Designing Your Wedding Invitation Card: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but they don't have to be. You can make your own DIY wedding invitations using templates, or you can opt for a more affordable option. When creating your own invitations, you can personalise your invites to reflect the theme of your wedding, whether that be rustic, modern, or minimalist. You can also include photos of you and your partner, and choose from a range of paper types, colours, and styling options. If you're not the creative type, there are plenty of elegant and affordable wedding invitation options available, with some even including free RSVP cards. The most important thing is that you love your wedding invitation and that it sets the right tone for your big day.

Choosing a theme for your wedding invitation

• Consider your wedding style: The invitation theme should complement the overall style and aesthetic of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might want to incorporate wooden patterns, burlap, or barn accents into your invitation design.
• Reflect your personality: Your wedding invitation is a chance to showcase your personality as a couple. If you're eclectic and quirky, you might want to go for a whimsical or alternative theme. If you're more traditional, a classic or formal invitation style might be more your speed.
• Think about the season: The time of year can influence your invitation theme. For instance, you could use floral elements for a spring wedding or opt for a winter-themed design with snowflakes and cool colour palettes.
• Venue inspiration: Take cues from your wedding venue. Getting married on a beach? Go for a nautical theme with rope, sailcloth, and seashell motifs. Tying the knot in a garden? Incorporate floral designs and nature-inspired elements.
• Colour schemes: Choose a colour palette that complements your wedding theme. For instance, a rustic wedding might feature neutral and soft tones, while a glamorous wedding could be all about gold, silver, and luxurious textures.
• Add personal touches: Make your invitation unique by adding personal touches. This could include uploading photos of you and your partner, using a custom font, or incorporating a motif or illustration that holds special meaning for you.
• DIY or professional: Decide whether you want to design your invitations yourself or use a professional service. There are many online resources offering customisable templates, or you can work with a graphic designer to bring your vision to life.

Remember, your wedding invitation is one of the first impressions your guests will have of your special day, so choose a theme that excites you and sets the right tone for the celebration to come!

DIY wedding invitations

Planning and Design

Before you start making your wedding invitations, it's important to plan and design what they will look like. This includes deciding on the shape and dimensions, theme, font, imagery, and colour scheme. You should also consider whether you want to include any personal touches, such as a photo of yourselves, or details about your relationship.

Materials

The materials you will need include:

• Base paper/cardstock
• Envelopes
• Printer
• Ink
• Adhesives
• Embellishments (optional)

Sourcing Materials

When sourcing materials, it's important to consider the weight and thickness of the paper, as well as the size of the envelopes. You will also need to ensure that you have enough materials, including a little extra in case of mistakes.

Creating the Design

You can create your design using a digital application such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. For a beginner-friendly option, you can use Canva or Microsoft Word. There are also many online companies that offer affordable templates, such as Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle.

Printing and Assembly

Once you have created your design and purchased your materials, you can start printing your invitations. It's recommended to run a few tests first, as the colours may print differently from what you see on your screen. After printing, you will need to cut your invitations down to size and assemble all the elements, including any inserts and embellishments.

Postage

Before sending your invitations, visit your local post office to determine the correct postage, which will depend on the weight and size of your invitations. You may also want to consider hand-cancelling your envelopes to avoid potential damage during delivery.

Timing

It's recommended to send your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding. However, if you are sending save-the-date cards, these should be sent eight to twelve months in advance for destination weddings, and four months in advance for local weddings.

How to save money on wedding invitations

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are many ways to save money without compromising on style. Here are some tips to help you create beautiful invitations on a budget:

Limit decorative elements

Choose one or two "must-have" decorative elements for your invitations. Simple touches can be elegant and stylish without breaking the bank. Avoid costly add-ons such as wax seals, which also increase the weight of the invitation and therefore the shipping price. Opt for lightweight decorations such as foil pressing or calligraphy instead.

Use a simple envelope

The envelope is likely to be thrown away by your guests, so this is an area where you can cut back on decorative elements. Choose a simple, elegant envelope without extra details. This will save you money that can be allocated to other areas of your wedding.

Avoid expensive paper

Paper type can significantly impact the cost of your invitations. Cotton or linen paper is usually pricier. Opt for cheaper options such as cardstock or a cotton blend.

Reduce the number of invitation layers

Instead of including multiple enclosure cards with details about the wedding, provide a link to a wedding website where guests can find all the information they need. This will save on printing and shipping costs.

Go digital

Digital invitations are a cost-effective and convenient option. They save money and are environmentally friendly. You can also use your wedding website to communicate with guests, making it easy to share information and track RSVPs.

Proofread carefully

Proofread your invitations multiple times to avoid costly mistakes. Getting your fiancé, family, or friends to proofread is also a good idea. Mistakes can result in having to reorder all your invitations, doubling the cost.

