Archive for 'Basics' Category

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Order of Service - How to Make

For a normal Order of Service you will need one A5 card blank and one pre-cut insert to create a booklet with two pages inside. Print your wording onto the insert and fold it in half. It will now sit neatly inside the card cover like the pages of a hardback book. Next open your card cover and place a strip of double sided tape just to the left of the crease. Once you have decorated the front you can now attach your printed insert creating your booklet. 

To attach multiple pages I recommend using a hole punch to make two small holes through all the layers of paper about an inch from the top and bottom of the card. You can then tie the booklet together with matching ribbon or cord. You can either let the ends hang long on the outside or tie them in a bow. This is also a lovely way to attach your pages if you are using a translucent paper like vellum for your inserts where glue or tape may show.

Another option is to use a long reach stapler but some people find this unsightly. If you’re good with a needle and thread you could also sew the pages together which will be almost invisible. 

A final note of caution… make sure you get someone else to carefully proof read your text before you set them to print!    

Planning and Timings - Invitations

You want to enjoy making your own wedding stationery, so make sure you allow plenty of time.

Traditionally, invitations are sent out 6 - 8 weeks before the wedding. With today’s busy lifestyles its a good idea to aim for at least 8 weeks for all but the most informal weddings.

Once you have decided on the date you want to send your invitations, make an estimate of the time you will need to make and prepare your stationery. Things to consider include:

• How many invitations are you sending?
• Will you be printing the guests names on the invitations/inserts/envelopes or handwriting them?
• Are your family/friends/fiance(e) helping or do you have to do it all yourself?
• How long does it take to make each invite? Can you save time by setting up a mini production line? Remember to allow for drying time if you are using PVA glue for any stage.

Now double your estimate!

Thing’s don’t always go to plan and if you have some contingency, you will not get stressed if your friends drop out of a crafting session, you need to order extra supplies or (fingers crossed) you have the chance of a romantic weekend away.

Next decide if you will be tackling everything in a few sessions or trying to do a little every other evening/weekend. You can then work out how long before your posting date you need to get started. Make sure you order your supplies well in advance of this date.

Its a good idea to schedule your crafting sessions into your diary and try to stick to them - but if this sounds too much like being a control freak, don’t worry. But DO be disciplined with yourself and be sure you make the time or you will be left with a last minute panic.

Here is a sample schedule for creating our white calla lily kit design using a number of short sessions:

Session 1 - Print “Wedding Invitation” onto each card using PC and printer

While watching TV in the evening - Curl all the calla lily stems

Session 2 - Attach mesh onto the invites

Session 3 - Stick lilies onto dried mesh

Session 4 - Glue bows to lily stems

Session 5 (one week before posting) - Finalise guest list and print inserts

Session 6 - Attach inserts, address envelopes and send.

Saving money on your wedding stationery

Making your own wedding stationery gives you control over your spending and allows you to have great looking stationery on even the tightest of budgets. Cheap wedding invites can still look fantastic - and there is no need to tell your guests how little they cost.

Use decorative papers and your own PC and printer to create invites at minimum cost. Petal papers are great for a summer wedding.

If you like handcrafted cards, you can save a considerable amount by making your own rather than buying from a professional designer. Many of these designers started in business because they did their own wedding stationery and enjoyed it so much they wanted to carry on - so you too can achieve professional results with just a little care and attention to detail. But remember that you will need to allow plenty of time to make up your cards.

Others choose DIY stationery so they can use luxury materials without paying top of the range designer prices.

As with any other aspect of your wedding, set a budget and work to it. The great thing about DIY stationery is that it is easy to make adjustments. Here are our top cost cutting tips:

• Print “Wedding Invitation” directly onto the card instead of using peel-offs or foil panels
• If you have lots of cards to make, invest in a card scorer and buy unfolded card to score and fold yourself.
• Leave out RSVP cards - many people will reply by phone or email anyway and a fair few will need to be chased whether you include cards or not!
• Simplify your design rather than compromise on the quality of the card or papers you use - you should look for at least 240 gsm card.

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