Our DIY Wedding Invites & Save The Dates

Why DIY Wedding Invitations and Save the Dates?

Let’s start with the big question: why make your own wedding stationery at all when you could click
“add to cart” and be done in five minutes?

The DIY wins

• Personalization: Your colors, fonts, illustrations, photos, inside jokes, and vibewithout paying extra for every tiny tweak.
• Creative control: Want modern minimal? Garden romantic? Retro postcard? You’re the art director now.
• Budget flexibility: You can splurge on one “wow” element (foil, thick stock, custom liner) and simplify everything else.
• Keepsake energy: DIY pieces often feel more sentimental because you literally made them (and may have bled for thempaper cuts are commitment).

The DIY trade-offs

• Time: Designing, proofreading, printing, trimming, assembling, addressing, and mailing takes longer than it sounds.
• Tools & materials: The first “cheap DIY” can become a cart full of paper, blades, adhesives, and a printer you suddenly resent.
• Quality control: DIY can look professional, but it demands test prints and patience.

The secret to loving your DIY wedding invites (instead of writing a villain origin story about them)
is choosing a DIY level that fits your schedule and temperament. You don’t need to hand-emboss a crest
onto 200 envelopes to have beautiful stationery. Simple, consistent, and well-printed beats complicated
and chaotic every time.

Step 1: Start With the Unsexy Stuff (It’s What Makes DIY Look Expensive)

Lock in the must-know details

Before you design anything, finalize the details that affect layout and wording:

• Date (include the year on save the datesfuture you will thank you)
• City and state (or general location for save the dates)
• Ceremony and reception venue details (for invitations)
• Start time (and whether you want to include “doors open” or “cocktail hour” info)
• Wedding website URL (and/or QR code)

Build your guest list and address spreadsheet early

DIY wedding invitations have a hidden boss battle: addresses. Start collecting them early and store them
in a clean spreadsheet with separate columns for titles, first names, last names, street address, city,
state, ZIP, and country. This makes envelope printing or mail merge much easier (and helps you avoid
texting someone’s cousin’s roommate two days before mailing).

Timing: when to send save the dates and invitations

Many wedding planning resources recommend sending save the dates well in advance so guests
can plan travel and time off, and sending formal invitations closer to the wedding along
with an RSVP deadline that gives you time to finalize counts. If your wedding is destination, holiday-adjacent,
or requires travel, plan for extra lead time. The more your guests have to coordinate, the earlier your
save the date timeline should be.

A practical approach: decide your RSVP deadline first (often a few weeks before the wedding),
then work backward for invitation mailing, then place save the dates earlier as a “heads up.”

Step 2: Pick a Format That Matches Your Lifestyle (and Your Patience)

DIY wedding stationery can be as simple as one postcard or as elaborate as a full invitation suite with
multiple enclosures. Here are the most common formats and when they make sense.

Save the date options

• Postcards: Simple, affordable, and easy to mail. Great if you want minimal assembly.
• Flat cards in envelopes: More formal and protected, with room for photos or extra text.
• Magnets: Cute and practical, but often heavier and can affect mailing requirements.
• Digital save the dates: Fast, budget-friendly, and great for last-minute timelines (but less “keepsake”).

Invitation suite options

• Minimal suite: One invitation + a details card (or wedding website/QR) + RSVP online.
• Classic suite: Invitation + RSVP card + details card + envelopes for both.
• Full suite: Invitation + RSVP + details + accommodations + weekend events + map, plus specialty wraps/liners.

If you’re DIY-ing, a minimal or classic suite is often the sweet spot: it looks polished, stays readable,
and won’t require an assembly line that resembles a small shipping warehouse.

Step 3: Design Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not One)

Choose a “stationery style rule” and stick to it

The fastest way to make DIY wedding invites look intentional is consistency. Pick:

• 1–2 fonts (a serif + a simple sans-serif is a classic pairing)
• 2–4 colors (one main color, one accent, and neutrals)
• One recurring motif (floral line art, monogram, minimal border, watercolor wash, etc.)

