How to Make Classy and Affordable Postcard Wedding Invitations
Invitations are the first chance to wow guests for your wedding day. Wedding invitations are an opportunity to introduce the theme and tone of the event, as well as display the important information guests need. If your wedding budget is limited, or you simply like taking a hands on approach, make your own postcard-style wedding invitations for a fraction of the price of ordering them from a professional printer.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer editing software
- Screen printing kit
- Craft knife
- Linoleum block or sponges
- Thin cardboard or card stock
- Decoupage glue
- Paintbrush
- Fabric or paper
- Rounded corner cutter
- Paint
- Rice paper
- Stamps
Instructions
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Design a postcard-size invitation for your wedding that matches your wedding theme and color palette. If you are computer-savvy, use design software. If you want a more personal touch for your invitation, screen print the design onto a thin sheet of fabric, and then cut out your individual designs with a sharp craft knife. Instead of using a printed design, cut stamps out of linoleum block, or sponges for a more handmade look.
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Cut a piece of thin cardboard 4 inches tall by 6 inches wide. Use any source you choose for the cardboard. For example, use the covers of vintage book covers, cereal boxes or even sturdy card stock. The design of the board will be covered, so there is no need to all new pieces.
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Paint a layer of decoupage glue over one side of the cardboard. Carefully put the piece of paper or fabric over the glue, smooth it flat with your hand, and allow it to dry. Use a corner cutter to create round clean edges.
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Paint a layer of decoupage glue and paste the other side of the cardboard rice paper or another thin piece of fabric. Smooth the paper or fabric flat with your hand, and trim the corners as necessary. Instead of gluing down a base, paint it a solid color and allow it to dry. Write or stamp the address information onto the postcard.
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Tips & Warnings
Photographers like www.curiousimagery.com provide affordable engagement photography and invitation design
Psprint.com has 4x6 postcard template here: http://www.psprint.com/creative/downloads/templates/postcard_printing_templates.asp
It helps a ton to keep a single spreadsheet with all of your guests, so you can track addresses next to RSVPs and info on who gave you which gifts. This will make organizing thank-you's much easier!
Make sure you follow your printer's guidelines for proper file setup. As a general rule, your design file will extend at least 1/8" out in all directions, past 4x6". This edge will get cut off, but making a bigger design ensures that your picture extends off the edge. Also, you should keep any text at least 1/8" inside the crop line to be safe.
References
- Photo Credit Dick Luria/Photodisc/Getty Images
