DIY Wedding Invitations: How to Make Your Own

DIY wedding invitations save 50-70% compared to professional printing—costing $0.50-$2.00 per invite versus $3-$10 for custom designs¹. Use free design tools like Canva with thousands of templates, print on 110lb cardstock at home or through online print shops, and budget 2-4 hours for design plus 30 minutes per 25 invitations for assembly. Order 15% extra supplies for mistakes. Start 5-6 months before your wedding for stress-free production.

Is DIY Cheaper Than Professional Invitations?

DIY wedding invitations typically cost 50-70% less than custom-designed professional invitations, saving $200-$800 for 100 invitations. According to Joy's 2025 wedding cost data, the average couple spends $518 on their complete invitation suite and $226 on invitations alone¹. Professional invitations range from $3-$10 per invite ($300-$1,000 for 100 guests), while DIY costs $0.50-$2.00 per invitation ($50-$200 total) depending on paper quality and embellishments.

Cost Breakdown for 100 DIY Invitations (2025):

The biggest savings come from designing yourself (saves $150-$300 in designer fees) and printing at home or through online print shops rather than boutique stationers. However, DIY requires 10-15 hours of total time investment for 100 invitations.

Currency Conversions (January 2025):

• US: $50-$500 per 100 invitations
• UK: £40-£400 per 100 invitations
• Australia: AU$75-AU$750 per 100 invitations

Best Design Tools for DIY Invitations

Free design tools have democratized invitation design, with Canva leading the market with thousands of wedding-specific templates and drag-and-drop editing². Choose tools based on your design experience, desired customization level, and budget.

Design Software Comparison (2025):

Canva dominates DIY invitations with drag-and-drop editing, automatic sizing for standard invitation dimensions (5×7 inches, A6, A5), and export options in PDF, PNG, or print-ready formats. The free version suffices for most couples—premium features ($12.99/month) add brand kits and background removal.

For UK couples: Canva includes A6 (105×148mm) and A5 (148×210mm) templates matching UK envelope standards. Australian couples benefit from templates sized for DL envelopes (99×210mm), common in Australia.

Microsoft Word works surprisingly well for text-heavy, traditional invitations using mail merge for guest names—ideal for formal wording with minimal graphics.

Design best practices: Maintain 0.25-inch margins for home printers (0.5-inch for bleed if printing professionally), use high-resolution images (300 DPI minimum), and choose fonts that print clearly at small sizes (minimum 10pt for body text).

Paper and Cardstock Guide

110lb cardstock provides the best balance of quality and printability for home printers, with most home inkjet and laser printers handling this weight effectively³. Paper weight dramatically affects invitation feel—heavier stock conveys luxury, but exceeds most home printer capabilities above 110lb.

Paper Weight Guide:

Cardstock finishes:

• Matte: Most versatile, works with all printer types, no glare in photos
• Satin/pearl: Subtle shimmer, compatible with laser printers only
• Glossy: Photo-quality finish, inkjet only, shows fingerprints
• Textured (linen/felt): Premium feel, requires test printing for ink absorption

UK and Australian paper weights use GSM (grams per square meter) instead of pounds:

• 80lb = 216gsm
• 100lb = 271gsm
• 110lb = 298gsm
• 130lb = 352gsm

Buy 15% more paper than your guest count to accommodate printing mistakes—for 100 invitations, order supplies for 115. Paper costs $0.25-$1.20 per sheet depending on weight and finish.

Recommended suppliers:

• US: Paper Source, Cards & Pockets, LCI Paper
• UK: Paperchase, Permajet, The Range
• Australia: Riot Art & Craft, Officeworks, Paper2

Printing Options: Home vs. Professional

Home printing works for approximately 60% of DIY invitations, saving $100-$300 for 100 invitations compared to professional printing, but requires compatible cardstock and test runs. Professional online print shops provide superior quality for specialty finishes at $40-$150 per 100 prints.