This matters because your save the dates, invitations, RSVP cards, details cards, and even day-of items
(menus, programs, place cards) will feel like one cohesive collectionnot a “greatest hits” album of
every font you’ve ever loved.

Use templates strategically (no shame, all gain)

Tools like Canva and other design platforms can be a lifesaver for DIY save the dates and invites.
Start with a template to get sizing and spacing right, then customize typography and colors to make it yours.
Templates aren’t “cheating”they’re time management.

Design for printing, not for your laptop screen

The #1 DIY heartbreak is when the printed card looks darker, duller, or slightly different than your screen.
Screens glow; paper does not. To avoid disappointment:

• Do a test print on your exact paper
• Expect colors to shift slightly (especially on tinted or textured stock)
• Keep text high-contrast for readability
• Use a comfortable font size (tiny “whisper text” is not a luxury, it’s a crime)

Bleed, margins, and the “white border” dilemma

If you want design that prints to the edge, you’ll need “full bleed” printing and trimming.
Many home printers can’t print borderless on thick cardstock. A clean alternative is embracing a
tasteful borderintentional negative space can look modern and high-end.

Step 4: Choose Paper That Feels Good (and Mails Well)

Paper is where DIY wedding invitations go from “cute project” to “wow, this feels legit.”
It’s also where budgets can get… ambitious.

Cardstock weight: the sweet spot

Many stationery and print resources recommend invitation cardstock in the 80–110 lb range
for a sturdy, premium feel. Heavier can be gorgeous, but it may be harder to print on at home and can
impact postage if your envelope becomes bulky.

Texture: smooth vs. linen/cotton vibes

• Smooth cardstock: Crisp text, sharp photo printing, and a clean modern finish.
• Linen/cotton texture: Feels classic and elevated, especially for formal designs.
• Vellum overlays: Adds romance and softness (and a small chance you’ll glue it to your elbow).

Paper tip that saves money

If you’re printing multiple pieces, consider using your nicest thick stock for the main invitation and a
lighter stock for insert cards. You’ll still get that premium first impression without turning each envelope
into a tiny brick.

Step 5: Printing Options That Won’t Break Your Spirit

Option A: Print at home (best for simple designs and small-ish quantities)

Home printing can be great if your design is mostly text, you don’t need full bleed, and your printer can
handle heavier cardstock. A few smart moves:

• Use your printer’s “cardstock/heavyweight” setting
• Turn off “fit to page” so your sizing stays accurate
• Feed fewer sheets at a time to reduce jams and misalignment
• Print one extra set for mistakes (and one for your keepsake box)

Option B: Local print shop (best balance of quality, speed, and sanity)

Printing at a professional shop can give you cleaner color, sharper text, and easier trimmingespecially if
you want full bleed or double-sided printing. Many print providers offer premium cardstock choices and
consistent results across your whole suite.

Option C: Online printing (best for convenience)

Online print services can be a nice middle ground when you want pro output without visiting a store. You can
upload your design, pick a paper type, and get matching envelopes. The key is ordering samples or a small test batch
before committing to the full quantity.

The universal printing rule: test first

Print one “proof” copy and treat it like a sacred artifact. Check:

• Spelling (especially names and venue addresses)
• Alignment and margins
• Readability (lighting matterslook at it in normal room light)
• Color accuracy
• Smudging (especially with dark envelopes or specialty inks)

Step 6: What to Include in Your Invitation Suite (Without Overstuffing)

Must-have: the main invitation

Your main wedding invitation should communicate the essentials clearly:
who, what, when, where. Wording can be formal or modern, but clarity wins.

RSVP: paper, online, or both

Paper RSVP cards are traditional and charming, but they add printing, envelopes, and postage. Many couples
now use online RSVPs through their wedding website, which reduces paper and simplifies tracking. If you do
include paper RSVPs, make it easyclear RSVP-by date, meal choices if needed, and a pre-addressed return envelope.

