Cricut Wedding Invites: Which Machine Is The Best Choice?

Wedding invitations can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many couples are turning to DIY options to save money. One popular tool for creating custom wedding invitations is the Cricut machine. Cricut machines are electronic cutting machines that allow you to cut a variety of materials with precision, making them ideal for crafting intricate wedding invitations.

There are several types of Cricut machines available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. When choosing the best Cricut machine for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the specific operations you plan to perform. Some machines offer print-then-cut functionality, while others support foil transfer, engraving, or pen tool operations. The Cricut Explore Air, for example, is a versatile machine perfect for cutting most wedding invitation designs, while the Cricut Maker is better suited for engraving or cutting thicker materials.

In addition to the machine itself, there are also various supplies and accessories needed for creating wedding invitations, such as cutting mats, replacement blades, cardstock, envelopes, and design software or templates. While using a Cricut machine for wedding invitations can be a fun and creative project, it's important to weigh the costs and time investment involved before deciding whether to DIY or purchase invitations.

Design your invitations using Adobe Illustrator or the Cricut Design Space app

Designing your wedding invitations is an important part of the process, and Adobe Illustrator and the Cricut Design Space app are two great options to achieve this.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for creating invitations. You can get a free trial or pay for a Creative Cloud subscription. When designing your invitation, you can choose a preset size or enter custom dimensions. For example, a standard invitation size is 5"x7" with a bleed of .125 to ensure no details are cut off. The bleed is the area that will be trimmed off in the final cutting process, so it's important to keep important design elements within the safe area.

Once you have your document set up, you can start adding floral elements, text, and other decorative features. Utilize the "Place" feature to import your chosen graphics, ensuring they extend to the bleed. You can then add text using the text tool and adjust its size, font, and colour in the properties tab. Some fonts offer alternate glyphs, which you can access by going to "Type" and then "Glyphs".

Finally, save your document in different formats for different purposes: an Illustrator file (ai) for editing, a JPEG for online display, and a PDF for printing.

Cricut Design Space App

The Cricut Design Space app is another excellent option for designing your wedding invitations. You can create fully custom invitations within the app, using either pre-made templates or your own designs. The Cricut Print and Cut feature allows you to design and print your invitations all within the app.

To get started, decide on a basic theme or concept and purchase your clip art or ensure you have Cricut Access for the best images. Cricut offers a selection of digital paper for backgrounds, but if you have a detailed concept, you may want to purchase and upload your own patterns.

You can then follow these steps:

• Open a new project and create a square from the "Shapes" tool. Resize the square to your desired invitation size, typically 4x6 or 5x7 inches.
• Change the square from a cut to a print graphic by going to the "Fill" box in the top menu bar and selecting "Print".
• Fill your square with a pattern by selecting a colour or pattern from the drop-down menu.
• Create another square for your text box, resizing and locking it slightly smaller than your background box. Centre the text box over the background box by selecting both items and using the "Align" feature.
• Turn your text box from cut to print and choose your preferred colour.
• Create your desired text using the fonts available in Cricut Design Space or upload your own fonts.
• Add any additional clip art or images to your invitation. Ensure that everything you're adding is set to "Print" and not "Cut".
• Group all the elements together and "Flatten" your project. This is an important step to ensure your Cricut machine prints instead of cut.
• Duplicate your invitation to print two invitations per sheet of paper. Attach them together to keep them in place during printing and cutting.
• Click "Make It" to send your invitations to the printer. Ensure "Add Bleed" is on, and then click "Print".
• Place the printed invitations on your Cricut mat, and your invitations are ready to go!

Print-then-cut using Canva or Cricut Design Space

If you're looking to design your wedding invitations using Cricut, the print-then-cut feature is a popular option. This method allows you to create your own design or customise a pre-designed template using software such as Canva or Adobe Illustrator, which can then be exported and uploaded to Cricut Design Space.

To use the print-then-cut feature, you will need a Cricut smart cutting machine, such as the Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker, a compatible home printer, and compatible printable materials. The entire process, from printing to cutting, should be done in one session to avoid errors with the cut sensor marks.

• Design your wedding invitation in Canva: Start by selecting a template or creating a custom size that matches your desired invitation size. Use Canva's design tools, text, and images to craft your invitation. Ensure that your design fits within the boundaries of your chosen canvas size.
• Download your design: Once your design is ready, download it in a Cricut-compatible format such as PNG or PDF. Ensure your design maintains a high resolution for clarity.
• Upload your design to Cricut Design Space: Log in to Cricut Design Space and start a new project. Click on "Upload" and select your downloaded file. Choose between a "Simple" or "Complex" image—for most Canva designs, Simple is sufficient.
• Clean up and confirm: Follow the on-screen prompts to remove any unnecessary elements or backgrounds. Confirm and proceed. Resize your design as needed to fit within the cutting parameters of your chosen material.
• Load your material and cut: Place your chosen material, such as cardstock or specialty paper, onto the Cricut cutting mat and load it into the machine. Follow the prompts on Cricut Design Space to start the cutting process. The machine will cut out your invitation design with precision, including intricate details and shapes.
• Add additional elements: Once the main invitation is cut, you can further customise it by adding decorative layers, embossing, or using the Cricut machine to cut out accompanying pieces such as RSVP cards or envelopes.
• Assemble your invitations: Carefully assemble all the components of your invitation using adhesives such as glue or double-sided tape. Embellish your invitations with ribbons, bows, gemstones, or other creative additions.
• Repeat for multiple invitations: If you're creating multiple invitations, simply repeat the process for each one. The Cricut machine ensures consistent results, giving a cohesive look to your wedding invitations.