Home Printing Checklist:

• Printer handles 110lb cardstock (check manual specifications)
• Inkjet for vibrant colors and photo elements
• Laser for crisp text and monochrome designs
• High-quality ink cartridges (avoid generic brands for longevity)
• Manual feed tray for thick cardstock
• Print test on regular paper first to check alignment

Home printing limitations: No metallic foils, letterpress texture, or specialty coatings. Color consistency varies between batches if you run out of ink mid-project.

Professional Print Shop Options (2025):

UK options: Instantprint, Printed.com, Helloprint offer A6 printing from £30-£80 per 100. Australia: Snap Print, Minuteman Press, Officeworks Print & Copy charge AU$50-AU$150 for 100 DL or A6 invitations.

Upload print-ready PDFs with 0.125-inch bleed and crop marks. Request samples before full print runs—most services provide proofs for $5-$15.

Step-by-Step DIY Invitation Assembly

Efficient assembly follows a production-line approach, completing invitations in 30-45 minutes per 25 invitations when organized systematically. Set up an assembly station with all materials within arm's reach to minimize movement and errors.

Assembly Process:

1. Prepare Workspace (10 minutes) Clear a large table, lay out supplies in order: invitations, reception cards, RSVP cards with envelopes, main envelopes, embellishments. Create an assembly checklist.

2. Print All Components (2-3 hours for 100) Print main invitations first, then reception cards, RSVP cards, and envelope addresses. Let ink dry 10 minutes between handling to prevent smudging.

3. Trim if Needed (30-60 minutes) Use a paper trimmer with grid lines for straight cuts. Cut stacks of 5-10 sheets maximum for accuracy. Maintain consistent margins.

4. Add Embellishments (15-30 minutes per 25) Attach ribbon, vellum overlays, or belly bands before inserting into envelopes. Use double-sided tape or glue dots—avoid liquid glue that warps paper.

5. Stack Inserts in Order (5 minutes per 25) Largest to smallest: main invitation face-up on bottom, reception card, RSVP card with pre-addressed envelope on top. All text should face the same direction.

6. Insert into Envelopes (10 minutes per 25) Insert stack text facing the envelope flap—when recipients open, they see the invitation first. Don't force thick stacks—remove elements if too tight.

7. Seal and Address (20-30 minutes per 25) Seal with moisture strips or glue stick. Apply address labels or hand-calligraphy. Add return addresses to envelope flaps.

8. Final Quality Check (15 minutes per 100) Check each invitation for completeness: all inserts present, correct guest names, proper postage. Create a tracking spreadsheet.

Pro tip: Enlist friends or family for assembly parties—provide snacks, music, and clear instructions. Five people can assemble 100 invitations in 90 minutes.

Envelope Selection and Addressing

A6 envelopes (4.75×6.5 inches) fit standard 5×7-inch invitations, with 70-80lb envelope weight preventing transparency and tearing during postal handling⁴. Envelope quality matters—recipients judge invitation quality by the envelope before opening.

Envelope Sizes by Region:

Envelope addressing methods:

Digital printing ($0.10-$0.30 per envelope): Print directly on envelopes using compatible printers. Test feed direction—some printers require landscape orientation. Use envelope-specific print settings to prevent jams.

Clear address labels ($0.05-$0.15 per label): Print on clear sticker sheets (Avery 8663 or equivalent). Align precisely to avoid visible label edges. Works for all envelope colors.

Hand calligraphy ($2-$5 per envelope professional, free if DIY): Hire a calligrapher or learn basic modern calligraphy. Allows for artistic flourishes. Time-intensive for 100+ invitations.

Digital calligraphy fonts (free-$40 one-time): Download calligraphy fonts like Allura, Dancing Script, or Alex Brush. Print directly on envelopes for handwritten appearance without manual effort.

UK addressing format: Include postcode on separate line. Australia: State abbreviations required (NSW, VIC, QLD).

Return addresses: Place on envelope flap back for formal look, or upper-left front corner for practicality. Return address stamps cost $15-$40 and speed up processing.