Details card (aka “please don’t put your entire wedding website on one invite”)

Instead of cramming every detail onto the main invitation, use a details card for:

• Dress code
• Parking and transportation notes
• Hotel block info
• Weekend events
• Wedding website and QR code

This keeps the invitation clean and makes your suite feel intentionally designed.

Fun upgrades (optional, but delightful)

• Envelope liners: Adds a “wow” moment when openedlike a tiny red carpet for paper.
• Belly bands: Helps keep stacks neat and makes the suite feel curated.
• Wax seals: Gorgeous, but consider placement and mailing practicality.
• Vellum wrap: Romantic, lightweight, and surprisingly forgiving.

Step 7: Assembly Without Tears (Okay, Fewer Tears)

Assemble your wedding invitations in batches and keep the process boring on purpose. Boring is efficient.

A simple assembly order that works

1. Lay out one complete suite in front of you (your “master example”).
2. Stack inserts in the same order every time.
3. If using an RSVP envelope, tuck the RSVP card under the flap.
4. Place the main invitation on top (so it’s the first thing seen when opened).
5. Add belly band or wrap last.

Batch like a bakery

Break the job into stations: trimming, folding, inserting, sealing. Doing one task at a time reduces mistakes.
Also: snacks. You’re basically running a paper factory. Paper factories require snacks.

Step 8: Addressing Envelopes Like You Know What You’re Doing

Formal vs. modern addressing

Etiquette sources like Emily Post and major wedding platforms generally suggest using courtesy titles when
you’re going formal (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.), spelling out names clearly, and avoiding overly casual shortcuts
if the event is formal. More modern styles may use first and last names without titles, especially for casual weddings.

Plus-ones and families

If someone has a plus-one and you don’t know the guest’s name, formats like “& Guest” are commonly used.
For families, decide whether you’re inviting children and address accordingly to avoid confusion.

Handwritten vs. printed

• Handwritten: Warm and personal, but time-consuming (and your wrist will write a complaint letter).
• Printed envelopes: Clean, consistent, and fastespecially if you have a big guest list.
• Calligraphy: Gorgeous, but budget and timing should be realistic.

Pro tip: always include a return address. The mail system is talented, but it’s not psychic.

Step 9: Mailing and Postage (Where Cute Details Meet Reality)

Weigh one complete invitation at the post office

Before you buy stamps for 120 invitations, take one fully assembled invite (with every insert, wrap,
and embellishment) to be weighed. Postage depends on weight, size, and whether the envelope can be processed
by sorting machines. This is especially important if you’re using thick cardstock, square envelopes,
wax seals, ribbon, or bulky closures.

Non-machinable: beautiful, but potentially extra

Square or rigid invitations and raised embellishments often require special handling. USPS offers
non-machinable postage options for mail that can’t go through standard machines. If your envelope is dark,
highly textured, unusually shaped, or has a wax seal bump, expect that you may need additional postage and
that delivery may take longer. When in doubt, ask the postal clerk and avoid guessing.

Mailing tips that prevent panic

• Send a fully assembled invite to yourself first (it’s a test and a keepsake).
• Mail early enough to account for delaysespecially around holidays.
• Keep a few spare invitations for photos, flat-lay shots, and memory boxes.
• If you include RSVP-by-mail, pre-stamp and pre-address the return envelope.

Budget and Time: A Realistic DIY Breakdown

DIY wedding invitations can be budget-friendly, but the final cost depends on your choices. Here’s how to
think about it without spiraling:

Where DIY saves money

• Designing yourself instead of paying custom design fees
• Printing locally with standard finishes rather than premium upgrades
• Keeping the suite minimal (fewer inserts, fewer envelopes, fewer postage needs)

Where DIY can quietly get expensive

• Buying specialty paper for every piece
• Adding heavy embellishments that increase postage
• Purchasing tools (cutters, corner rounders, scoring boards) for one-time use

A smart “hybrid” strategy

Many couples do a hybrid: design everything themselves, print professionally, then DIY the assembly and
personal touches (liners, belly bands, hand-lettered names, wax seals). This often delivers a high-end look
while keeping your time and stress in check.

