Absolutely everything about a wedding is expensive. There’s the rings, the clothes, the venue, the food, the photographer, and don’t forget all the stationery! Save-the-dates, bridal shower invites, bachelor and bachelorette invitations, the actual wedding invitations and the RSVP cards to go with them? It’s enough to make you want to elope! But don’t worry. There are lots of DIY wedding invitations you and your bridal party can make in a weekend, with nothing more elaborate than a computer and a printer. Check out these ten examples for inspiration.
1. Simple and Rustic Brown Paper Invitations
These sweet little invites look handwritten, but, in reality, that looping script is a free downloadable font. Paired with punched-paper lace and held together with a line of stitching, the simple brown paper makes for invitations that are an understated classic choice and are quick and easy to DIY.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Time per invite: 5-7 minutes
Materials:
– A7 “Paperbag” Cards and Envelopes
– Computer with a word processing program and printer
– White cardstock
– Scissors
– Martha Stewart Lace Doily Punch
– Sewing Machine (or Needle) and Thread
2. Elegant White Invites with a Hint of Sparkle
Though a little more time consuming, these invitations are worth the effort if you’re looking for a DIY wedding invitation that’s got class in spades. The white/off-white color palette is perfectly complemented by the sparkling decorative buckle, while the embossed paper adds textural interest without being overwhelming.
Level of difficulty:Easy
Time per invite: 10-12 minutes
Materials:
– Computer with word processing program and printer
– White pearlescent cardstock
– Decorative embossed paper
– White grosgrain ribbon
– Miniature decorative buckles
– Papercrafting adhesive tape
– Scissors
3. Waxed Paper Printed Invitations
The waxed paper in question isn’t the kind you use in the kitchen; rather, you’re creating waxed paper by melting wax into a printed image of your choice, adding a bit of sheen and transparency that give the image a vintage quality. Once your embellishment images are all waxed, it takes just a minute with a glue stick to having your invitations ready to mail.
Level of difficulty:Medium
Time per invite: 5-10 minutes
Materials:
– Computer with word processing program and printer
– Store bought invitations and envelopes, printed with your information
– Printed images of your choice
– Parchment paper
– Wax pearls
– Iron
– Glue stick
– Scissors
4. Metallic Sequin Invitations
Add a little sparkle with these easy to DIY invitations. For metallic text, you’ll need to contact a specialty print shop, but if a solid color works for you, you can print these invites at home using this template. One crafting night with your bridal party and you’re good to go!
Level of difficulty:Easy
Time per invite: 3-5 minutes
Materials:
– Computer with word processing program and printer
– Store bought invitations and envelopes, printed with your information
– Metallic sequins
– Liquid glue
5. Beachy Starfish Invitations
Perfect for a summer destination wedding, the focal piece of these invitations is the starfish decoration on the front. Because weight is a consideration when it comes to buying postage, you might have to experiment with different starfish sizes until you find the one that works best for you.
Level of difficulty:Easy
Time per invite: 7-10 minutes
Materials:
– Computer with word processing program and printer
– Tan or beige store-bought invitations and envelopes, printed with your information
– Dried starfish or small shells
– Decorative paper
– Decorative paper punch
– Glue stick
– Craft glue
6. Washi Tape Invitations
If you’re familiar with the craft world’s obsession with washi tape, then you won’t be surprised to find that there are DIY wedding invitations that use it to great effect. These simple invites require nothing more than paper, scissors, and glue…and, of course, washi tape in your choice of pattern.
Level of difficulty:Easy
Time per invite: 5-7 minutes
Materials:
– Computer with word processing program and printer
– Store-bought invitations, RSVP cards, and envelopes
– Washi tape
– Scissors
– Glue stick
– Ribbon
7. Doily Wrapped Brown Paper Invitations
Though these lacy white doilies look adorably rustic paired with brown paper invites, there’s no need to think you can’t customize them to suit your wedding’s color scheme. There are even colorful doilies available if you want an extra pop of color.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Time per invite: 1-3 minutes
Materials:
– Computer with word processing program and printer
– Store-bought invitations and envelopes, printed with your information
– Doilies
– Scissors
– Glue stick or glue dots
– Ribbon
8. Stitched Ribbon Invitations
Here’s another simple project that really makes those store-bought invites completely unique. Choose a ribbon no more than ½” wide so that it ruffles prettily but doesn’t bulk up your envelope and cost you more on postage. The most time-consuming part of these DIY wedding invitations is punching the holes. To make it easier, there’s a template you can download and use to mark your cards before punching.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Time per invite: 5-7 minutes
Materials:
– Computer with word processing program and printer
– Store-bought invitations and envelopes, printed with your information (make sure your design leaves plenty of room at the edge of the card)
– Tapestry needle sufficient for the size of your ribbon
– Scissors
– Satin or chiffon ribbon
9. Lettuce-Printed Rose Invitations
For a simple card decoration with handmade simplicity, try this stamping project that only requires a trip to the craft store for ink…and the produce section for a head of lettuce. The result? Charming DIY wedding invitations with your own personal stamp! Just make sure to have extra cards handy in case you smudge a few.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Time per invite:1-3 minutes
Materials:
– Computer with word-processing program and printer
– Store-bought invitations and envelopes, printed with your information
– Sharp knife
– Head of radicchio lettuce (or a similar firm lettuce or cabbage)
– Paper towel
– Large ink pad in your chosen color
10. Modern Watercolor Invitations
A minimalistic splash of color makes for a simple design and a completely unique look; no two cards will be exactly alike. Make sure to use a laser printer to create these DIY wedding invitations, otherwise the lettering will run and blur when you start to paint.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Time per invite:10-12 minutes
Materials:
– Computer with word-processing program and laser printer
– Textured A4 paper or watercolor paper
– Scissors
– Watercolor paints and paintbrushes
– Craft knife and steel ruler or a paper cutter
– Paper towel
There’s something so special about receiving a handmade card. Your guests will know from the minute that invitation arrives that your big day will be as unique as the happy couple. Sure, laser cut, embossed, gold-leafed, singing invitations are fun, but really, all you need is to get your favorite people together to share one of the most magical days of your life. Did you make DIY wedding invitations for your celebration? Got favorite examples that aren’t mentioned here? Share them in the comments below!
