Diy Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide To Crafting Yours

Designing your own wedding invitations is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. There are many ways to make DIY wedding invitations, from creating your own design from scratch to using a customizable template. You can also add special touches like engagement photos, custom wax seals, or a wash of watercolour. When it comes to printing, you can use your home printer or opt for a professional printing service. Whichever route you choose, DIY wedding invitations are a unique and budget-friendly option that will impress your guests.

Choosing the right paper

Paper Type and Weight

The type and weight of the paper will impact the look and feel of your invitations. Uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice for wedding invitations as it has a high-quality, luxurious appearance and a durable feel. This type of paper is usually affordable and readily available at craft stores or speciality stationery stores. If you want a more textured look and feel, you can opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish.

Printer Compatibility

Not all printers can handle thick paper, so it's important to choose a paper weight that is compatible with your printer. Most standard home printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 lb (pound). However, some printers can handle up to 100 lb. Check your printer's specifications before purchasing paper to ensure it can handle the weight.

Paper Colour and Finish

If you want to incorporate your wedding colours, consider using coloured cardstock or backing your invitations with patterned paper. You can also add a touch of glamour with gold-edged paper or envelopes. Additionally, if you want to recreate a watercolour effect, print your invitations on watercolour paper and give them a light watercolour wash.

Paper Size

The size of the paper will depend on the design of your invitation. The standard invitation size is 5" x 7" (inches), but you may need different sizes for any additional inserts or RSVP cards. When purchasing paper, allow for a buffer in case of mistakes, and consider buying pre-cut cards and envelopes to save time and ensure straight edges.

Sampling and Testing

Before committing to a large quantity of paper, it's a good idea to visit a speciality store and ask to feel the paper to ensure it meets your standards. Take a few samples home to test on your printer, as different papers may produce varying results. This will help you find the perfect paper that works with your design and printer.

Cost Considerations

DIY wedding invitations can be a cost-effective option, but the cost of paper can add up, especially if you require a large quantity. Sample different types of paper to find a balance between quality and cost. Online craft stores and speciality stationery stores often offer a range of options to suit different budgets.

Remember, the paper you choose will set the tone and style of your wedding invitations, so take your time to select the right type that reflects your personality and wedding aesthetic.

Selecting a printer

Type of Printer

You can use a regular inkjet printer, which uses liquid ink to deposit ink onto paper. Alternatively, a laser printer that uses toner powder and heat to set the ink into the paper is also an option. Laser printers are great for printing on metallic cardstock and simpler designs, and they are usually faster than inkjet printers.

Printer Capabilities

Before finalising your invitation design, ensure that your printer can handle the weight and size of the paper you intend to use. Most standard printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds, but it's important to check your printer's specifications. If you plan to use thicker paper, consider a local printing service.

Print Quality

The quality of your invitations heavily depends on the printer's resolution. Aim for a template resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure a crisp and clear print. Additionally, be mindful that colours may appear slightly darker on the printed invitations than on your digital design.

Cost of Ink

Ink can be expensive, so consider the cost of ink when selecting a printer. If you plan to print a large number of invitations, look for deals on bulk ink packs from retailers like Amazon, Sam's Club, or Costco. Buying ink in bulk can help you save money and ensure you have enough ink for the entire printing process.

Printing Services

If you don't have access to a printer or prefer the convenience of professional printing, consider using online printing services like Vistaprint, FedEx, or local print shops like Staples. These services allow you to upload your designs and select the desired paper type and quantity. They may also offer additional services such as paper cutting and envelope printing.

Paper Compatibility

Different printers have specific paper requirements, so it's essential to choose a printer that is compatible with your selected paper type. Some printers may work better with certain brands or types of paper, ensuring smoother printing and higher-quality results. Check reviews or consult with the printer manufacturer to determine the best paper options.

User-Friendliness

Consider the ease of use and functionality of the printer. Choose a printer with a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls to make the printing process more efficient and less frustrating. This is especially important if you're working with a tight timeline.

Reviews and Recommendations

Research reviews and seek recommendations from other DIY couples or online forums to find reliable printers for wedding invitations. Look for printers that consistently deliver high-quality results and have positive feedback from users. Reading reviews can provide insights into the printer's performance, durability, and any potential issues.

Designing the invites

Choose the Right Tools

Before you begin designing, it's important to select the appropriate software or online tools to create your invitations. Adobe applications such as Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign are recommended for professional-level designs. However, beginner-friendly options like Canva and Microsoft Word can also be used. These tools allow you to design your invitations and any additional inserts, such as details cards, directions, and reception information.

Select a Template

If designing from scratch seems daunting, you can opt to purchase a template. Etsy, Creative Market, and even stock photography websites offer a variety of templates, usually ranging from $5 to $20. When choosing a template, consider selecting one with just 2-3 colours to minimise printing costs. You can also add colour to your invitations by using coloured cardstock or backing them with patterned paper.

