Preparing invitations gives you complete control over event announcements and is a fun and creative way to get people excited about a reception. Not forgetting that when you do things yourself, you can save some money. Here is a simple guide to preparing your invitations at home.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting the Essentials
Step 1. Think about the color scheme
The colors to choose for your invitations are often determined by the type of event. For example, a birthday reception can offer invitations with the birthday party's favorite colors or, in other cases, linked to the theme of the event (for example, bright colors for a "Beach Party", blue and red for a Spiderman theme. and black and white for a wedding). If you are sending invitations on behalf of someone else, be sure to consult them regarding which colors they prefer.
The number of colors you use can increase the final cost of the invitations. Buying paper with many colors or patterns or colors on a black background can add up to your costs, so take that into account
Step 2. Decide on the text
You need to include key information in your invitations so that everyone arrives at the correct time, day, and place. Make sure you have everything defined about the time, date and place before you sit down to prepare the invitations.
- Think about what other information you need to include such as a contact or phone number to decline the invitation, clothing or gift instructions, how to get there and / or a map and web address, if you have created any one for the occasion.
- Some events, such as weddings, often include many events - pre-nuptial dinner, lunch the day after, and the like. Make sure that all information regarding the events related to the event has been decided and confirmed.
Step 3. Decide on the size
The two main arguments regarding size are envelopes and postage costs. Go to the nearby stationery or specialty store to see what possibilities are there, and contact or visit the home delivery services website in your area.
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Envelopes. The most common size of the envelopes has the initials DL and measures 11 x 22 cm. There are several other formats, which are characterized by sizes, for example C4, C5 and C6.
You can learn more about the size of the envelopes in the area where you live. However, make sure the size of the invitation letter fits the envelope of your choice
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Postage costs. Postal regulations vary from country to country, so you have to make sure, according to your needs, on the specific regulations concerning the packages to be sent with the relative costs.
Square or non-standard sized envelopes have additional costs because they are more difficult to process or handle with automatic sorters. Before you learn the hard way, it's a good idea to find out about everything that affects the cost of postage, including how to write the recipient's address
Part 2 of 3: Creating Layered Invitations
Step 1. Choose the support
The backing layer is the one on which you will insert the invitation text. Using multiple layers makes the invitation structured and eye-catching and can emphasize the color scheme or theme of the event.
- Get some medium to heavy weight cardstock for the first layer of your invitation. This will make the invitation more important. This type of paper is typically available in bold colors.
- Choose one or more matching sheets and glue them to the backing cardboard. Get paper with different patterns, with matching colors and with different textures to intrigue.
- Layered invitations don't fold until they're wrapped, so you don't have to worry about wrinkling or damaging the layers.
Step 2. Print the invitation text
To determine the correct insert size, it is helpful to print the invitation text. Once you've verified the height and width you need for the text, you can start from there to determine the size of the backing layer.
Step 3. Cut the paper
How much the backing cardboard reveals depends on the size of each layer. You can standardize the cut so that each subsequent layer shows approximately 2.5 cm of the previous one, or you can scale the edges of each layer, revealing the previous sheets that make up the invitation on the sides.
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Measure the paper carefully and cut it using a suitable utility knife, or scissors. A utility knife helps you make more precise cuts, but if you're careful and do things carefully, scissors are fine too.
You can buy scissors with a decorative blade so you can make special edges when cutting
Step 4. Glue the layers
Use glue to glue the layers together. Lay the backing layer on the table and glue the next layer. Someone can do this job "by eye" with fairly precise results. Others need to measure and make pencil marks to line up the paper where they want it.
- Press on the paper and let it dry completely before gluing the next layer. Above all, it is important to glue the subsequent layers, preventing the support layer from moving.
- The invitation text should be the last layer to be pasted.
- If any of the sheets are particularly delicate, use gum tape rather than glue to avoid damaging the paper.
Step 5. Add decorative elements
Once the layers are in place and completely dry, you can add some decorative elements if you want. If you've used more than three layers (remember that invitation text counts for one) or very strong motifs, you may not want to add more. However, if you think an extra element is useful to complete the invitation, go ahead and put it in its place.
- Make two holes in the top of the invitation, thread a pretty ribbon and tie a bow.
- Glue three buttons, stickers, or perforated paper into one corner of the invitation.
- Grab your sewing machine and put a few stitches to personalize the invitation.
- Place a large image on the back of the invitation as a pleasant surprise for anyone who turns the card over after reading the invitation.
Part 3 of 3: Creating Pouch Invitations
Step 1. Measure the bag
Place the piece of paper you want to use as a foldout on the horizontally arranged table. With a ruler draw a rectangle about 4 cm high by 16.5 cm wide, starting from the edge on the left.
Step 2. Cut
Use a pair of scissors or an X-Acto-type precision knife to cut out the rectangle. Delete this piece of paper.
The "flap" of paper on the right, once folded, will form a bag
Step 3. Fold from side to side
Arrange the paper so that you have the cutout in the lower left corner, and fold a vertical flap about 5 cm. Fold another flap about 12 cm.
Mark the paper to make other folds
Step 4. Close
Form a small flap on the bottom side of the paper and glue it to create the bag.
Step 5. Create the invitation text
Use your computer and printer to print the invitation text.
- If it is easier for you, help yourself by "marking the corners" around the text to get the dimensions and to cut out the paper.
- Use glue to paste the invitation text into the central window of the bag.
Step 6. Create the inserts
Print the text of the inserts that will be placed in the bag and cut them out as needed.
- The inserts can include the route to get there and / or a map; if it is a wedding invitation, they may include a reception card, accommodation information, or a reject card and an envelope.
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Arrange to offset the height of the inserts. You can choose to do it on sight or take precise measurements to reduce each insert by a set size compared to the one behind the bag.
Whatever you decide regarding the height of the inserts, be sure to give each one an immediately readable title once the invitation is open. Arrange each insert so that the top edge shows the header of the one before it. This way the invitation will appear tidy and the reader can simply take each insert out of the bag to read the full information
Step 7. Assemble the invitation
Place the inserts in the bag; the tallest one should be placed first, and then the shorter ones until the bag is full.
Step 8. Fold and tie
Fold one of the flaps over the bag and fold another flap to keep the invitation closed. Tie decorated ribbon around the invitation to keep it closed.
