Make Your Own Wedding Invitations

Why not throw the paper to the wind?

Who says you have to use paper for your wedding invitations at all?

You can bring into play all sorts of exciting materials such as tin, steel, aluminium, wood, glass, fabric or even chocolate. Or why not send DVD invitations to your guests? Your imagination is the limit!

Typeface

You might find the Brush Script or Gigi typeface totally exquisite, but you must admit that they are not the easiest fonts to decipher. It’s important to balance the aesthetic and the practical side when choosing your typeface – ‘readable’ should always win over ‘decorative’, or your guests ay show up at the wrong address!

You can also use a combination of different typefaces. Why not print your names in a scripted font and use a plainer typeface for the rest? That way you can have that delicate feel without compromising on legibility.

Print technique

photo credit: pjohnkeane

The printing is usually the biggest expense in the invitation-making budget – it’s important that you understand exactly what you’re paying for. Here is a brief review of the main printing techniques:

• Engraving is the oldest printing method (it was first introduced in the 1600’s) as well as the most expensive. It suits the most traditional wedding invitations. This printing process can take a few weeks, so plan well ahead. The result is smart 3D lettering that is raised on the front of the page and indented on the back.
• Thermography is to engraving what faux fur is to the real thing – it’s not as fine but it is much more affordable. It’s a great compromise if you would like the look of engraved printing but don’t have the funds for it, or if you can’t wait a few weeks to get your invitations back.
• Lithography or offset printing is a cheap and easy option. The ext is transferred to a thin metal plate, which is then wrapped around a cylinder and transferred to the paper. The letters on the page are totally flat. Offset printing is a great option but it’s not ‘guest names’ friendly at all – you can’t change anything from one invitation to the other.
• Digital printing is a fairly recent development of the offset method. Basically, a digital file containing your text is sent directly to the digital printer – no metal plate involved – sot that the image being printed is as high quality as the original. Digital printing also allows you to personalise your invitations with your guests’ names.

DIY paradise

If you can’t find a typeface you like on your computer, don’t despair!

Have a look at www.321clipart.com where you can download loads of free fonts. This website is definitely heaven for all the DIY junkies!