For the love of paper - Paper Custom invitation and card design by the best Australian designers Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:55:37 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 Wedding Invitation Ideas and Inspiration | Paperlust https://paperlust.co/blog/wedding-invitation-ideas-and-inspiration/ https://paperlust.co/blog/wedding-invitation-ideas-and-inspiration/#respond Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:07:46 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=11401 Wedding Invitation Ideas: Quick Guide By style: Floral, minimalist, rustic, vintage, modern arch, destination, boho, dark romance, art deco By print type: Digital, flat foil, foil stamp, letterpress, white ink, vellum overlay By color: Sage, terracotta, dusty blue, black and gold, navy and copper, ivory and blush By format: Standard card, all-in-one, arch die-cut, pocket ...

The post Wedding Invitation Ideas and Inspiration | Paperlust appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
#post-11401 .entry-content p, #post-11401 .entry-content li { font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 20px; } #post-11401 .entry-content h2 { text-transform: none !important; font-size: 34px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; margin-top: 56px; margin-bottom: 16px; } #post-11401 .entry-content h3 { text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; font-weight: 600; margin-top: 32px; } #post-11401 .entry-content img { width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; margin: 28px 0; border-radius: 4px; } #post-11401 .img-pair { display: flex; gap: 16px; margin: 28px 0; } #post-11401 .img-pair img { flex: 1; min-width: 0; margin: 0; width: auto; }

Wedding Invitation Ideas: Quick Guide

  • By style: Floral, minimalist, rustic, vintage, modern arch, destination, boho, dark romance, art deco
  • By print type: Digital, flat foil, foil stamp, letterpress, white ink, vellum overlay
  • By color: Sage, terracotta, dusty blue, black and gold, navy and copper, ivory and blush
  • By format: Standard card, all-in-one, arch die-cut, pocket invite, gatefold, postcard
  • Budget tip: Order a $5 sample pack before committing to any design

Find Your Wedding Invitation Style

Your invitation is the first piece of your wedding your guests will hold in their hands. It sets the tone before anyone has walked through a ceremony door. Done well, it doesn’t just inform, it tells a story about who you both are and what kind of celebration you’re creating.

Here’s a style-by-style breakdown to help you find what fits.

What to Consider Before You Choose

Before diving into aesthetics, think about a few anchors:

  • Your venue: A barn in the countryside and a rooftop city restaurant call for very different invitations. Let the setting guide you.
  • Your dress: Sleek and modern? Romantic and flowy? The invitation can mirror that energy.
  • Your color palette: Your invitation should feel like it belongs to the same world as your flowers, your stationery, and your decor.
  • Your guest list: A formal crowd who appreciates the gravitas of a thick letterpress card is different from a group of free-spirited friends who’d love something playful and colorful.

When these four elements align in your invitation design, the result feels cohesive in a way that’s hard to articulate but immediately recognizable.

7 Wedding Invitation Styles (and How to Pull Them Off)

1. Classic and Formal

Black-tie weddings, cathedral ceremonies, heritage venues with high ceilings and marble floors. This is where letterpress and foil stamp do their best work.

forest green arch wedding invitation styled with eucalyptus, Paperlust invitation ideas Macro close-up of gold foil stamp lettering showing debossed impression

Think deep impression on thick Wild Cotton paper. Engraved-style serif typography. A monogram or crest detail in foil. Nothing fussy, nothing trendy, just the kind of invitation people keep in a box for years.

Browse letterpress wedding invitations

Or browse foil stamp wedding invitations for a more dimensional, luxury finish.

2. Romantic and Floral

Garden ceremonies, greenhouse venues, wildflower table settings. Romantic invitations lean into botanical illustration, watercolor washes, and softly detailed florals.

Romantic floral wedding invitation with wildflower and barley botanical illustration, wax seal and kraft envelope styling

Digital printing handles the full color range of detailed artwork beautifully. Add a touch of rose gold flat foil on the names or a foil-accented border, and the result is genuinely pretty without being overdone.

Browse all wedding invitations at all wedding invitation designs and filter by style to find romantic designs.

3. Modern Minimalist

White space. Clean lines. A single elegant typeface. No clutter. This is the aesthetic of couples who find maximalism overwhelming and believe restraint is its own kind of luxury.

Modern minimalist arch wedding invitation suite in deep green and blush

Flat foil is ideal here: a crisp gold or silver metallic finish on a clean, minimal design on 380gsm Premium paper. The foil does the visual work without the invitation needing any further embellishment.

Browse flat foil designs

4. Boho and Earthy

Outdoor ceremonies under eucalyptus arches. Venues with exposed timber and warm string lights. Florals that look like they were just gathered from a meadow. Guests who appreciate something that feels handmade.

Boho earthy wedding invitation suite with warm terracotta tones

Letterpress on Wild Cotton is a natural fit here. The slightly textured, fibrous paper and deep-pressed ink have a tactile quality that suits the aesthetic perfectly. Available on 300gsm or 600gsm Wild Cotton.

Browse letterpress invitations

5. Luxe and Maximalist

Champagne towers. Chandeliers. Gold everywhere. The kind of wedding that commits fully to opulence and makes no apologies.

Luxe gold flat foil wedding invitation with monogram crest

Foil stamp on Wild Cotton is the print method for this aesthetic. The combination of the debossed impression and metallic foil on thick, textured cotton paper creates something that feels genuinely expensive, because it is. Gold or copper foil both work brilliantly here.

Browse foil stamp invitations

6. Destination and Beach

Casual luxury. A relaxed ceremony with bare feet in the sand or cobblestones in a sunlit piazza. Guests arriving from different time zones. An invitation that feels light, travel-inspired, and a little joyful.

Beach destination wedding invitation suite with watercolour coastal design

Digital print gives you the most freedom here: full color, playful illustration, coastal palettes. Think navy and white, terracotta and sand, or seafoam green. An airy layout with generous white space and a beautiful typeface can be just as striking as any specialty finish.

Browse all designs at all wedding invitation designs and filter by color or vibe.

7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

For couples who care about their environmental footprint, the invitation is another opportunity to make a thoughtful choice. Paperlust offers seed paper (guests can plant it after the wedding), recycled stock, and FSC-certified papers. And every Paperlust order plants a tree via One Tree Planted.

Eco-friendly wedding invitation on natural kraft paper with white ink and eucalyptus styling

Browse all wedding invitations

Wedding Invitation Ideas by Print Style

The way your invitation is printed shapes how it feels in the hand just as much as the design itself. These are the most popular print styles and what they work best for:

Flat Foil Invitations

Flat foil adds a metallic sheen without a raised impression or a custom die. Available in gold, rose gold, silver, copper, and holographic, it gives a luxe look at a more accessible price point than traditional foil stamping. Works beautifully on minimalist designs where the foil is the focal point.

Gold flat foil script wedding invitation, Paperlust Luminous design

Pictured: the Luminous wedding invitation in gold flat foil.

Foil Stamp Invitations

Foil stamping uses a custom die pressed into thick paper with metallic foil, creating a debossed impression you can feel. The result is unmistakably premium. Best suited to couples who want the full luxury stationery experience and are ordering 50 or more invitations.

Letterpress Invitations

Letterpress presses inked type and design elements directly into thick cotton or textured paper, leaving a subtle tactile impression. The look is quiet, confident, and deeply elegant. It suits minimalist, vintage, and fine-art-inspired wedding aesthetics more than maximalist florals.

Digital Print Invitations

Digital printing is the most versatile option. It handles full color, fine gradients, watercolor effects, and photographic elements with precision. It is also the most budget-friendly, making it the go-to choice for couples who want a beautiful invitation without the premium print cost.

Minimalist black and white wedding invitation, Paperlust Linear design

Pictured: the Linear wedding invitation, one of the most popular designs in our collection.

White Ink on Dark Stock

White ink printed on black, navy, forest green, or deep burgundy card stock creates a striking contrast that photographs exceptionally well. It suits modern, dark-romance, and celestial wedding themes, and looks completely different from anything printed on white paper.

Vellum Overlay Invitations

A vellum sheet layered over a printed base card adds translucency, depth, and a subtle romantic softness. Often tied with a ribbon or secured with a wax seal, vellum overlays are popular for garden, boho, and fine-art wedding styles.

Wedding Invitation Color Palette Ideas

Color sets the emotional tone before a single word is read. These palettes are consistently popular with US couples in 2026:

Sage Green and Ivory

Calm, organic, and timeless. Works for garden weddings, vineyard ceremonies, and bohemian outdoor celebrations. Pairs well with botanical illustration and letterpress printing.

Sage green arch wedding invitation suite with white ink, Paperlust Sage design

Pictured: the Sage wedding invitation, white ink on sage green card stock.

Terracotta and Warm White

Earthy and sun-warm, with a Southwest or Mediterranean feel. Popular for fall outdoor weddings, winery events, and desert ceremonies. Pairs well with organic textures and serif typography.

Terracotta wedding invitation suite with white ink, Paperlust Jingga design

Pictured: the Jingga wedding invitation, white ink on terracotta card stock.

Dusty Blue and Blush

Soft, romantic, and versatile across seasons. A perennial favorite for spring and summer weddings. Works equally well with minimal designs and more detailed florals.

Dusty blue wreath wedding invitation suite, Paperlust Olea design

Pictured: the Olea wedding invitation in dusty blue.

Black and Gold

Bold, formal, and unmistakably luxe. Suits black-tie events, city weddings, and art-deco-inspired celebrations. Foil stamping in gold on black stock is one of the most striking combinations available.

