Save a substantial amount of money on invitations, without sacrificing quality, by
making them yourself using your computer. It's easy and fun to create distinctive
invitations, at a price you can afford, by layering fine printable paper over a
heavyweight card and fastening them together with a unique embellishment.
Start by choosing heavy cover stock for the background. A wide variety of papers
are available in many distinctive colors and textures -- try the new shimmering
metallics, printed cards with subtle designs, or handmade paper embedded with
real flower petals.
Next, choose the paper you will print on to layer on top of the background card.
Select from translucent vellum to reveal the colored stock beneath, or a crisp
opaque white for contrast against darker backgrounds. Be sure your chosen paper is
compatible with the printer you will be using; a laser printer or copier is
recommended. However, water resistant inkjet ink is available or you could use an
inkjet printer to create the artwork, then photocopy it onto the overlay. Add your
text and any desired graphics, experimenting with different fonts and sizes to
design a unique custom look. You can use various methods to fasten the printed
overlay to the background card. A faux wax seal could be used to bind the papers
together for a sophisticated look; for pure romance, tie them together with sheer
chiffon ribbon. For a unique touch, add a small metal charm or use a dainty crush-
proof flower.
Your local post office can weigh your finished product to determine the correct
postage. Your guests will be impressed by your one of a kind unique invitations and
no one will ever guess you made them yourself!
Melissa Nyssen owns Formal Invitations by Grafcomm, providing unique and
affordable invitation supplies online since 1996. She loves looking for new
distinctive papers and embellishments to add to their growing list of premium
supplies. Visit them at http://www.formal-invitations.com
Print this page