Designing And Selling Wedding Invite Templates: A Profitable Guide

If you're a graphic designer looking to make some extra money, creating and selling wedding invitation templates is a great option. You can sell these templates at a discount on your website or platforms like Etsy. To stand out from the competition, focus on specific niche wedding invitation templates, such as location-based or themed weddings. Market your templates effectively by creating a section on your website dedicated to your chosen niche. Additionally, consider offering customisation options, such as replacing template photos or adding names and text, to provide a unique, budget-friendly invitation for your clients.

How to sell wedding invites on Etsy

Etsy is the world's largest online marketplace for handmade goods, and printable products and paper items such as invitations are among the most popular items to sell on the platform. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sell wedding invites on Etsy:

Market and Product Research

Firstly, conduct market and product research on Etsy to determine the demand, competition, and profitability of selling wedding invites. Use Etsy's keyword research tool to assess demand and competition for specific keywords related to wedding invites.

Find your Niche

Identify the types of wedding invites that are popular on Etsy and find your unique selling point. This could be a specific style, theme, or customisation option that sets your invites apart.

Create your Digital or Physical Invitations

Decide whether to sell digital or physical invitations. Digital invitations are created on a computer, and customers purchase a downloadable file, whereas physical invitations involve designing, creating, and selling a tangible product. Digital invitations have the advantage of being sold repeatedly with no shipping or printing costs, while physical invitations tend to be more in demand and can command a higher price.

Choose your Tools and Techniques

Select the appropriate software for creating your invitations. Options include Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Affinity Publisher. Consider using Corij if you want to offer editable digital invitations.

Source Graphics and Fonts

Ensure you have the necessary commercial licenses for any graphics, fonts, or clipart you use in your designs. Purchase graphics and fonts from reputable sources or create your own to avoid copyright issues.

Set up your Etsy Shop

Create an Etsy account and set up your shop. Add basic information about your shop, including a clear and accurate title, high-resolution photos, and detailed descriptions. Use keywords effectively to improve your search ranking and optimise your listings.

Pricing and Shipping

Calculate your pricing by considering the design fee, materials, packaging, and overhead costs. Factor in Etsy's fees of 20 cents per listing and a 5% transaction fee. Decide whether to offer free shipping or include shipping costs in the final price.

Shop Policies and FAQs

Establish clear shop policies and FAQs that cover processing times, shipping, returns, exchanges, cancellations, and other relevant information. Be transparent about your production partners if you work with any.

Promote your Business

Utilise social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to showcase your wedding invites and build a following. Create seasonal sales and special offers to attract customers. Network with wedding planners and event professionals who could refer clients to you.

Customer Service

Prioritise excellent customer service by responding promptly to inquiries and providing clear instructions for downloading and printing invitations. Be willing to resolve customer issues, but set boundaries to avoid providing excessive tech support.

How to price wedding invites

Pricing wedding invites can be a tricky task, as there are many factors to consider. The price of wedding invites can vary depending on the printing method, the number of invitations, the design, and any additional enclosures or inserts. Here are some guidelines to help you determine the appropriate pricing for your wedding invites:

Consider the Printing Method:

The printing method you choose will have a significant impact on the cost. Digital printing is usually the most cost-effective option, as it involves setting up a file on a computer and printing directly. Offset printing and thermography are more expensive, starting at $800 for 100 stationery suites. Letterpress printing can cost around $1,500 for 100 invitations, while engraving, the most extravagant form of printing, will cost at least $2,000 for 100 invitations.

Number of Invitations:

The total quantity of invitations needed will affect the price per invitation. The more invitations you order, the lower the cost per invitation may become. For example, 100 invitations might cost $250 to $400, while 400 invitations could be priced at $1.18 each.

Design and Add-ons:

The design of the invitation suite, including any foil accents, envelope liners, wax seals, or bevel cuts, will influence the price. Foil stamping for a set of 100 invitations can add an additional cost of $1,800. Envelope liners can range from $250 to $400 for 100 invitations, with solid colors being less expensive than patterns. Wax seals can cost around $200 to $300 per 100 invitations. Bevel cuts, which angle the edge of the invitation, can cost around $400 for 100 invitations.

Additional Enclosures and Inserts:

Besides the invitation itself, you may need to include response or RSVP cards, reception cards, direction cards, or other inserts. These additional items will increase the overall cost of the invitation suite. For example, a set of 100 insert cards can range from $150 to $500, depending on the printing method.

Compare with the Market:

Research the market to get an idea of the average prices for wedding invites. Check competitors' prices and the range of prices offered by different vendors. This will help you set a competitive price for your invitations while ensuring you cover your costs and make a reasonable profit.

Consider your Costs and Profit:

Finally, when determining the price, make sure to factor in all your costs, including materials, labour, and any overhead expenses. Calculate your total costs and then set a price that allows you to make a reasonable profit.

Remember, the key is to offer a competitive price while covering your costs and making a profit. You can also offer customisation options or packages to provide value to your customers and differentiate your product.

How to market wedding invites

Marketing wedding invites can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies and tools, it can be a successful and rewarding experience. Here are some detailed and direct instructions on how to market wedding invites effectively:

Identify your target audience:

Determine your target customers by researching the marketplace. Understand if you are selling locally or nationally and identify your competition. Know their offerings, advertising strategies, and pricing to help you establish your unique selling point.

