Creative Ways To Reuse Leftover Wedding Invitations

Wedding planning can be a tricky business, and it's not uncommon to end up with extra invitations. Throwing them away is a waste, so what can you do with them? You could keep them as a memento, perhaps framing the invitation or including it in a scrapbook or photo album. You could also get creative and turn them into artwork, coasters, bookmarks, or even a jigsaw puzzle. If you're not feeling sentimental, you could sell or donate them, or pass them on to another couple getting married.

Frame it

Framing your wedding invitation is a great way to display it in your home and it can be done in a few simple steps. First, you need to choose a frame that fits your invite. You can opt for a simple design or a more decorative frame, depending on the style of your invitation. If you want to get creative, you could frame your invite with other mementos from your wedding, such as your wedding program, a few photos, or even a petal from your bouquet.

The key to a perfectly framed wedding invitation is float mounting. This means securing the invitation to a piece of foam core that lifts it slightly above the mat, displaying all the edges and creating dynamic shadows. If you have a classic wedding invitation with delicate script, creamy paper, and a light color palette, a traditional frame that's deep enough to allow for float mounting is a good option. For example, a warm, antiqued champagne silver tone frame or an antique gold frame would complement an invitation with cool tones and intricate features.

For modern wedding invitations, you can be more creative with your framing options. You can choose stronger frame options, such as a black oiled-steel frame with small rivets, for an industrial and distressed look. If you prefer a simpler style, a sleek black or white frame will also work well.

If your invitation is colorful and complex, a clean-cut poster frame in black or white will balance the invite and the frame for a polished final piece.

For elegant invitations, a light, unfinished ash frame in a slim profile can highlight the beautiful details. Depending on the colors in your invitation, a walnut or cherry hardwood frame can also be a great choice.

Create a scrapbook

Creating a scrapbook is a wonderful way to preserve your wedding memories and can be a cherished keepsake for years to come. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose a Theme

Decide on a theme for your scrapbook to help guide your design choices and create a cohesive look. This could be as simple as choosing a colour scheme that complements your wedding invitations, or you could opt for a more specific theme, such as "vintage romance" or "rustic charm".

Gather Your Materials

In addition to your excess wedding invitations, you'll need a few other supplies to create your scrapbook. Here's a basic list:

• Scrapbook album: Choose an album that fits the size of your invitations and allows room for other mementos and decorations.
• Adhesives: Select a good quality adhesive that will securely attach your items to the pages without causing damage.
• Embellishments: Ribbons, lace, stickers, stamps, and other decorative items can add a special touch to your scrapbook pages.
• Paper: You may want to include additional paper for journaling, creating backgrounds, or adding extra embellishments.

Plan Your Layout

Before you start adhering items to your scrapbook pages, take some time to plan your layout. Play around with different arrangements of your invitations and other mementos to find visually appealing compositions. You can also sketch out your ideas on paper before committing to the design.

Include Special Details

Your wedding invitations can be the focal point of your scrapbook pages, but don't be afraid to include other special details from your big day. Here are some ideas:

• Photos: Add some of your favourite wedding photos to your scrapbook. You can use a variety of sizes and shapes to create interest.
• Dried flowers: Pressed or dried flowers from your bouquet or wedding decor can add a romantic touch to your pages.
• Memorabilia: Include other memorabilia such as your wedding program, place cards, or even a piece of your wedding dress fabric.

Journal Your Memories

Don't forget to include some journaling in your scrapbook to document your thoughts and memories from your wedding day. You can write directly on the scrapbook pages or include separate journaling cards. Reflect on your favourite moments, the people who shared your day, and any funny or heartfelt stories that occurred.

Creating a scrapbook with your excess wedding invitations is a wonderful way to relive your special day and create a cherished keepsake that you can enjoy for years to come.

Make art

If you're feeling creative, there are endless ways to turn your excess wedding invitations into works of art. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Canvas Painting

Turn your invitation into a beautiful canvas painting that you can hang in your home as a daily reminder of your special day. You can get as creative as you like with this project, adding paint, drawings, or other decorative elements to the invitation to make it truly unique.

Calligraphy

If you have a knack for calligraphy or hand-lettering, why not use your invitation as a practice canvas? Experiment with different inks, pens, and lettering styles to create a stunning piece of art that showcases the beauty of your invitation's wording.

Collage

Create a collage using your wedding invitations and other wedding paper goods, such as programs, menus, and place cards. Cut and arrange the pieces in a visually appealing way, and mount them on a piece of poster board or canvas. This art piece will not only be a beautiful reminder of your wedding but also a unique way to showcase your creativity.

Wedding Invitation-Themed Jigsaw Puzzle

Get crafty and turn your invitation into a fun jigsaw puzzle! This project may require some extra materials and time, but the result will be a unique and interactive keepsake. You can even frame the finished puzzle as wall art or store it in a decorative box for safekeeping.

Mixed Media Art

Combine your wedding invitation with other art forms or materials to create a mixed media artwork. For example, you could mount your invitation on a canvas and add paint, fabric, or three-dimensional elements to create a textured and visually interesting piece.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating art with your excess wedding invitations, so feel free to get creative and make something truly personal and meaningful.

Donate to charity

If you have excess wedding invitations and would like to donate them to charity, there are a few ways to go about it. One option is to create a charity wedding registry, where you can ask your guests to donate to a specific organisation rather than giving physical gifts. This option is perfect for couples who already have all the standard newlywed items and want to give back to their community. You can use websites like The Good Beginning, Joy, or Zola to set up a donation fund that will go directly to the charitable organisation of your choice. These websites allow you to embed a link requesting donations for a variety of charities onto your wedding website.

Another way to donate your wedding invitations is by turning them into artwork or crafts that can be sold or auctioned off for charity. For example, you could turn your invitation into a canvas painting, a piece of calligraphy, or even a jigsaw puzzle. You can then donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice.

Additionally, you can send your extra wedding invitations to loved ones who were unable to attend your wedding. This thoughtful gesture will let them know you were thinking of them on your special day. They may also be willing to make a donation to a charity in lieu of a wedding gift.

Finally, you can use your wedding invitations as thank-you cards to send to your guests after the wedding. This way, you can express your gratitude while also spreading awareness about a charity or cause that is important to you. You can include a note with your invitation, explaining that you are passionate about a particular cause and would appreciate any donations they can give.

Use for another occasion

If you have excess wedding invitations, you can repurpose them for other celebrations, such as a bridal shower or an anniversary party. You can customise the wording and design to fit the occasion and save money on buying separate invitations.

You can also use your invitations as thank you cards. You can use part of the design or personalise them with a different message. This can save you time and money, and your guests will appreciate the thoughtful gesture.

If you have a lot of extra invitations, you can use them as seating charts at your wedding or other events. You can also use them as table numbers, signs at the bar/guest book/favour table, etc.

Another idea is to donate your extra invitations to a school classroom, especially if they are made of heavier cardstock. Schools can use them for crafts or other educational purposes.

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