If you want to save on wedding costs without compromising the essence of the event, then making your own invitations is the way to go. This article will guide you through creating a wedding invitation from start to finish.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Managing Your Information
Step 1. Manage the invite section
Wedding invitations are generally divided into three parts: "Save-the-date", the wedding invitation and the RSVP card. Decide if you want to include these three things in your invitation-making process and how you want them to be designed.
- "Save-the-date" usually includes the engagement and wedding announcements, the names of the spouses and the date and time of the wedding. You don't have to include your location or other details.
- Wedding invitations should be sent at least six weeks before the wedding date. This invitation must include all information related to the wedding including the spouse's name, location, date and time. You can also include other information in this invitation.
- An RSVP card is a smaller card that is sent with the invitation. You may not include this card in your invitation, but it's actually really helpful. This card is located inside the envelope and contains information on whether the person you are inviting will be attending, the number of guests, and the menu of food they have chosen for dinner. The recipient will send this card back to you, so you know exactly how many people will be attending and what you need to prepare.
Step 2. Create a guest list
Before you make an invitation, you should know how many invitations you have to make. To do this, create a guest list with your family, which includes their full name, address, and email or phone number.
- You will find it easier to create a guest list using a table on your computer. That way, you'll be quicker to change something if needed.
- After guests have sent back their RSPV cards, color code those who say they are coming. This will help you to know who is coming and who hasn't notified you.
- Pay attention to guests who require special things, such as if they live in remote areas, so you may have to send invitations via email instead of by mail; or if they don't speak Indonesian, you will need to prepare an invitation in another language.
Step 3. Write down all your invitation information
Once you've determined which parts of the invitation you want to make, create samples for each part. Choose the words you want, including the order in which the different sequences of information are ordered, and the spacing in the invitations.
- Decide whether you will use the official language or the casual language. An example of a formal invitation would be "[Name of spouse] expects you to attend our wedding on …" or "[Bride's surname] invites you to [spouse name]'s wedding on…."
- If you want a more casual invitation, try the sentence "[Couple name] is happy to invite you to his wedding on…" or simply write "You were invited!" along with the location, date and time of the wedding.
- Even if your sentence is an example, make sure you research the spelling and avoid spelling mistakes in the invitation.
- Don't just make one version of the invitation, make several versions to try out different writing styles.
- Include directions in the invitation, especially if the location of the invitation is far away and is not known to the invited guests.
Part 2 of 3: Designing Your Invitations
Step 1. Choose a color
Designing invitations should ideally only be done after you have planned your wedding event. For the best look for your invitations, choose a color that matches your overall wedding décor.
- Limit your invitation colors to no more than 3. This will keep your invitations from looking overwhelming.
- Use basic colors or neutral colors. Beige or white is usually chosen as the color of the invitation, although you can use other bright colors as the base color. Then you can use 1-2 other bright colors to complete it.
- Make sure you choose a color that contrasts the text with the background of the invitation so that your invitation is easy to read.
- Use the same color for invitations, "save-the-date" and RSVP cards. Of course, you want all the parts of your invitation to match and not bump into each other.
- Choose what colors you will use for each part of the invitation. This includes the background, text, and other designs in your invitations.
Step 2. Create an invitation background design
Before you add text and images to your invitation, you must first choose a background. If the writing on your invitation is formal, then consider choosing a classic neutral background. A more relaxed invitation letter can be paired with bright and cheerful colors or images.
- If you choose a background in one particular color, define the pattern. Do you use only one color or make it look faded, or use two or more colors?
- Consider using a pattern or image as a background. While you may need to change the placement of the text in the invitation, using a patterned background is an easy way to enhance your invitations.
- Remember that you can use printed paper with pictures. That way, you just have to design the lettering and place it in your invitation, and choose the patterned paper you want.
- You can give the illusion of a background image by using textured paper.
