If you want to save money from your wedding budget without sacrificing style, making your own wedding invitations is a good way to do it. This post will teach you how to make wedding invitations from start to finish.
Step One
Choose the color scheme. Designing your invitations should ideally be done after you have taken steps in planning your actual wedding. For the best looking invitations, choose colors that match the rest of your wedding decor. Limit your invitation colors to 3 at most. This will keep the invitation from looking overwhelming or busy. Use at least one neutral or base color. Typically white or cream is used for this, but any light color can be the base. Then, you can use 1-2 additional bright or rich colors to compliment it. Make sure that you use a contrasting color for the background/text so that it is easy to read everything on your invitation. Keep the same colors for the invitation, save the date, and RSVP card. You want all the sections of your invitation to flow, not to clash with each other. Choose what parts of your invitation will be in each color. This includes the background, the text, and any additional design elements you add.
Step Two
Design your background. Before you start adding text and images to your invitation, you must first choose a background. If your invitation text is formal, consider having a classic neutral background. Informal text can match well with quirky, fun background patterns or images. If you want to have a solid color background, decide on the color scheme. Will you have a single color, or use an ombre effect to fade two or more colors together? Consider using a pattern or image as the background. Although you have to slightly amend the area where the text will be placed, using a patterned background is an easy way to add interest to your invitation. Remember that you can use paper that already has a background image printed on it. This way, you are only responsible for creating the text and placement for your invite, and choosing a patterned paper that you want. You can give the illusion of a background image by using textured (rather than patterned) paper.
Step Three
Decide on images. If you want to include pictures or images for your invitation, brainstorm a couple options. If you don’t feel confident with your skills in this area, consider asking an artistic/creative close friend or family member for their help and input. If you want to have an image, design it yourself or use a free stock photo. Images to consider are a frame or border around the text, small design-related drawings or clipart, or an engagement photo of the couple. If you use an image, decide if it will be on a solid piece of cardstock with the text printed on vellum that is attached over the top, or if you will include all images and text on the same piece of paper. Avoid adding too many things to your invitation. If you have a textured background, don’t use too many images or borders. Don’t use more than two images or pictures for an invitation, and make sure the text is the focus of the invite.
Step Four
Choose your typography. Equally important as the images and colors used on your invitation is the font style of your text. Font is important for attributing a certain mood to your invitation. For a formal invitation, go with a classic cursive of serif font. This will give the classy, sophisticated look you are going for. If you use informal text and design, consider using a handwritten font or sans-serif font. You are not limited to these though, and can certainly use a formal style of font for the invite. Limit your font choices to two at most. It is not unusual to have a wedding invitation with multiple fonts, but using more than two can become overwhelming to the eye.
Step Five
Consider other add-ons. Invitations these days can be incredibly detailed and have many additional pieces and stylistic elements outside of the invitation itself. Consider embossing, adding ribbons or bows, using confetti, or adding glitter to your invitations.
Step Six
Choose an envelope. There are hundreds of different envelope styles on the market, many specifically designed for wedding invitations. This part of the process may not be able to be hand-made, except for the most adventurous brides. Find envelopes in the right size, shape, and color online to match your invitations.
Step Seven
Format your invitation. With everything decided on - text, color scheme, background, and possible images - you can now create a mock-up of you invitation. Create a rough draft of your invite with ideal text/image placement. Make several versions of a single invitation style by moving around text, increasing/decreasing the size of objects, and trying different borders. Don’t feel like you must stick with a certain style or format. Try many different styles to find which you like best; you may be surprised by what you like and don’t like. Be sure to think about the size you need to make your invitations in. This may change the formatting slightly.
Step Eight
Decide on your invite. Once you have considered all text placement and design styles, put together a final invitation. Make sure that there are no basic text mistakes and that you know the exact sizing for your cards
Step Nine
Insert the recipients' email addresses.Send your Card.