How to Make a Free Wedding Map

In preparing wedding invitations, the happy couple will often want to include an additional customized map insert with venue-specific driving instructions to help guests comfortably arrive to the wedding or reception on time. Ordering professionally created wedding maps along with the invitations can be pricey, but making your own maps can be easy and can provide a cost-effective way to guide your guests. When you design the map yourself using free editing software, all you have to pay for is the printing.

Things You'll Need

• Editing program

Instructions

1. Open an editing program; if you do not have one already installed onto your computer, locate a number of programs online downloadable for free.

2. Create a new file, setting the size dimensions to be no bigger than the wedding invitation itself. If your map will be predictably uncomplicated, create the file to be, size-wise, between 1/2 and 3/4 of the invitation.

3. Insert written-out driving directions to reach the wedding destination starting from a well-known intersection or local hot spot. Arrange the directions to appear on the back of the map if double-sided printing is an option; otherwise, align the text to one side of the sheet, leaving room for the map to be designed on the other.

4. Draw a representative map of the destination itself, using your mouse and other available tools. Insert straight lines to mimic straight streets, and insert customized curves to identify any street abnormalities. Label “North” or “N” on the north side of the map.

5. Draw or insert an already-made star graphic. Place the star on the map to correspond with the wedding venue. Include a square to represent a nearby notable building that can help guests know if they are close.

6. Create a key with explanatory information. The star should be accompanied with the street address of the venue and the square, if present, should be identified by its corresponding name. Any other needed instructions should also be included. Save the file and prepare the printer.

Tips & Warnings

• You will likely want to print on card stock or a similar type of heavy paper. If you have a designated individual to help guests find the venue, either a member of the extended wedding party or an employee of the venue itself, include the corresponding phone number on the map with a note to call for additional help as needed.

• Including too many details on the small wedding map can be counterproductive. Only include as much information as needed and leave out any tangential tidbits.

References

• Cheap Wedding Solutions: “How to Create Map Wedding Invitations At Home”
• Brilliant Wedding Pages: “Create Your Own Personalized Wedding Map”

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish