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       Designing and sending out wedding invitations is a must-do for any engaged couple: These stationery items contain all the necessary wedding information, from the time and location of the event to the dress code, making it easy for friends and family to prepare in advance. Plus, these paper products can enhance the aesthetics of your wedding day and create a sense of anticipation. While many couples turn to stationery design studios to create custom invitations, if you’re a DIY couple looking to show off your creativity or save money, consider going DIY and designing and printing your own wedding invitations.
       There are many ways to DIY your wedding invitations: If you’re up for a challenge, you can decide to make your entire stationery set from scratch. You can also personalize some aspect of your invitation, such as drawing your own logo, highlighting an outline, or handwriting text. You can also download an online template for a small fee and customize it to your liking. You can also design your own items and hire a stationery specialist to print your paper goods, says Lilia Shatnaya, owner of Plume and Stone.
       Whatever you decide, DIY wedding invitations can set the tone for your special occasion in a unique way, making it more meaningful and more reflective of your love story. This multi-step project can seem daunting, so we asked Shatnaya, DIY guru Leah Griffith, and Logie Paperie owner Christina Logan to walk you through the process in an easy-to-follow way. Want to learn how to make DIY wedding invitations? Check out the tips below.
       While it’s worth leaving the preparation of your wedding invitation documents to a professional, doing it yourself can be just as effective. Here are some of the benefits of DIY wedding invitations.
       Handwritten and printed wedding invitations are undeniably elegant and classy, ​​but hiring a professional stationery designer to create them can be quite expensive. If you’re trying to stay on a budget, you can save a ton of money by making your own invitations. Many stationery stores and graphic designers offer downloadable files that you can personalize and print at home for a fraction of the cost of custom invitation packages and printing services.
       Many invitation companies mass-produce template invitations, but with DIY stationery, you can create unique invitations that match your unique wedding style and showcase your unique love story, says Shatnaya. “You can personalize invitations to reflect the couple’s unique celebration by using elements like favorite pets, special places, and quotes,” she says.
       Working with a professional stationery designer can be very time-consuming. Some designers will be able to complete your order within a few days, but for more complex invitations, you may have to wait up to six weeks. With DIY wedding invitations, you can easily choose a template, personalize it, and have it printed in just one day.
       Before you begin making your own wedding stationery, you’ll need to gather all of your supplies. “The materials you choose will play a critical role in the look and feel of your invitations,” says Griffith. Here’s a list of all of the tools you’ll need to purchase or have ready in advance.
       To create a complete kit, you’ll need to create the design in a digital app. For professional designs, Shatnaya recommends using Adobe software like Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. But for those looking for beginner-friendly options, Canva and Microsoft Word are good options.
       If you want to buy ready-made templates, online companies like Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle offer beautiful templates at affordable prices. Etsy also has many talented designers who can create custom templates for you.
       There are many different types of paper for making your own wedding invitations. The most popular choice is uncoated cardstock, which is high quality, luxurious looking, and durable. If you want a more textured look, you can choose paper made of cotton, linen, or felt.
       Logan recommends going to a specialty office supply store or print shop to select paper. “Try it and see if it meets your standards,” she said. These professionals can also help you choose the best size and weight for your home printer. Shatnaya recommends taking a few samples home and testing them on your printer before making an official purchase. You can also buy pre-made cards at craft stores for relatively affordable prices.
       To get your designs onto paper, you’ll need a compatible printer. You can use a regular printer to print your own wedding invitations, but double-check that it can handle the weight and size of the paper—most standard printers can print up to 80 pounds of cardstock. If you don’t have a printer at home and don’t want to spend a lot of money on one, you can also send your file to Costco, Office Depot, or a nearby print shop to have it printed on a larger printer. Be sure to bring enough ink, too.
       If you’re printing your designs at home and not buying pre-made paper, Shatnaya recommends using a paper cutter to quickly get straight edges. You can also use it to cut out small pieces of paper and create inserts. Griffith says a craft knife with a metal ruler is also a good option.
       To give your invitations a more sophisticated look, consider adding embellishments. “I often emphasize the importance of tactile details, so feel free to experiment with different textures and finishes,” says Griffith. Shatnaya suggests using ribbons, wax seals, or envelope lining, but you can also choose other elements to suit your aesthetic preferences, whether that’s gold foil for a formal occasion, lace for a romantic getaway, or faux flowers for a garden wedding.
       Finally, you’ll need envelopes to pack each item in your suitcase. “You can buy pre-made envelopes in matching colors or make your own using envelope templates,” says Griffith. Be sure to purchase envelopes that are slightly larger than the cardstock so there’s enough room for each invitation. Don’t forget to order envelopes for the return cards.
       Griffith suggests using glue dots or double-sided tape to seal envelopes instead of traditional glue. She also suggests using this method if you want to stack the envelopes or add stuffing.
       Once you have all the necessary materials, you can begin this DIY project. To design your invitations effectively, follow these steps:
       First, you’ll need to decide on the look and style of your invitation, whether it’s a modern, minimalist single card or a bold, colorful design, as well as the illustrations you want to include. Think about the aesthetics of your wedding and plan your design accordingly. Griffith suggests you also consider the type of printer you have. “Designs with lots of white space and lighter background colors will look better on a home printer,” she says.
       If you need inspiration, search Pinterest for design ideas that relate to your idea, including illustrations, colors, fonts, and decorative elements. Once you have an idea of ​​the tone of your invitation, Griffith recommends sketching it out first.
       Wording and design are equally important. Before you create your own wedding invitations, think about what you want to say. Logan explains that it’s important to choose a style that reflects your wedding’s aesthetic and personality, which can range from traditional to casual and casual. For example, if you’re having a formal wedding, consider using a formal tone.
