Preserving Wedding Invites: Storage Tips For Treasured Memories

Wedding invitations are a precious memento of your special day, so it's no surprise that you might want to keep them preserved for years to come. There are many ways to store your wedding invitations, from framing them to turning them into a decoupage plate or an eco-friendly display. You could even create a Christmas ornament or a keepsake box. If you're looking for something more functional, consider turning your invitation into a tray or a plate that you can display in your home for years to come. Whatever option you choose, your wedding invitation will surely become a cherished keepsake.

Framing your wedding invitation

Choosing a Frame

When selecting a frame for your wedding invitation, you can choose from a variety of materials, styles, and colours. Some popular options include wooden, metal, or acrylic frames. You can also opt for a shadow box frame, which allows you to display your invitation alongside other mementos and souvenirs. If you want to include a photo from your wedding, consider a double invitation frame, which has two spots—one for the invitation and one for a picture.

Frame Style

Frames come in various styles, from modern and sleek designs to rustic or glamorous options. You can choose a frame that complements the style of your invitation, such as a gold-accented frame to go with gilded gold leafing on the invitation. If you're looking for something more romantic and elegant, consider a frame with floral or heart motifs.

DIY Framing

If you want to create a personalised frame, you can opt for a DIY approach. You'll need a float frame, wedding stationery styling props (such as stamps, ribbon, or pressed flowers), and double-sided tape or Washi tape. Ensure any flowers or greenery are completely dry before placing them in the frame to avoid moisture damage. Work in layers to arrange the pieces and secure them with tape. Washi tape is a good option as it's gentle on paper and can be easily removed.

Frame Options

Several brands offer wedding invitation frames, including Kate Spade, Vera Wang, Lenox, and Anthropologie. You can also find unique options on Etsy, ranging from luxury acrylic invitations with gold foil accents to wooden frames with floral borders.

Displaying Your Frame

Once you've selected or created your frame, choose a spot in your home to display it. Wedding invitation frames can be hung on walls or placed on shelves, mantels, or tables. They make a great addition to your home decor and serve as a beautiful reminder of your wedding day.

Decoupage it onto a plate

Decoupaging your wedding invitation onto a plate is a unique way to preserve your wedding invitation and create a cherished keepsake. Glenda Perrett of Marye-Kelley Decoupage shares that brides often choose to decoupage their wedding invitations as a gift for their parents and in-laws, commemorating their special day.

To decoupage your wedding invitation onto a plate, you will need to carefully cut out the invitation and any other elements you want to include, such as the envelope lining. You can get creative and choose specific parts of the invitation suite, such as the wedding invitation itself, the reception card, or any other enclosure cards that hold a special meaning for you.

Once you have selected and cut out the desired pieces, you will need to arrange them on the plate. Play around with the layout until you find a composition that feels balanced and aesthetically pleasing. You can overlap the pieces or arrange them in a collage-like manner to create visual interest.

After finalising the arrangement, it's time to adhere the paper pieces to the plate. You will need a decoupage glue or sealant, which you can find at most craft stores. Carefully apply a thin layer of the decoupage glue to the back of each paper piece and smooth it onto the plate, working out any air bubbles as you go. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the paper with the glue to ensure a strong bond.

Once everything is in place, apply a final coat of decoupage glue or sealant over the entire surface of the plate, including the edges of the paper pieces. This will protect your design and give it a finished look. Let the plate dry completely, following the instructions on your decoupage glue packaging.

Your decoupaged wedding invitation plate is now ready to be displayed or gifted! It is a unique way to preserve the memories of your wedding day and can become a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Store it in a glass keepsake box

Glass keepsake boxes are a unique and permanent way to store and display your wedding invitations. They are also a great conversation piece for your home. You can use both sides of the lid to preserve special items. For example, you can have the invitation visible from the outside, and place other items like maps, reception cards, or even photos on the underside of the lid, to be seen when the box is opened.

When Linda Daoud of Bazaar Glass LLC creates her glass wedding invitation keepsake boxes, she encourages brides to use both sides of the lid to preserve special items. "My clients usually opt for the invitation to be seen from the outside while other items like maps, reception cards, or even photos may be placed on the underside of the lid to be seen when the box is opened," says Daoud.

A glass keepsake box is a great way to keep your wedding invitations in pristine condition for years to come. The box will protect the invitations from dust, moisture, and other potential damage. It is also a beautiful way to display your invitations, whether in your home or in a special location such as your wedding venue.

You can also use a glass keepsake box to store other wedding memorabilia, such as your wedding programme, menu, or even a small bouquet of dried flowers. This can make it a very special and personalised memento of your wedding day.

Turn it into a Christmas decoration

There are many ways to store your wedding invitations as keepsakes, one of which is to turn them into Christmas decorations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, cut your wedding invitation into strips that are approximately 1/4" wide. Then, take a pen and wrap each strip of paper around it to create a curled effect. Next, take a large, clear, globe ornament and carefully insert each curled strip of paper inside. As you go, gently shake the ornament to ensure the paper strips fall into place and make room for more. If desired, you can also sprinkle some glitter inside the bulb for added sparkle. Once you are happy with the number of strips inside, place the top back on the globe ornament and use a ribbon to tie a bow through the top. And there you have it – a special addition to your holiday décor and a unique way to preserve your wedding invitation.

Save it as a memento

Wedding invitations are often the first purchase that guests will see, giving them a glimpse of the wedding style and theme. So, it's no surprise that you might want to keep your invitations as a memento. Here are some ideas for how to do that:

Keepsake Boxes

A wedding keepsake box is a great way to collect and cherish tangible memories of your special day. You can include your invitations alongside other items such as dried flowers, photographs, your wedding order of service, and even small items like jewellery or decorations. This way, you can relive the magic of your wedding day whenever you open the box.

Keepsake boxes come in various sizes and styles, so you can choose one that suits your needs and taste. For example, you might prefer a delicate box that sits on top of your dresser or a larger box that can be stored under your bed. You can also personalise your box with your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote.

Engraved Tray

Celebrate your new life together with an engraved sterling silver or pewter wedding invitation tray. This unique memento can be displayed in your dining room or kitchen and may even become a cherished item in your future child's home.

Glass Keepsake Box

Consider a glass shadow box to display your wedding mementos. You can include your invitation and other small items like a pressed flower from your bouquet or a photo. Shadow boxes come in different sizes and colours, and you can even get it engraved for a more personalised touch.

Eco-Friendly Display

For an eco-friendly option, you can have your invitation mounted on a piece of eco-friendly wood or printed and mounted on sustainable material produced using solar energy. This way, you can display your invitation while also being mindful of the environment.

Frequently asked questions