Embellishments and Finishing Touches

Wax seals cost $0.50-$1.50 per invitation, adding vintage elegance while potentially increasing postage due to non-machinable surcharges⁴. Strategic embellishments elevate DIY invitations from homemade to boutique quality.

Popular Embellishment Options:

Wax seals: Melt sealing wax, stamp with monogram or decorative seal. Available in 40+ colors. Note: May require hand-canceling at post office to prevent seal breakage.

Ribbon belly bands: Wrap satin or grosgrain ribbon around invitation stack, secure with glue dot on back. Costs $0.25-$0.80 per invitation. Choose ribbon width 1.5-2 inches for 5×7 invitations.

Vellum overlays: Translucent vellum sheets (30-50lb) printed with names or designs, layered over main invitation. Creates depth and sophistication. Costs $0.30-$0.60 per sheet.

Envelope liners: Patterned paper inserted inside envelope. Pre-cut liners cost $0.40-$1.00 each. Templates available for DIY cutting from decorative paper.

Twine or string: Rustic alternative to ribbon, especially for barn or outdoor weddings. Hemp twine costs $0.10-$0.20 per invitation.

Dried flowers or greenery: Trendy for boho weddings. Attach small pressed flowers with glue dots. Increases bulk and postage.

Edge painting: Paint invitation edges with gold, silver, or colored ink using sponge brush. Creates custom luxury look for $0.15-$0.30 per invitation in supplies.

UK trend: Wax seals with family crests or wedding date stamps. Australia: Eucalyptus sprigs or native wildflowers as natural embellishments.

Test embellishments on sample envelopes before adding to all invitations—verify postage requirements and that envelopes close properly with added bulk.

Regional Variations and Requirements

UK wedding invitations traditionally include an "order of the day" timeline card listing ceremony and reception events, while US invitations use separate reception cards with directions. Understanding regional conventions ensures invitations meet guest expectations.

United States:

• Invitation suite includes: main invitation, reception card, RSVP card with envelope, optional directions/accommodations card
• Formal wording uses "honour" (British spelling) and "favour" for traditional ceremonies
• Postage: First-class stamps required ($0.78 for standard letter, $1.63 for large envelope in 2025)⁴
• RSVP deadline: 3-4 weeks before wedding
• Common size: 5×7 inches (A7 envelope)
• QR codes: 49% of couples now use QR codes on invitations, up 42% since 2021⁵

United Kingdom:

• "Order of the day" card details full timeline from ceremony through evening reception
• Evening guests receive separate invitations (not included in ceremony invite count)
• Postage: First Class Large Letter prices vary by weight (check Royal Mail current rates)
• RSVP deadline: 4-6 weeks before wedding (longer lead time traditional)
• Common sizes: A6 or A5
• "Wedding breakfast" refers to reception meal, not morning meal

Australia:

• DL envelopes (99×210mm) most common, fitting DL or A5 folded invitations
• "RSVP by" date typically 6-8 weeks before wedding (longer due to travel distances)
• Postage: Standard letter $1.70 (2025)⁶
• BYO (bring your own) noted if venue doesn't supply alcohol
• Wishing well details often included for gift preferences rather than registry

Canada: Similar to US conventions, but postage costs differ. Bilingual invitations common in Quebec (French/English).

Verify current postage rates before printing—rates increase annually. Hand-cancel thick or embellished invitations at post office to prevent damage during automated sorting.

Common DIY Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Failing to order extra supplies causes delays for many DIY invitation projects, with couples running short on cardstock or envelopes mid-project. Learn from common pitfalls to ensure smooth execution.

Top 10 DIY Invitation Mistakes:

1. Skipping test prints: Always print 3-5 samples on actual cardstock before full production. Test color accuracy, alignment, and paper feed. Cost of mistake: Wasted $30-$100 in misprinted cardstock.

2. Not ordering 15% extra supplies: Paper jams, smudges, and addressing errors happen. For 100 invitations, buy 115 sheets of each component.