Black and ivory wave-edge wedding invitation suite with gold wax seal, Paperlust One Day design

Pictured: the One Day wedding invitation suite in black and ivory, finished with a gold wax seal.

Deep Navy and Copper

Sophisticated and rich. Popular for fall and winter weddings with an elegant but not overly traditional feel. Copper foil on navy stock is a particularly striking pairing.

Deep navy celestial wedding invitation with white ink, Paperlust Ad Astra design

Pictured: the Ad Astra wedding invitation, white ink on deep navy card stock.

Soft Ivory and Blush

The most timeless combination in wedding stationery. Suits virtually every venue and wedding style. Works at every price point, from simple digital print to premium letterpress.

Ivory and blush arch wedding invitation suite, Paperlust Ivory design

Pictured: the Ivory wedding invitation suite in ivory and blush.

Order Samples Before You Commit

However certain you feel from a screen, invitations are physical objects. The paper weight, the texture, the way foil catches the light: these things only make sense in your hands.

The $5 sample pack includes 7 designs across Paperlust’s main print types. The $20 swatch kit covers every paper stock. Both are well worth ordering before you commit to a full run.

Order samples at $5 sample pack

Every Paperlust order includes free white envelopes, a proof ready in 1-2 business days, 2 rounds of revisions, free shipping on Australian orders (free DHL express internationally on orders over $350 USD), and a 100% happiness guarantee: free reprint or refund if something isn’t right.

Ready to Browse?

With 500+ exclusive designs, there’s almost certainly something that fits your vision. Browse the full collection at all wedding invitation designs or explore custom design options at custom wedding invitation service if you want something truly one-of-a-kind.

Custom stickers and labels add the finishing touch to your invitations. Browse custom stickers at Paperlust Print Shop, from $0.08 each.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wedding invitation ideas should I look at before choosing?

Look at enough to get a clear sense of what you love, but not so many that everything starts to blur together. Start by narrowing to three or four designs you genuinely love, then order a sample pack to see them in person before committing. Paper texture and print quality are impossible to judge on a screen.

When should I order wedding invitations?

Start browsing 4 to 6 months before your wedding date. Place your order at least 8 to 10 weeks before you plan to mail them. This allows time for design, a proof in 1 to 2 business days, printing, and shipping. If you are considering letterpress or foil stamping, build in extra time for the production process.

How do I choose a wedding invitation style that matches my venue?

Look for visual cues in your venue. Exposed brick, string lights, and wooden beams suggest a rustic or botanical approach. A grand ballroom or estate calls for something formal and structured. A beach or outdoor setting suits relaxed, coastal, or watercolor designs. If your venue has a strong visual identity, let it guide your stationery direction.

Can I mix and match styles across my invitation suite?

Yes, within reason. The envelope liner, RSVP card, and details card should feel cohesive with the main invitation but do not need to be identical. Using the same color palette and one or two shared design elements is enough to tie the suite together. Paperlust lets you order multiple card types and coordinates designs across the suite.

The post Wedding Invitation Ideas and Inspiration | Paperlust appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/wedding-invitation-ideas-and-inspiration/feed/ 0
Wedding Invitation Printing Techniques Explained | Paperlust https://paperlust.co/blog/wedding-invitation-printing-techniques-explained/ https://paperlust.co/blog/wedding-invitation-printing-techniques-explained/#respond Fri, 20 Mar 2026 02:56:18 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=11403 A Plain-English Guide to Wedding Invitation Printing The print method you choose for your wedding invitations affects how they look, how they feel in someone’s hand, and how much they cost. Some techniques are flat and graphic, others are deeply tactile. Some work on any design, others require specific paper stocks or minimum quantities. This ...

The post Wedding Invitation Printing Techniques Explained | Paperlust appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
#post-11403 .entry-content p, #post-11403 .entry-content li { font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 20px; } #post-11403 .entry-content h2 { text-transform: none !important; font-size: 34px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; margin-top: 56px; margin-bottom: 16px; } #post-11403 .entry-content h3 { text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; font-weight: 600; margin-top: 32px; } #post-11403 .entry-content img { width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; margin: 28px 0; border-radius: 4px; } #post-11403 .img-pair { display: flex; gap: 16px; margin: 28px 0; } #post-11403 .img-pair img { flex: 1; min-width: 0; margin: 0; width: auto; }

A Plain-English Guide to Wedding Invitation Printing

The print method you choose for your wedding invitations affects how they look, how they feel in someone’s hand, and how much they cost. Some techniques are flat and graphic, others are deeply tactile. Some work on any design, others require specific paper stocks or minimum quantities.

This guide covers every print method Paperlust offers, written so you can quickly understand what each one looks like, what aesthetic it creates, and whether it fits your wedding.

1. Digital Print

Digital print is the most versatile method available, and versatile doesn’t mean plain. It can reproduce any color, any level of detail, any design: from full watercolor florals to clean typography to photo invitations. Whatever you see on screen is what you get on paper.

Digital print wedding invitation in modern minimalist tri-fold style

What it looks like: crisp, full-color reproduction with clean edges. The print itself is flat, though the paper adds its own texture and feel.

Best for: colorful designs, botanical and floral artwork, illustrated invitations, designs with gradients or complex color. Essentially anything where full color range matters.

Minimum order: 10 cards. It’s the most accessible and most affordable of all Paperlust’s print methods.

Shop the collection

Digital print wedding invitations

Full-color flexibility from $2.04 per card, with a 10-card minimum across the full Paperlust collection.

Browse all wedding invitations →

2. Letterpress

Letterpress uses a plate to press ink deep into thick paper, leaving a visible impression in the surface. It’s one of the most tactile print experiences: you can see and feel the depth of every letter and design element.

Letterpress save the date cards with debossed black typography on thick white stock

What it looks like: deeply pressed text with visible ink and a slight raised edge on the reverse of the card. It looks crafted, in the best possible way. Nothing else quite replicates that quality.

Best for: minimal designs with generous white space, classic and formal aesthetics, couples who want something with genuine physical presence that feels handmade.

Paper: 300gsm or 600gsm Wild Cotton, a soft, fibrous cotton paper that takes the impression beautifully.

Minimum order: 50 cards.

Shop the look

Letterpress wedding invitations

Deeply pressed impression on 300gsm or 600gsm Wild Cotton, from 50 cards.

Browse letterpress designs →

3. Flat Foil

Flat foil applies a smooth metallic layer directly to the card surface using heat, without a custom die or any debossing. The result is a clean, polished metallic finish that sits flush with the paper.

Flat foil wedding invitation suite with copper metallic finish showing reflective foil sheen on arch design

What it looks like: bright, reflective metallic shimmer that catches the light. No texture from the foil itself, no indent in the paper. Just genuine metallic shine.

Colors available: gold, silver, rose gold, copper.

Paper: 380gsm Premium paper.

Minimum order: 10 cards.

Best for: modern couples who want a genuine metallic finish without the 50-card minimum, smaller weddings, intimate celebrations, anyone who wants clean metallic detail on a contemporary design without deep impression.

Shop the look

Flat foil wedding invitations

Smooth metallic finish in gold, silver, rose gold, or copper, from 10 cards on 380gsm Premium paper.

Browse flat foil designs →

Flat foil printing offers a sleek metallic finish without a deep impression, making it a more flexible and cost-effective option for modern designs. It’s also commonly used across other printed items like packaging and branding materials. For example, foil printing beyond invitations, foil stickers and foil business cards can help extend this effect across different touchpoints in a practical and scalable way

4. Foil Stamp

Foil stamp uses a custom die (a metal plate made to your specific design) that’s pressed into the paper with heat and pressure. Two things happen simultaneously: the foil is applied and the paper is debossed, creating a permanent impression.

Gold foil stamp wedding invitation for Nicholas and Madeline with botanical vine border on Wild Cotton paper Engagement invitation with gold foil stamp LOVE lettering on die-cut wavy card with ribbon styling

What it looks like: metallic foil with visible depth. You can see the sheen and feel the indent. Run your finger across it and the design is unmistakable. It’s the most tactile and luxurious of all the foil options.

Colors available: gold, silver, rose gold, copper.

Paper: Wild Cotton.

Minimum order: 50 cards.

Best for: formal or black-tie weddings, couples who want the most elevated and sensory invitation possible, intricate designs where the debossed detail adds a layer of sophistication that flat foil can’t achieve.

Shop the look

Foil stamp wedding invitations

Custom die-pressed metallic with debossed depth on Wild Cotton, from 50 cards.

Browse foil stamp designs →

5. Metallic Ink

Metallic ink is printed using inks that contain metallic particles, creating a shimmer effect without using actual foil. It’s subtler than true foil, with a softer, slightly muted gleam rather than a high-polish mirror finish.

Wedding invitation with gold metallic ink lettering styled with paintbrushes and watercolor palette

What it looks like: a soft shimmer that catches the light at certain angles. More understated than foil, but noticeably richer than standard ink. In some designs, that restraint is exactly right.

Best for: couples who want a touch of metallic in their design without the cost or commitment of foil, designs where metallic is an accent rather than the hero element, smaller budgets that still want some sparkle.

Shop the collection

Metallic ink wedding invitations

Browse the full collection to explore designs that pair metallic ink with full-color printing.

Browse all wedding invitations →

6. White Ink

White ink prints white text or design elements on colored or dark paper. It creates an understated, elegant, monochromatic look that works particularly well on deeper stocks.

