In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to design your very own wedding stationery with expert advice including details like how far in advance you should design your invites, how many to order, choosing a theme, in addition to all other style elements that go into creating stunning stationery. Know all the expert tips on when to send out your invitations to stay in line with a wedding timeline. No matter your theme, custom invitations should be a stylish and stunning part of your special occasion.
When To Design Your Wedding Invitations
All the design elements start to fall into place after you choose your venue. Since most locations recommend booking at least a year in advance, you can really begin brainstorming your wedding card design the moment this is locked into place. Give yourself plenty of time to perfect your wedding stationery—including things like RSVP cards, bridal shower invitations, and wedding thank you cards—by designing your suite about eight to 12 months before the big day. Though you don’t need to order and send your invitations until the two- or three-month mark, allow extra time to make custom invitations that fit your style. It’s also important to keep a few things in mind when timing out your wedding invites:
- For a destination wedding, send save the dates and invitations earlier than traditional locations.
- If you plan to match your save the dates and the rest of your wedding stationery, be sure to design these at the same time in the eight to 12-month window.
- For photo cards, wait until your photographer has delivered your engagement photos.
- Create a wedding website before finalizing your invitations so you can include the URL and specific details there.
How To Design Your Own Wedding Invitations
1. Set Your Vision and Budget
Before you start creating wedding invitations, take a moment to:
- Define Your Wedding Theme: Consider your color scheme, venue, and overall style. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, rustic, or vintage look, your invitations should echo this theme.
- Establish a Budget: Invitations are an important part of your wedding stationery. Shutterfly offers various pricing options, so decide how much you want to spend before you begin.
2. Gather All the Essential Wedding Details
Knowing exactly what information to include is key to creating wedding invitations that are both beautiful and informative. Make sure to have the following details ready:
- The Names of the Couple: Include full names, and if desired, the names of the parents or hosts.
- Wedding Date and Time: Clearly state the ceremony and reception start times.
- Venue Information: Provide the full address and any additional location details.
- RSVP Instructions: Include an RSVP deadline, response method, and contact information.
- Dress Code: If applicable, mention your preferred dress code.
- Additional Information: Consider adding directions, accommodation details, or a wedding website link.
Etiquette Tip: Follow traditional wording guidelines if you prefer a classic approach, but don’t be afraid to personalize your wording to reflect your unique love story.
3. Choose Your Wedding Invitation Style and Format
Decide on the design elements that best reflect your wedding vision. With Shutterfly, you can customize your invitations by considering these key aspects:
- Format: Choose from flat, gatefold, or tri-fold options. Each format offers a different layout—flat for a clean and classic look, gatefold for a dramatic reveal, or tri-fold for extra space to include detailed information.
- Style: Select a design that matches your wedding theme. Whether you prefer an elegant, simple, rustic, or modern look, your invitation’s style sets the tone for your celebration.
- Special Features: Elevate your invitation with premium printing options such as foil accents, glitter details, or unique trims that add a luxurious touch.
- Photo or No Photo: Decide if you want to feature a cherished photo for a personalized feel, or opt for a text-based design for a minimalist approach.
Design Tip: Combine these elements with coordinating pieces like save the date cards and RSVP cards to create a cohesive wedding invitation suite that truly reflects your style.
4. Explore Shutterfly’s Wedding Invitation Templates and Tools
Shutterfly’s platform makes it easy to create custom wedding invitations without a hassle:
- Browse Our Templates: Choose from hundreds of professionally designed templates that suit various wedding themes. Whether you want to create wedding invitations that are modern, elegant, or playful, Shutterfly has you covered.
- Customize Your Design: Use Shutterfly’s intuitive design tools to adjust fonts, colors, layouts, and images to make your invitations perfectly suit your one-of-a-kind style and personality.
Tip: Play around with different layouts until you find one that perfectly balances your text, images, and overall design.
5. Personalize Your Wedding Invitation Wording
The wording of your invitation sets the tone for your wedding. Consider the following elements:
- Formal vs. Informal: Choose a style that matches your wedding theme. Formal invitations typically follow traditional etiquette, while casual invitations allow for a more relaxed tone.
- Essential Phrases: Include key phrases like “Together with their families” or “Request the honor of your presence” if you’re following traditional etiquette.
- Your Unique Touch: Feel free to add a personal note or quote that holds special meaning for you both.
Etiquette Tip: Keep your wording clear and concise. Avoid overloading your invitation with too much text, and consider including additional details on a separate enclosure card if necessary. Follow our guide on Wedding Invitation Wording for inspiration.
6. Proof, Print, and Order
Before finalizing your custom wedding invitations, follow these final steps:
- Review Every Detail: Carefully proofread your invitations for any errors in names, dates, or addresses. It’s a good idea to have a trusted friend or family member review them as well.
- Print a Sample: Order a wedding invitation sample pack to see your design in person. This step helps you verify colors, paper quality, and overall design.
- Plan for Extras: Order additional invitations for last-minute guests, potential printing errors, or keepsakes for family members.
- Finalize Your Order: Once you’re satisfied, place your order directly through Shutterfly. Take advantage of available discounts or promotions to get the best value.
Tip: Check Shutterfly’s printing options for different paper types and finishes, such as shimmer, matte, or double-thick to add that extra touch of elegance to your invitations.
7. Additional Tips for a Seamless Experience
- Plan Ahead: Start designing your wedding invitations well in advance to allow time for revisions and printing.
- Stay Organized: Keep all your wedding stationery details on Shutterfly so you can easily update and maintain a consistent design across all pieces.
- Coordinate with Other Wedding Elements: Ensure that your wedding invitations match other aspects of your wedding décor, such as your website, wedding signage, and even your venue décor.
- Seek Inspiration: Use Shutterfly’s blog and design resources for creative ideas and up-to-date trends in wedding invitation design.
When to Send Wedding Invitations
Timing your wedding invitations is key to ensuring your guests have enough notice to save the date and plan for your big day. Here are some guidelines to help you schedule your invitation mailing:
- Domestic Weddings: Aim to send your invitations about 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This timeline allows guests to RSVP while keeping the event fresh in their minds.
- Destination or International Weddings: For events where travel arrangements are needed, send your invitations 10-12 weeks in advance so your guests have ample time to make arrangements.
- Save the Date Cards: If you’re using save the dates, send them 6-8 months before your wedding. This helps out-of-town guests block off the date and begin planning early.
- Consider Your Guest List: For a larger wedding or one with many out-of-town guests, you might opt for the earlier end of these timelines to ensure everyone receives the information on time.
By planning your invitation timeline carefully, you can help ensure that every guest has the opportunity to celebrate your special day with you. For more tips on the timing, follow our helpful guide on When to Send Wedding Invitations.
Related Resources on How to Design Wedding Invitations
Designing your own wedding invitations with Shutterfly can be an enjoyable and fulfilling part of your wedding planning journey. Follow our step-by-step guide—from setting your vision and gathering essential details to customizing your layout and finalizing your order—to create wedding invitations that truly capture your love story. Whether you prefer a timeless classic, a sleek modern design, or something in between, our user-friendly tools and extensive template library make the designing process simple and fun.
Begin your journey today and create wedding invitations that will leave a lasting impression on your special day!
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