Develop a strong online presence:

Build an attractive and user-friendly website that showcases your wedding invite designs and services. Optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords and phrases to improve your search engine rankings. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your designs and reach a wider audience.

Offer customization and personalization:

Today's couples often seek unique and personalized wedding invites. Offer customization options such as different paper types, colours, fonts, and the ability to include photos. This will allow you to cater to a variety of tastes and themes, from rustic to modern or minimalist styles.

Utilize digital marketing tools:

Take advantage of digital marketing tools such as search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your online visibility. Create valuable content, such as blog posts or videos, that provide tips and ideas for wedding invite designs. Use social media advertising and consider collaborating with influencers or wedding bloggers to promote your products.

Build a strong brand:

Develop a consistent and unique brand identity for your wedding invite business. This includes creating a memorable logo, choosing brand colours, and establishing a clear tone of voice. Ensure your brand reflects the quality and style of your wedding invites to create a cohesive and trustworthy image.

Network within the wedding industry:

Collaborate with wedding planners, stationery stores, and other wedding vendors to promote your invites. Offer referral bonuses or discounts to those who refer new customers. Attend local wedding fairs and festivals to display your designs and connect with potential customers.

Provide excellent customer service:

Respond promptly to customer inquiries and provide helpful advice. Guide your customers through the entire process, from choosing the right design to placing their order. Offer additional services such as printing and mailing to make the process convenient for your clients.

Test and adapt your marketing strategies:

Stay adaptable by regularly analyzing the effectiveness of your marketing strategies. Use feedback from customers and analytics data to make informed decisions. Be willing to adjust your designs, marketing channels, and pricing to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of your target market.

Marketing wedding invites requires a combination of creative and strategic thinking. By following these steps and continuously refining your approach, you can effectively reach and attract your target audience, leading to a successful and thriving wedding invite business.

How to ship wedding invites

If you're selling a wedding invite template, you'll want to ensure that your product stands out and that you're providing a good service to your customers. Here are some tips on how to do that, focusing on the shipping process:

Firstly, decide whether you want to offer a digital or physical product. Digital invites can be emailed to the customer or made available for download. This option is convenient and cost-effective, but some customers may prefer a physical product. If you're offering a physical product, you'll need to organise printing and shipping.

Organising Printing

You could offer a printing service yourself, allowing customers to send you their guest list and have the invites printed and sent directly to them. Alternatively, you could provide a template for customers to download and print themselves.

Packaging and Postage

If you're sending out physical invites, you'll need to package and post them securely. Ensure that envelopes are sealed properly—a cotton swab or paintbrush can be used to moisten the adhesive, and a heavy book can be placed on top of the envelopes to reinforce the seal. It's also a good idea to weigh the invites before posting to ensure that you have the correct postage.

International Shipping

If you're shipping internationally, check the postage requirements and restrictions for the relevant country. It's also a good idea to allow extra time for the invites to reach their destination and for guests to send back their RSVPs.

Timing

It's recommended that wedding invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timing allows extra time if guests need to arrange time off work and travel.

Proofreading

Before sending out invites, double-check all the details and proofread addresses. It's also worth considering whether you want to hand-cancel your invites (i.e. have the stamps marked or crossed out by hand to prevent reuse), which can prevent wear and tear but may incur an additional fee.

Customer Service

Provide clear information about the expected delivery time and any potential delays. It's also a good idea to offer a digital RSVP option to make it easier for guests to respond.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding invite templates are shipped securely and efficiently, providing a positive experience for your customers.

How to design wedding invites

Designing your own wedding invites is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. Here are some tips on how to design your own wedding invites:

Choose a Theme or Style

Decide on a theme or style that reflects your personality and the tone of your wedding. Are you going for a rustic, elegant, traditional, or modern look? You can browse through various online templates to find a style that suits your taste. Consider incorporating your favourite colours, memories, patterns, and themes.

Include Essential Information

Make sure to include all the essential information such as the ceremony and reception venues, date, time, dress code, and RSVP information. It's important to provide clear and practical information so that your guests can plan and prepare for the event.

Add Personal Touches

In addition to the essential information, you can include personal touches that showcase your personalities and relationship story. Consider adding a photograph, a motif design, or even your favourite colours and patterns. These special touches will make your invites unique and engaging.

Customise and Personalise

Most online platforms offer customisation options, allowing you to edit the text, fonts, colours, and even add your own photos. Take advantage of these features to personalise your invites and make them truly yours. You can also order customised samples to see how your invites will look and feel before placing a larger order.

Choose Paper Type and Finish

Select a paper type and finish that complements your wedding theme. Options like matte, pearl, linen, and recycled paper are available, each adding a unique touch to your invites. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and how the paper choice will enhance your design.

Create a Suite

In addition to the invitation itself, consider creating a suite of matching stationery. This can include RSVP cards, enclosures, envelopes, and even thank you cards. A cohesive suite will elevate the look and feel of your invites, impressing your guests and building excitement for your wedding day.

Timing is Key

Finally, remember to send your invitations with enough advance notice. For a destination wedding, send invitations three to four months in advance. For a local wedding, two to three months' notice is generally sufficient. This gives your guests ample time to plan and make any necessary arrangements.

Frequently asked questions