The average American wedding cost more than $35,000 in 2016. The reception hall alone is a $12,000 investment. Brides shell out on flowers, DJs, favors, and even boutique cocktails.
If the thought of dropping such a huge chunk of change already has you catching your breath, consider saving some of that money with DIY.
DIY wedding invitations are an easy way to chip away at the overall sticker shock. And making them can be fun!
Here’s how to make your own wedding invitations in five easy steps.
1. Get Your Information Right
Collect your pertinent wedding information and put it all in the same place. This might seem like a no-brainer, but wedding planning uses up most available brain cells as it is. Don’t leave this important part to chance.
You’ll need your name and your significant other’s name. The date, the time, the location of both the wedding and reception venues. It’s nice to include travel information and a contact phone number or email.
Make sure every name is spelled correctly. Double check the date and time. Have a final draft that you can copy from when it’s time to input it into a template or print it out.
2. Decision Time
Decide whether you’ll handcraft your invitations, print them, or do a combination of both. Will you be cutting and pasting with scissors and glue dots or will you be cutting and pasting on the computer?
Making your own wedding invitations from scratch with calligraphy pens, ribbons, lace touches that match your dress, and rolls of vellum paper is a big ask. It’s labor-intensive and time-consuming, but the results can be stunning. If crafting is therapeutic for you, go for it.
Otherwise, your best bet is to design something on the computer that can be printed out.
3. Choose a Design Scheme
The invitations are the first taste guests will get of your wedding style and ambiance. Choose a design scheme that reflects that.
Florals are always appropriate. Big, bright peony blossoms are fun, while roses are more formal. A botanical print is hip and a little masculine.
A skyline silhouette can be meaningful if the city played a big role in your love story. You can even get a stamp made of your city’s skyline to add a homemade touch.
Photographs are a great choice if you’re wondering how to make wedding invitations with instant personality. Plus, it makes your job even easier. Just find a collage template online, add your text, and you’re done.
If you want to make your own wedding invitations by hand, invest in some high-quality paper and fun hole punchers. Use pretty ribbon or gold embroidery floss to embellish the spine or side of the invites.
4. Go to the Printers
Once you’ve got your design nailed down, it’s time to choose a printer.
Websites like Snapfish, Shutterfly, and Minted make the entire process impossibly easy. You can either upload an image file or use one of their templates.
Or print them out yourself. Top off your ink, and go to town.
5. Finishing Touches
The finishing touches are what make DIY wedding invites so special.
Buy some fancy envelopes with metallic lining. Wrap twine through a wooden button and tie the invitation closed. Use a wax seal with a cool design.
DIY Wedding Invitations Are a Great Money Saver
DIY wedding invitations will save you money and give you the chance to get creative. Make sure you get your wedding details right before you start. Then show your personality with your design scheme and finishing touches.
Now that your wedding invites are sorted, you can direct your attention elsewhere. Do you need help with your wedding look? Check out our Beauty category for makeup and hair ideas and tips on taking care of your skin before the big day.
