Diy Wedding Invitations: Where To Start And What To Know

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, so it's no surprise that many couples are turning to DIY wedding invitations as a way to save money. Creating your own invitations allows you to add a personal touch to your big day, and it can be a fun project to work on with your partner. There are a few different approaches you can take, from using editable digital templates to printing invitations yourself or even crafting them completely from scratch.

If you're considering DIY wedding invitations, it's important to be realistic about your skill set and the time commitment involved. Give yourself enough time to create the invitations and don't forget to factor in the cost of materials and tools. You'll also need to source paper, envelopes, and any additional embellishments like wax seals or ribbons.

There are plenty of online resources and templates available to help you get started, and with a bit of practice, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and unique wedding invitations.

Sourcing paper and envelopes

Choose the Right Paper Type:

• Uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice for DIY wedding invitations. It has a high-quality, luxurious look and a durable feel.
• For a more textured look, you can opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish.
• If you want a handmade paper feel, consider using watercolour paper.
• If you're environmentally conscious, look for recycled paper options.

Consider Paper Thickness and Size:

• The thickness of the paper is usually measured in pounds or GSM. For printing at home, make sure your printer can handle the chosen thickness.
• The standard size for invitations is 5" x 7", but you can also find pre-cut cards in various sizes at craft stores.
• If you're creating multiple inserts, consider the thickness of each layer and ensure they fit within your chosen envelope size.

Select Envelope Style and Colour:

• You can find envelopes in various colours and styles to match your wedding theme.
• Consider the number of envelopes you need. For example, you may want an outer and inner envelope or separate envelopes for RSVP cards.
• Choose envelopes that are slightly larger than your cardstock to accommodate any additional inserts.

Order Samples and Test:

• Before placing a large order, consider ordering samples to test the paper quality and how it works with your printer.
• Test your designs and layouts on the chosen paper to ensure the best results.
• Take into account any additional elements, such as wax seals or ribbons, and ensure they fit comfortably within the envelopes.

Calculate the Required Quantity:

• It is recommended to order 20-25% more paper and envelopes than you need to account for mistakes and practice.
• Consider the number of invitations you need to send out and add a buffer to avoid running out of supplies.

Source from Specialty Stores:

• Visit specialty stationery stores or print shops to browse their paper selections and get expert advice.
• Online platforms like Etsy, Canva, and Minted also offer customisable templates and paper options.

Design and layout

When it comes to the design and layout of your DIY wedding invitations, there are a few different approaches you can take. You can create your invitations from scratch, use a printable template, or find an editable template online that a company will print and deliver to you. Here are some tips and ideas for each approach:

Creating Invitations from Scratch

If you're comfortable with digital design tools and want complete creative freedom, you can design your invitations from scratch using platforms like Canva, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, or Microsoft Word. This option gives you the most flexibility in terms of customisation but requires more time and effort. Consider the following ideas and tips:

• Gold Foil Details: Gold foil is an inexpensive way to add elegance and luxury to your invitations. You can add gold foil to borders, text, or any other element of your design.
• Watercolour Backgrounds: If you're artistic, consider painting watercolour backgrounds for your invitations. Each invitation will be unique, and as long as you use similar colours and placement, they will look amazing as a set.
• Painting on Textured Paper: Printing or writing your invitations on textured paper, such as paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish, adds a touch of elegance and elevates the handmade feel.
• Hand-Tied Invitations: Adding a simple piece of string or ribbon to your invitations can give them a charming handmade finish. You can also use hessian string or seeded paper that guests can plant in their gardens.
• Floral Wax Seals: Instead of using traditional envelope seals, create floral wax seals by adorning wax with dried blooms or botanical leaves. You can also personalise wax seals with your initials using real wax and a rubber stamp or ordering stick-on seals.
• Vellum Invitation Jackets: Wrapping your invitations in vellum jackets gives them a professional and expensive look. These translucent jackets are available pre-folded, saving you time and effort.
• Custom Crests: Include a custom crest or monogram that symbolises your relationship. This could be an illustration of your pet, your favourite sports team's logo, or a shared hobby icon.
• Symbolic Touches: Incorporate meaningful symbols that represent your partnership and love story. For example, if you both love to travel, include a small airplane or map design. If your relationship began at the beach, consider adding seashells or waves as subtle nods to your story.