White ink save the date printed on dark charcoal card stock

What it looks like: soft white lettering or design elements against a darker background. On deep navy or black paper, it’s striking. On sage green or dusty blue, it’s quietly beautiful. The effect is simultaneously modern and refined.

Worth knowing: white ink is not available on blush paper.

Best for: modern minimal designs on colored stocks, monochromatic aesthetics, couples who want to move away from the traditional black-on-white invitation without committing to a complex colorful design.

Shop the look

White ink wedding invitations

Soft white printing on navy, charcoal, sage, or dusty blue card stocks (not available on blush).

Browse white ink designs →

7. Embossing

Embossing is a newer addition to Paperlust’s print options. It raises the paper surface to create dimensional texture, with no ink or foil required. The design element literally stands above the rest of the card. It can be done blind (no ink or foil, just the raised texture) or combined with ink or foil for a more dramatic effect.

Blind embossed floral wedding stationery showing raised dimensional relief texture on white card stock
Photo: Maxd2 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

What it looks like: a tactile raised area that you notice as much by touch as by sight. Subtle in photographs, impressive in person. It adds a layer of craftsmanship that people often notice without immediately understanding why the invitation feels special.

Best for: adding dimension to a monogram, floral element, or border detail, couples who want a sensory invitation that rewards close attention. Embossing is available through Paperlust’s custom design service.

Bespoke service

Custom embossed wedding invitations

Embossing is built into a Paperlust custom design brief, with blind, ink, or foil-combination options.

Start a custom design →

Choosing the Right Method for Your Wedding

Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple way to think about it:

  • Want full color and maximum design flexibility? Digital print.
  • Want deep tactile impression and a classic handcrafted feel? Letterpress on Wild Cotton.
  • Want genuine metallic shine, smaller order? Flat foil from 10 cards.
  • Want the most luxurious metallic and tactile finish? Foil stamp from 50 cards.
  • Want subtle metallic shimmer on a tighter budget? Metallic ink.
  • Want elegant white lettering on a colored stock? White ink.
  • Want dimensional texture that people notice when they hold the card? Embossing.

You can also combine methods: letterpress with a foil accent, digital print with embossing. If you have a specific combination in mind, Paperlust’s team can advise on what works best.

Feel the Difference Before You Order

Reading about paper and print finishes is one thing. Holding them is another. The $5 sample pack includes 7 designs across the main print methods, so you can feel the difference between letterpress and digital print, foil stamp and flat foil, before you commit to a full order.

If you already have a design ready and just need it professionally printed, you can upload your own artwork and choose your preferred print method and paper stock.

The post Wedding Invitation Printing Techniques Explained | Paperlust appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/wedding-invitation-printing-techniques-explained/feed/ 0
Seed Wedding Invitations – paper that grows! https://paperlust.co/blog/seed-wedding-invitations-paper-that-grows/ https://paperlust.co/blog/seed-wedding-invitations-paper-that-grows/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=10074 Plantable wedding invitations are back in trend as people become more environmentally conscious. Using seed paper for your invitations can bring out the green thumb within us, showing how much you care about every special touch of your big day, your beloved guests, and, most importantly, our planet! Here are why you need to print ...

The post Seed Wedding Invitations – paper that grows! appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
#post-10074 .entry-content { font-size: 20px !important; line-height: 1.7 !important; } #post-10074 .entry-content p, #post-10074 .entry-content li { font-size: 20px !important; line-height: 1.7 !important; margin-bottom: 20px !important; } #post-10074 .entry-content h2 { text-transform: none !important; font-size: 34px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; margin-top: 56px; margin-bottom: 16px; } #post-10074 .entry-content h3 { text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; font-weight: 600; margin-top: 32px; } #post-10074 .entry-content table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 18px; margin: 28px 0; } #post-10074 .entry-content th { background: #f8f6f3; padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd; } #post-10074 .entry-content td { padding: 10px 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; }

Plantable wedding invitations are back in trend as people become more environmentally conscious. Using seed paper for your invitations can bring out the green thumb within us, showing how much you care about every special touch of your big day, your beloved guests, and, most importantly, our planet! Here are why you need to print your wedding invitations on seed paper and why Paperlust, with our commitment to environmental sustainability, wants to help you make it come true.

Seed Wedding Invitations

1. Wedding Invitations are eco-friendly

It’s no secret that plantable invitations, being fully compostable, make them one of the best options for environmentally responsible stationery. While most paper products are recyclable, there is a limitation on the number of times paper fibres can be reused. Seed paper will compost away and leave no trace except the flowers they grow into.

 

2. Seed Wedding Invitations are unique

What better way to celebrate your big day than with stationery that feeds the earth? This handmade option is beautiful and elegant and made by hand. We know that there are thousands of them, but none of them goes beyond the uniqueness of this biodegradable and growable invite. They are inexpensive to make your wedding memorable, unique, and environmentally friendly.

 

3. Your wedding guests love surprises

Not only are they happy to hear about the big news, but knowing that you put something special on the invite will surely surprise them. Imagine receiving a wedding invitation without feeling bad because you don’t have any space left in your drawer to keep it. Now, you have an option to plant and grow them into wildflowers!

 

Announcing with Style – Plantable Save the Dates

Shop wedding invitationsAustralia  ·  United States  ·  United Kingdom  ·  Canada  ·  New Zealand

You don’t have to wait until you send out invitations to impress your guests and to take positive action towards the earth. You can print your wedding save the dates on this growing paper to tie all your wedding stationery suites together. Once your guests have marked this special date on their calendars, they can plant it to grow lovely flowers and count down the day with you!

Seed Wedding Invitations

Plantable Wedding Invitations – What Makes Them Unique

When it comes to styling these nature-friendly invites or save the dates, the options are unlimited. However, our paper and production experts have an important note if you use this material for your wedding stationery. You will need to understand the nature of this product. These sheets are handmade, so the paper’s dimensions, shade, and thickness might vary. It also has a rough texture that some people might find not too satisfying. This type of paper works well with minimal typography design. There are no limitations in coloured ink, but we suggest darker fonts and thicker text to ensure it reads well. We also recommend avoiding full-colour designs that expand to the corner area to minimize registration issues.

Another option, if you don’t quite like how roughly textured the material is, is to opt for an indie handmade paper instead (see below). Indie handmade paper is eco-friendly and has rough edging, making it unique. The paper surface is pressed enough that it is not too rough but still leaves a fingertip-pleasing sensation when touched. We love this as much as the plantable variety of quality paper.

Seed Wedding Invitations

If you have any specific enquiries about eco-conscious wedding invitations and how to make the best of them, chat with our super team here at Paperlust to discuss the options. We are more than happy to assist you with all your creative ideas!

 

How Seed Paper Is Made

Understanding what seed paper actually is helps you appreciate why it behaves differently from standard stock – and why it needs careful handling from design through to mailing.

Seed paper is made from post-consumer recycled paper pulp that is embedded with wildflower or herb seeds during the papermaking process. The seeds are distributed throughout the fibers of the paper, not just on the surface – so they’re protected inside the sheet itself. When the paper is planted (placed in soil, watered, and kept in a sunny spot), the paper biodegrades and the seeds germinate.

The most common seeds used in wedding seed paper are wildflower mixes – typically including species like chamomile, clover, black-eyed Susan, and sweet alyssum. Some papers include specific single-species seeds for a more curated planting experience. Paperlust’s seed paper options are sourced for quality and germination reliability, so guests actually get flowers, not just a fun idea that doesn’t grow.

plantable seed paper wedding invitation being held over garden soil - showing the planting concept wedding stationery

Design Tips for Seed Paper Wedding Invitations

Seed paper has a few unique characteristics that affect how it prints. Designing with these in mind produces the best results.

Embrace the texture: Seed paper has a naturally rough, slightly uneven surface – similar to handmade paper. This is part of its charm. Designs that work with the texture (botanical line art, minimal typography, watercolor washes) look better than designs that fight it (heavy ink coverage, photo-realistic prints, dense patterns).

Keep text clear and well-contrasted: The surface variation can affect legibility for small text. Use a clean, readable font at an appropriate size and ensure strong contrast between text color and background.

Avoid bleed-heavy designs: Like deckled edge handmade paper, seed paper doesn’t print cleanly to the edge. Center your design with generous margins, and let the paper’s natural edge serve as the border.

Consider the planting instructions: Many couples include a small printed card or note explaining how to plant the invitation. This is a lovely personal touch – and genuinely helpful, since not everyone knows that seed paper can be planted. A simple instruction card (“Plant me in a sunny spot, water gently, and watch us grow”) adds warmth and practically. Explore the full range of eco wedding invitations including seed paper options at Paperlust.

Completing an Eco Wedding Stationery Suite

If environmental responsibility is a priority for your wedding, seed paper invitations are a strong starting point – but the philosophy can extend across your entire stationery suite.

Plantable save the dates: As mentioned earlier in this article, seed paper save the dates tie your whole suite together. Start from $1 per card.

Recycled envelope liners: Choose envelopes made from recycled paper or use unbleached kraft envelopes for an earthy, natural aesthetic that matches the seed paper invitation inside.

Digital RSVP: Skip the RSVP card entirely and direct guests to a wedding website. It reduces paper waste and simplifies the response process for guests.

Minimal packaging: Avoid plastic sleeves or cello wrapping for seed paper – they’re not biodegradable, and the irony doesn’t escape guests. Simple kraft tissue paper or a natural twine tie is more consistent with the eco message.

