My Destination Wedding
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DIY: Easy and Free Wedding Invitations, Destination Welcome Letters + Thank You Cards

greg and jenn-92

Wild Whim Photography + Design, by Wade Carr

 

When you’re planning a wedding it can seem like the costs are never ending. There are so many expenses to cover, from beauty services to dress to favours to décor and more. I say, whenever there’s an opportunity to DIY something with professional results, get all over it. Here are two ways I saved hundreds of dollars on paper goods and printing. What I will show you can be used for save-the-dates, wedding invitations, destination welcome letters, wedding day itineraries and thank you cards.

Option 1: pick a design then have it customized and locally printed

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Originally I went to Etsy.com and found an invitation design I liked (pictured above) from Sea Paper Designs. I sent the money, the designer added our names and dates, and then I downloaded a zip file. I easily sourced a local printer, emailed him the documents and picked up the proof same-day.

Total cost: $34USD (design) + $35 CAD (printing) + cost of stamps

 

Option 2: use Canva.com to painlessly create your own design

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Unfortunately, when it came to ordering welcome letters for the welcome bags my Etsy template was no longer available. This conundrum actually led me to a cheaper, more creative alternative.

Step 1: sign up for Canva.com (totally free)

Step 2: determine the dimensions you need (4×6, 5×7, custom dimensions)

Step 3: download a background. I bought a high-resolution pineapple print from a stock image website.

Step 4: upload the background to Canva, then drag-and-drop a white rectangle into the centre of the design. Insert the text. I added a delicate line around the edge for embellishment. To find one such line in Canva, just type ‘border’ in the search field. It will provide you with a few options.

Step 5: when you are finished hit the ‘download’ button. You will see four options. Select ‘PDF for Print’ and the file will download to your computer.

Step 6: inspect the design and make sure you like it. Email the document to the printer and ask for a proof. Inspect the physical sample. If it’s just how you want it, order the total number you need.

A word on Canva.com: like any design software, practice makes perfect. Tinker around with the options and get comfortable with adding elements. Canva is a much easier alternative to Photoshop that anyone with some simple computer proficiency can master.

Total cost: $35 for the printing

 

Unless you’re after gilded, laser-cut or embossed invitations there’s really no reason to pay $1, $3, $5+ per invitation.

Show me your DIY invitations! Tag me on Instagram or send me a tweet

 

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