Common DIY Wedding Invitation Mistakes (and How to Dodge Them)

• Forgetting the year on save the dates: It happens more than you’d think. Put the year on there.
• Using too many fonts: Two is a vibe. Five is a cry for help.
• Skipping test prints: The printer will humble you. Test first.
• Tiny text: If grandma needs a magnifying glass, the font is too small.
• Overstuffing info: Use a details card or wedding website instead of a text wall.
• Buying stamps before weighing: Don’t do it. Weigh first. Then buy.
• Not ordering extras: You’ll want a few for photos, keepsakes, and last-minute additions.

Our DIY Stationery “Experience” Add-On (About of Real-World Lessons)

Let’s talk about the part no one posts on social media: the behind-the-scenes DIY wedding invitation journey
where you learn that “simple paper goods” are secretly a project management course with glitter.
What follows is a composite of common experiences couples have when making DIY wedding invites and save the dates
the kind of stuff you’ll relate to the moment you open your first paper sample pack.

First, the excitement. You pick a color palette and suddenly everything feels possible. You download a template,
swap in your names, and whisper, “We’re basically designers.” Then you print your first test and realize your
dreamy warm beige looks like… cooked oatmeal. Not tragicjust unexpected. So you tweak the color, print again,
tweak again, and eventually find the sweet spot where your paper and ink cooperate like they’re in couples therapy.

Next comes the paper phase, which is dangerously fun. Smooth cardstock feels crisp and modern. Linen texture feels
fancy. Cotton looks like it belongs in a period drama where everyone has perfect handwriting. You tell yourself
you’re just browsing. You are not just browsing. You are now comparing paper weights like you’re shopping for a
luxury mattress. Eventually, you choose a main invitation stock that feels substantial, then decide to use a lighter
stock for insert cards so your envelope doesn’t qualify as a small dumbbell.

The trimming era arrives. This is where your paper cutter becomes the MVP of the household. You set up a station,
measure carefully, and cut with confidenceuntil the first card is off by a hair and you realize “a hair” matters
when you stack 80 invites. You adjust, you recalibrate, and you learn the spiritual lesson of DIY: perfection is
a moving target, but consistency is achievable. You start batching: cut all invitations first, then all details
cards, then all RSVPs. Your playlist becomes motivational. Your snacks become non-negotiable.

Addressing envelopes is its own mini-marathon. You think it’ll take an afternoon. It takes a weekend. Your hand
cramps. Your handwriting evolves. You become intimately familiar with titles, last names, and the question of whether
“Apartment” should be spelled out for formality or abbreviated for sanity. Halfway through, you discover one address
is missing a ZIP code and you briefly consider running away to live in the woods (paper-free).

Then: postage. You take one fully assembled suite to the post office like you’re bringing a rare artifact for appraisal.
It gets weighed. You learn that embellishments are beautiful and also, occasionally, “non-machinable.” You nod wisely,
pretending you expected this. You buy the right stamps. You go home feeling like an adult.

Finally, mailing day. You line up the envelopes, admire your work, and feel that “we made this” pride.
It’s not just paperit’s the first official announcement of your wedding, and it carries your personality in a
way a generic template never could. You drop them off and walk away lighter, proud, and slightly suspicious of any
future craft project that begins with the words “It’ll be quick.”

Conclusion: DIY Wedding Invites That Look Great and Feel Like You

DIY wedding invitations and save the dates can be one of the most satisfying parts of wedding planningif you build
your process around clarity, consistency, and realistic effort. Start early, keep your design cohesive, choose paper
that prints well, test everything, and don’t guess on postage. Most importantly, pick DIY details that bring you joy
(and skip the ones that make you feel like you’re auditioning for a crafting competition show).

Your stationery is the first impression guests get of your celebration. Whether your vibe is classic, modern, playful,
or wildly creative, a well-planned DIY approach can deliver a polished suite that feels personal, memorable, and
proudly you.