For eco-conscious couples who want cohesive small accessories – favor tags, menu stickers, or custom labels for welcome gifts – custom labels from Paperlust Print Shop can be printed on kraft or recycled stock to match your seed paper aesthetic.

seed paper wedding invitation suite with kraft envelope and natural twine - flat lay on wooden surface wedding stationery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a seed paper wedding invitation?
Printed on handmade paper embedded with wildflower seeds. After the wedding, guests plant it in soil – the paper biodegrades and seeds germinate into flowers. One of the most genuinely eco-friendly stationery options available.

How do guests plant it?
Tear into small pieces, press into moist soil, cover lightly, water gently, and place in a sunny spot. Most wildflower seeds germinate within 1 to 3 weeks in the right conditions.

Can seed paper be printed on normally?
Yes, with design considerations. Minimal designs with clear typography and good contrast work best. Paperlust reviews designs for print compatibility before pressing.

Are seed paper invitations more expensive?
Slightly more than standard digital print due to specialty stock, but Paperlust wedding invitations start from $2.04 per card – the eco premium is manageable.

Seed Paper Wedding Invitations: What to Tell Your Guests

The planting experience only works if guests know what to do – and not everyone will recognize seed paper on sight. A brief note inside the envelope (or on the back of the invitation itself) explaining the paper makes all the difference between a guest who plants it and one who tosses it thinking it’s a standard card.

Keep the instructions simple and warm. Something like: “This invitation is printed on plantable seed paper. Press it into a little soil, water gently, and watch wildflowers grow – a small reminder of our celebration.” That’s all that’s needed. You don’t need to include a detailed planting guide; the gesture speaks for itself.

For guests receiving digital invitations or who live in apartments without garden access, consider including a small potted herb or wildflower seed packet as an alternative – a thoughtful touch that carries the same message. And for anyone who wants to continue the eco-conscious aesthetic with favor tags, luggage labels, or welcome bag inserts, custom labels on recycled stock from Paperlust Print Shop keep the whole experience consistent. Ready to order? Browse our eco-friendly wedding invitations and start with a $5 sample pack to see the seed paper quality in person.

The post Seed Wedding Invitations – paper that grows! appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/seed-wedding-invitations-paper-that-grows/feed/ 14
Paperlust loves Mon Purse https://paperlust.co/blog/paperlust-loves-mon-purse/ https://paperlust.co/blog/paperlust-loves-mon-purse/#respond Fri, 31 Jan 2025 02:29:00 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=6364 We recently had the joy of collaborating on a photoshoot with Mon Purse, another awesome Australian startup. Mon Purse create beautiful monogrammed purses, bags and other accessories. At Paperlust we love personalising things, whether it’s personalised Christmas cards or a personalised wedding from the wedding stationery itself to the envelope inserts and other finishing details. ...

The post Paperlust loves Mon Purse appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
We recently had the joy of collaborating on a photoshoot with Mon Purse, another awesome Australian startup. Mon Purse create beautiful monogrammed purses, bags and other accessories. At Paperlust we love personalising things, whether it’s personalised Christmas cards or a personalised wedding from the wedding stationery itself to the envelope inserts and other finishing details. Mon Purse shares this love, offering stylish, personalised accessories. What better pairing than that?!

Mon Purse pieces are ideal for bridal party gifts to the bridesmaids from the bride and groom. These beauties check every box: They’re made of premium European leather which is both sturdy and soft and produced using environmentally friendly processes. They are genuine luxury goods, but won’t break the bank. They are the perfect thank you gift to your bridesmaids because they will actually get used for months and even years after the event. Mon Purse even makes it possible to design your wedding logo into the monogram if you really want to commemorate the occasion. But best of all, you can give all your bridesmaids the same thing but perfectly customised to their tastes.

Like Paperlust, Mon Purse gives its customers complete control over the design process. Their online tool walks you through each step, letting you see exactly how each option looks on the bag, purse or clutch. Not only can you monogram the piece with up to eight characters, but you can also choose tonnes of other things. What size would you like? Do you want a wrist strap? Fringing? Metal studs? What finish would you like the leather to have? What colour leather? (There are over thirty to choose from!) What colour suede lining inside? Would you like your metal details in gold, silver, rose gold or gunmetal? The choices seem endless, but the fully interactive preview tool makes it easy to decide what you like and what options go together best.

We’re not the only ones who love Mon Purse. The company is quickly taking the world by storm, with Mon Purse products and in-store monogramming now available in Bloomingdales NY, and Selfridges London and Manchester. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of these wonderful cities, it’s even easier to get your hands on them!

For this collaboration, we wanted to focus on all the things Paperlust and Mon Purse have in common: we love personalisation, we love colour, and we love gold detailing! It just makes sense to match your invitations to your bridesmaid gifts in this way, since it will remind them of the big day every time they use it. You can match the entire colour scheme, or just stick to a few details like we have here and leave the colour to what you know your friends will love most. Since gold just screams luxury, it’s perfect for the little details, whether that’s a raised foil heading on a menu or the zipper and monogram on your custom leather pouch.

We love Mon Purse, and we’re pretty sure that after looking at all this eye candy, you will too.

Paperlust loves Mon Purse Paperlust loves Mon Purse Paperlust loves Mon Purse Paperlust loves Mon Purse Paperlust loves Mon Purse Paperlust loves Mon Purse

The post Paperlust loves Mon Purse appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/paperlust-loves-mon-purse/feed/ 0
Handmade Paper Wedding Invitations: Elegant Deckled Edge Designs https://paperlust.co/blog/deckled-edge-wedding-invitations-handmade-paper-wedding-invitations/ https://paperlust.co/blog/deckled-edge-wedding-invitations-handmade-paper-wedding-invitations/#respond Fri, 04 Feb 2022 07:28:39 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=10241 When we speak about the trends in the wedding invitations industry, it’s not possible to keep up with the new concepts from creative hands all over the world. There will always be new design styles, new print types and innovative paper stock which always gives us shivers whenever we see them for the first time ...

The post Handmade Paper Wedding Invitations: Elegant Deckled Edge Designs appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
#post-10241 .entry-content { font-size: 20px !important; line-height: 1.7 !important; } #post-10241 .entry-content p, #post-10241 .entry-content li { font-size: 20px !important; line-height: 1.7 !important; margin-bottom: 20px !important; } #post-10241 .entry-content h2 { text-transform: none !important; font-size: 34px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; margin-top: 56px; margin-bottom: 16px; } #post-10241 .entry-content h3 { text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; font-weight: 600; margin-top: 32px; } #post-10241 .entry-content table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 18px; margin: 28px 0; } #post-10241 .entry-content th { background: #f8f6f3; padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd; } #post-10241 .entry-content td { padding: 10px 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; }

When we speak about the trends in the wedding invitations industry, it’s not possible to keep up with the new concepts from creative hands all over the world. There will always be new design styles, new print types and innovative paper stock which always gives us shivers whenever we see them for the first time in person. Today we’re going to talk about one of the most requested premium options: handmade paper wedding invitations.

Why Choose Handmade Paper for Wedding Invitations

If you’re a fan of this type of paper and want to use it as your invitations, congratulations because you just tick-off your wishlist on having timeless and luxury wedding invitations before even start designing. Handmade paper wedding invitations are very noticeable as they have distinctive characteristics such as deckled edges, rough surface and unique shades. It gives classic premium touch to any wedding invitations and works best with minimal design and typography.

How Handmade Paper Created?

handmade paper wedding invitations

Handmade paper, just like its name, is created almost 100% by hand and sourced from used paper. Because of its process, the production of this paper takes longer than usual. That’s why it is more expensive compared to papers we can find in various paper suppliers and retail stores. Due to its special finishes, the deckled edge handmade paper has print limitations which make it not the most printer friendly paper to print on. The rough texture makes it impossible to print blocks of colour evenly or to expand decorative elements to the bleed area (the edge of the paper). Therefore, before proceeding to the design proofing process, we encourage our clients to share their design vision with us so we can discuss the best possible options if they are keen to go with this specialty paper.

Stress-Free Ordering Process

handmade paper wedding invitations

We know that understanding the characteristics of each paper is sometimes confusing. That’s why we want to take the stress off your shoulders by letting you focus on what style you want to achieve and supply the wording while our wedding invitation printing service handles everything in the design and printing process. Ordering deckled edge wedding invitations has never been this easy. Simply let our customer service team know about your dream invitations by filling the form below. We will get back to you with a quote and ask a few questions if we have one or two things to clarify with you.

Deckled Edge Wedding Invitation Styles

The deckled edge is a design choice before a single word is printed. The raw, irregular border communicates something about your values as a couple – a preference for the handcrafted, the organic, the genuinely unique. Here’s how couples are using this paper to its best advantage.

Minimalist typography on handmade paper: The simplest approach is often the most powerful. A single clean typeface – ideally a classic serif or an understated italic script – centered on handmade paper. The texture and deckled edge do all the visual heavy lifting. No border, no illustration, no ornament needed.

Watercolor washes: A soft wash of color – dusty rose, sage green, warm ivory, or deep navy – applied loosely over the paper’s natural texture creates a painterly, romantic effect. Because the paper doesn’t accept heavy ink coverage evenly, this style plays to its strengths. The imperfection is the point.

Letterpress on cotton paper: Arguably the best pairing in wedding stationery. The pressed impression of letterpress printing into handmade cotton paper creates a tactile invitation that guests can feel with their fingertips. Wild Cotton Double Thick at 600gsm is our heaviest cotton stock – it feels more like a small piece of fabric than a card. Letterpress stock starts at 300gsm for something more refined.

