Things You'll Need:
- Blank invitation stationary and envelopes
- An invitation template
- A laser printer
- An ink cartridge
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Step 1
In order to make your own wedding invitations, you first need some pretty paper to print them on. Craft stores, such as JoAnn Fabrics, or even large retailers, such as Wal-Mart, carry boxes of blank wedding invitations. Shop around to find the best prices in a style that you like. There are all kinds of colors and styles available, and a lot of them include special accessories for the invites, such as vellum or ribbon. Many even come with templates and easy instructions for printing.
If the box of invitations doesn't already come with them, then you will need to pick up blank reply cards as well. However, you will find that most boxes come with reply cards and all the envelopes you need. Once you find what you are looking for, pick up enough boxes to accommodate your guest list, and then an extra box for good measure. -
Step 2
Pick up some clear address labels that are compatabile with your computer and printer. This will make addressing your envelopes a lot easier. Print out address labels for the guests as well as labels with the address the reply cards will be going to. This way, guests will not have to address an RSVP card.
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Step 3
Find an invitation template that suits your needs. There are many free ones available online, and some blank invitation boxes come with templates. You can follow these to figure out the most proper and formal way to word your invitations. There are several variations on templates, and you can find the one that fits your situation. Some brides and grooms host their own weddings, while some have one or both sets of parents presenting the couple. There are even templates for sensitive situations, such as divorced or deceased parents. Find the wording you are going to use, and then implement your names and event information accordingly.
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Step 4
Decide how your reply cards will look. Reply cards should have a place for guests to check whether they will or will not be attending.
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Step 5
Choose fonts and font colors for the invitations and reply cards. The fonts should match your personal style and the style of the invitation paper you purchased.
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Step 6
Purchase an ink cartridge compatable with your laser printer (laser printers currently provide the best quality). If you don't have access to a printer, ask to use a friend or family member's printer and make sure you provide your own ink.
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Step 7
Do a sample printing. Print one invitation and one reply card and examine them. Are the margins even? Are you happy with how it looks? If everything is to your liking, you can set up the computer to print the rest of your invitations. Make sure you supervise this process, even if it's time consuming. Do periodic checks to make sure your invitations are all coming out the way you want them.
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Step 8
If your guests will need maps, directions, or lodging information, make sure you print enough clear and concise copies for all of your guests.
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Step 9
Put an invitation, reply card, and reply card envelope into an invitation envelope and take it to the post office. See how many stamps you will need to mail that particular invitation, and them purchase enough stamps to mail the rest of them. Don't forget to put stamps on the reply card envelopes, too - so your guests don't have to stamp them when they send them back.
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Step 10
Stuff all your envelopes your invitation contents - invites, reply cards, reply card envelopes, directions, etc. Seal the envelopes, put on the stamps, and send them on their way!
