Wedding invitations are a crucial part of any wedding, as they set the tone and provide guests with important information about the event. While many couples choose to order pre-made invitations, making your own wedding invitations can add a personal touch and save you money.
Creating your own wedding invitations may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of creativity, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. There are many online resources and templates available to help you get started, and you can customize your invitations to match your wedding theme and colors.
When making your own wedding invitations, it’s important to consider the design, wording, and printing process. You’ll need to choose a design that reflects your personal style and the tone of your wedding, and you’ll want to carefully craft the wording to ensure that all necessary information is included. Finally, you’ll need to decide on a printing method, whether it be at home or through a professional printing service.
Gathering Materials
Making your own wedding invitations can be a fun and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your special day. Before you get started, you’ll need to gather a few materials:
- Cardstock or high-quality paper
- Envelopes
- Scissors or paper cutter
- Ruler or straight edge
- Adhesive, such as glue or double-sided tape
- Decorative elements, such as ribbon, lace, or stickers
- Printer or access to a print shop
When choosing cardstock or paper, look for a weight of at least 80 pounds to give your invitations a professional feel. Envelopes should match the size of your invitations and can be purchased in bulk to save money.
A paper cutter can help ensure straight edges and precise cuts, but scissors can work just as well. A ruler or straight edge can be used to measure and mark where to cut and fold your invitations.
Adhesive is necessary to hold your invitations together and attach any decorative elements. Glue or double-sided tape are good options, but be sure to test them on a small area of your paper to ensure they don’t damage or warp it.
Finally, consider any decorative elements you want to add to your invitations. Ribbon, lace, or stickers can add a pop of color and personality to your invites. Just be sure not to overdo it and keep the overall design cohesive.
Choosing a Design
When it comes to designing your own wedding invitations, the options are endless. From traditional to modern, elegant to whimsical, there are countless styles to choose from. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a design:
- Wedding Theme: Your wedding theme can be a great starting point for your invitation design. If you’re having a beach wedding, you might want to incorporate ocean colors and beachy motifs into your design. If you’re having a rustic wedding, you might want to use natural textures and earthy tones.
- Personal Style: Your wedding invitations should reflect your personal style as a couple. If you’re more traditional, you might want to go for a classic, formal design. If you’re more laid-back, you might want to go for a more casual, playful design.
- Color Scheme: Your color scheme can also play a big role in your invitation design. Consider the colors you’re using in your wedding decor and choose a design that complements them.
Once you have an idea of the style you’re going for, it’s time to start looking for inspiration. You can browse wedding invitation websites, Pinterest boards, and even wedding magazines for ideas. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements to create a unique design that’s all your own.
When choosing a design, it’s important to keep in mind that simplicity can be just as effective as a complex design. Sometimes, less is more. A simple design with elegant typography and a few well-placed embellishments can be just as stunning as a more elaborate design.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a design that you love and that reflects the style and personality of you and your partner. Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have into your special day, so make sure they set the tone and get everyone excited for what’s to come.
Creating the Invitation Template
When creating a wedding invitation, the first step is to create a template. This template will serve as the base for all the invitations that will be printed. There are many ways to create a template, but one of the easiest is to use an online design tool.
There are many online design tools available that allow you to create a wedding invitation template for free. These tools offer a wide range of templates that you can customize to fit your needs. Some of the popular online design tools include Canva and Adobe Spark.
When creating the template, it is important to consider the color scheme, font, and overall design. You want the invitation to reflect the style and theme of your wedding. You can choose from a variety of colors, fonts, and designs to create a unique and personalized invitation.
Once the template is created, you can add the necessary information such as the date, time, and location of the wedding. It is also important to include the names of the bride and groom and any other important details such as dress code or RSVP information.
After the template is complete, it is important to proofread it to ensure that there are no errors. You can also have a friend or family member review the template before printing to catch any mistakes that you may have missed.
Overall, creating a wedding invitation template is a simple process that can be done using an online design tool. By taking the time to create a personalized and unique template, you can set the tone for your wedding and create a lasting memory for your guests.
Printing the Invitations
Once you have designed your wedding invitations, you need to print them out. Printing your own invitations can be a cost-effective option, and it also gives you more control over the final product. Here are some tips for printing your own wedding invitations:
- Use high-quality paper: Choose a high-quality paper that will give your invitations a professional look and feel. A heavier weight paper, such as cardstock, is a good option.
