Create your own individually designed wedding invitations
The most important day in your life should be shared with your loved ones. Once the wedding date has been set and the guest list has been drawn up, you should start designing your wedding invitations as soon as possible. However, you can give your wedding invitations a lovely personal touch if you make them yourself. We will show you some ideas for homemade wedding invitations, save-the-date cards and RSVP cards that you can easily make yourself. We will also answer important FAQs such as: “What should you include on your wedding invitation?” or "When should you send your wedding invitations?”.
Vintage save-the-date cards
Save-the-date cards will inform your guests about the date of your wedding long before all the organisational details have been decided. This way, your loved ones can already note the date in their calendars. Save-the-date cards contain the most important information and are usually designed following the less is more rule. If your wedding has a vintage, boho theme or if you simply want to bring back memories of the good old times, then this wedding invitation or save-the-date card is the perfect choice.
Here’s what you will need:
A piece of card for a vintage look
One or more photos of you
Matching ribbons, for example, lace or cord ribbon
Fineliners for writing a message
Method:
You can either buy normal card or coloured card that matches the theme of your wedding. An A5 size piece of card will be enough, as save-the-date cards do not contain a lot of information. However, if you would like to use this idea for your wedding invitations, you should go for A4 format. Use photos for the design of the cards. You could opt for funny children's photos of yourself, which will perfectly match the theme. Alternatively, you can also use photos of you as a couple in a sepia tone.
If you design the cards in landscape format, it is best to place the text on the right half of the card. Leave a horizontal line in the middle of the card as this is where you can put your piece of ribbon. You can get pieces of card in a range of different colours. Depending on how light or dark the colour is, you can print the text in black or white on the card. The left half of the card offers enough space for sticking on one or more photos. Finally, tie the ribbon around your wedding invitation and it's ready to go. Alternatively, you can decorate the cards with dried flowers or a small wax seal.
Funny save-the-date cards
The following creative idea is perfect for anyone who would like to have a set of very original save-the-date cards. It contains the necessary information, but there is a little joke to make your guests chuckle.
Here is what you will need:
A piece of card
Small resealable transparent bags
Sweets
Stapler
Fineliners for writing a message
Method:
Cut the card to the right size and fold it in half. Write your names on the front, a short funny saying and the date of your wedding.
A small packet of gummy frogs is the perfect way to make your guests chuckle. You could use the sweets to match the saying ‘’You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’’. Alternatively, you could use other sweets, but choose sweets that won’t get squashed or damaged.
Creatively elegant wedding invitations
This style of wedding invitation is a great alternative to classic folded invitations. You can use a mix of lettering and photos to create an elegant look.
Here is what you will need:
Card in two matching colours
A slim white or black pencil
Photo strips or photos
Cord or ribbon
Method:
You can print the text onto your wedding invitations or handwrite them. You can then use a white pen to add the finishing touches to dark card.
Now you can cut out the invitation into any shape you like. However, a rectangle will save space and you can then cut out several invitations from one piece of card.
Now on the second piece of card cutout a small, narrow rectangle or a shape to match the other piece of card. You only need to write your names and possibly the date of your wedding. Alternatively, you can use this part of the wedding invitation as a RSVP card.
Finally, you will need a photo strip or a photo in black and white of yourself. You can print your photos as retro prints or photo strips in most chemists or online. Alternatively, you can cut a single photo of yourself to fit.
You can keep everything in place with a piece of ribbon or cord and your very individual wedding invitations are good to go.
Create templates for your text on the computer. All you have to do is print out your design and add it to your piece of card. Afterwards cut out the individual cards and personalise them with the names of the guests.
Personalising your envelopes
Pop your wedding invitations into a stylishly designed envelope to wow your guests. In keeping with the style of your wedding, you can surprise your guests with a lovingly designed wedding invitation.
Here is what you will need:
Envelopes in any colour
Wax seal stamp
Dry flowers, glitter, twigs and anything else you would like to use to decorate your envelopes
Method:
You can find wedding card envelopes in countless colours in craft shops or online. If you already have a colour scheme for your wedding decorations or a theme for your wedding, you can keep this in mind when choosing your envelopes.
There is also a wide selection of colours when it comes to sealing wax. Online you can find seal stamps with various symbols such as flowers, hearts or your initials. Small flowers or a eucalyptus branch give the envelope a natural and unique look.
You can add a seal wax stamp once you have put your homemade wedding invitation into the envelope. While one of you holds the envelope and possibly a twig in place, the other can carefully heat the wax over the envelope and let it drip onto the edge of the envelope lid. Now press the stamp onto the wax whilst it is still warm and then let it dry and you can send out your invitations.
The envelope allows you to personalise your wedding invitations for each guest. For example, add a photo of you and the guest you are inviting to share an unforgettable memory you shared together.
Making your own RSVP cards
You could enclose a RSVP card with your invitation to your wedding so that your guests do not forget to respond to your invitation. Make sure to put a deadline on your invitations. Usually, the deadline is about one month after receiving the wedding invitation, so that the actual number of guests can be passed on to the caterer and wedding venue in good time.
You could also use your RSVP cards to request further useful information for planning your wedding:
Number of guests invited and possibly their names
Food allergies and any intolerance
Do you need to book any accommodation and, if so for, how many people
Choice of dishes from the menu
Their favourite song for your wedding reception
It is a good idea to also send pre-addressed envelopes to make it easier for your guests to respond to your wedding invitation.
Here is what you will need:
White coloured card
Felt tip pens
Method:
The following RSVP cards are easy to make. A cassette style RSVP is a great way to find out what music your guests would like to hear at your wedding reception. Simply cut out small rectangles with rounded corners and draw or print out a picture of a cassette and put it in the middle. All the important information can be written on the back, while the song request is added to the cassette. This way you can send a RSVP that your guests will not forget.
Helpful tips and information on wedding invitations
Follow our helpful tips below to ensure that your invitation planning goes according to plan and that your guests can plan the date of your wedding well in advance.
When should you send save-the-date cards?
Save-the-date cards are suitable for informing guests about the planned wedding date. You should send them out about nine to twelve months before your wedding.
Your save-the-date cards should include the following information:
Your names
Date and location of the wedding
Make a quick note saying that you will send out your invitations in the coming weeks and they will contain more information about your wedding.
When should you send your wedding invitations?
Usually, wedding invitations are sent out about three to five months before your wedding.
What should you include on your wedding invitations?
On the wedding invitation your guests will find more detailed information about your wedding day:
Date and time
Where everyone should meet and the address of the wedding location
Theme and, if applicable, dress code for your wedding reception
Further details regarding your wedding day, for example, ceremony, wedding reception, cutting of the cake and buffet
Contact details of who to contact if guests have any questions regarding accommodation or anything else
If applicable, wedding gift wish list
Conclusion: making individually designed wedding invitations
Individually designed wedding invitations are a great way to wow your guests. Follow our step-by-step instructions above to make some wonderful wedding invitations. You can also individualise them to make them match the style of your planned wedding. However, depending on how many guests are invited, it is a good idea to get started in advance. Let your creativity run wild and create wedding invitations, save-the-date cards and RSVP cards that you and your guests will always remember.
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Resources and further information
https://www.greetingsisland.com/invitations/wedding/response-and-rsvp-cards
(Last accessed on 19/10/2023)
https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/invite-wording-and-etiquette/diy-wedding-invitations/
(Last accessed on 19/10/2023)
https://www.trulyengaging.com/blog/7-tips-for-designing-your-own-save-the-dates
(Last accessed on 19/10/2023)
https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/info-you-must-include-on-your-wedding-invitations
(Last accessed on 19/10/2023)