Step 3. Define the image
If you want to include an image in your invitation, consider several options. If you're not confident in your abilities at this point, consider asking for help and input from close friends or family who can help you design it.
- If you want to use an image, make your own or use an old photo. Images that you can use, for example, are text frames, small pictures or photos of the engagement of a married couple.
- If you are using a picture, decide whether you will use heavy paper to print it in full and then use light paper to write the invitation on it, or use the same paper to print the picture and text.
- Don't add too many things to your invitation. If you've used a textured background, don't add too many images to it. Don't use more than two images in your invitation, and make sure that the text is the focus of your invitation.
Step 4. Select the typeface for your writing
Just as important as the images and colors in the invitations is the typeface. The typeface is very important in determining the mood of an invitation.
- For formal invitations, choose a classic serif font. This typeface will give you a beautiful classic look.
- If you use casual writing and design, consider using handwriting or a sans serif font. However, your choices are not limited to this typeface, and you can also choose a more formal typeface for your invitations.
- Limit your choice of font to a maximum of 2. Maybe you often see invitations containing various types of letters, but using more than 2 fonts will be a little tiring for the eyes.
Step 5. Consider adding more details
Invitations today are usually equipped with various sweetening elements on the outside. Consider embossing, ribbons, confetti or adding glitter to your invitations.
Step 6. Select the envelope
There are hundreds of different types of envelopes available, many of which are specially designed for weddings. This is the part of the wedding that you may not be able to make yourself, unless you are a very passionate bride. Find envelopes of the right size, shape, and color for your invitations online.
Step 7. Format your invitation
With all the parts you've defined - the text, the background, and maybe even an image - you can now create your own sample invitation. Make a rough sample of the invitation with the ideal placement of images and text.
- Create several versions of the invitation by changing the position of the text, increasing/reducing the image size and using different borders.
- Don't feel that you have to follow a certain style or format. Try different styles to find which one you like best; You may be surprised by the results.
- Be sure to estimate the actual size of your invitation. This will greatly affect the format of your invitation.
Step 8. Research your invitation
Once you've considered all of the writing placements, create a final sample invitation. Make sure that there are no typos and that you know the exact size of your invitation.
Part 3 of 3: Printing Your Invitation Cards
Step 1. Select your invitation paper
While you may have already decided what paper you will be using, you will need to choose the type of paper for your invitation after designing it.
- Visit your local craft or printing shop to see the different types of paper. Watch the price and consider the price difference if you buy in bulk.
- Avoid using glossy photo paper for your invitations, as this paper is easily damaged. Choose matte photo paper or cardboard.
- Make sure your paper can be cut into small sizes according to your invitation.
- If you want to use multiple layers of paper for your invitations, be sure to choose one type of paper for each layer of your invitation. You will likely need the same amount of all types of paper.
Step 2. Decide how you will print your invitations
You can print it at home or in a printer. After designing your own invitations, you should be able to save enough to be able to print the invitations on a good printer.
- If you are printing the invitations at home, make sure that your printer can print on the paper you choose and that you have enough ink to print as much as you need.
- Contact several printers in your area to get a price estimate. To print and cut invitations, you may not need to spend too much.
- Make sure you print the invitations in the correct size, so you don't have to spend extra to reprint the invitations because of this error.
Step 3. Compose your invitation
Once all your invitations have been printed and cut, arrange them! If there are several layers of invitations, glue them together. Place an RSVP card or other additional clue inside the invitation and put everything in an envelope.
- Keep in mind that invitation envelopes can be glued with stickers or other decorations.
- Use your best handwriting to write the address of the invitation or print an address sticker according to the typeface on your invitation.
Step 4. Send us your invites
Once your invitations are ready, end the process by inviting friends and family to your big event. Be sure to send out invitations at least six weeks before your wedding.
Tips
- There are a variety of inexpensive wedding invitation templates that you can download online to design your invitations.
- Consider hiring a graphic design student to make invitations at a lower rate.
