Creative Ways To Upcycle Old Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are often meticulously designed and can serve as cherished mementos of your special day. If you're looking for ways to repurpose old wedding invitations, there are several creative options to consider. From framing the invitation as a display piece in your home to transforming it into a unique work of art, such as a canvas painting or a piece of calligraphy, the possibilities are endless. For a more functional approach, you can turn your invitation into a decoupage plate, a Christmas ornament, or even a postcard to send to loved ones. If you're feeling crafty, you can create a collage or a jigsaw puzzle, or include the invitation in a scrapbook or photo album alongside other wedding memorabilia. Alternatively, you can use the invitation as a guest book, allowing your guests to sign their names and add special messages. These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to giving old wedding invitations new life.

Create a collage

There are many ways to use old wedding invitations to create a collage. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose a Theme

First, decide on the theme or colour scheme for your collage. This could be based on the wedding colours or a specific theme, such as rustic, elegant, or modern.

Select Your Photos

Choose photos that capture the special moments of your wedding day and fit within your chosen theme. You can include pictures of the happy couple, the wedding party, family, and friends. Consider using a mix of candid and posed shots to add interest and variety to your collage.

Decide on a Layout

There are many ways to arrange your photos in a collage. You can create a grid layout with evenly spaced photos or go for a more organic, free-form arrangement. Play around with different compositions until you find one that feels balanced and visually appealing.

Use High-Quality Paper

When creating your collage, use high-quality paper that will showcase your photos beautifully. Look for paper with a weight of 300gsm or more for a luxurious feel. You can also choose paper with a subtle texture or a specific finish, such as matte or gloss, to add interest.

Add Personalised Details

Include personalised details such as your names, wedding date, and location to make your collage extra special. You can also add wedding-themed illustrations, icons, or graphics to enhance the design.

Print and Display Your Collage

Once you're happy with your design, print your collage and display it in your home. You can also share it on social media to relive the happy memories with your loved ones.

Creating a collage with old wedding invitations is a wonderful way to preserve and display your cherished memories. Get creative, and have fun crafting this meaningful keepsake!

Turn it into a Christmas ornament

There are many ways to repurpose old wedding invitations, one of which is to turn them into Christmas ornaments. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, you will need an empty glass ball ornament, which can be purchased at most craft stores. You will, of course, also need your wedding invitation.

Start by cutting the invitation into thin strips, approximately 1/4" wide. If possible, try to cut along the lines of text to preserve important words and dates.

Next, grab a strip of paper and wrap it tightly around a pen, pencil, or similarly-shaped object. Once it is wound tight, let go, and the coil of paper will come off the stick. Repeat this process for all the strips of paper. You may find it helpful to "fluff" out the coils a bit to make them less tight; this will help them fill the space in the ornament better.

Now, open up the top of your ornament and start inserting the coils inside. You may want to put the important" strips, such as those with the couple's names, the date, and the location, near the end so that you can try to position them to be visible from the outside of the ornament.

Once the ornament is full, put the top back on and thread some ribbon through the hole at the top, tying a knot to create a loop to hang the ornament.

If desired, you can add some extra sparkle to your ornament by sprinkling glitter inside the bulb before putting the top back on.

And that's it! You now have a personalised wedding invitation ornament to hang on your Christmas tree. This also makes a great gift for a couple's first Christmas as a married couple.

Frame it

Framing your wedding invitation is a great way to display it in your home and it can be a simple DIY project. You can choose to frame it yourself, or you can register for a double invitation frame. If you want to get creative, you could even frame your invite with other mementos from your wedding, such as your wedding program, a few photos, or a petal from your bouquet.

If you decide to frame your wedding invitation yourself, all you need is a frame that fits your invite. You can find wedding invitation frames at many retailers, including Amazon, which offers a variety of options in different styles and colours. Some frames even come with mats or liners, allowing you to display multiple invitations or other mementos alongside your invite.

When selecting a frame, consider the size of your invitation and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. You can choose a simple frame that complements the style of your invitation, or you can opt for a more decorative frame that adds a touch of elegance or glamour.

In addition to the frame itself, you may want to consider using a mat or liner to enhance the display. A mat can help to create a border around your invitation, giving it a polished look and adding a layer of protection. You can choose a mat colour that complements your invitation and the overall style of the frame.

Once you have your frame and mat (if desired), assembling your display is a straightforward process. Place your invitation in the frame, ensuring it is centred and secure. If you're using a mat, you may need to adjust the placement of the invitation to ensure it is properly showcased through the mat's opening. Close up the frame, and your display is ready to be hung or placed on a tabletop in your home.

Framing your wedding invitation is a beautiful way to preserve and showcase this special memento. Whether you choose to frame it yourself or opt for a professional framing service, your invitation will become a cherished part of your home décor, reminding you of your happiest day whenever you glance its way.

Send it to a loved one

Sending old wedding invitations to loved ones is a thoughtful gesture, especially for those who couldn't attend the wedding. It lets them know that you were thinking of them on your special day. Here are some ways to send your old wedding invitations to loved ones:

As a Postcard

Sending your wedding invitation as a postcard is a great way to share it with loved ones, especially those who live far away. Simply write a note on the back of the card and send it off. This option is easy and cost-effective, as you don't need to worry about finding an envelope or additional postage costs.

As a Memento

You can send your old wedding invitation to a loved one as a memento of your special day. They can cherish it as a keepsake and display it in their home. If you want to make it even more special, consider adding a personal note or a photo from the wedding.

With a Special Message

Including a special message with the invitation is a wonderful way to show your loved one that you care. You can write a heartfelt note expressing your gratitude or sharing a favourite memory. This adds a personal touch and makes the invitation even more meaningful.

As a Thank You Card

If you're short on time or resources, you can use your old wedding invitation as a thank-you card. Write a quick note of gratitude inside and send it to your loved one. This way, you can express your appreciation and also let them know that you were thinking of them.

Make it into a postcard

One idea for reusing old wedding invitations is to make them into postcards. This is a great way to share your invite with loved ones, especially those who live far away. All you need to do is write a note on the back of the card and send it in the mail.

If you want to get more creative, you can decorate the front of the card with photos, glitter, or illustrations. You can even add stickers, washi tape, or hand lettering to make it more personal. Just make sure that the address will still be clearly visible.

When you're ready to send your postcard, don't forget to add a stamp and drop it in the mail. Postcard stamps are typically a few cents cheaper than letter stamps, but if your postcard is thicker than average, you may need to use a letter stamp instead.

You can also use online tools to design and print your own postcards. Websites like Canva offer a range of templates and design options to choose from, making it easy to create a unique and personalised postcard. Alternatively, you can print your own drawings and photos as postcards using websites like moo.com, vista print, or Zazzle.

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