By using the print-then-cut feature with Canva and Cricut Design Space, you can create elegant and customised wedding invitations that reflect your unique style and vision.

Use the foil transfer kit for an elegant touch

The foil transfer kit is a popular method for creating elegant and refined wedding invitations with a Cricut machine. Foil adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to your invitations, making them stand out and leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Cricut offers two different foil transfer kits: one compatible with the Maker and Explore models and the other designed for the Joy machine. The foil transfer kit is an excellent option for couples who want to elevate the look of their invitations without breaking the bank.

To achieve the best results with the foil transfer kit, it's important to use smooth cardstock. Textured paper or cardstock can cause issues with the foil transfer process, so opting for a smooth surface will ensure your design transfers cleanly and precisely.

When designing your invitations, keep in mind that the foil transfer tool works best with single-line designs and outlines. This means that intricate details and complex patterns may not transfer as effectively as simpler designs. However, you can still create stunning results by using light fonts and combining them with floral or graphic elements.

The cost of materials for foil transfer invitations is relatively low, with each invitation suite costing around $1.55, including high-quality cardstock and Cricut foil. This makes foil transfer invitations an affordable option, especially when compared to professional foiling services, which can cost significantly more.

Overall, the foil transfer kit is a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance to your wedding invitations. With its versatility and affordability, you can create invitations that are truly unforgettable and impress your guests with your attention to detail.

Engrave clear or mirrored acrylic for a unique look

If you're looking to create a unique look for your wedding invitations, you can use the Cricut Maker to engrave clear or mirrored acrylic. This method offers a modern and elegant twist to your invitations and is a popular choice for couples. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this look:

Firstly, gather your essential tools and materials. You will need a Cricut Maker machine, a Cricut engraving tip or a compatible engraving tool, a computer or tablet with the Design Space software installed, and protective gear such as safety glasses.

The next step is to create or select your desired design using the Design Space software. Ensure that your artwork is suitable for engraving and adjust the size to fit the acrylic sheet. Once you're happy with your design, secure the clear acrylic sheet on a clean, flat surface using painter's tape or a similar adhesive. Make sure the acrylic is firmly in place and positioned correctly within the Cricut Maker's cutting area.

Now it's time to set up your Cricut Maker machine. Power it on and load the engraving tip or tool into the designated clamp, following the manufacturer's instructions. Upload your chosen design into the Design Space software, adjusting the size, position, and orientation to fit the acrylic sheet.

In the Design Space, specify the material as "Acrylic" and select the appropriate engraving tool settings as per the manufacturer's recommendations. Follow the on-screen prompts to load the design onto the virtual mat and accurately position it for engraving.

Initiate the engraving process by following the on-screen instructions. During the engraving, monitor the process closely to ensure it runs smoothly and there are no issues like slipping or skipping.

Once the engraving is complete, carefully remove the acrylic sheet from the machine. Use a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth to remove any debris or residue from the acrylic's surface.

And that's it! You've now created a unique, engraved acrylic wedding invitation. This method allows for a range of visual effects and adds a special touch to your wedding stationery.

Use the pen tool to create invitations with a Cricut

Using the pen tool to create invitations with a Cricut machine is a common way to make wedding invitations. This operation is compatible with all three Cricut machines, including the Joy.

To start, you will need to design your wedding invitation using design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Cricut's Design Space. You can choose from a wide range of fonts, graphics, and templates, or create your own unique design. Once your design is ready, gather the materials you will need, such as cardstock or specialty paper for the invitation, envelopes, ribbons, or embellishments.

Next, set up your Cricut machine and ensure it is connected to your computer or mobile device. Load the appropriate cutting mat based on the materials you are using. Import your invitation design into Cricut's Design Space and adjust the settings to match the type of paper or cardstock you are using. This ensures the Cricut machine cuts accurately without damaging the material.

Place the cardstock or paper onto the cutting mat and load it into the Cricut machine. Follow the prompts on the Design Space to begin the cutting process. The Cricut machine will precisely cut out your invitation design, including intricate details and shapes.

After the main invitation is cut, you can further enhance it with additional elements such as decorative layers, embossing, or using the Cricut machine to cut out accompanying pieces like RSVP cards or information inserts.

Finally, carefully assemble all the components of your invitation, adhering them together using glue, double-sided tape, or other adhesives. This is where you can add embellishments like ribbons, bows, or gemstones to make your invitations stand out.

By using the pen tool with your Cricut machine, you can create elegant and personalised wedding invitations that truly reflect your style and vision.

Frequently asked questions