Creative Ways To Upcycle Old Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are often beautifully designed, reflecting the couple's personality and creativity. They are a preview of the big day and a physical reminder of the celebration long after it's over. So, it's only natural that you'd want to preserve them as keepsakes. There are many ways to do this, from framing the invitation to creating a memory box or even turning it into a work of art. You can also repurpose old invitations as thank-you cards or send them to loved ones who couldn't attend the wedding.

Create a framed keepsake

There are several ways to create a framed keepsake with your old wedding invitations.

The most straightforward option is to simply frame your invitation. You can choose to frame it yourself, or you can register for a double invitation frame. If you want to get creative, you can include other mementos from your wedding, such as your wedding program, photos, or a petal from your bouquet.

If you're feeling crafty, you can create a collage using your invitation and other wedding paper goods, such as programs, menus, and place cards. You can then frame your collage or display it in another way.

You can also create a framed keepsake by turning your invitation into a piece of wall art. If your stationery has a beautiful floral print or a fun, colorful pattern, you can use those designs to create a unique piece of art to display in your home.

Another option is to create a framed memory box. Include your invitation, along with other mementos from your special day, such as a swatch of your gown or veil, a copy of your vows, the cork from your first sip of bubbly, or a dried flower from your bouquet.

Finally, you can create a framed display by mounting your invitation on a piece of eco-friendly wood. This option is both a unique way to display your invitation and an environmentally conscious choice.

Make wall art

Wedding invitations can be a beautiful work of art, especially if you've put a lot of thought, time, and effort into crafting a memorable design. They can reflect your personality and creativity and serve as a preview of your big day. So, it's only natural that you'd want to preserve them and display them as wall art. Here are some ideas to turn your old wedding invitations into stunning wall art:

• Framing: Choose a frame that complements your invitation's style and colours. You can opt for a classic frame, a shadow box, or even a DIY frame for a more personal touch. Consider using foam squares and beautiful background paper to elevate the display. Hang your framed invitation in a special place, like your bedroom or hallway, to remind you of your wedding day every day.
• Collage: If you have multiple invitations or other wedding stationery, consider creating a collage. Cut out interesting elements from the invitations, such as floral prints or colourful patterns, and arrange them artistically on a piece of poster board or within a frame. This will result in a unique and eye-catching piece of wall art.
• Decoupage: Decoupage is a technique where you use paper to decorate a surface, and it can be a fun way to transform your wedding invitations into wall art. Cut or tear your invitations into smaller pieces and use them to decorate a canvas, a wooden panel, or even a piece of furniture. You can also add other materials, such as fabric or paint, to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
• Embroidery: If you're feeling crafty, consider embroidering your wedding invitation. Transfer the design of your invitation onto fabric and use embroidery thread to outline and enhance the details. You can frame the embroidered invitation or stretch it over a canvas for a more textured wall art piece.
• Mixed Media Art: Combine your wedding invitations with other art forms to create mixed media wall art. For example, you could mount your invitation on a canvas and add paint, markers, or other craft materials to create a unique and personalised artwork. Another idea is to incorporate dried flowers or other mementos from your wedding day to make it even more special.

Remember, when creating wall art from your old wedding invitations, it's essential to handle them with care and choose materials that will preserve them for years to come. Get creative and enjoy the process of transforming your invitations into beautiful displays that you can cherish forever.

Design a holiday ornament

Wedding invitations are a big part of your wedding planning process, and they can become cherished keepsakes of your special day. If you're looking for a creative way to preserve your wedding invitation, why not design a holiday ornament? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose Your Ornament Style:

Select a style that reflects your taste and the overall theme of your wedding. You can opt for a traditional round ball ornament, a flat ornament with a picture frame, or even a 3D ornament that resembles a miniature version of your invitation. Consider the size, shape, and material of the ornament that will best showcase your invitation.

Prepare Your Invitation:

Carefully cut out the parts of your wedding invitation that you want to include in the ornament. You can choose to feature just the front cover, or include multiple elements such as RSVP cards, envelopes, or any other matching stationery. If your invitation has intricate details or beautiful calligraphy, you may want to highlight those in the design.

Assembly:

There are a few ways to assemble your ornament:

• If you're using a clear ornament, simply roll up the invitation and carefully insert it inside. You can add glitter, confetti, or small charms for extra sparkle.
• For a flat ornament, cut out the invitation to fit the size of the ornament and attach it using a strong adhesive. You can then decorate the edges with ribbon, lace, or other embellishments.
• If you're using a 3D ornament, carefully fold and secure the invitation to fit inside, creating a miniature version of the original.

Personalize It:

Add a personal touch to your ornament by including your wedding date, initials, or a meaningful quote. You can also embellish the ornament with ribbons, bows, or charms that reflect your wedding colours or theme. If you want to turn it into a yearly tradition, consider adding the year to commemorate your first holiday season as a married couple.

Display and Enjoy:

Once your ornament is complete, find a special place to display it in your home. It can be a part of your holiday decor, hung on your Christmas tree, or even displayed year-round as a reminder of your wedding day. You can also give these ornaments as gifts to your bridal party or close family members, personalizing each one with their names or a special message.

Send as a postcard

If you have friends or family who live far away, you can turn your old wedding invitations into postcards to send to them. This is a great way to share your invite with loved ones and let them know you were thinking of them on your special day. It's also a very simple process: just write a note on the back of the card and send it off in the mail.

If you want to get a little more creative, you could turn your invitation into a work of art before sending it as a postcard. For example, you could decorate the front with a canvas painting or a piece of calligraphy. This will make your postcard even more special and unique.

Another option is to cut up your old wedding invitations into postcard-sized pieces. This way, you can send a piece of your wedding invitation to multiple people. Be sure to include a personal note on each postcard to make it extra special.

Finally, if you're feeling crafty, you could create a collage using your old wedding invitation and other wedding paper goods, such as programs, menus, and place cards. Then, cut the collage into a postcard-sized piece and send it to a loved one. This is a fun way to create a unique postcard that showcases your wedding day.

Use as a guest book

If you're looking for a unique guest book idea, using your old wedding invitations is a great option. Here are some ways to do this:

Guest Book Signatures

A simple way to use your invitations as a guest book is to have your guests sign their names directly on the invite. This creates a personalised memento that you can later frame or place in a scrapbook. You could even leave a special message or note next to each signature, adding a thoughtful touch.

Creative Display Ideas

If you're feeling creative, consider displaying the signed invitations in a visually appealing way. For example, you could use a large frame or a piece of poster board to arrange the signed invitations into a collage. This creates a unique piece of art that you can hang on your wall as a constant reminder of your special day.

Incorporating Photos

Another idea is to incorporate photos into the guest book. You can ask your guests to attach or include a photo of themselves next to their signatures. This could be a recent photo or even a fun throwback picture. This adds a visual element to your guest book and makes it more engaging.

Special Messages and Well-Wishes

In addition to signatures, you can encourage your guests to write special messages or well-wishes on the invitations. This could be words of wisdom, their favourite memory of the couple, or simply their hopes for the future. These heartfelt messages will turn your old wedding invitations into a cherished keepsake.

Alternative Guest Book Formats

If you want to get creative, consider using the invitations as part of an alternative guest book format. For example, you could create a scrapbook with blank pages and ask guests to decorate the pages with their signatures, messages, and even small mementos or stickers. This format encourages creativity and results in a fun and unique guest book.

Frequently asked questions