Original Art For Wedding Invites: A Creative Guide

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your personality and creativity, and one way to do this is by incorporating original art. From ancient papyrus scrolls to modern e-vites, couples are finding unique ways to announce their special day. Original art can include photographs, illustrations, watercolour designs, or even family portraits. You can create the artwork yourself, commission an artist, or purchase copyright-free art for personal use. The key is to choose something that reflects your style and adds a heartfelt touch to your invitations.

Using photographs

Choosing the Right Photo

The first step is to select a photo that captures the essence of the couple and reflects the style and tone of the wedding. Consider the overall aesthetic of the wedding and choose a photo that aligns with the theme. For a formal wedding, a classic portrait of the couple in formal attire would be a good choice. For a more casual or relaxed wedding, a candid shot might be better. Other options include engagement photos, landscape shots, silhouette shots, black-and-white photos, vintage-style photos, or collages of multiple photos.

Layout and Design

When using photographs in your wedding invitations, consider how the image will work with the text and other design elements. Leave enough space in the image for text to be added legibly and comfortably. You can also get creative with the layout by using cut-out shapes, overlays, Polaroid-style borders, filmstrips, or collages to showcase the photo.

DIY or Hire a Professional

If you're comfortable with photography, you can take the photos yourself. Consider learning some basic photography portraiture techniques or taking a course specifically for iPhone photography. Alternatively, you can hire a professional photographer to capture engagement-style photos that can be used in your invitation design. Many photographers offer packages that include pre-wedding shoots.

Printing and Paper Choices

When it comes to printing your photo invitations, choose a high-quality printing service that offers competitive pricing and transparent costs. Basic Invite, for example, provides a user-friendly online design tool and allows for extensive customisation. They also offer various paper types and finishes, such as matte, glossy, and shimmer, so you can create a unique look and feel for your invitations.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Photos

In addition to including photos directly on the invitation, you can also use them in creative ways, such as using the photo as an envelope liner, adding a unique touch before the invitation is even opened. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes for your invitations, such as clear invitations or stacked invitation suites.

Illustrations

If you're not confident in your artistic abilities, there are other ways to incorporate illustrations. You can commission a professional artist or illustrator to create a custom design for you, or you can purchase and download copyright-free artwork from websites like Dover Pictura and Piddix. These sites offer a range of illustrations, including vintage artwork, stamps, drawings, and photographs that can be used for a small fee.

When choosing an illustration for your wedding invitations, consider the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. For example, if your wedding has a floral theme, you can feature floral illustrations on your invitations. You can also add a personal touch by including custom crests, monogrammed illustrations, or even a cartoon characterization of the happy couple.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your illustrations. Unique shapes, abstract cut-outs, and playful font colours can all enhance the visual appeal of your invitations. You can also experiment with different materials, such as acrylic, vellum, or leather, to add a touch of luxury or elegance.

Remember to pay attention to the resolution and size of your illustrations. For high-quality printing, your artwork should be in high resolution (300 pixels per inch or more). Additionally, ensure that the image is large enough for your desired print size; otherwise, it may appear grainy or blurry.

With careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can use illustrations to make your wedding invitations true works of art that your guests will adore.

Copyright and intellectual property

When creating wedding invitations with original artwork, it's important to consider copyright and intellectual property rights. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Understanding Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights

Copyright is a form of intellectual property right that gives the creator of an original work exclusive rights for a certain period. This includes the right to reproduce, sell, distribute, and display the work. Intellectual property rights are like an invisible force field that protects creative works such as ideas, inventions, designs, and art. It's important to understand these rights to safeguard your artwork from being used without permission.

Automatic Copyright Protection

In the United States, your artwork is automatically protected by copyright law once it is created and fixed in a tangible form, such as paper or canvas. You don't necessarily have to register your copyright to receive basic protection. However, registration provides additional benefits and is required if you want to take legal action against infringers.

Registering Your Copyright

To register your copyright, you can apply through the U.S. Copyright Office's website. Visit their website, fill out the application form for visual arts, pay the filing fee, and submit a copy of your work. Registration establishes a record of your copyright ownership and enables you to sue for damages in case of infringement.

Using Copyright-Free Art

If you're looking for artwork to include in your wedding invitations, consider using copyright-free art or art licensed under Creative Commons. Sources like Dover Pictura, Piddix, and Creative Market offer artwork that can be used for personal projects. Just be sure to check the licensing restrictions and ensure the artwork is high-resolution for printing purposes.

Creating Your Own Artwork

If you're creating your own artwork for your wedding invitations, you have full control over the copyright. Remember that you automatically hold the copyright as soon as the artwork is created and fixed in a tangible form. However, if you plan to use photographs as a reference for your artwork, make sure to get permission from the photographer, as they hold the copyright for their images.

Hiring an Artist

If you commission an artist to create artwork for your wedding invitations, keep in mind that you will own the physical artwork but not the copyright unless the artist specifically transfers the copyright to you. Discuss copyright ownership and usage rights with the artist to ensure you have the necessary permissions for using the artwork on your invitations.

Custom watercolour designs

If you're looking for a more personalised touch, consider a custom watercolour map of your wedding location or a whimsical watercolour crest. These additions will undoubtedly impress your guests and build excitement for your big day.

For those who appreciate the handmade touch, there are artists who create bespoke watercolour invitations. These artists work closely with you to bring your vision to life, ensuring that your invitations are one-of-a-kind and perfectly tailored to your wedding.

When it comes to custom watercolour designs, the possibilities are endless. You can opt for a classic suite with subtle hints of artistry or go bold with statement pieces overflowing with imagery. The key is to find a style that reflects your unique personality and sets the tone for your special day.

If time is of the essence, you can also explore pre-made custom wedding invitations offered by some artists. These options still allow for personalisation while saving you time in the design process.

Layout and design

The layout and design of your wedding invitations are crucial to achieving the look and feel you desire. Here are some tips to help you create elegant and personalised layouts:

• Choose a suitable size: Standard wedding invitations are typically 5 x 7 inches, which is perfect for mailing with a standard postage stamp. However, you can opt for a different size if you prefer a more unique shape.
• Select your orientation: Decide whether you want a portrait (tall) or landscape (wide) orientation for your invitations. This choice will impact the overall layout and design of your invitation suite.
• Consider the text placement: Think about how you want to arrange the text on the invitation. You can create separate text boxes for each line or name to make it easier to move elements around. Play around with different font sizes and styles to create a hierarchy of information, ensuring important details stand out.
• Incorporate design elements: Add clipart, photos, illustrations, or other design elements to enhance the visual appeal of your invitations. You can use platforms like Canva, which offer a wide variety of customisable elements, or create your own artwork.
• Play with colours: Experiment with different colours for your text and graphics to create a cohesive colour palette that reflects your wedding theme. You can also add effects, such as opacity adjustments, to make certain elements stand out or create a subtle background.
• Add a personal touch: Include personal details, such as a small timeline of your relationship, important dates, or fun facts about the couple. This will make your guests feel more connected to your love story.
• Pay attention to font choice: Choose fonts that complement your artwork and overall design. If you're using a platform like Canva, upgrading to the Pro version will give you access to a wider range of fonts.
• Be mindful of spacing: Ensure that your invitation doesn't look cluttered by leaving adequate space between design elements and text. This will make your invitation easier to read and give it a more elegant appearance.
• Consider printing options: If you plan to print your invitations yourself, avoid full-bleed background colours to save on ink. Alternatively, consider using a professional printing service for a more polished look.

Remember, the layout and design of your wedding invitations should reflect your personal style and the theme of your wedding. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas and get creative!

Frequently asked questions