Designing your own wedding invitations is exciting and fun, but it can also be overwhelming.
The steps below will help get you started!
1. Choose your envelope.
Selecting a standard sized envelope is the first step in creating the perfect invitation. There’s nothing worse than designing a beautiful invitation, only to find it doesn’t fit in an envelope! Visit
Paper 101: Envelope Basics
for more information and to download our envelope size chart. It provides you with standard envelope and card sizes so you can be sure your measurements are correct.
2. Select the right paper.
Whether your event is formal, casual, whimsical or modern, you paper choices should reflect your idea or theme not only in color, but in texture and quality as well. Paper can be broken down into three (very) basic categories:
Cardstock: Also referred to as cover, cardstock is a heavier weight paper, perfect for cards, programs or invitation backings. Despite their heavier weight most cardstock can still be printed on and can be easily folded or punched with the proper tools. The most common cardstock weight is 80# but it can come as heavy as 120#. Cardstock that is heavier than 100# may not be able to run through a home printer.
Text: Also known as printer paper or laser paper, text weight paper is most commonly used for the pages inside a program, or for an overlay. It is thinner which makes it great for printing, but doesn’t have the thickness of a cardstock, meaning it’s not ideal for a project which require sturdiness.
Vellum: Also known as translucent paper or tissue. Vellum is often used as an overlay, either to protect an invitation design, or as the invitation itself. Vellum is offered in many weights. If you plan to run vellum through your printer, we recommend 24# to 30#. It’s still translucent, but not so flimsy as to be difficult to work with.
For more information on paper types visit
Paper 101: Which Paper Is Right For Me?
For more detailed information on paper weights and how they’re calculated visit
Paper 101: Paper Weight Info
3. Use your paper efficiently.
Depending on the size of your invitation, you may be able to get 2-4 pieces out of one sheet of paper. Or you may be able to print your RSVP alongside your invite, etc. Maximizing your materials not only saves you money on supplies, but also saves on paper waste and printing.
4. Consider your printing method.
Will you be printing on a home printer? Laser or ink jet? If you’re not having your invites professionally printed be sure that you’re choosing a paper that will work with your home printer, and will show the ink colors you wish to use. Though it seems like a no-brainer, printing black ink on Navy paper is not a good idea.
5. Make a sample.
Don’t assume your sketch is perfect. Double-check your measurements. Order samples if you have time and do a practice run. This will save you time in the long run and ensure you absolutely love the finished piece. Believe me, even professional designers have been known to be off a 1/4 inch. It’s best to discover your errors before you’ve made 200 invitations!
6. Mail it!
Take your invite to the post office. Make sure it does not require extra postage or is too think for their postal equipment. Size, weight and thickness all effect postage costs. And remember, square envelopes always require more postage. If you’ve created something intricate, or are concerned about mailing, send one to yourself to be sure it holds up.
For more information on mailing visit
Paper 101: Postage Basics
7. Make extras.
There’s nothing worse than designing a masterpiece and not having a sample for yourself. Believe me, I know! Always buy enough supplies to have a few extras, not only for unexpected guests, but for your scrapbook or photos. You’ll thank me later.
This list could go on and on, but it’s a start! For more tips and invitation samples visit
bluedotpapershop.com
5.0/5.0
; "This wedding invitation exudes sophistication and elegance. Layered Bronze and Opal metallic cardstock, complimented by a satin ribbon, come together perfectly to create this formal invitation.")
; "By pairing our Meadow Shimmer paper with Antique Gold and Opal metallic cardstock, we’ve created a beautiful formal wedding invitation. The hand-crafted feel of this invite adds to its Asian styling.")
; "This pocket-fold invitation pairs Chocolate, Blossom and Cement Cardstock, along with our fun Bride and Groom stickers for a look that is completely unique. Send it as is, or in a matching square envelope.")
; "This pocket-fold invitation pairs Chocolate, Blossom and Cement Cardstock, along with our fun Bride and Groom stickers for a look that is completely unique. Send it as is, or in a matching square envelope.")
; "Our whimsical wedding invite is perfect for more casual affairs. A polka-dot theme matched with our bright metallic Fairway, Azalea, and Flame cardstock definitely makes a statement.")
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