Most couples assume that they only have one choice when it comes to their wedding invitations: placing an order at a commercial printer. While that may be the easiest option, it's definitely not the only choice couples have. They can also learn how to make creative hand-made invitations.

Advantages of DIY Wedding Invitations

Before we go into the details of how to make wedding invitations, let's talk about the reasons why you'd want to in the first place. There are several advantages of creating your own wedding invitations.

One of those advantages is cost. While traditional wedding invitations can cost between $1 and $10 per invitation, you can make your own at a fraction of that price. If you're on a tight budget and/or have a large guest list, DIY wedding invitations could be a smart solution, particularly if you'd rather spend more money on other parts of your wedding planning or on your honeymoon.

Another advantage is freedom. When you go to a commercial printer, you are limited by what they have available and that's usually very traditional styles, colors, etc. Most commercial printers do handle some contemporary invitations, but you may have to do a lot of searching to find something you really like.

By making your own wedding invitations, you give yourself complete creative control. You're only limited by the supplies you can find, your budget, and your imagination. You have free reign to pretty much create whatever you want, and you can play around with different possibilities without investing a lot of money. That wouldn't be the case with a commercial printer.

Finally, when you make creative hand-made invitations for your wedding, you can be proud of what you've created. Instead of having to talk about what a great job the commercial printer did on your invitations, you can take credit for them. That's a definitely a good feeling.

Of course, we can't forget that there are some disadvantages. For example, if you choose to make your own invitations, it is going to require a bigger time investment than it would if you simply went to a commercial printer with your order. But that's not always a bad thing. Some couples need something to keep their mind occupied while they anxiously await their big day. Plus, you can always enlist the assistance of your bridal party and other family members to help create and assemble the wedding invitations.

Gathering the DIY Supplies You Need

First, you're going to need a quality printer. Laser printers are a good choice because the ink dries almost immediately and because you'll get more printing out of one toner than you would out of inkjet cartridges. Laser printers, particularly the ones which print in color, are somewhat pricey though. You may also need greeting card printing software or, at least, card templates that will work with your word processing program.

Next, you're going to have to choose paper. Most wedding invitations are white, ivory, or cream colored but if you want something more contemporary then almost any color will do. You should choose the heaviest paper you can afford. Check out office, party, and craft supply stores' selections before you settle on the paper you want. Stores such as MyExpression.com may also have some choices worth considering at even lower prices.

When you select your paper, you should go ahead and purchase matching envelopes. If you are creating your own invitations, you don't necessarily need double envelopes. One envelope should suffice.

Once you've selected your paper and envelopes, you'll need to start thinking about the fonts you want to use. Most word processing programs come with a good number of fonts, including some attractive scripts. However, you can find additional wedding fonts by searching the Internet.

You may want to select two different fonts to use on the invitation. This keeps the print from being too boring. But don't use more than two fonts – too many different styles will just overwhelm the invitation and won't create a consistent look.

Don't forget that font size is another consideration. Your font should be at be between 9 and 12. Any smaller and your guests will need a microscope to read the invitation. Any larger and you might not be able to fit all of the details. Remember that some fonts naturally look bigger than others so adjust your font size accordingly.

Besides these basics, you may need some additional supplies. For example, if you want to add the piece of tissue paper to each of your invitations, go to your local craft supply store and purchase a quantity of lightweight fabric. The staff at the store may even be able to cut the fabric into the exact size you need. (See Tools You Need to Design Wedding Invitations)

Ribbon is another option. Rolls of ribbon in almost any color can be purchased at your local craft store. You'll also need a hole puncher so you can create the holes in your invitations so you can tie the ribbon onto the cards.

It's a good idea to stroll around your craft store and check out all of the possibilities for decorating your card. For example, you might choose to add silk greenery to your cards or place some rose petals inside.

Creative DIY Wedding Invitations

There are some ways to make your wedding invitations even more creative. If you don't want plain paper, then purchase card stock that already has images printed on them. You could also purchase stencils and colored pencils at your craft store so you can create your own images on the paper or on the envelopes.

Another idea is a CD or DVD invitation. With either option, you can record yourselves inviting the recipient to the wedding. You might also want to include a couple of your favorite songs, details on how to reach the ceremony, or engagement photographs. You can purchase software programs that will allow you to print CD stickers that make them look like real compact discs or you can buy special markers for writing on the CD or DVD.

To send them, you should purchase individual cases and special gift envelopes (available at almost any store where they sell compact discs). You should also include a response card before mailing the disc.