Other tips:

• Opt for digital or offset printing, which is cheaper than letterpress or engraving.
• Avoid upgrades such as custom ink colours, hand-painted details, and envelope liners.
• Use a free wedding website to share information and direct guests instead of including extra cards with your invitations.
• Order extra invitations upfront to avoid paying more for additional orders later.
• Use plain, standard-size envelopes.
• Take advantage of sales and discounts.
• Prioritize what matters most to you and allocate your budget accordingly.

With careful planning and these money-saving tips, you can create beautiful wedding invitations without spending a fortune.

Wedding invitation wording

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the rules of etiquette are not too complicated. The most important rule is that you create a beautiful invitation that represents you, your love, and the big day to come, while also communicating the vital details of the wedding. Here is a breakdown of what to include:

Host Line

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and their names come first. However, listing the names of both sets of parents is acceptable and gracious. If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can opt for something like "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families".

Request Line

This is where you extend the invitation to attend your wedding and can be used to set the tone. Here are some examples:

• "Request the honour of your presence" (traditionally used to denote a religious service)
• "Request the pleasure of your company" (used to denote a non-religious ceremony)
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

Action Line

Here, you outline what you are inviting people to share in. Some options include:

• "At the marriage of their daughter" (if the bride's parents are hosting)
• "At the marriage of their children" (if both sets of parents are hosting)
• "At the celebration of their union" (if the couple is hosting)
• "As they say 'I do'!"
• "In celebration of their marriage"

Couple Line

Whose name goes first? For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first. For same-sex couples, you can list the names in alphabetical order or based on what looks best with the design. For a less formal feel, you may opt for first names only.

Date and Time

The date and time should be spelled out in full. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon". The day of the week and the month should be capitalised, and the year should be lowercase.

Venue

List the venue name and city, state in full. The venue's street address is traditionally not included unless the venue is a private residence.

Reception Information

If the reception is at the same location, you can simply say "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is elsewhere, list the venue on a separate line or on a separate insert card. Include the time if the reception is not immediately after the ceremony.

Dress Code

Including the dress code is optional, but it can be helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, it must be included on the invitation. If no dress code is included, guests will infer it from the formality of the invitation.

RSVP Card

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You can also have people RSVP via your wedding website, including the website address on a separate card.

Choosing the right paper for your wedding invitation

Type of Paper

The type of paper you choose for your wedding invitation will set the tone and style for your wedding. Here are some popular options:

• Card and Cover Stock: This is the most common type of paper used for wedding invitations. It is thick, heavy paper that gives a luxurious and elegant feel. The weight can vary, with 80# to 120# being suitable for most home printers. Cover stock can come in a variety of finishes, such as satin, silk, or glossy.
• Cotton Fiber: Cotton paper is a premium option known for its soft feel and durability. It absorbs ink well, resulting in rich and vibrant colours. This type of paper is ideal for printing techniques like letterpress.
• Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper: These options offer a rustic and on-trend look, perfect for outdoor or vintage-themed weddings.
• Vellum: Vellum is a translucent paper that adds a delicate and elegant touch to your invitations. It can be used as an overlay or accent, providing depth and interest to your invitation suite.
• Glassine and Clear Vellum: These non-opaque papers create a sense of negative space and are often used in layered invitations. They can be used for belly bands, envelope liners, or even as the primary invitation paper.

Weight and Thickness

When choosing the weight and thickness of your paper, consider the printing method and your desired look. Here are some guidelines:

• 80-90#: This weight is ideal for most home printers and will give your invitations a thin and lightweight feel.
• 100#: This weight can work with some home printers and will give your invitations a slightly heavier and more professional appearance.
• 110-130#: This weight range is the heaviest you can typically print yourself and will require industrial printers. It will give your invitations a substantial and luxurious feel.
• 150# and above: Paper weights above 150# are considered heavyweight and are best suited for professional printers, embossers, or letterpress printing.

Printing Considerations

The printing method you choose will also impact the type of paper you select. Here are some common printing techniques and their paper recommendations:

• Flat Printing: This budget-friendly option works well with most paper types, including card and cover stock, cotton fiber, and kraft paper.
• Thermography: This technique creates a raised text effect and works best with heavier card stock or cover stock.
• Engraving and Embossing: These high-end techniques require custom metal plates and work well with card stock or cover stock.
• Foil Stamping: Foil stamping requires heat-resistant paper and can be combined with other printing techniques for a glamorous effect.
• Letterpress: Letterpress printing uses a soft, romantic style that pairs well with premium cotton paper.

Remember, when choosing the right paper for your wedding invitation, consider your budget, the desired look and feel, and the printing method. With a little trial and error, you can find the perfect paper to set the tone for your special day!

Frequently asked questions