Determine the Design and Wording

Consider your wedding aesthetic and plan your design accordingly. Decide on the overall look and feel of your invites, such as modern and minimalist or bold and colourful. You can also include illustrations, colours, fonts, and decorative elements. Once you have a vision, sketch out your ideas or look for inspiration on platforms like Pinterest.

The wording you use is just as important as the design. Select a tone that reflects your wedding aesthetic and your personality. For example, if you're having a black-tie affair, consider using a formal tone. Don't forget to include essential information such as your names, the date, time, and place of the wedding, RSVP details, and any other relevant details.

Customise and Personalise

This is where you can really make your invitations stand out and reflect your unique style. Here are some ideas to customise and personalise your wedding invites:

• Add a personalised stamp – You can use custom rubber stamps to make your invitations or add a return address to the envelopes.
• Ribbon or twine – Tie your invitation with a ribbon or twine, adding a tag for an extra special touch. This also helps keep all the elements together inside the envelope.
• Creative edging – Use punches or stamp cutters to create fancy corners or edges on your invitations.
• Calligraphy – Address your invitations with beautiful calligraphy. You can find many calligraphy tutorials and classes online.
• Watercolour wash – Print your invitations on watercolour paper and give them a watercolour wash for an artistic effect.
• Gold edging – Add a touch of glam to your invitations or envelopes with a golden edge.
• Envelope liner – Surprise your guests with a pretty liner hidden inside the envelope. You can find DIY tutorials online to create your own.
• Embossing – Use a personalised embosser to add a subtle and elegant touch to your envelopes.
• Wax seal – Add a touch of olde worlde luxe with a wax seal on the envelope.

Proofread and Print

Before printing, thoroughly review the design and proofread the wording. Have someone else read through it as well to catch any errors or mistakes. Then, save your file as a PDF, which will print with higher quality than a JPEG. Finally, it's time to print your invitations! You can use your home printer or consider using a professional printing service for better quality.

Remember, designing your own wedding invitations is a creative and fun process. Take your time, be patient, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed. Happy crafting!

Printing the invites

Now that you've designed your invites, it's time to print them. You can use a regular printer to print your DIY wedding invitations, but make sure it can handle the weight and size of your paper—most standard printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds. If you don't have a printer at home, you can send your file to a larger printer at a store like Costco or Office Depot, or a local printing shop.

• Run a few tests: Before printing your final invitations, it's a good idea to run a few tests to ensure that the colours and text look as you intended. Most home printers display images that are a shade or two darker than your digital design, so you may need to adjust the settings until you're happy with the colour balance.
• Choose the right paper: The type of paper you choose will impact the look and feel of your invitations. Uncoated cardstock with a high-quality, luxurious look and durable feel is the most popular choice. For a more textured look, you can opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish.
• Cut your invitations: Once you've printed your invitations, you'll need to cut them down to the right size. The standard size for invitations is 5 inches by 7 inches, but you can also create smaller inserts for additional information. A paper cutter or craft knife with a metal ruler will help you achieve straight edges and precise cuts.
• Proofread and save your file: Before printing, it's crucial to proofread your design and have someone else review it as well to catch any errors. Then, save your file as a PDF, which will print with higher quality than a JPEG. A template resolution quality of at least 300 DPI will create a crisp result.
• Buy ink in bulk: Printing on the "photograph" or "high" setting will give you the best quality, but it can be expensive. Consider buying ink in bulk from stores like Sam's Club, Costco, or Amazon to save money.
• Plan ahead: It's a good idea to buy a little extra ink and paper in case of mistakes or last-minute changes. You don't want to run out of supplies halfway through your project!

By following these steps and allowing enough time for the process, you'll be able to create beautiful and unique DIY wedding invitations that fit your budget and style.

Assembling the invites

Now that you've designed your invites, it's time to assemble them! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Place Inserts Inside Envelopes

Firstly, take your corresponding envelopes for your inserts and place them inside. This includes any details and directions cards, reception information, and registry cards. Ensure that all the necessary information is included and that everything is spelled correctly.

Seal the Envelopes

Use glue dots or double-sided tape to seal the envelopes closed. Avoid using traditional glue, as it can be messy and take a long time to dry.

Add Adornments

This is where you can get creative! Tie a ribbon around the cards, apply a wax seal, or add any other embellishments that suit your wedding aesthetic. For a rustic look, consider using twine and custom kraft paper tags. If you want to elevate your invitations, you can also add envelope liners.

Weigh and Stamp Your Invites

Before mailing your invites, take one fully assembled invitation suite to the post office to have it weighed. This will ensure you apply the correct postage, as the weight and number of invites can affect the postage cost. While you're at the post office, purchase the exact number of stamps needed and apply them to your envelopes.

Address the Envelopes

You can address the envelopes by hand for a personal touch, or use printed labels. Consider using calligraphy for a more elegant and sophisticated look.

Mail Your Invites

Finally, return to the post office to mail your DIY wedding invitations. It is recommended to send your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

Congratulations on taking on this DIY project! Your invitations will surely wow your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Frequently asked questions