Crafting Wedding Invites: Where To Make Them

Wedding invitations are an essential part of planning your big day. They set the tone and give your guests a glimpse into what awaits. There are many options for creating and purchasing wedding invitations, from designing them yourself to using online retailers or local stationers. If you're looking to save money, you might consider making your own wedding invitations. This can be a budget-friendly option, but it requires some time and effort. Online templates can be a helpful starting point, and you can customize them with your preferred colours, fonts, and images. However, printing costs, paper type, and embellishments can add up, so it's important to consider all the factors before deciding.

Online vs. Local Store

There are several options for couples looking to design and order wedding invitations. You can opt for an online retailer, or you can work with a local store or stationer. Here is a detailed comparison of the two options:

Online Options

There are many online retailers that offer customizable wedding invitation templates, such as VistaPrint, The Knot Invitations, Minted, Zazzle, Papier, Etsy, Mixbook, Paper Source, Basic Invite, Shutterfly, and Canva. These websites often provide a wide range of design options, from elegant and simple to bold and colorful, allowing you to personalize the details of your special day. You can also find independent designers on sites like Etsy who can create something truly bespoke.

Online retailers typically offer affordable prices, with invitations ranging from $1 to $6 each, depending on the paper type, quantity, and any additional features like foil details. They often provide bulk pricing, so the cost per invitation decreases when you order in larger quantities. Additionally, some sites offer free design assistance, free samples, and guest addressing services.

When ordering online, you need to consider the production and shipping times, which can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks. It's important to plan ahead to ensure you receive your invitations in a timely manner.

Local Stores

Working with a local store or stationer is ideal if you want a fully customized, bespoke design and don't want to spend too much time designing the invitations yourself. A professional stationer can guide you through the process and create invitations that truly reflect your style and theme.

The cost of working with a local store can vary depending on the designer and the specific design elements you choose. It's important to get quotes from multiple stationers and compare prices before making a decision.

One advantage of working with a local store is that you can see and feel the paper quality and printing results before finalizing your order. You also have the opportunity to work closely with the designer, allowing for more flexibility and easier communication.

In conclusion, both online retailers and local stores have their advantages. Online options tend to be more affordable and convenient, with a wide range of customizable templates available. On the other hand, local stores offer a more personalized experience and the ability to create fully customized, bespoke designs. It's important to consider your budget, the level of customization desired, and the turnaround time when making your decision.

DIY vs. Professional

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process, as they offer guests a "sneak peek" into the couple's special day. Deciding between DIY and professional wedding invitations can be a difficult choice, and there are several factors to consider, including cost, time, and design.

Cost

One of the main benefits of DIY wedding invitations is cost savings. Couples can find free or inexpensive templates online, which can be customized and printed at home for a fraction of the cost of professional invitations. However, DIY invitations require time, effort, and skill, and the cost of materials such as paper, ink, and envelopes can add up quickly. On the other hand, hiring a professional printing service guarantees high-quality results, but at a higher price.

Time and Effort

DIY invitations can be time-consuming, requiring couples to spend time on tasks such as designing, gathering materials, assembly, and addressing. Professional invitations, on the other hand, are more convenient and require less effort, as couples can work with a designer to create their desired look and have the invitations printed and mailed by the professionals.

Design

With DIY invitations, couples have complete control over the design and can create invitations that perfectly match their vision. However, this also means that they need to have the necessary design skills and tools to achieve an attractive, cohesive result. Professional invitation designers, on the other hand, have the expertise and access to specialized equipment to create high-quality, polished invitations that are difficult to achieve in a non-commercial setting.

Ultimately, the decision between DIY and professional wedding invitations depends on the couple's budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. DIY invitations can be a cost-effective option for couples who are crafty and enjoy the process of creating their own invitations. Professional invitations, on the other hand, offer a more convenient and polished option for couples who want to ensure their invitations look exceptional.

Customization Options

There are many ways to customize your wedding invitations to make them feel authentic to you and your partner. Here are some key considerations to help you create invitations that delight and dazzle your guests:

Shape and Dimensions

Traditionally, wedding invitations are rectangular, with dimensions of 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. This classic size can also help keep printing costs down. However, you can also opt for a horizontal rectangle or a scalloped design for a more modern look.

Location and Theme

The location and theme of your wedding can guide the overall design and theme of your invitations. For example, if you're getting married in a church, you may opt for a traditional and romantic aesthetic. In contrast, a rustic and natural look might be more suitable for a country or farm setting. Location-themed invitations can also be a fun way to hint at your wedding destination, such as featuring illustrations of pyramids for a Cairo-themed wedding.

Fonts and Typography

The choice of font can significantly impact the overall personality of your invitation design. Cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent choices for wedding invites, especially for the names of the couple. These fonts are soft, romantic, and elegant. They also pair well with a serif font for the rest of the text. Bold, blocky fonts, on the other hand, may appear too harsh and should be avoided.

Imagery and Color Scheme

Using a photo of the couple in the invitation is a perfect way to showcase your deep love to your friends and family, adding a personal touch to your invites. You can also incorporate your wedding color scheme into the invitation design to create a cohesive look. For example, shades of green are popular for outdoor weddings, while pink and purple or blue and white are also trendy combinations.

