Four Steps to Creating Do-it-Yourself Wedding Invitations

In these tremulous economic times budget-wary brides are looking for ways to cut costs, pinch pennies and maximize purchases. And it isn’t easy. Prices are escalating, but you likely haven’t seen a pay increase or yearly bonus for quite some time. Let’s face it-life isn’t fair. It isn’t fair your dream wedding will fall in the midst of one of the most challenging economic times our country has faced in recent history.

So what can you do about it?

You know you deserve the wedding of a lifetime and you are your groom aren’t willing to sacrifice class for cash … right?

Well the solution to your wedding budget woes is in creatively planning and designing some key pieces that you can easily and inexpensively produce at home.

Wedding invitations are some of the easiest elements brides and grooms try to create at home. A quick online search will reveal unique, one-of-a-kind invitations that guarantee to announce your impending marriage with flair.

But they come at a price.

Designer invitations run as much as much as $5 each. If you plan to mail 100 invites, your invitation bill alone will hit the $500 mark and that doesn’t include envelopes, thank you cards or other necessary stationery, such as reply cards or maps.


I know what you are thinking … homemade wedding invitations? Hmmm … I don’t think so. But bear with me for a second. I’m not talking about an arts and crafts project your 10-year-old cousin could do in grade school. I’m talking about classy wedding invitations that look like they cost you a fortune.

Interested?


Here’s the deal.

Step 1:

Peruse invitation books, catalogs and websites and find invitations that appeal to your sense of wedding style.

Make a note about what you like about each invitation and search for similarities among the invitations. For example, do you like invitations that are tied with a small ribbon or bow? Do you like invitations that feature a photo of the bride and groom? Do you feel yourself drawn to bold, contemporary colors or do you prefer romantic scenes and scripts?

Step 2:

Look for Do-it-Yourself options.

Many websites allow couples to choose an invitation or color combination, upload text and photos (if they choose to use a photo) and alter the font type and size. I suggest you play around with various sites and invitation styles until you are satisfied with the result.

Keep in mind that you can order basic invitations, then add ribbons, charms or stamps you purchase at your local crafts store.

Step 3:

If possible, order a sample card.

It doesn’t have to be a personalized sample. By looking at the manufacturer's sample, you will get a good idea of what your invitation will look like and can play with various ribbons, charms or bow combinations and can try different stamps and colors.

Step 4:

Order your invitations and put them together yourself.

Many expensive invitations feature intimate details that make them stand out from the crowd. Don’t be afraid of spending a few hours … or days ... or weeks working on your invitations in order to make them special.

Have you ordered your wedding invitations yet? Would you ever create DIY wedding invitations at home? Why or why not?

Photos courtesy of zakwitnij and aus_chick