Using Printable Templates

If you prefer a more guided approach, you can find printable wedding invitation templates on sites like Etsy. These templates allow you to personalise your invitations with your details and then print them yourself at home or using a printing shop. Here are some tips for using printable templates:

• Paper Choice: Choose a paper with a luxurious texture to elevate the look and feel of your invitations. Consider uncoated cardstock, which has a high-quality, durable feel and is a popular choice.
• Printer Compatibility: Ensure your home printer can handle the weight and size of the paper you select. Most standard printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds. Alternatively, you can send your files to larger printers at stores like Costco or Office Depot.
• Printing Tests: Before finalising your prints, run a few tests to ensure the colours and text are as expected. Home printers often display images that are slightly darker than your digital design, so adjustments may be necessary.
• Assembly: After printing, assemble your invitations by placing inserts inside corresponding envelopes, sealing them, and adding adornments like ribbons or wax seals.
• Postage: Before mailing your invitations, visit your local post office to determine the correct postage based on the total number and weight of your invitations. This step will help you avoid any issues with insufficient postage.

Editable Templates with Printing Services

If you want to personalise your invitations without the hassle of printing them yourself, you can find editable digital templates offered by companies like Papier. These templates allow you to add your personal touch, and then the company will print and deliver the finished invitations to you. Here are some tips for using editable templates with printing services:

• Personalisation: Take advantage of customisation options like adding a photograph of you and your partner or including a personalised QR code. These details will make your invitations unique and memorable.
• Paper Choice: Consider the type of paper you want for your invitations. Different paper weights and textures can enhance the overall presentation of your invitations.
• Proofreading: Before finalising your order, ensure you thoroughly proofread the text and design of your invitations. Ask a few friends or family members to review them as well to catch any potential errors.
• Timing: Keep in mind the production and delivery time for your invitations. Plan accordingly to ensure you receive your invitations well in advance of your desired sending date.

Printing and assembling

Printing:

• Choose the Right Paper: Select a sturdy cardstock that is compatible with your printer. Consider the weight and thickness of the paper, ensuring it fits within your printer's specifications. You can find cardstock kits online or at craft stores.
• Design Software: Use user-friendly software like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop to design your invitations. These programs offer customizable templates, fonts, and design elements.
• Printer Settings: Set your printer to the highest quality setting ("photograph" or "high") to ensure crisp text and vibrant colors. Test print on regular paper before printing on cardstock to avoid wasting expensive materials.
• Ink: Buy ink in bulk to ensure consistent colors across all your invitations. Purchase at least one extra set of ink to account for any printing issues.
• Proofread: Before printing, carefully review the design, text, spelling, and grammar. Enlist the help of others to proofread as well. Saving your final design as a PDF will result in higher print quality than a JPEG.

Assembling:

• Cut and Trim: Use a paper cutter or craft knife to trim your invitations to the desired size, typically five inches by seven inches. Straight edges will give your invitations a neat and professional look.
• Embellishments: Add a personal touch with ribbons, wax seals, envelope liners, gold leaf, lace, or dried flowers. These details will elevate the design and create a unique, handcrafted feel.
• Insert Cards: If your invitation includes multiple inserts, such as RSVP and details cards, carefully place them inside the corresponding envelopes. You can use glue dots or double-stick tape to secure the inserts and any additional embellishments.
• Seal and Address: Seal your envelopes using glue dots or double-stick tape. Handwrite the addresses for a personal touch, or use printed labels for a more uniform look.
• Postage: Visit your local post office to determine the correct postage for your invitations, especially if they include multiple inserts. Hand-canceling your invitations can help prevent potential damage during mailing.

Embellishments and adornments

Ribbons and Twine

Adding a ribbon or some twine to your invites is a lovely way to add a little extra something. It can also be practical, keeping all the different elements of your invitation suite together, such as travel information and RSVP cards. You could even add a little tag for an extra special touch.