Botanical line illustrations: Fine-line drawings of botanicals – eucalyptus, ferns, olive branches, wildflowers – pair beautifully with the natural quality of handmade paper. The slight variation in ink absorption gives line art a warmth that’s impossible to achieve on smooth stock.

Explore Paperlust’s range of handmade paper wedding invitations to see how different styles translate to this distinctive paper type.

deckled edge handmade paper wedding invitation with letterpress printing and wax seal - flat lay on white linen wedding stationery

Design Tips for Handmade Paper Invitations

Working with handmade paper requires a slightly different design philosophy. Here’s what to keep in mind to get the best results.

Keep text centered and minimal: Handmade paper performs best with centered text layouts and generous margins. Avoid full-bleed designs that push text or decoration to the very edge – the deckled border itself is the frame, so work within it.

Avoid heavy ink coverage: Because the surface is slightly irregular, large blocks of solid color will print unevenly. Embrace this, or avoid it by using line art and text only. If you want a colored background, consider a tinted handmade paper rather than printing a color fill.

Use script or serif fonts: Script and serif typefaces feel natural on handmade paper – they echo its handcrafted quality. Stark modern sans-serif fonts can work if you’re going for a deliberate contrast (modern text on antique paper), but they require careful execution.

Embrace the variation: No two sheets of handmade paper are identical. The deckled edges will vary slightly, the texture will shift, and the paper may have tiny inclusions – fibers, flecks, or variations in tone. These are features, not flaws. Share your design vision with our team early in the process so we can advise on what will look best given the paper’s characteristics.

Handmade Paper vs. Other Specialty Stocks

Handmade paper is one of several specialty stock options available at Paperlust. Here’s how it compares.

Wild Cotton Double Thick (600gsm): Paperlust’s premium cotton stock is the closest thing to handmade paper in terms of texture and prestige, but it’s more printer-friendly – it accepts letterpress impressions beautifully and has a consistent surface. If you love the feel of handmade but want more design flexibility, this is the stock to request.

Vellum: Translucent and elegant, vellum works best as a wrap or overlay over a printed inner card rather than as the primary substrate. A vellum layer with a single line of script over a handmade paper card underneath creates a layered, luxurious effect.

Kraft: Earthy, natural, and slightly rough, kraft paper suits rustic or outdoor-themed weddings. It doesn’t have the deckled edge characteristic, but it shares handmade paper’s naturalistic aesthetic. It works especially well for digital print designs with earthy color palettes.

Seed paper: Plantable seed paper is embedded with wildflower seeds – guests can plant the invitation after your wedding and grow flowers. It’s a remarkable option for eco-conscious couples. Request our $20 full swatch kit to feel the difference between all these stocks in person before choosing. (Note: the $5 sample pack and $20 swatch kit are available for most papers; the $15 custom sample is not available for letterpress.)

paper stock comparison flat lay showing handmade deckled edge, cotton, kraft, and vellum paper samples wedding stationery

Complete Deckled Edge Invitation Suite Ideas

A cohesive suite elevates the unboxing experience from a single invitation to a complete first impression of your wedding. Here’s how to build a deckled edge suite that feels intentional from the moment the envelope is opened.

Envelope: A warm white or natural fiber envelope with a deckled flap (if possible) or a wax seal closure. The envelope sets expectations before anything else is touched.

Main invitation card: Handmade paper with your ceremony details, printed with letterpress or digital print depending on your design. Deckled on all four edges for maximum effect, or just along the bottom for a more subtle touch.

Details card: A smaller card (smooth stock is fine here) with venue directions, accommodation, and a QR code to your wedding website. This contrast of smooth card inside a textured envelope suite actually works well – the different textures add visual interest.

RSVP card and envelope: Browse Paperlust’s full wedding invitations collection to see complete suite options including RSVP cards. Envelope address printing is available at approximately $0.20 per address, saving you hours of hand-writing.

Finishing touches: Tissue paper interleaving, ribbon, a sprig of dried botanicals, or custom envelope seal stickers printed with your monogram or wedding date all add that final layer of care that guests remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a deckled edge wedding invitation?
A deckled edge invitation is printed on handmade paper with natural, irregular torn edges rather than clean machine-cut edges. It’s a hallmark of traditional handmade papermaking and gives invitations a distinctive artisanal quality.

Can you do letterpress on handmade paper?
Yes – letterpress is one of the most beautiful print methods for handmade paper. Paperlust offers letterpress on cotton paper starting at 300gsm, with Wild Cotton Double Thick at 600gsm as the premium stock. Note the $15 custom sample is not available for letterpress – request the $5 sample pack or $20 swatch kit instead.

How do I order deckled edge wedding invitations?
Contact Paperlust’s customer service team with your design vision. Because handmade paper has specific print limitations, our team will discuss the best approach before proceeding. Designer proofs are delivered within 1 to 2 business days, with two rounds of edits included.

Are handmade paper invitations more expensive?
Yes – specialty paper costs more due to the production process. But because the paper itself creates so much visual interest, the design doesn’t need to be complex, which can keep print costs manageable. Wedding invitations start from $2.04 per card.

Shop Wedding Invitations at Paperlust

Hundreds of wedding invitation designs you can customize online, with an online proof before you print.

Browse designs →
Shop Wedding InvitationsAustralia  ·  United States  ·  Canada  ·  New Zealand  ·  United Kingdom

The post Handmade Paper Wedding Invitations: Elegant Deckled Edge Designs appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/deckled-edge-wedding-invitations-handmade-paper-wedding-invitations/feed/ 0
Best Handmade Christmas Card Ideas for 2026 (and Hand-Finished Alternatives) https://paperlust.co/blog/best-handmade-christmas-cards-ideas-2026/ https://paperlust.co/blog/best-handmade-christmas-cards-ideas-2026/#comments Tue, 28 Sep 2021 02:32:40 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=10003 Handmade Christmas cards carry a weight that printed ones rarely match on their own – the time you spent is part of the gift. But with a guest list that keeps growing and December evenings that keep shrinking, “handmade” doesn’t always mean what it used to. This guide covers every technique worth trying in 2026, ...

The post Best Handmade Christmas Card Ideas for 2026 (and Hand-Finished Alternatives) appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
#post-10003 .entry-content p, #post-10003 .entry-content li { font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 20px; } #post-10003 .entry-content h2 { text-transform: none !important; font-size: 34px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; margin-top: 56px; margin-bottom: 16px; } #post-10003 .entry-content h3 { text-transform: none !important; font-size: 22px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.3; font-weight: 600; margin-top: 32px; margin-bottom: 12px; } #post-10003 .entry-content table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 32px 0; font-size: 16px; } #post-10003 .entry-content th, #post-10003 .entry-content td { padding: 11px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #f0eadf; vertical-align: top; } #post-10003 .entry-content th { background: #3a2e1f; color: #fff; text-align: left; } @media (max-width: 768px) { #post-10003 .entry-content table { font-size: 14px; } #post-10003 .entry-content th, #post-10003 .entry-content td { padding: 8px 10px; } }

Handmade Christmas cards carry a weight that printed ones rarely match on their own – the time you spent is part of the gift. But with a guest list that keeps growing and December evenings that keep shrinking, “handmade” doesn’t always mean what it used to. This guide covers every technique worth trying in 2026, honest advice about when to stop crafting and start printing, and how Paperlust’s hand-finished cards close the gap beautifully for larger lists.

At a glance

  • Best handmade techniques in 2026: rubber stamping, watercolour wash, pressed botanicals, photo collage, calligraphy, paper cutout, fabric stitching, dried foliage, origami, mixed media, and illustrated cards
  • Time investment: ranges from 5 minutes per card (washi tape tree) to 45+ minutes per card (embossed calligraphy suite)
  • Handmade works best for: guest lists under 30, close family and inner-circle friends, households with children who want to be involved
  • Hand-finished printed works best for: lists of 50+, photo cards, consistent results at scale, anything that needs to arrive on time
  • Paperlust’s sweet spot: flat foil over a personal photo – your family image with custom gold or rose gold foil greeting text, printed on premium stock and proofed in 1-2 business days

Why handmade Christmas cards still matter in 2026

In a year where AI can generate a personalised card image in thirty seconds and same-day printing is widely available, handmade Christmas cards have become more meaningful – not less. The effort is the point. When someone receives a card that was cut, painted, stamped, or pressed by hand, they understand immediately that it cost real time. That signal is impossible to replicate with technology.

Research on gift-giving consistently shows that recipients value effort over monetary cost. A handmade card signals that the sender spent an irreplaceable resource – their evenings in November and December – on this specific relationship. The imperfections in a hand-stamped wreath or a watercolour wash are not flaws; they are evidence of the human who made it.

That said, handmade cards have real constraints. A guest list of 60 people and a technique that takes 20 minutes per card means 20 hours of work before you’ve addressed a single envelope. The good news is that 2026 offers more options in the middle ground than ever – techniques that produce beautiful results in under 10 minutes per card, and professionally printed alternatives that capture the warmth of handmade without requiring a dedicated craft room.

10+ handmade Christmas card ideas worth trying

These are the techniques worth your time this year – chosen for visual impact, achievability across a realistic batch size, and honest difficulty ratings so you can match the technique to your skill level and time budget.