- Test print: Before printing the final invitations, run a test print to make sure everything looks correct. Check for any typos, formatting issues, or other errors.
- Print in batches: If you are printing a large number of invitations, it can be helpful to print them in batches. This will help ensure that each invitation looks consistent.
- Consider a professional printer: If you don’t have a high-quality printer or you want a more polished look, consider using a professional printer. Many online printing companies offer affordable options for wedding invitations.
When printing your invitations, it’s important to keep in mind that the final product will reflect your wedding style and theme. Take your time and make sure everything looks perfect before sending them out to your guests.
Assembling the Invitations
Once all the pieces of the invitation are printed and cut to size, it’s time to assemble them. There are different ways to assemble wedding invitations, but here’s a general guide:
Inner Envelope
If you’re using an inner envelope, place all the invitation pieces inside with the printed side facing the back of the envelope. The enclosure cards should be stacked in order of size, with the smallest on top. The invitation itself should be placed on top of the stack, with the printed side facing up. Fold the inner envelope flap and place it inside the outer envelope with the folded edge facing the back and the flap facing the front.
Outer Envelope
If you’re not using an inner envelope, place the invitation suite inside the outer envelope with the printed side facing up. The enclosure cards should be stacked in order of size, with the smallest on top. You can add tissue paper on top of the enclosure cards or put a belly band over the stack of cards to keep them together.
Sealing the Envelope
Before sealing the envelope, double-check everything to make sure it’s in the correct order and facing the right way. It’s a good idea to have someone else look at it too, just to catch any mistakes. If you’re using an inner envelope, fold the outer envelope flap down and seal it with a sticker or wax seal. If you’re not using an inner envelope, simply seal the outer envelope flap.
Once the envelopes are sealed, address them and add postage. It’s a good idea to take one assembled invitation to the post office to make sure it meets the size and weight requirements and to get it hand-canceled to prevent damage during mailing.
Adding Finishing Touches
After designing and printing your wedding invitations, it’s time to add the finishing touches to make them look extra special. The right finishing touches can add a personal touch to your invitations and make them stand out. Here are some ideas for adding finishing touches to your DIY wedding invitations:
- Add a Ribbon: Adding a ribbon to your invitations is a simple yet effective way to add a touch of elegance. Choose a ribbon that matches your wedding colors or opt for a metallic ribbon for a glamorous touch.
- Add a Seal or Sticker: Personalize your invitations by adding a seal or sticker to the envelope. You can use a monogram sticker or a wax seal for a classic look.
- Add Embellishments: Embellishments such as lace, pearls, or rhinestones can add a touch of glamour to your invitations. Choose embellishments that match your wedding theme and colors.
- Handwrite Addresses: Use a calligraphy pen to handwrite addresses on the envelopes. This adds a personal touch and makes your invitations look more professional.
- Add a Custom Monogram or Logo: Adding a custom monogram or logo to your invitations can make them look more professional and add a personal touch. You can design your own monogram or logo or hire a graphic designer to create one for you.
Remember, the finishing touches should complement your invitations’ design and not overwhelm it. Keep it simple and elegant to make a lasting impression on your guests.
Sending Out the Invitations
After designing your wedding invitations, it’s time to send them out to your guests. The timing of when to send out your invitations depends on several factors, including the location of your wedding, the date, and the travel time required for your guests to attend.
Typically, it’s recommended to send out your wedding invitations at least eight weeks before your wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements if necessary. For destination weddings, it’s best to send out invitations at least three months in advance to give your guests ample time to plan and book their travel arrangements.
When addressing your invitations, it’s important to use proper etiquette. Address the envelope with the guest’s full name and address, and include a return address on the back flap of the envelope. It’s also recommended to include a stamp on the RSVP envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.
For guests who are unable to attend your wedding, it’s still important to send them an invitation as a courtesy. You can include a note in the invitation or RSVP card letting them know that you understand if they are unable to attend, but you still wanted to include them in your special day.
In addition to sending out physical invitations, it’s becoming increasingly popular to send out digital invitations as well. This can be a great option for couples who want to save on printing and postage costs, or for guests who prefer to receive invitations digitally. Just be sure to include all the necessary information and RSVP details in the digital invitation.