Watercolor Techniques For Painting Wedding Invitations

Watercolor wedding invitations are a unique and artistic way to invite guests to your wedding. There are many ways to incorporate watercolor into your invitations, such as painting a watercolor of your wedding venue or using a watercolor map as the invitation design. If you're looking for a more DIY approach, you can paint your own watercolor design and scan it to be printed on heavy cardstock. Alternatively, you can find a variety of customizable watercolor wedding invitation templates on Etsy, or hire a professional service like Momental Designs to create a completely custom design.

Customising your design

Customising your wedding invitations is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. There are many ways to do this, from creating your own artwork to working with a professional designer. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Start with a vision: Before you begin designing, take some time to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. Are you going for a classic, elegant look or something more bold and artistic? Do you have a specific colour palette in mind? Having a clear vision will help guide your design choices.

Incorporate meaningful elements: Think about incorporating meaningful elements into your design. For example, if you're getting married at your fiancé's family farm, you could paint a watercolour backdrop of the venue or include watercolour paintings by your late grandmother. These personal touches will make your invitations even more special.

Choose the right paper: The type of paper you choose can also impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. If you're going for a hand-painted look, consider using thick paper or cardstock with a textured finish, such as linen or watercolour paper. Ordering paper samples can help you find the perfect weight and texture for your invitations.

Digitise your artwork: If you're creating your own watercolour artwork, you'll need to digitise it before sending it to a printer. You can do this by scanning your painting or using a digital painting program. This will give you more flexibility when it comes to printing and allow you to make edits or add text to your design.

Work with a professional: If you want a truly unique design, consider working with a professional designer or artist. They can help bring your vision to life and create custom invitations that reflect your style. Many companies offer custom watercolour invitations, and you can also find freelance designers on platforms like Etsy.

Add embellishments: To make your invitations even more special, consider adding embellishments like foil stamping, ribbon, or custom monograms. These extra touches can elevate your design and create a luxurious feel.

Choosing the right paper

Firstly, it is important to consider the weight and thickness of the paper. Thick paper, such as heavy cardstock, is often preferred for wedding invitations as it adds a sense of luxury and elegance. This weight can also help to achieve a hand-painted look, especially if you choose a textured paper with a "toothy" feel similar to watercolour paper. Ordering samples of different papers will allow you to compare weights and textures, helping you decide on the right option for your invitations.

Another aspect to consider is the colour and finish of the paper. White or cream-coloured paper is commonly used for wedding invitations, but you can also explore coloured papers to complement your watercolour design. Additionally, think about whether you want a matte or glossy finish. A matte finish can give your invitations a more subtle and elegant appearance, while a glossy finish may enhance the colours of your watercolour artwork.

The absorbency of the paper is also an important factor. Watercolour paintings typically require paper with some absorbency to allow the paint to blend and create soft edges. However, if you plan to print your watercolour design, ensure that the paper is compatible with your printer to avoid smudging or bleeding.

Finally, if you're looking for a luxurious and unique option, consider speciality papers such as deckled-edge paper. This type of paper has a hand-torn edge that adds a distinctive touch to your invitations. However, keep in mind that speciality papers may come with a higher price tag and may require careful handling during the printing and assembly process.

Remember to take your time when choosing the right paper for your watercolour wedding invitations. Consider ordering samples, creating test prints, and comparing prices to ensure that you select the best option that fits your vision and budget.

Printing options

If you're looking to create watercolour wedding invitations, there are several printing options available to you. Here are some suggestions:

• Local printers: Local printers can offer a range of paper types and weights to suit your needs. They may also be able to advise on the best way to achieve the hand-painted look you desire. One user on Reddit recommended using a local printer for their watercolour invitations, although they noted that it definitely looked computer-printed.
• Online printers: Online printing services, such as CatPrint, can provide a variety of paper options, including textured or linen-look paper and heavy cardstock. CatPrint also offers free samples of their papers, so you can decide on the look and weight you prefer.
• Etsy: Etsy offers a wide range of watercolour wedding invitation options, including customisable templates and handmade invitations. Some sellers on Etsy may also offer printing services, allowing you to upload your own artwork and add text to create your invitations.
• Specialty stationery designers: Companies like Momental Designs and Cartalia offer custom, hand-painted stationery for weddings. They work closely with clients to bring their visions to life and can create unique, artistic invitations.

When choosing a printing option, consider your budget, the desired level of customisation, and whether you want a more DIY approach or a fully customised service.

Adding text and embellishments

Once you're happy with your watercolour design, it's time to add the text and any other embellishments.

If you're going for a hand-painted look, you can use your own paint to add the text and details directly onto the design. Alternatively, you can scan your watercolour image and upload it to a program such as Illustrator or Inkscape. These programs allow you to digitally add text and embellishments to your design.

If you're looking for a letterpress effect, you may need to find a specialised printer. Some local printers may not offer this service, so it's worth checking with them first. Websites such as Etsy offer a range of watercolour wedding invitation designs, and you can also add your own custom image to them.

When it comes to printing, you can choose from a variety of paper types to achieve your desired look and weight. For a "toothy" look similar to watercolour paper, consider using heavy card stock-felt. Linen paper is another option for a textured appearance, while extra-heavy cardstock will provide a thicker feel.

Finally, don't forget to proofread your invitations before printing! This will ensure that all the details are correct and that your invitations look exactly how you want them to.

Cost and budget

The cost of watercolour wedding invitations varies depending on the seller and the customisations you choose. Basic Invite, for example, offers watercolour wedding invitations starting at $0.72 per invitation during a sale. Etsy also offers a wide range of watercolour wedding invitation options, with prices ranging from $2.18 to $17.11 per invitation. Some Etsy sellers even provide discounts, such as 50% off or buy one get one free deals.

When considering your budget for watercolour wedding invitations, it's important to factor in any additional costs that may be incurred. For instance, some sellers offer custom designs, personalised venue illustrations, or other add-ons that may increase the overall price. It's also worth noting that the cost of envelopes and postage should be included in your budget.

To save money on your watercolour wedding invitations, you could consider shopping around for the best deals, comparing prices between different sellers, and looking for any available discounts or promotions. Additionally, some sellers offer customisation options that allow you to create your own invitations, which can be a more affordable option.

When planning your budget, it's advisable to allocate a certain amount for unforeseen expenses. This will ensure that you have some flexibility in case the cost of your watercolour wedding invitations exceeds your initial estimates. By carefully considering your budget and exploring the various options available, you can find beautiful watercolour wedding invitations that fit within your financial plan.

Frequently asked questions