Wax Seals

A wax seal on the envelope of your wedding invitation is a beautiful, traditional way to add a touch of luxury. You can find wax seals in specialist paper or craft stores, as well as on Etsy. Before you start, it's worth practising a few to get the technique right and avoid any mess.

Envelope Liners

Surprise your guests with a pretty liner hidden inside the envelope. There are lots of DIY tutorials online to show you how to do this, or you could opt for a ready-made liner.

Stamps

Personalised stamps are a great way to add a unique touch to your invitations. You can use them to make your invites or add a return address to the envelopes. There are lots of custom rubber stamp options available on Etsy.

Creative Edging

Get creative with a special punch or stamp cutter to make fancy corners or edges on your invitations. They're available in a range of sizes and designs from craft stores and online. Just make sure you have a steady hand and a good table to work on!

Gold Edging

Add a touch of glamour to your invitations or envelopes with a golden edge. It's an easy way to make your invites look expensive and elegant.

Calligraphy

Addressing your invitations with beautiful calligraphy is a great way to make an impact. There are lots of calligraphy classes and DIY tutorials available online to help you perfect your technique.

Watercolour Wash

Recreate those beautiful watercolour invitations you see on Pinterest by printing your invites on watercolour paper and giving them a watercolour wash for an artistic effect.

Embossing

Take your envelopes from plain to pretty with a personalised embosser. It's a subtle and elegant touch that will definitely impress your guests. You can find custom monogram embossers from Paper Source and Etsy.

Lace Detail

For a romantic touch, add some lace detail to your invitations. You can use Modpodge to attach the lace, and a hot glue gun to secure it in place.

Copper Leafing

For a stylish finish, try copper leafing. You'll need to grab some leafing adhesive, and don't forget to grab about 10% more than you need in case of mistakes!

There are so many ways to embellish and adorn your DIY wedding invitations, and these ideas are a great place to start. Have fun creating your unique and meaningful invitations!

Postage and addressing

When it comes to DIY wedding invitations, there are a few different approaches you can take. You can find editable digital templates online, which you can personalise and then have professionally printed. Alternatively, you could opt for printable templates that you can customise and print yourself, either at home or using a printing shop. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can design your invitations completely from scratch and print them yourself or keep them as digital invitations.

Whichever approach you choose, there are a few important things to keep in mind when it comes to postage and addressing:

Know the Correct Postage

Before sending out your invitations, it's crucial to determine the correct postage. The postage cost will depend on the total number and weight of your invitations. It's a good idea to take a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office to have it weighed and to get advice on the exact number of stamps you'll need. This is also a good opportunity to inquire about hand-canceling, which can help prevent potential ripping or damage during the mailing process.

Addressing Options

There are a few different ways you can address your envelopes. One option is to use your own handwriting, which can add a personal and elegant touch. Alternatively, you can use printed labels or hire a calligrapher to address the envelopes for you. If you're using printed labels, it's important to ensure that the labels are smudge-proof and won't bleed or smudge if they come into contact with moisture.

Digital Addressing

If you're sending digital invitations, you'll need to ensure that you have the correct email addresses or phone numbers for all your guests. Create a spreadsheet or list with this information, double-checking for accuracy. You may also want to consider creating a BCC email list or a group chat to make sending the invitations more efficient.

Return Addressing

Don't forget to include a return address on your envelopes! This is important in case any invitations get lost in the mail or if guests need to return RSVP cards. You can use printed labels or write the return address by hand.

Proofreading

Before addressing and stamping your envelopes, be sure to proofread your invitations for any errors or typos. It's easy to overlook small mistakes, so it's always a good idea to have a fresh pair of eyes review your work. Ask a friend or family member to read through the invitations and double-check that all the necessary information is included.

Timing

Finally, consider the timing of sending out your invitations. It's recommended to mail your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding date. This will give your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements. However, if you're having a destination wedding or a wedding during a popular travel season, you may want to send out your invitations earlier, around three months in advance.

Frequently asked questions