       Once you have an idea of ​​the aesthetic and tone of your interior, it’s time to bring those ideas to life. Whether you’re using an Adobe app or a free online tool, this is the step where you’ll design your invitations and inserts. To achieve a professional look, it’s recommended to go full bleed, meaning all the way to the edge of the paper, leaving no white edges. You can achieve this effect when you’re cutting out your cards, but during the design stage, make sure you’re centering your homemade invitations on the page and leaving plenty of room for neat cutting. Note: If you’re printing at home, most home printers aren’t capable of full-color printing (which can result in smudging and discoloration), so you may want to consider a white background with color artwork instead of a colored background.
       At this point, you will also need to add all the necessary information, such as your name; the date, time, and location of your wedding; RSVP details; and any other noteworthy details in your chosen tone and color. Additionally, you will want to add some visual elements, such as an illustration of the venue, a floral frame, or a joint monogram for both sides. If you are using a pre-made template, you can also ask the designer to make additional changes.
       Before printing the final product, be sure to double-check your design and proofread the text, and of course, have someone else proofread it for you. “Have a third party read the text and check for spelling errors,” Logan said. “I also recommend reading it out loud and checking for grammatical errors.”
       After carefully checking that the text and design are as you want them, save the file. Logan said that PDF format provides higher print quality than JPEG format. She also recommends using a template with a resolution of at least 300 dpi for crisp results.
       Now it’s time to print! To fully embrace the DIY concept, use a home printer. However, Griffith recommends testing first, as images printed on these printers are typically one or two shades darker than your digital design. You’ll also want to make sure the text is crisp and vibrant. After each test, adjust the settings accordingly until you’re happy with the color balance.
       If your design uses a full-color background or you’re not entirely confident in your printer’s capabilities, Griffith recommends visiting an office supply store that offers digital printing or using a professional printer for precise color matching and cutting.
       Once you have printed your invitation, you will need to cut it to size using a paper cutter or a craft knife. The standard size for invitations is 5″ x 7″, but inserts can vary in length and width. As we mentioned above, try to make your invitations borderless.
       What’s next? Assemble the invitations. Griffith says to do this by placing the insert in the appropriate envelope, sealing it, and adding any embellishments (like tying a ribbon or sealing the card with wax).
       Before mailing your invitations, visit the post office to confirm the postage rate, which is based on the total number and weight of your wedding invitations. “Once all of your invitations are ready, be sure to take the entire set to the post office to have them weighed and let the U.S. Postal Service know how many stamps you’ll need,” Shatnaya explains. If you want to manually cancel the mailing to avoid rips or damage, let the post office know when you calculate your postage.
       Once you have the exact stamp specifications, address each envelope and affix the correct number of stamps. While you can always use your own handwriting at this point (which Griffith says adds a “personal, stylish touch”), you can also print out the labels.
       Finally, head back to the post office to mail your handmade wedding invitations. It’s recommended to mail stationery six to eight weeks before the wedding.
       While following the steps above will help you create beautiful DIY wedding invitations, to ensure success, keep these additional expert tips in mind.
       Griffith recommends setting aside plenty of time to plan and create your own wedding invitations. “Rushing can lead to mistakes and unnecessary stress,” she says. Start designing at least four months before the wedding so you can decide on the design and wording, and address the envelopes ahead of time.
       While DIY wedding invitations are more affordable than traditional wedding stationery, they will still take up a significant portion of your budget, and certain materials and printing methods will cost more. To stay within your budget, Shatnaya suggested purchasing the appropriate materials and estimating the costs. “Considering these factors before designing an invitation is one way couples can set themselves up for success and ensure that the invitation turns out great,” she says.
       Griffith advises that to ensure your invitations look professional, invest in a few good tools, such as a reliable paper cutter and a high-quality printer. If you have the budget, you can also hire a professional printing service.
       Since there are so many different materials involved in making wedding stationery, Griffith recommends keeping everything in one place. Otherwise, you could lose something, which could cost you time and money. She also recommends sticking to a schedule to make sure everything is on track.
       If you need extra help sketching out a design or meeting a deadline, don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Whether it’s a good friend or a professional designer, a little encouragement can go a long way toward achieving the perfect outcome,” says Griffith.
       One of the most attractive features of DIY wedding invitations is that you can create a personalized piece that reflects your feelings. You may want to consider the following tips and you can easily accomplish this task.
       To give guests a deeper understanding of your love story, decorate your invitations with meaningful symbols that reflect your partnership. “For example, if you both love to travel, you could design a small airplane or a map,” Griffith said. “If your relationship began on the beach, seashells or ocean waves could be a subtle nod to your love story.” Images of your pets, logos of your favorite sports teams, or a shared hobby are all good choices.
       Incorporating elements of the venue and aesthetic into your wedding box can hint at the upcoming celebration and heighten the excitement of everyone in attendance. “For a rustic barn wedding, use earthy tones, kraft paper, and twine,” suggests Griffith. “For a glamorous, urban wedding, consider metallic accents, modern fonts, and sleek designs.”
       If there is a quote, Bible verse, text, or poem that resonates with you and your future spouse and symbolizes your union, consider adding it to your stationery design. “Choose words that reflect your love story or shared values ​​as a couple and include them prominently on the invitation or as a subtle detail in the design,” Griffith notes.
       Want to make your DIY wedding invitations truly unique? Why not add a few handmade elements, whether it’s a hand-drawn illustration or a hand-written message? You could also create a badge to symbolise your special relationship.