Looking through magazines and catalogs is an excellent way to develop your design ideas. Color is important, so it should be one of the considerations. Along with a color theme, the style and texture of paper(s) are considered during the design phase. Is there a particular paper that really stands out and fits the design idea? Is your preference in shape and size of the invitation forming as different styles are reviewed? Here is some basic information that may help you in the design phase:
* Select paper that is printable for the "basic card"
* When using two papers, one as the card and one as the wrap, use different paper
thicknesses
* The design shape should take into consideration envelope sizes (unless you are going to
make custom envelopes)
* Choose your favorite color
* When using ribbon and bows, choose papers that will be thick enough to hold the ribbon
* Focus on the invitation design first - the accessory cards usually have the same design
elements as the invitation
* Decide on the printing method and make sure the paper and printing method are compatible
* Select a font style and font color to compliment your paper, theme and style
If you are choosing thermography, engraving, or letterpress printing you will be providing your wording and design to your printer. Paper or card selection will be passed along to the printer who will take care of the sizing and positioning of the words, ink color preparation and, of course, the printing.
If you will be printing your own invitations, here are the basics. Buy the paper, cut it to size (feedback from brides indicates this can be an annoying part of the process, so paying to have it cut may be a wise choice). Set up your wording. You can use word processing software or other software to line up your words and select the font and color desired. Here are some tips to help you set up the wording template. Experienced friends can be very helpful, too.
* Font size tends to look bigger on a computer screen than on paper.
* Invitation wording looks best smaller rather than larger, but not too small for readablility
* Not all colors work well on all papers, and black usually reproduces best
* Printers and papers often come with tips on the printer settings that produce the best quality
* Centering your wording on the invitation takes practice and lots of patience
* Printers (and computers) require regular maintenance to perform at maximum quality
* Print your invitations, accessory cards, outer envelope return address, and address on respond card
envelope or respond postcard
Congtratulations on printing your own invitations! Now it's time to assemble your invitation.
Wraps can be attached with double sided tape, glue or tape strips, or glue dots. Care should be given when using light weight paper because it is translucent. Attach at card seam or on the back of the card, when possible.
Trim paper edges, feather light weight paper edges, and add the ribbon and bows.
Use hole cutters to add ribbon to join two papers at the top. (Also, there are great bow tyng books available in stores!)
Experienced staff at Affectionate Digitals can handle any and all phases from design to paper selection to printing and assembly. We have access to hundreds of imported papers from around the world. We offer combination assistance to support 'making your own'. We may be able to provide a phase of the process, so you can be as involved as desired, and give you peace of mind to know we will assist you, should the need arise. Due to the nature of custom work, each design project requires individual review to determine the exact combination support we can offer.
Please browse through our website for examples of our work.
Whether you are buying or making your own invitations, it is helpful to understand the invitation's components and the process of making them. You will have useful information should you decide to place a custom order with us ...or make them yourself from scratch... or buy pre-designed styles.
When meeting with clients, one of our first questions is "What would you like your invitation to look like?". Often people are not sure. Upon answering a few questions, clients almost always have something in the back of their minds that comes forward.
An idea about something you like can develop into the type of message you want to convey to your guests. The phases below describe the process of making an invitation from start to finish.
