Choosing your wedding invitations is more than just picking a pretty card. They set the tone for your entire celebration, giving guests their first glimpse into your unique style and the kind of wedding you envision. While pre-made invitations offer convenience, custom wedding invites allow you to truly express yourselves and create a one-of-a-kink keepsake.
Why Choose Custom Wedding Invites?
Uniqueness: Stand out from the crowd with invitations that reflect your personalities and wedding theme.
Personalization: Include special touches like your monogram, wedding date, and even your pet’s name.
High-Quality Materials: Choose from a wide range of luxurious materials like watercolor paper, vellum, and even silk.
Creative Freedom: Explore unique shapes, colors, and embellishments to create invitations that are truly unforgettable.
Keepsakes: Custom invitations become cherished mementos for your guests to save.
Getting Started with Custom Wedding Invites
Custom Wedding Invites The Amelia
1. Define Your Style:
Brainstorm: What’s the overall vibe of your wedding? Rustic, modern, vintage, elegant, whimsical?
Mood Board: Create a visual mood board with images that inspire you – colors, patterns, textures, and overall aesthetic.
Consider Your Venue: Does your venue have a specific style? Let that influence your invitation design.
2. Choose a Designer or DIY:
Stationery Designer: Collaborate with a professional designer to bring your vision to life. They have expertise in design, printing, and materials.
DIY Route: Embrace your creativity and design your own invitations. There are many online resources and templates available.
3. Select Your Materials:
Paper: Consider the weight, texture, and color of your paper. Popular choices include:
Cardstock: A classic and versatile option.
Vellum: Adds a touch of elegance and translucency.
Cotton paper: Luxurious and high-quality.
Recycled paper: An eco-friendly choice.
Envelopes: Choose envelopes that complement your invitation paper and consider liner options for a touch of personality.
4. Embellishments and Extras:
Calligraphy: Add a touch of elegance with hand-addressed envelopes or calligraphed names on the invitations themselves.
Foil Stamping: Add a touch of shimmer and sophistication with gold, silver, or rose gold foil.
Embroidery: For a truly unique touch, consider embroidered details on your invitations.
Wax Seals: Add a vintage touch with custom wax seals in your wedding colors.
Ribbon and Lace: Add delicate touches of ribbon and lace to tie your invitations together.
5. Don’t Forget the Details:
RSVP Cards: Include clear RSVP instructions and a deadline.
Information Cards: Provide details about accommodations, transportation, and wedding website.
Maps and Directions: If your venue is difficult to find, include a detailed map or directions.
6. Ordering and Timing:
Order in Advance: Allow ample time for design, printing, and assembly.
Consider Seasonality: If your wedding is during a busy season, order your invitations even earlier.
Proofread Carefully: Double-check all wording and information for any errors.
Design Inspiration for Custom Wedding Invites:
Watercolor Wonders
Embrace the beauty of watercolor with flowing floral designs or abstract washes.
Use watercolor paper for a natural and textured look.
Pair watercolor with calligraphy for a romantic and elegant feel.
Modern Minimalism
Keep it clean and simple with bold typography and geometric shapes.
Use black and white with pops of a bright accent color.
Choose sleek, modern fonts and minimal embellishments.
Rustic Charm
Incorporate natural elements like wood, burlap, and twine.
Use earthy colors like brown, cream, and olive green.
Handwritten calligraphy adds a personal touch.
Vintage Elegance
Draw inspiration from bygone eras with antique lace, vintage stamps, and vintage-inspired typography.
Use soft pastel colors and delicate floral patterns.
Consider adding a touch of gold or silver foil for a touch of luxury.
Whimsical Wonderland
Let your imaginations run wild with playful patterns, bright colors, and whimsical illustrations.
Use unique shapes and textures to create invitations that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Incorporate interactive elements like scratch-off cards or personalized messages.
Tips for DIY Wedding Invitations:
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to plan and create your invitations.
Choose User-Friendly Templates: Many online resources offer easy-to-use templates and design tools.
Invest in Quality Materials: Use high-quality paper, ink, and embellishments.
Practice Your Calligraphy: If you plan to hand-address your envelopes, practice your calligraphy beforehand.
Get Help from Friends and Family: Enlist the help of friends and family to assemble your invitations.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Custom Invitations:
Limit Embellishments: Choose a few key embellishments instead of overloading your invitations.
Consider Digital Printing: Digital printing is often more affordable than traditional printing methods.
Explore Alternative Materials: Consider using less expensive materials like cardstock instead of vellum.
DIY Some Elements: Consider DIYing some elements like calligraphy or hand-painted details.
Shop for Sale Items: Look for sales on paper, envelopes, and other supplies.
Conclusion
Your wedding invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your special day. By choosing custom invitations, you can create a truly unique and personal reflection of your love story. Whether you work with a professional designer or embark on a DIY adventure, remember to have fun and let your creativity shine through.