Personal Touches and Creativity

Don't be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate unique elements that reflect your relationship. For instance, you can switch up the format, include personal jokes, or use a clever timeline format that maps out the course of your relationship. Adding personal details, such as a shared hobby or an interesting story of how you met, can also make your invitations more meaningful.

Customization Tools and Websites

Several websites offer customizable wedding invitation templates, such as The Knot, Minted, Zazzle, Papier, Etsy, Mixbook, Paper Source, and Basic Invite. These sites allow you to edit the text, font, layout, and imagery to reflect your unique style. Additionally, online tools like Canva provide easy-to-use design interfaces and customizable templates to create beautiful invitations from scratch.

Paper Type and Size

When it comes to paper type, cardstock is the most popular choice for wedding invitations. It is a medium to heavy-weight paper made from tree pulp or cotton, with a smooth, matte finish. Cardstock comes in a variety of colours and weights, making it perfect for printing at home. It is also relatively inexpensive, so you can print all your invites on a small budget. The weight of the cardstock can vary from 80# to 300# or higher, with the higher the weight in pounds, the thicker the cardstock. For home printers, 80# to 100# cardstock is recommended, while 110# to 130# cardstock will give your invitations a more professional look.

Some common types of cardstock for wedding invitations include solid white cardstock, linen cardstock, cotton cardstock, parchment, felt, kraft or recycled cardstock, vellum, and wood grain cardstock. Each type of cardstock has a unique texture, feel, and price, so you can choose the one that best suits your style and budget.

In addition to cardstock, some other popular paper types for wedding invitations include recycled paper, cotton paper, linen finish paper, vellum, board paper, and pearlescent paper. Recycled paper is a great option for eco-friendly couples or rustic-style weddings, while cotton paper is known for its strength and durability. Linen finish paper has a slightly crosshatched surface that gives it a elegant, fabric-like texture. Vellum is a semi-transparent paper that can be used for invitation belly bands or layered over an opaque sheet of paper. Board paper is a thick, sturdy option that won't bend in the mail, while pearlescent paper has a shimmery finish that adds elegance to your invitations.

When it comes to paper size, the standard wedding invitation size is 5" x 7", which is considered the "traditional" size for classic, upscale affairs. However, there are also other popular sizes such as 4.25" x 6", 5.76" x 12.03", and square formats. The size of your invitation will depend on factors such as the number of hosts, the amount of information you want to include, your budget, and the overall look and feel you want to achieve.

When choosing a paper type and size for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the printing method, your budget, and the desired level of formality. Thicker cardstock, for example, will give your invitations a more luxurious feel, while recycled paper is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option. The size of your invitation will also affect the cost of postage, with larger and heavier invitations requiring additional postage. Ultimately, the choice of paper type and size depends on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your wedding.

Budgeting

Determine Your Overall Wedding Budget

Before allocating money for invitations, it's essential to establish your overall wedding budget. Consider how much you and your partner can contribute and whether you have any family or friends offering financial support. Be sure to discuss any expectations or conditions attached to their contributions.

Allocate a Percentage for Invitations

A good rule of thumb is to allocate 2% to 5% of your total wedding budget for invitations and stationery. This percentage can be adjusted based on your priorities and needs. If you prefer simpler invitations, you can allocate a smaller percentage, allowing you to splurge on other aspects of your wedding. On the other hand, if you dream of luxurious invitations with all the bells and whistles, you may want to increase this percentage.

Estimate the Number of Invitations Needed

Calculating the number of invitations required is crucial for budgeting. Consider your guest list and the number of couples or families living together. Remember, you'll only need one invitation per household, not per guest. This estimation will help you determine the total cost when multiplied by the price per invitation.

Consider Additional Stationery Costs

Don't forget to factor in other wedding stationery expenses, such as save-the-dates, RSVP cards, information cards, rehearsal dinner invitations, and wedding ceremony programs. These all contribute to your overall stationery budget.

Shop Around for the Best Deals

Explore different options to find the most cost-effective invitations without sacrificing quality. Compare prices from various online retailers, local stores, and stationers. Look for sales, discounts, or bulk purchase deals to maximize your budget.

Be Creative with Design and Materials

You can create elegant invitations without extravagant embellishments. Opt for minimalist designs, or choose recycled paper instead of luxurious card stock. If you're crafty, consider making your own invitations to save money.

Prioritize and Make Compromises

Identify your must-haves and be willing to compromise on less important elements. For example, if a live band is a priority, you might opt for simpler invitations to allocate more funds to entertainment.

Plan for Unexpected Costs

It's a good idea to set aside a buffer of 5% to 15% of your total budget for unexpected expenses. This contingency fund will cover any last-minute changes, additional meetings with vendors, or hidden costs that may arise during the planning process.

Sample Budget Breakdown

To give you a better idea, here's how your budget might look based on different total wedding budgets:

• $5,000 Wedding Budget: Allocate $100 for wedding invitations and stationery.
• $10,000 Wedding Budget: You can plan for $200 for invitations and stationery.
• $20,000 Wedding Budget: Consider setting aside $400 for this category.
• $30,000 Wedding Budget: A budget of $600 for invitations and stationery is feasible.
• $50,000 Wedding Budget: You can comfortably allocate $1,000 for these expenses.

Remember, these are just examples, and you can adjust the percentages based on your unique situation.

Frequently asked questions