Designing Digital Wedding Invites: Best Online Platforms

Designing your wedding invitations is an important part of the planning process. Your invitations are one of the first impressions your guests will have of your wedding, so it's essential to choose a design that reflects your style and theme. Whether you're looking for a rustic, minimalist, or elegant invitation, there are many websites and online tools that can help you create the perfect design. These tools often offer customizable templates, allowing you to upload your own photos, choose colour schemes, and add personal touches. You can also decide whether you want to send digital invitations or print them out to mail to your guests. This decision may depend on your budget, the level of customisation you desire, and your preference for eco-friendliness.

Online vs. Physical

There are many options available for designing digital wedding invitations, with some companies also offering printing services for an additional cost.

There are several benefits to sending online wedding invitations. Firstly, they are often more affordable than printed invitations, and you can save money on postage as well. Online invitations are also more environmentally friendly, reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, time is on your side with online invites; they can be sent out in minutes, and you can keep track of RSVPs easily. This also means that you can send out reminders to those who are yet to respond.

However, there is something special about receiving a physical wedding invitation. It is a keepsake, a tangible reminder of the event, and can be cherished forever. A physical invitation also sets the tone for the wedding, giving your guests a hint of the event's vibe and palette. It is also a more traditional route, and some may prefer the aesthetic of a printed card over a digital one.

Some companies, such as Paperless Post, offer both digital and printed invitations, so you can have the best of both worlds. This is also a good option if you want to send out 'save the date' cards in advance, which is recommended for destination weddings.

Cost

The cost of digital wedding invitations can vary depending on the desired level of customization, the number of guests, and the specific service or platform used. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with designing and sending digital wedding invitations:

Platform Costs:

• Greetings Island: Greetings Island offers a range of options, from free templates to premium designs. The Premium membership, which unlocks over 5000 designs, costs $3.49 per month or $26.99 per year. Printing services are also available, with prices starting at $18.80 for 10 invitations.
• Canva: Canva provides a free online invitation maker with customizable templates. However, printing and delivery services incur additional costs, with prices depending on the chosen paper finish options.
• Paperless Post: The cost of sending digital invitations through Paperless Post depends on the number of guests, customization level, and selected features. While digital invitations save money, printed invitations typically average around $500.
• Basic Invite: Basic Invite offers a wide range of customizable templates, with the average cost of 100 wedding invitations estimated at $160. They also provide a sample kit for purchase.
• Other Platforms: Websites like Zola, Artifact Uprising, Zazzle, Shutterfly, Etsy, and Vistaprint offer customizable digital and printed wedding invitations. Prices vary depending on the platform and the level of customization.

Additional Costs:

• Printing and Delivery: Some platforms, like Canva and Greetings Island, offer printing and delivery services for an additional cost. This can be convenient for those who prefer physical invitations.
• Customization: While basic templates may be free or low-cost, extensive customization options, such as adding photos, monogram designs, or premium fonts and graphics, can increase the overall cost.
• RSVP Tracking: Some platforms, like Paperless Post, offer RSVP tracking features, which can be useful for managing guest responses. These additional features may carry an extra charge.
• Premium Features: Certain platforms provide premium features such as custom stamps, envelope liners, and backdrop options for an enhanced invitation experience. These premium features typically come at an added cost.

When considering the cost of digital wedding invitations, it is essential to compare prices and features across different platforms to find the most suitable option that fits within your budget.

Design

If you're feeling creative, you can design your own invitations from scratch using a platform like Canva. Canva offers a wide range of beautiful and elegant wedding invitation layouts, as well as millions of high-quality icons, graphics, and illustrations to choose from. You can also upload your own images, customize color schemes, and use shapes and lines to add a personal touch.

For those who want a more streamlined process, there are many websites that offer customizable templates designed by professionals. Greetings Island, for example, has an international team of stationery designers who have created hundreds of graphic designs with meticulously selected color schemes and custom fonts. You can choose from various themes, including floral, rustic, boho, or simple black and white, and add your own photos for an extra personal touch. Paperless Post is another great option, offering customizable designs from renowned designers like Oscar de la Renta, Rifle Paper Co., and kate spade new york. You can enhance your chosen design with your preferred colors, fonts, and photos, and even add a photo gallery, registry blocks, and a custom URL.

