Shaped Wedding Invitations

Creating your own DIY invitations can feel like a daunting task, but can yield some really amazing and unique results. If you're a crafting beginner, our Paper 101 Weddings & Events Page is a great resource for getting started. We break down the process and include multiple templates to make the process easier. 

For the more experienced crafter, you can kick your invitations up a notch with these die-cut shapes. Using a shaped invitation is a great way to add another layer of interest and elegance to your invitations. 

Let's get started! 

Supplies:

• Cardstock Warehouse Papers and Envelopes to match your event
• Consider ordering a Swatch Deck if you're still choosing your colors
• Electronic Die Cutting Machine (We're using a Cricut Explore Air 2)
• Cutting Mats
• Cutting Blades
• Adobe Illustrator, or other comparable design software. (Must have svg capabilities)
• Printer (We're using a Canon Pixma TS9521-C)
• Make sure your printer can handle the weight of the paper you are using. You can order our Sample Sheets to test it out before you buy in quantity. 
• Zip-Dry Glue OR Scor-Tape
• SVG template of your choice (listed below)

The first think you will do is choose which shape you want to make your invitations. We have 10 shapes you can choose from. 

To use the templates below, click on the one you want to use, then right-click to save it. All of these templates are 5"x7" or standard A7 size. If you'd like a different size, you can resize them to fit your needs in your design software. 

• Bracket Scallop
• Center Bump Scallop
• Arch
• Oval
• Double Corner Scallop
• Bubble Corner
• Rounded Ticket Corner
• Ticket Corner
• Scallop Oval
• Scallop Rectangle

Once you have chosen your shape, open your design software and create a landscape 8.5" x 11" document. Import the SVG shape of your choice into your document. Now you can either design your invitation within the shape, or import a design you already have. We are using a design we purchased on Etsy from OnMyListPaperie. Don't worry if the design extends past the edges of the shape. As long as the main information fits inside, it will work fine.

Now we are going to switch over to our design software and import our shapes there. You can fit two A7 invitations on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper, so once you've imported your shape, duplicate it to create a second one. Save this file in your machine's software. You will want to make sure you use the exact same file when you cut.

Cut these out on one 8.5" x 11" sheet. This is what you will use as your template to make sure the invitation is lined up properly. 

Ok, now for the "hard" part. This will take a small amount of trial and error, but the results will be SO worth it! 

Go back to your design software and duplicate your design and position it next to the first one. Use a ruler to measure the distance between the two invites on your die-cut template, and also the distance of each invitation from the edge of the paper. Move your designs around on the page so they are in the same place. Now do a test print on a sheet of regular paper. Don't print on your fancy cardstock until you know you have it in the right spot. Once it is printed, lay the die-cut template over the top to see how close you are. If the design isn't in the right spot, move it around, and then print another test. Repeat the process until you have the designs in just the right spot. 

Once you have you designs in the right spot, delete the SVG with the die-cut shape. You don't want those lines to show when you print the invite on your good cardstock. Now you can print your design onto your good paper and run it through your die-cutting machine. For this design, we are using 100lb Colorplan Natural. 

If you really want to jazz it up, you can create a die-cut mat for your invitation using the "offset" feature on your die-cutting machine. If you decide to add a mat, you will want the mat layer to be 5" x 7" and your invite layer to be 4.75" x 6.75" so that it will still fit into a standard envelope. 

To do this on a Cricut, import the 5" x 7" SVG of your choice, click "offset," and set the offset size to -.125. Make sure you click the button for sharp corners, not rounded ones. 

If you are using a mat, don't forget to adjust your printed design to make sure it fits in the 4.75" x 6.75" space. The one we are using has enough extra space that we didn't have to edit it, we just let the machine cut off a little more. 

Once you have all your pieces cut out, glue them together using either Zip Dry liquid glue or Scor-Tape double-sided tape. We are using 100lb Colorplan Mid-Green for our mats. 

Pair these beauties with a nice envelope and an envelope liner, and you've got a gorgeous invitation suite! This is an A7 Oatmeal Speckletone envelope with a 65lb Natural Colorplan liner. 

You can use this same method with any of the ten shapes we provided to create lovely invitations. The suite below features our Cherry Wood Veneer for the mat and RSVP envelope liner; 80lb Starch White Speckletone for the invite card, RSVP card and invitation envelope liner; a Timber Green Foundations A7 envelope for the invite; and a Chocolate Brown Speckletone 4-bar envelope for the RSVP. 

To hold this suite together, we cut a 1.5" a 11" strip of 74lb Bianco Pergamenata Parchment to use as a belly band, and added a gold wax seal. 

For more wedding inspiration, be sure to check out all of our Wedding Blogs. 

What are you crafting for your wedding? We'd love to see your creations! Show us your creations on Facebook or Instagram. Tag your creations with #cardstockwarehouse to be featured in our stories!

Happy Crafting!

Erica (@wanderfuldesign)