1. Rubber stamp or lino printing

Carve a simple wreath, star, or Christmas tree into a rubber block or lino tile once, and print 50 cards with a consistent but pleasingly organic result. Each impression varies slightly – which is the whole point. Use archival ink pads in deep green, burgundy, or navy on cream cardstock. Highly scalable for a handmade technique. Difficulty: beginner-intermediate. Time per card: 8-12 minutes.

2. Watercolour wash with clean text

Paint a loose seasonal wash in forest green and gold, deep red and pine, or icy blue and silver on thick watercolour cardstock. Let it dry completely, then print or letter your message over the top. The painted background does the artistic work; the text stays clean and legible. Loose washes forgive imprecision – this is more approachable than it looks. Difficulty: beginner. Time per card: 15-25 minutes including drying.

3. Pressed botanical cards

Collect and press leaves, rosemary sprigs, small flowers, and herbs in autumn – two weeks under heavy books is enough. In December, arrange them on cream or kraft cardstock and secure with a small dot of PVA glue. Write your greeting below. Each card is literally grown in your garden and completely unrepeatable. The scent of dried botanicals adds a sensory dimension no printed card can replicate. Difficulty: beginner. Time per card: 12-18 minutes.

4. Photo collage with handwritten captions

Print an A6 or 4×6 inch collage of your year’s best moments on cardstock – most photo apps generate collage layouts for free. Write two or three sentences on the back: not a year-in-review letter, just what mattered most. Visual, genuinely personal, and achievable in 15 minutes per card with a home printer. Difficulty: beginner. Time per card: 10-15 minutes.

5. Fabric-stitched cards

Cut a seasonal shape from felt or fabric, stitch around the edge with embroidery thread in a contrasting colour, and glue it to folded cardstock. Use a large needle and thick cardstock (300gsm+) to prevent tearing. The tactile result is genuinely distinctive – fabric stitching is one of the few techniques that adds dimensionality a printed card simply cannot achieve. Best suited to small batches. Difficulty: beginner-intermediate. Time per card: 20-30 minutes.

6. Paper cutout designs

Layer coloured cardstock cut into Christmas trees, snowflakes, or geometric stars and glue onto a contrasting background. A craft knife gives cleaner edges than scissors. Silhouette-style designs – black paper on white, white on deep navy – look polished with minimal drawing skill. Difficulty: beginner. Time per card: 10-15 minutes.

7. Dried foliage arrangements

Dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and eucalyptus sprigs attached to cardstock with twine or a small dot of hot glue produce cards that smell as good as they look. The natural palette of russet, green, and gold reads immediately as Christmas without a single snowflake or reindeer in sight. Highly giftable and tactile. Difficulty: beginner. Time per card: 10-15 minutes.

8. Brush pen calligraphy

A pointed brush pen and two or three evenings of practice sheets will get you to a standard where handwritten greetings genuinely elevate a simple cardstock fold. Gold or deep green ink on cream is the classic combination. Calligraphy scales poorly past 30 cards – hands fatigue and consistency drops noticeably. Use it for the inner circle, not the full list. Difficulty: intermediate. Time per card: 15-30 minutes.

9. Mixed media layering

Combine two or three techniques on a single card: a watercolour wash background, a stamped motif in the centre, and a handwritten greeting. The layering effect looks complex but follows simple logic – paint first, stamp second, letter last. Each layer needs to be fully dry before the next is applied. Difficulty: intermediate. Time per card: 25-40 minutes.

10. Illustrated cards

If you draw – on paper or with a tablet and Procreate – a simple illustrated scene (wreath, lantern, snow-covered house) digitised and printed on matte photo paper produces cards that feel genuinely bespoke. Digital illustration lets you print multiples without degradation; the drawing cost is paid once and amortised across the batch. Difficulty: intermediate-advanced (drawing skill required). Time: variable.

Bonus: Washi tape tree

Layer strips of washi tape in graduated widths to build a Christmas tree shape on white cardstock, then handwrite your greeting underneath. Five minutes per card maximum. Ideal when handmade is important but time is genuinely short – it signals effort without demanding the evening. Perfect for children to help with. Difficulty: beginner. Time per card: 5-8 minutes.

Materials and tools you’ll need

The right materials make the difference between a technique that works and one that frustrates. Here’s what to stock for the most popular approaches.

  • For stamping: rubber or lino block, craft knife for carving, archival ink pads in 2-3 seasonal colours, 300gsm+ cardstock in cream or white, bone folder for crisp card folds
  • For watercolour: artist-grade watercolour set (student grade bleeds unpredictably on cardstock), round brush sizes 4 and 8, 300gsm cold-press watercolour paper, masking tape to hold paper flat while painting
  • For pressed botanicals: heavy books or a dedicated flower press, PVA glue applied with a toothpick for precise placement, 300gsm matte cardstock, fine-point archival pen for handwriting
  • For calligraphy: pointed brush pen (Tombow Fudenosuke is a reliable starting point), practice sheets (downloadable for free), 300gsm smooth cardstock (textured paper snags nibs), gold or deep green ink
  • General supplies for all techniques: bone folder, scoring tool, metal ruler, self-healing craft mat, double-sided tape, low-temperature glue gun (botanicals and fabric), and envelopes measured to your finished card size

Budget roughly $80-$120 AUD to build a kit from scratch. If you already own watercolours or stamps, your marginal cost per card drops to cardstock and envelopes – typically $0.40-$0.80 per card.

Time and skill required per technique

Be honest with yourself about time before committing to a technique. The estimates below reflect a batch of 20-30 cards, including drying time where relevant. Most people underestimate by 30-40 per cent – plan for the slower end.

Technique Time per card Skill level Realistic max batch
Washi tape tree 5-8 min Beginner Any
Rubber stamp printing 8-12 min Beginner 20-80
Paper cutout 10-15 min Beginner 10-30
Dried foliage 10-15 min Beginner 10-30
Pressed botanicals 12-18 min Beginner 10-25
Photo collage 10-15 min Beginner 20-50
Watercolour wash 15-25 min Beginner 15-40
Fabric stitched 20-30 min Beginner-Intermediate 5-15
Brush pen calligraphy 15-30 min Intermediate 10-25
Mixed media layering 25-40 min Intermediate 10-20
Illustrated (hand-drawn) 30-60+ min Advanced 5-15

For 30 rubber-stamped cards: approximately 5-6 hours of active work. For 30 calligraphy cards: 8-15 hours depending on your current skill level. Add 1-2 hours for envelope addressing regardless of method. Count your available evenings before committing to a technique.

When handmade isn’t the right call

Handmade Christmas cards are wonderful – and they are not always the right answer. Being honest about your situation before you start saves time, money, and the specific misery of an unfinished stack of cards on December 22nd.

Guest list over 50. At 50 cards, even the fastest technique (rubber stamping at 10 minutes per card) takes over 8 hours of active work. Add envelope addressing and you’re looking at a full weekend committed to Christmas cards alone. For large lists, professionally printed cards are not a compromise – they are the sensible choice that actually gets mailed.

You want a family photo card. Handmade and photo cards are genuinely difficult to combine. The photo needs to be printed, which requires professional equipment anyway. The handmade element becomes decoration around the photo – and at that point, a hand-finished printed card does the job better and more durably at any scale.

Consistency matters. Handmade cards vary – that is part of the charm for close recipients, but a problem if you need 60 cards that look the same for a professional context. Printed cards are consistent by definition.

Time is genuinely short. Handmade cards for 40 people requires 8-20 hours depending on technique. A beautiful printed card sent on time beats a handmade card that never gets posted.

Print runs from 10 to 500 plus cards mean corporate Christmas cards can handle a full professional mailing in one order, not one card at a time.

When you make that switch, the next decision is which printed direction suits the people on your list, and the 2026 Christmas card ideas are grouped by style and recipient so the choice takes minutes rather than another weekend.

Browse Paperlust Christmas cards

500+ designs. Digital proof in 1-2 business days. Free overnight Startrack shipping across Australia.

Browse Christmas Cards

The hand-finished printed alternative

Between fully handmade and standard digital printing sits a category worth knowing about: cards that look and feel personal without requiring 20 hours of your December. Paperlust’s Christmas cards offer three print methods that sit in this space.

Digital print is the most affordable option – full colour on premium stock, fast turnaround, clean and polished results. It does not replicate the haptic quality of a handmade card, but paired with a thoughtful handwritten note inside, the overall experience can be genuinely warm.

Flat foil takes digital print further. Metallic foil in gold, rose gold, silver, copper, and other colours is applied over the printed design – mirror-bright and genuinely striking when it catches light. There is no pressed impression; the foil sits cleanly on the surface of the card. On a botanical or script-heavy design, flat foil reads as hand-applied gilding to most recipients. It is the closest printed cards get to the visual richness of handmade.

Metallic print uses a metallic pigment at a fifth imaging station, producing a subtle warm gold shimmer on your design. More understated than flat foil and more affordable – particularly effective on designs with calligraphy-style lettering or illustrated botanical elements where the shimmer reads as artisanal rather than commercial.

None of these replicate the haptic quality of a card someone has actually stitched or stamped by hand. What they offer is visual warmth – especially with botanical imagery or handwritten-style typefaces – that reads as personal to most recipients. Combined with a thoughtful handwritten note inside, a hand-finished printed card gives you the best of both.

For wording ideas to pair with your cards – handmade or printed – the complete Christmas card wording guide covers every situation from close family to professional contacts. And if you’re unsure about etiquette – who to send to, how to handle grief at Christmas, whether to sign from the family dog – Christmas card etiquette 101 has the answers.

