Diy Wedding Invites: Crafting The Perfect Personal Invitation

DIY wedding invitations are a great way to express your creativity and cut costs. There are two main ways to create custom DIY wedding invites: making them from scratch or using a digital tool that allows customisation. Both options save money, but the best method depends on how much time and effort you can invest.

If you're making your invitations from scratch, you'll need to draw any artwork by hand and may need to adjust the template to print properly. You'll also need to put each invitation in an envelope, buy stamps, mail them out and keep track of the responses. This method requires more time and a higher level of crafting skill.

Digital invitations can be created using online platforms, such as Greenvelope, which offer customisable templates with a variety of colours, fonts and themes. They are far easier to send out, save time and money on postage and are more environmentally friendly.

Customising templates

There are several ways to customise your wedding invitations using templates. You can either create your invitations from scratch or use a digital tool that allows customisation.

Using a Template

If you want to save time, you can use a printable template online. Etsy, for example, offers handmade templates to make the DIY process easier. You can also use a designer software on Adobe, like Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. For beginner-friendly options, Canva and Microsoft Word are good alternatives.

Customising Your Template

There are many ways to customise your template to make it your own. Here are some ideas:

• Add a stamp – You can get a custom rubber stamp with all your wedding information printed in your chosen fonts. You can also get a personalised stamp with your return address to use on the wedding invitation envelopes.
• Add a ribbon – Adding a ribbon is a gorgeous extra touch and a great way to keep all the other elements together, such as travel information and RSVP cards.
• Creative edging – You can make fancy corners or edges on your invitations with a special punch or stamp cutter. These are available in a variety of different sizes and designs from craft stores and online.
• Address your invitations with calligraphy – There are many calligraphy classes and DIY tutorials available online to help you up your calligraphy game.
• Add a watercolour wash – You can create simple wedding invites and print them on watercolour paper. Give them a beautiful watercolour wash for an expensive, arty effect!
• Add a golden edge – Adding a touch of glam with a golden edge to your invitations or envelopes is an easy way to make them look expensive.
• Tie with twine and tags – Adding some twine and a custom kraft paper tag gives your invite a personalised touch and is perfect for a rustic wedding look.
• Add an envelope liner – There are lots of DIY tutorials online on how to do your own envelope liners.
• Emboss your envelopes – Take your envelopes from plain to pretty wow with a personalised embosser. It's a subtle and elegant touch that looks super expensive. You can pick up custom monogram ones from Paper Source and Etsy.
• Seal it with wax – A wax seal on the envelope of your wedding invitation is a luxe touch. You can pick these up in specialist paper or craft stores, as well as on Etsy.

Printing and Finalising Your Template

Once you've customised your template, it's time to print and finalise your invitations. Here are some tips:

• Proofread – Before you print your final product, thoroughly review the design and proofread the wording. Have a few other people look over it, too, to ensure there are no errors.
• Print your invitations – You can use your home printer or send your file to a larger printer at a store like Costco or Office Depot. Remember to do a few tests first, as home printers usually display images that are a shade or two darker than your digital design.
• Cut your invitations – Use a paper cutter or craft knife to cut your invitations down to the right size. The standard size of invitations is five inches by seven inches, but additional inserts will have a range of lengths and widths.
• Assemble your invites – Place your inserts inside of the corresponding envelopes, seal them, and add any adornments, like tying a ribbon around the cards or applying a wax seal.
• Head to the post office – Before mailing your invites, pay a visit to the post office to determine the correct postage, which will depend on the total number and weight of your wedding invitations.
• Stamp and address your envelopes – Once you’ve received the exact specifications for your postage, address each envelope and add the correct number of stamps. While you can always use your own handwriting, you can also opt for printed labels.
• Mail your invitations – It’s recommended to send your stationery six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

Choosing paper type

Choosing the right paper type is an important part of creating your DIY wedding invitations. The paper you choose will determine the look and feel of your invitations, so it's worth taking the time to select the right type. Here are some things to consider when choosing the paper type for your DIY wedding invitations:

Paper Type and Weight

The most popular choice for wedding invitations is uncoated cardstock, which has a high-quality, luxurious look and a durable feel. You can also choose paper with a textured finish, such as cotton, linen, or felt, for a more unique appearance. These types of paper add a touch of elegance to your invitations. If you're concerned about the environment, recycled cardstock is a great option that doesn't compromise on style.

When it comes to weight, thicker cardstock is generally preferable as it gives a more premium feel and reduces the risk of ink bleeding. Look for cardstock that is at least 65-pound weight, with 110-pound being the ideal option. This weight will also ensure your invitations don't bend easily when sent through the mail.

Size and Shape

The size of your paper will depend on the dimensions of your invitation design. Standard invitations are typically five inches by seven inches, but you may require larger sheets of paper if you want to create a full bleed effect (where the design reaches the edge of the paper). In this case, you may need to use a paper cutter to trim the paper down to the correct size.

Envelope Compatibility

Don't forget to consider the size of your envelopes when choosing your paper type. The paper should fit comfortably inside the envelope, with a little room to spare. If you're creating multiple inserts or adding embellishments, you may need to choose a larger envelope to accommodate all the elements.

Printability

If you're planning to print your invitations at home, it's important to ensure your paper is compatible with your printer. Most standard home printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds, but it's always good to double-check. Running a few tests before finalizing your design is a good idea, as it will allow you to adjust the settings and ensure the colours and text turn out as expected.

