Now it's time to add your creative touches! Use ribbons, bows, or twine to wrap around your invitation suite, securing any inserts inside. You can also add wax seals, either store-bought or handmade, for a luxurious touch. If you want to include gemstones, carefully peel them off their backing and stick them onto your invitations. Get creative and experiment with different textures and materials to make your invitations truly unique.

Step 5: Quality Check

Before finalizing your invitations, it's important to do a quality check. Go over each invitation with a keen eye, ensuring that all components are securely attached and aligned properly. Check for any visible flaws or imperfections, such as smudges or tears, and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 6: Repeat for Multiple Invitations

If you are creating multiple invitations, simply repeat the above steps for each one. Take your time and work in a quiet, distraction-free space to maintain consistency and accuracy.

Step 7: Finalize and Send

Once your invitations are assembled and quality checked, it's time to finalize and send them out. Prepare your envelopes, addressing them neatly by hand or using the Cricut machine. Add any final touches, such as stamps, return address labels, or additional embellishments. Your invitations are now ready to be mailed out or handed out in person!

Frequently asked questions