Mass-personalisation hack: photo + custom foil text

The most effective hand-finished option for people who wanted handmade but genuinely don’t have time is this combination: a personal photo with custom foil text, printed flat.

Here is how it works. You upload a favourite family photo – a holiday snap, a portrait from earlier in the year, a candid from a garden party. Paperlust’s designers place your chosen greeting text directly over the image in flat foil. The result is your photo and your words in mirror-bright gold or rose gold that catches light the way a hand-stamped card does – but with the consistency and quality of professional printing, and at any scale you need.

Why does this read as handmade to most recipients? Because the personalisation is visually dominant. Your face, your family, your specific words. The foil gives it a hand-crafted richness that generic designs lack. It scales to any list size without any additional effort on your part – 80 cards looks identical to 20 cards from a quality standpoint.

This is also the option that reliably gets mailed. The single biggest risk with ambitious handmade card plans is the unfinished stack that doesn’t make it out the door. A photo foil card ordered in early December arrives beautifully printed and enveloped, ready to sign and send. For most people, that outcome matters more than the technique that produced the card.

Browse Paperlust photo Christmas cards to see the range of designs and foil colour options.

Photo Christmas cards with custom foil text

Your family photo. Your words. Flat gold, rose gold, or silver foil. Proofed in 1-2 business days.

Browse Photo Christmas Cards

How to Decide Between Handmade and Hand-Finished Printed Christmas Cards

1. Time you actually have

Count the free evenings between now and when cards need to be posted, subtract the ones already committed, and multiply what remains by roughly 90 minutes of realistic working time. If 30 cards at 12 minutes each (6 hours) fits within that number, handmade is feasible. If you’re counting on a single Sunday and the list is 60 people, a printed card will actually get sent – which is the only outcome that matters.

2. Number of cards you need

Under 25 cards: handmade is achievable with almost any technique on this list. Twenty-five to 50: handmade works with faster techniques (rubber stamping, washi tape, watercolour wash) and one or two dedicated sessions. Over 50: hand-finished printing is the right call for most people, unless card-making is something you genuinely enjoy as a seasonal activity in its own right – not just a means to the finished stack.

3. The look you want (and how custom foil text bridges both)

If the aesthetic you’re after is “personal, warm, and visually striking” – that is achievable with either approach. The gap closes almost entirely when you factor in custom foil text over a personal photo. A handwritten-style typeface in flat gold foil over your family portrait produces a card that most recipients experience as handmade in its warmth. The foil catches light the way hand-applied gold ink does; the photo makes it unmistakably personal. If you want that result at scale, a photo foil card from Paperlust’s Christmas collection is the answer.

Handmade vs hand-finished printed vs digital print: quick comparison

Criterion Fully handmade Hand-finished printed (flat foil) Standard digital print
Time per card 8-60+ minutes 0 min (Paperlust produces it) 0 min
Cost per card $0.40-$2+ (materials only) From approx. $2.50 AUD From approx. $1.50 AUD
Skill needed Beginner to advanced None None
Max scalable quantity 20-50 realistically Unlimited Unlimited
Photo card option Difficult to combine Yes – with custom foil text overlay Yes
Visual warmth/richness High (handmade evidence) High (foil + personalisation) Moderate
Best for Close family, inner circle, small lists Full list, photo cards, scale Full list, budget-conscious

Frequently asked questions

How do you make a handmade Christmas card?
Start with thick cardstock (300gsm or heavier) and choose one technique to master rather than attempting several at once. Rubber stamping is the best starting point: carve or buy a simple motif (wreath, tree, or star), press it in archival ink on cream cardstock, let it dry for two minutes, and write your greeting inside. A batch of 20 stamped cards takes roughly 3-4 hours total including setup, folding, and addressing. Watercolour wash, pressed botanicals, and paper cutout are also beginner-friendly options that produce beautiful results with modest practice.

Are handmade Christmas cards better than printed ones?
Better is the wrong question – different is more accurate. Handmade cards signal effort and personal time in a way printed cards genuinely cannot match. But printed cards achieve consistency, photo integration, and scale that handmade cannot. For your closest 15-20 people, handmade is often more meaningful. For a list of 50+, a thoughtfully chosen printed card with a handwritten note inside delivers the same emotional warmth without the 15 hours of crafting.

How long does it take to make 30 handmade Christmas cards?
Depends on the technique. Rubber stamping: roughly 5-6 hours for a batch of 30. Watercolour wash: 8-12 hours including drying time between cards. Brush pen calligraphy: 10-15 hours depending on skill level. Pressed botanicals: 6-9 hours. Add 1-2 hours for envelope addressing regardless of method. The most common mistake is underestimating by 30-40 per cent – plan for the slower end of these ranges, not the faster. Count your available evenings before committing to a technique and a list size.

What is the easiest handmade Christmas card technique for beginners?
Rubber stamping and washi tape designs are the most forgiving. Both require minimal skill, produce consistent results across a batch, and can be done in 5-12 minutes per card. Loose watercolour washes are also beginner-friendly – imperfection is part of the aesthetic. Avoid brush pen calligraphy as a first technique; the learning curve is steeper than it appears, and disappointing results across 30 cards is discouraging.

Can I get printed Christmas cards that look handmade?
Yes – flat foil cards with handwritten-style typefaces come closest to the handmade aesthetic at scale. Custom foil text over a personal photo is particularly effective: the foil catches light the way hand-applied gold ink does, and the personalised family photo makes the card feel genuinely individual rather than off-the-shelf. Browse Paperlust photo Christmas cards to see the range of designs and foil options.

How much does a handmade Christmas card cost compared to printed?
Handmade materials typically cost $0.40-$0.80 per card once you have a kit (cardstock, ink pads, stamps or brushes). Building the kit from scratch costs $80-$120 AUD, so small batches are more expensive per card than they appear. Professionally printed cards from Paperlust start from approximately $1.50 AUD per card for digital print, with flat foil options from around $2.50 AUD per card – with no equipment investment and no hours of your own time.

What materials do I need for embossed handmade Christmas cards?
Heat embossing requires embossing powder (clear or coloured), a heat gun, embossing ink, and a rubber or clear stamp. Stamp in embossing ink, sprinkle with embossing powder, shake off the excess carefully, then apply heat until the powder fuses and raises into a glossy solid shape. Clear embossing powder over a coloured ink stamp looks particularly elegant. Budget around $50-$70 AUD for a starter embossing kit including heat gun, two ink pads, and a selection of embossing powders.

Can I add my own handwriting to a printed Christmas card using custom foil?
You can choose a handwritten-style typeface that closely mimics natural script, which Paperlust applies in flat foil directly over your photo or card design. True handwriting cannot be foil-printed without being digitised and converted to a vector path first, but handwritten-style fonts in flat gold or rose gold foil read as genuinely personal to most recipients – particularly when combined with a real handwritten note signed inside the card. That combination of printed warmth plus a few handwritten words is what most people experience as meaningfully personal.

Shop Christmas Cards at Paperlust

Christmas card designs you can personalize online, printed on premium stock.

Browse designs →

Shop Christmas CardsAustralia  ·  United States  ·  Canada  ·  New Zealand  ·  United Kingdom

The post Best Handmade Christmas Card Ideas for 2026 (and Hand-Finished Alternatives) appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/best-handmade-christmas-cards-ideas-2026/feed/ 1
Burnt Butter x Paperlust https://paperlust.co/blog/burnt-butter-x-paperlust/ https://paperlust.co/blog/burnt-butter-x-paperlust/#respond Fri, 30 Aug 2019 05:21:36 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=7999 This exciting new collaboration started with Burnt Butter and Paperlust being neighbours (literally a few doors down from each other). Being in the events industry, we just had to do a collaboration! Shab and Lisa worked on a concept to suit both Paperlust and Burnt Butter by choosing bridal shower parties as the focus. To ...

The post Burnt Butter x Paperlust appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
This exciting new collaboration started with Burnt Butter and Paperlust being neighbours (literally a few doors down from each other). Being in the events industry, we just had to do a collaboration! Shab and Lisa worked on a concept to suit both Paperlust and Burnt Butter by choosing bridal shower parties as the focus.

Burnt Butter x Paperlust

To learn more about Burnt Butter we also interviewed Lisa co founder of Burnt butter to get insight into the busy life of our local cake makers

  • What is Burnt Butter’s favourite event to arrange cakes for?
    We love baking for all occasions! We do however love the reactions of young children when their cake is revealed and is better than what they had imagined. It’s just magical!
  • How easy is it for customers to arrange their party with Burnt Butter?
    Super easy. All of our pre-designed cakes, sweet treats, balloons and party ware are online. Clients can simply browse and purchase from the comfort of home any time they please. For those who love to see and feel products our party shop is situated in Swan St Richmond and is a paradise for party lovers!
  • What’s been your favourite part about this collaboration?
    Working with another local Richmond creative! We have admired Paperlust for many years and it’s been so lovely seeing your incredible products in person.
  • Was there a particular event/party that sparked the idea for this business? (It may even be a party disaster you witnessed).
    Our business as it is today evolved from our cafe (also named Burnt Butter which was in South Melbourne). Mum (Glenda) placed a cake in the window the very first week she opened and our “professional” cake business grew from there. (We have been baking together for 30+ years). Eventually we became so busy we decided to sell the cafe business and focus on cakes. Fabulous parties and party products were emerging at the time and we noticed our clients were all purchasing online from a variety of suppliers and asking us to match their cakes to their party ware. We thought, wouldn’t it be great to bring it all together for them with balloons so they could literally just make one stop!
  • What is your favourite kind of cake?
    It would have to be our caramel mud with salted caramel ganache or maybe our lemon mud with layers of luscious lemon curd and white chocolate ganache. Oh it’s too hard to decide!
Burnt Butter x Paperlust

About the process

Burnt Butter x Paperlust

We wanted the bridal shower invitations and welcome sign to look feminine and fun, and set about to create the perfect design using a vibrant mix of pink flowers and cake. Who doesn’t get excited about cake when they see their invites!

