Invitations...?

Question

I'm planning my wedding right now and I was thinking about making my own invitations. Is this a bad idea?

Answer 1

No, especially if you have a few basic tools. You'll probably want to print out the invite on your computer, so you'll want a decent quality printer, with a good ink cartridge. You'll want to get the paper at a craft store, although there are also specialty paper stores around too, check the yellow pages. There's all sorts of creative things you can do, and there's tons of books about making your own cards/wedding invites, etc. Look around in the scrapbook section of your big chain craft store (Michael's, JoAnns), and see what you find. Just give yourself plenty of time to do it so you're not rushed, and keep them relatively simple. The minute you start thinking you have to hand emboss each invite is the minute you start going over the edge mentally. Keep it simple, and it will be a success. Good luck!

Answer 2

It is a fabulous idea if you are crafty and have the time. Truthfully, the first answer you got gives a great deal of information on making your invites. Awesome.

But, as a professional, I have some concerns:

1. Do remember that all the material you will buy -- including an estimated $45 ink cartridge, $100 or so for paper supplies, etc and you can quickly run the cost up to be even with Hallmark's 125 for $350 (with thank you cards/envelopes, response cards/envelopes, and inner/outter envelope).

2. You are the bride and you have a lot going on. Unless this wedding is more than a year away, you are in a time crunch as it is.

Just think about it -- I have had clients make great invitations at home, but unless they skimp big time, it rarely ever saves money.

Answer 3

If you're even a tiny bit crafty you can make your own invitations that look stunning. Just study online invitations, the really expensive intricate ones -- you can make almost all of them yourself.

You'll probably need a good printer, a paper cutter, a hole punch and a few other items like pinking shears.

Card stock + vellum + ribbon always makes a beautiful invite; it's a simple place to start. Thousands of fonts are there for the using; just google for "free wedding fonts."

As for layout, Microsoft Publisher or even Illustrator or Quark or InDesign are a joy to use, but most brides find MS Word works just fine.

The downside to doing your own is they can be very time-consuming. But you might be able to get your bridesmaids (or fiance) to help.

Answer 4

This is not a bad idea and a lot of people do it to personalize their invites and make them unique. They can be simple. Some print shops will make the invite and you can get other paper you like and tiny ribbons or use rice paper. Go to an art and office supply and they could help you find some nice papers to work with and co ordinated envelopes.

Answer 5

In comparison, DIY is only about $20 cheaper than a standard invitation. Consider the following costs:

2 or more black/color ink cartridges for printing invitations and envelopes (Average about $25-30 each)
Specialty paper or kit (Average about $20 for 25 invitations and/or $40 for nice cardstock)
Cost for matching envelopes (outer/inner/response) (Average about $20 per box if you can find them)
Cutting charges for smaller pieces (Average about $10)
Embellishments such as ribbons, stamping, sealing wax, etc.
YOUR TIME, ENERGY and PATIENCE while you are trying to plan the rest of your wedding

Answer 6

I think that is a great idea! I am getting married in March and just got done doing my own! Everybody loves them! I think it makes them more personal! Good luck girl and have fun with them!

Answer 7

Sounds like a great idea...its best to find your envelopes first then customize your invites to size!

Answer 8

no ;I think it is very nice