When designing your wedding invitation, it's important to include key information such as the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and any additional information like the wedding website address and gift list details. You may also want to consider adding a RSVP card to make it easy for your guests to respond and help you plan your big day.

Don't forget to think about the overall aesthetic of your wedding when designing your invitations. For example, if you're having a rustic barn wedding, you might want to incorporate wildflowers and distressed wood textures into your invitation design. On the other hand, a modern city loft wedding might call for a minimalist design with a sleek font and simple layout.

Printing

Home Printing

Home printing is a cost-effective and convenient option, especially if you're working with a tight budget or need your invitations in a hurry. You can easily print your designs at home using a standard printer. This option allows you to have greater control over the process and make last-minute changes. Some websites, such as Canva, offer customizable templates that you can print yourself.

Professional Printing Services

If you're looking for a more polished and high-quality finish, professional printing services are the way to go. Many websites that offer digital invitation design also provide printing services. These services ensure that your invitations are printed on premium paper and with precise colour matching. You can expect a more consistent result and access to a wider range of paper types and finishes.

The cost of printing wedding invitations can vary depending on the quantity, paper type, and printing method. On average, couples spend around $160 for 100 wedding invitations. However, prices can range from $1.50 per invitation for inexpensive options to $20 or more per invitation for luxury choices. Some websites, like Greetings Island, offer affordable printing services with prices starting at $1.18 per invitation for larger quantities.

When planning your wedding timeline, it's essential to consider the production and shipping time for printed invitations. Standard printing times can range from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the printing service and the complexity of your design. If you opt for a well-known printing company like Vistaprint, you can expect a production time of around 8 business days for standard shipping.

Paper Types and Finishes

The type of paper and finish you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Paper options include cardstock, recycled paper, and premium paper with different finishes like matte or glossy. Some websites, such as Artifact Uprising, offer sample kits so you can touch and feel the different paper types before making a decision.

When considering printing services, look for additional features that can enhance your invitations. Some companies offer add-ons like envelope addressing, custom envelopes, and RSVP cards. These extras can streamline the invitation process and create a cohesive presentation.

In conclusion, printing your digital wedding invitations is a crucial step in bringing your vision to life. Whether you choose home printing or professional services, there are numerous options available to suit your budget and style. By considering factors like printing costs, production time, paper types, and add-ons, you can ensure that your invitations make a lasting impression on your guests.

Timing

When it comes to designing and sending out your digital wedding invitations, timing is crucial. Here are some important considerations to ensure your invitations reach your guests at the right time:

Save-the-Date Notices

It is common to send out save-the-date notices to your guests around four to six months before your wedding. This is especially important if your wedding is a destination wedding or if many of your guests will need to travel or make arrangements to attend. Giving your guests this advance notice allows them to plan their schedules, book travel, and ensure they can be a part of your special day.

Sending Out Invitations

The recommended timeline for sending out your actual wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline applies to both digital and printed invitations. However, if your wedding requires significant travel or is a destination wedding, consider sending your invitations out eight to twelve weeks in advance. This extended timeline is also applicable if you're planning a celebration that requires extensive travel from your guests. The key is to provide enough notice for your guests to make the necessary arrangements without causing them to lose momentum or forget about your upcoming event.

RSVP Deadline

Setting an RSVP deadline is essential to managing your guest list and finalising details with your vendors. Typically, the RSVP deadline is set for about three to four weeks before the wedding. This timeframe allows you to follow up on any missing responses and gives you a clear idea of the final headcount for catering, seating arrangements, and other logistics.

Production and Shipping Time

When designing your digital wedding invitations, be mindful of the production and shipping times involved. If you opt for a fully customised or bespoke design, the production time may vary. Standard production times can range from one to twelve business days, depending on the platform or service you choose. If you require physical copies of your digital invitations for keepsake purposes, factor in shipping times as well, which can add a few additional days.

Pre-Wedding Events

Don't forget to consider the timing of any pre-wedding events, such as engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners. It's customary to send out invitations for these events separately, and the timing will depend on the nature of each event. For example, save-the-date cards for a bridal shower are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the event. Ensure you give your guests enough notice for these pre-wedding celebrations, especially if they coincide with your wedding plans.

Frequently asked questions