Keepsake Conundrum: Old Wedding Invites And Other Sentimental Items

Wedding invites are often cherished keepsakes that people want to preserve and display. There are several ways to do this, such as framing the invitation, turning it into a decoupage plate, or creating an eco-friendly display by mounting it on wood. You can also save it as a memento by creating a sterling silver or pewter tray or a glass keepsake box. For a festive touch, you can even turn your invitation into a Christmas ornament. These options allow you to preserve and showcase your wedding invitation in a way that suits your style and preferences.

Displaying the invite in a frame

Framing your wedding invite is a great way to display it in your home and it's a relatively simple project. You can choose to do it yourself or hire a professional to frame your invitation. If you want to get creative, you could even frame your invite with other mementos from your big day, such as your wedding program, a petal from your bouquet, or a few photos.

When selecting a frame, consider choosing one that matches your home decor. You can hang it in your bedroom or a common area as a conversation starter. If you want a more permanent display, consider hanging the framed invite on the wall. You could frame it or just use some clear tape.

If you're feeling crafty, you could also create a clear hanging float frame. This involves including little snippets of pressed greenery, fabric, and the stamps you sent with your invites. This is a fun way to give your invitations a little more life in your home.

Another option is to create a shadow box. This allows you to include other wedding day details along with the invitation, such as dried flowers from the wedding bouquet, the garter, and the cork from the champagne bottle you drank as newlyweds.

Creating a shadow box with the invite

A wedding keepsake box is a great way to collect and cherish the memories of your special day. You can include your wedding invites, cards, photographs, dried flowers, and other items that hold sentimental value. Here's a guide on creating a shadow box with your wedding invite:

Step 1: Choose a Shadow Box

Select a shadow box that fits the size of your wedding invite and has enough depth to accommodate any additional items you want to display. You can find various sizes and styles of shadow boxes at craft stores or online. Consider choosing a box with a clear front so you can easily view the contents inside.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

In addition to your wedding invite, decide on any other items you want to include in the shadow box. This could be dried flowers from your bouquet, a photo of you and your partner, a copy of your vows, or any other meaningful mementos. Make sure you have enough space in your shadow box to display these items attractively.

Step 3: Design and Layout

Before placing anything in the shadow box, plan out the design and layout. Play around with different arrangements until you find one that looks balanced and aesthetically pleasing. Consider using a piece of cardboard or paper cut to the size of the shadow box as a temporary layout board. This will help you visualise the final result and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 4: Assemble the Shadow Box

Start by placing the background for your display. You can use fabric, paper, or cardstock in a colour that complements your wedding invite and other items. Secure it in place using glue or double-sided tape. Then, carefully arrange and attach your wedding invite and other mementos to the background. Use small pieces of tape or glue dots to ensure they stay in place.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once you're happy with the arrangement, add any final touches to your shadow box. You can embellish it with ribbons, lace, or other decorative elements that match your wedding theme. You may also want to include a personalised touch, such as your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote.

Step 6: Display Your Shadow Box

Choose a special place in your home to display your wedding invite shadow box. It could be on a shelf, mantel, or tabletop where you can easily see and enjoy your cherished memories. Your shadow box will not only preserve your wedding invite but also create a unique and permanent display of your wedding day.

Sending invites to loved ones who couldn't attend

There are many ways to preserve your wedding invitations as keepsakes, and they can make for wonderful mementos to look back on in the future. Here are some ideas for what to do with old wedding invites, with a focus on sending them to loved ones who couldn't attend:

• Send the invites as a thoughtful gesture to those who couldn't make it to your wedding. It lets them know you were thinking of them on your special day.
• Turn the invitation into a postcard, especially if your loved ones live far away. Write a personalised note on the back of the card, sharing your thoughts and well-wishes.
• Create a collage with the invitation and other wedding paper goods, such as programs, menus, and place cards. Frame the collage or use clear tape to hang it on the wall as a permanent display.
• Make a scrapbook with the invitation and other mementos from your wedding. Include photos, dried flowers, and even a special message for your loved ones, expressing your regret that they couldn't attend.
• Frame the invitation with a personalised message for your loved ones. You can include other items in the frame, such as pressed flowers or a photo of yourself, to make it even more special.

There are many ways to cherish your wedding invites and include your loved ones in the joy of your special day, even if they couldn't be there in person. These ideas will help you create lasting memories and share your happiness with those you hold dear.

Using invites as thank you cards

Old wedding invites can be used as thank-you cards in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Framing

You can frame your wedding invitation as a keepsake to display in your home. This could be done professionally or as a DIY project. Consider adding pressed flowers or other decorative elements to enhance the display.

Decoupage

Turn your wedding invitation into a decoupage plate or platter. This can be a thoughtful gift for parents and in-laws, serving as a thank-you and a remembrance of your special day. You can include the invitation, envelope lining, and other decorative elements to create a personalised design.

Keepsake Boxes

Create a wedding keepsake box to store your invitation and other mementos from your big day. This could include save-the-dates, vows, dried flowers, photographs, guest books, favours, jewellery, and more. Every time you open the box, you'll be reminded of the love and joy of your wedding day.

Eco-Friendly Displays

There are eco-friendly options available to display your wedding invitation. For example, Plywerk creates sustainable pieces by mounting your invitation on eco-friendly wood. This way, you can showcase your invite while also being mindful of the environment.

Christmas Ornaments

Get creative and turn your wedding invitation into a special Christmas ornament. Cut the invitation into thin strips, curl them around a pen, and insert them into a clear ornament. Add some glitter for a festive touch. This can be a fun way to celebrate your first Christmas as a married couple.

Thank-You Cards

Use the design or elements from your wedding invitation to create personalised thank-you cards. This could be a thoughtful way to express your gratitude to your guests, especially if they loved the invitation design. You can include a personal note or even a photo from the wedding to make it extra special.

Adding invites to a scrapbook or photo album

If you're feeling extra creative, you could turn your wedding invitation into a work of art before adding it to your scrapbook or photo album. For example, you could create a canvas painting or a piece of calligraphy based on the invite. You could even make your own wedding invitation-themed jigsaw puzzle!

If you want to include other wedding day details and mementos, consider creating a shadow box. In addition to your wedding invitation, you can include items like dried flowers from the wedding bouquet, the garter, and the cork from a champagne bottle.

A scrapbook or photo album is also a great way to display any extra wedding invitations you may have. You can simply slip them into the album alongside your favourite photos as a lovely reminder of your big day.

Frequently asked questions