Availability and Cost

When choosing your paper type, consider the availability and cost of the paper. Specialty paper stores or print shops will have a wide range of options, but they may be more expensive. Craft stores often offer pre-cut cards at a more affordable price. It's a good idea to compare prices and sources to find the best option for your budget.

DIY Considerations

If you're adding DIY elements to your invitations, such as laser-cut wraps, glitter paper, or lace, make sure the paper you choose will work with these additions. Test out your design on a few different types of paper to see how it looks and feels. This will help you create a cohesive and elegant final product.

In conclusion, choosing the right paper type for your DIY wedding invitations involves considering the aesthetic, practical, and budgetary aspects of your project. By taking the time to select the right paper, you can create invitations that truly reflect your style and set the tone for your special day.

Adding decorations

Ribbons, Twine and Tags

Adding a ribbon or some twine to your wedding invite is a lovely way to add a little extra detail. It also helps to keep all the other elements, such as travel information and RSVP cards, neatly together inside the envelope. You could even add a little tag for an extra special touch. This idea is perfect for a rustic wedding theme.

Creative Edging

Get creative with your edging! Use a special punch or stamp cutter to make fancy corners or edges on your invitations. These tools come in a variety of sizes and designs and are available from craft stores and online. Just make sure you have a steady hand and a good table to work on.

Envelope Liners

Envelope liners will add a pretty surprise when your guests open the envelope. There are lots of DIY tutorials online to show you how to do this yourself. You could even add a personalised embosser for a subtle and elegant touch.

Wax Seals

Add a touch of olde worlde luxe with a wax seal on the envelope of your wedding invitation. You can buy these from specialist paper or craft stores, as well as on Etsy. Practise makes perfect with these, so take your time and don't try to do too many at once.

Gold Edging

Add a touch of glamour to your invitations or envelopes with a golden edge. It's easy to do yourself and will make a simple white invitation look very expensive.

Flowers and Nature

Add an artificial flower in your wedding colour, or a sprig of dried flowers or botanical leaves. You could even include a real flower if you're feeling adventurous! For a rustic or vintage theme, add some lace, twine or ribbon details to your invitations.

Printing and assembling

Choose Your Design Tools

To design your invitations, you can use a designer software program such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. These programs offer professional-level results. However, if you're a beginner, user-friendly options like Canva or Microsoft Word are also great choices. These platforms provide templates and design tools to help you create your invitations.

Select Your Paper

The type of paper you choose will impact the look and feel of your invitations. Uncoated cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its high-quality, luxurious appearance and durable feel. If you want a more textured look, consider paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish. Visit a specialty stationery or print shop to browse their paper options and select the best size and weight for your printer. Take a few samples home to test before making your final decision. Pre-cut cards from craft stores are also a cost-effective option.

Prepare Your Printer

You can use a regular home printer for your invitations, but ensure it can handle the weight and size of your chosen paper. Most standard printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds. Test your printer by running a few trials, adjusting the settings until you're happy with the colour balance and text saturation. If you're unsure about your printer's capabilities, consider using a professional printing service or visiting an office supply store with digital printing services.

Embellishments and Finishing Touches

To elevate your invitations, consider adding embellishments such as ribbons, wax seals, envelope liners, gold edging, or lace. These details will make your invitations stand out and reflect your wedding theme. For example, gold leaf adds glamour, while lace creates a romantic feel, and twine suits a rustic theme.

Assemble and Seal

Once your invitations are printed and cut to size, it's time to assemble them. Place any inserts inside the corresponding envelopes, seal them, and add your chosen adornments. Use glue dots or double-stick tape for a secure seal.

Postage and Mailing

Before mailing your invitations, visit the post office to determine the correct postage. The weight and size of your invitations will impact the postage cost. Ask the postal worker about hand-cancelling to avoid potential damage during mailing. Finally, address your envelopes by hand or use printed labels, and don't forget to add the correct number of stamps before mailing them out.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time by starting the design process at least four months before your wedding. This will allow you to finalise the design, proofread, print, and address your invitations without rushing.
• Set a realistic budget: Source the materials and calculate the costs beforehand to ensure you don't exceed your budget.
• Invest in quality tools: Consider investing in a quality paper trimmer and printer to achieve professional-looking results.
• Stay organised: Keep all your materials in one place to avoid misplacing anything, and follow a timeline to stay on track.
• Ask for help: Don't hesitate to reach out for help from crafty friends or professionals, especially with design or time management.
• Practice: Test your designs, colours, and paper choices before finalising and printing your invitations.

Postage and addressing

When it comes to the postage and addressing of your DIY wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to determine the correct postage for your invitations. The postage cost will depend on the total number and weight of your invitations, so it's a good idea to take a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office to have it weighed and to get the exact specifications for postage. This is also a good opportunity to inquire about hand-canceling, which can help avoid potential ripping or damage during the mailing process.

Once you know the correct postage, it's time to address your envelopes. You can opt to write the addresses by hand, which adds a personal and elegant touch. If you want to elevate your handwriting, consider taking a calligraphy class or following a DIY tutorial online. Alternatively, you can use printed labels for a more uniform look. Don't forget to include your return address on the back flap of the envelope.

After addressing and stamping your envelopes, it's time to mail your invitations. It is recommended to send them out six to eight weeks before your wedding day. This will ensure that your guests have enough notice and can plan their attendance accordingly.

Frequently asked questions