We also designed the most adorable baby shower invitations together, which Burnt Butter can make a matching cake to.

About the design and print

Burnt Butter x Paperlust

Thinking about our vision for the design, Shab got together a mood board to help figure out colours, textures and fonts. Once she and Lisa had decided on the elements that were just right, Shab set about designing the perfect bridal shower and baby shower invites. The design is made so it can be customised in our real foil and digital print, which is great for those brides-to-be wanting to add a little bit of shine to their welcome sign or their bridal shower invitations.

Burnt Butter x Paperlust

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burntbuttercakes/

Website: https://www.burntbuttercakes.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burntbuttercakeandpartyshop/?ref=hl

The post Burnt Butter x Paperlust appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/burnt-butter-x-paperlust/feed/ 0
Recycled Kraft Packaging is here! https://paperlust.co/blog/recycled-kraft-packaging-is-here/ https://paperlust.co/blog/recycled-kraft-packaging-is-here/#respond Thu, 30 May 2019 00:52:02 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=7843 Paperlust is pleased to announce that we recently switched from bubble wrap to recycled kraft packaging paper. Not only is it far better for the environment, but it looks great too   Why change our packaging? Paperlust is pro-environmental so we made the switch as part of our commitment to waste reduction. The packaging product ...

The post Recycled Kraft Packaging is here! appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
Paperlust is pleased to announce that we recently switched from bubble wrap to recycled kraft packaging paper. Not only is it far better for the environment, but it looks great too

Recycled Kraft Packaging is here
 

Why change our packaging?

Paperlust is pro-environmental so we made the switch as part of our commitment to waste reduction. The packaging product we chose is called Geami Wrappak Ex, developed by a European company called Ranpak that is committed to creating environmentally friendly packing solutions.

 

How does it work?

Recycled Kraft Packaging is here

In order to make a change like this feasible for the business, it had to be equally as good, if not better, than our previous packaging (bubble wrap). This new environmentally friendly packaging known as Geami Wrappak Ex is made of recycled kraft paper that has been die cut. The kraft paper comes flat in large rolls and, once pulled, expands into a 3D honeycomb that acts as a layer of protection for the item.

 

What are the benefits of Geami Wrappak Ex?

There is really no downside to making the switch to die cut kraft paper. Here are some reasons we’re glad we did:

  • First and foremost, we are reducing unnecessary plastic waste going to landfill. Our new packaging is both recycled and recyclable, making it overall more environmentally friendly.
  • The dispenser is complimentary when you buy the packaging so there’s no extra set up costs.
  • The roll and dispenser don’t take up much room so even a small office can accommodate it.
  • You save money on sticky tape because when the kraft paper is stretched into a 3D honeycomb, it can interlock with itself to seal the package.
  • It is more aesthetically pleasing than taped bubble wrap.
Recycled Kraft Packaging is here

All in all, choosing the new recycled packaging paper has been a great choice for both us and the planet. We’re super excited and can’t wait for you to receive your next beautifully packed order in the mail!

The post Recycled Kraft Packaging is here! appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/recycled-kraft-packaging-is-here/feed/ 0
Paperlust named a Westpac Business of Tomorrow 2017 https://paperlust.co/blog/paperlust-named-westpac-business-tomorrow-2017/ https://paperlust.co/blog/paperlust-named-westpac-business-tomorrow-2017/#respond Tue, 11 Apr 2017 09:45:23 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=6471 Paperlust was this week named one of Westpac’s 200 Businesses of Tomorrow for 2017. The award exists to “recognise and support great Australian businesses today, with a clear vision for tomorrow.” The final list of 200 was selected from over 2,000 nominations made for the award, so we’re stoked to be included! What are Westpac’s ...

The post Paperlust named a Westpac Business of Tomorrow 2017 appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
Paperlust was this week named one of Westpac’s 200 Businesses of Tomorrow for 2017. The award exists to “recognise and support great Australian businesses today, with a clear vision for tomorrow.” The final list of 200 was selected from over 2,000 nominations made for the award, so we’re stoked to be included!

Business of Tomorrow

What are Westpac’s 200 Businesses of Tomorrow?

A high profile independent panel selected Westpac’s Businesses of Tomorrow for “their potential to shape Australia’s future”, and for demonstrating the following qualities “to an exceptional degree:

  • A track record of delivery
  • Clarity of purpose and vision
  • Outstanding value to customers
  • Capability to meet tomorrow’s challenges
  • Adaptability and resilience
  • Contribute beyond the business to the community, industry or the economy”

The award also recognises ingenuity and problem-solving. “What the top businesses had in common was this unique insight into a problem or opportunity that someone wasn’t solving or wasn’t solving in a way that was getting to the nub of what consumers were looking for,” says Simon Cant, Co-Founder & MD Reinventure Group.

Westpac announced the award winners at an awards ceremony held in Sydney last Friday, 7th April 2017.

Business of Tomorrow

What this means for Paperlust

We know we’ve got something special happening here at Paperlust, but it’s great to have experts agree. Not only were we selected for the recognition, but Westpac chose us to print the certificates for the awards using our premium digital and letterpress printing technique. It’s hard to get a more clear endorsement than that!

We’re excited about continuing to help independent designers get premium products to customers looking for the best.

Business of Tomorrow

Business of Tomorrow

Business of Tomorrow

Business of Tomorrow

The post Paperlust named a Westpac Business of Tomorrow 2017 appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/paperlust-named-westpac-business-tomorrow-2017/feed/ 0
Tips For Perfect Wedding Paper Goods https://paperlust.co/blog/tips-for-perfect-wedding-paper-goods/ https://paperlust.co/blog/tips-for-perfect-wedding-paper-goods/#respond Wed, 24 Aug 2016 09:12:04 +0000 https://paperlust.co/blog/?p=5987 With all the many details that go into planning a wedding, many people do not give enough thought to the paper goods needed for their wedding. They arrive ready to order the perfect wedding invites, but there are RSVP cards, thank you cards, menu cards, escort cards, save the date cards, and envelopes. There are ...

The post Tips For Perfect Wedding Paper Goods appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
With all the many details that go into planning a wedding, many people do not give enough thought to the paper goods needed for their wedding. They arrive ready to order the perfect wedding invites, but there are RSVP cards, thank you cards, menu cards, escort cards, save the date cards, and envelopes. There are many choices and these details have a great influence on your wedding. The majority of your guests will see nothing of your plans until the invitation arrives. The invitations are the first impression of your special day. Of course, they need to be perfect. Below you will find some expert tips to help you through this part of your wedding journey.

Budget

The price range on your paper goods is very wide. You can easily get overwhelmed and overextended. The smartest way to prevent this is to hire a designer. Your designer is an expert at getting you the product you want at a price you can afford. Paper goods cost less per piece when ordered in quantities. You do not want to order more than you need, and you certainly do not want to order less than you need. Set your budget with the help of your designer and stick with it. Be open-minded. If you simply love a particular pattern, say so. But remember, trim work, sparkles, and extras will drive the price up.

Come prepared. Give the designer all the information such as, the number of guests being invited (bring the complete guests list). The dates, times, and special arrangements that need to be included. If you are using a Honeymoon Registry the information should be included. If your plans include crowdfunding for special causes or charities, include this on the information cards. The designer will know how to get all the critical information tastefully included.

Timing / Dates

Your guests will need their invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. Therefore, you should meet with your designer, ready to place an order no less than two months before the wedding date. If you wait too long, you may have to pay extra to get the paper goods you want. Further, if there is a problem in getting the invitations mailed, your guests may be unable to properly schedule.

Create your impression carefully

As mentioned before, the invitation (or save the date card) is the first impression your guests have of you, your wedding, and your ”brand”. While everything about the wedding should reflect you as a couple, the concept goes a bit deeper with your paper products. If your wedding is a formal event, yet your invitations depict a casual affair on the beach, your guest are caught off guard. The opposite is also true. If your invitations are elaborately formal, yet the wedding is a more casual event, people will arrive overdressed and uncomfortable. Be sure your style is reflected in your paper goods and so is the atmosphere of the event.

Your Appointment

Browse the designers website and choose a few designs you are fond of. When you begin your consultation, this is a starting point. He or she will have options you have not considered, but with the many styles available, a starting point is going to save both of you time.

The designer will spend time with you, getting to know your thoughts, feelings, and personality. Allow them the time they need. They are working to make your wedding a perfect event. Answer their questions, and do not be shy about asking yours.

The paper goods for your wedding are important. Follow these tips and feel comfortable that the details are all taken care of.

Beyond the invitation. Custom stickers for envelope seals and corflute signs for venue wayfinding at Paperlust Print Shop.

For wedding stationery, Browse the full wedding stationery range →.

The post Tips For Perfect Wedding Paper Goods appeared first on Paperlust.

]]>
https://paperlust.co/blog/tips-for-perfect-wedding-paper-goods/feed/ 0