3. Starting too late: Allow 5-6 months before wedding for design, printing, assembly, and mailing. Rushing increases errors and stress.

4. Wrong paper weight for printer: Check printer manual for maximum cardstock weight. Forcing 130lb paper through a 110lb-rated printer causes jams and damage.

5. Ignoring bleed requirements: If printing edge-to-edge designs, add 0.125-inch bleed and use print shop. Home printers leave white margins.

6. Forgetting RSVP postage: Pre-stamp RSVP envelopes or provide online RSVP option. Unstamped returns get lower response rates.

7. Handwriting all addresses: Acceptable for under 30 invitations. Above that, print labels or hire calligrapher to maintain consistency and save hours.

8. Using incompatible ink: Inkjet ink smudges if exposed to moisture. Use laser printer for matte cardstock, or spray inkjet prints with fixative ($8-$15 per can).

9. Over-embellishing: Each added element increases bulk and postage. Invitations over 0.25 inches thick require hand-canceling and additional postage.

10. No proofreading: Invite three people to proofread final design for typos, date errors, and wrong venue addresses. Many DIY invitations contain errors discovered after printing.

Fix-it tips: If you discover errors after printing, print correction inserts on coordinating paper ("Please note updated ceremony time..."). Don't reprint everything unless error is critical.

DIY Invitation Timeline

Start DIY invitations 5-6 months before your wedding date, allowing 2-4 hours for design, 4-6 hours for printing, and 4-6 hours for assembly of 100 invitations. Breaking tasks into weekly milestones prevents last-minute stress.

6 Months Before Wedding:

• Research design tools and gather inspiration (2-3 hours)
• Order cardstock and envelope samples (1-2 weeks delivery)
• Finalize guest list and count

5 Months Before:

• Design invitation suite in chosen software (3-5 hours over 1-2 weeks)
• Get feedback from partner and one trusted friend
• Order final supplies with 15% extra (allow 2 weeks for delivery)

4 Months Before:

• Run test prints on actual cardstock (1 hour)
• Adjust design based on test results
• Print full invitation suite or submit to print shop (3-6 hours or 1-2 weeks turnaround)

3.5 Months Before:

• Assemble invitations in production-line batches (4-8 hours over 2-3 days)
• Address envelopes (2-4 hours or hire calligrapher)
• Weigh sample invitation at post office to determine postage

3 Months Before:

• Mail invitations (UK: 12-14 weeks before, Australia: 12-16 weeks due to distances)
• Update wedding website with RSVP link if using online responses
• Create tracking spreadsheet for RSVPs

8 Weeks Before:

• RSVP deadline hits (US standard)
• Follow up with non-responders via phone/email

Buffer time into each phase—supply delivery delays, printer malfunctions, and life interruptions are inevitable. Starting early allows for problem-solving without panic.

When DIY Isn't Right for You

DIY invitations don't suit every couple—some abandon DIY projects mid-way, resorting to professional printing after wasting supplies. Honest self-assessment saves time and frustration.

Skip DIY if:

• You have under 6 weeks until mailing date—not enough buffer time
• Guest count exceeds 150—assembly time becomes overwhelming (20+ hours)
• You lack design experience and find software frustrating after 2+ hours
• Your desired aesthetic requires letterpress, foil stamping, or laser cutting
• You have no reliable printer access and print shop costs match pre-designed invitations
• You're stressed by detail-oriented tasks and the project feels burdensome

Hybrid approach: Design yourself in Canva, then upload to professional print service like Catprint or Minted. Saves design fees ($150-$300) while ensuring print quality. Costs $80-$200 for 100 invitations—splitting the savings.

Pre-designed templates: Sites like Minted, Paperless Post, and Etsy offer customizable templates that look professional at $1.50-$4 per invitation. You personalize text only—no design skills needed⁷⁸.

DIY invitations shine when you enjoy creative projects, have time to spare, and want maximum personalization. If wedding planning already feels overwhelming, purchasing invitations preserves your energy for other priorities.

Sources and References