Your wedding invitation is the first thing guests hold in their hands. It sets the tone before the music plays, before the flowers are arranged, before anyone says a word. Making your own puts that first impression entirely in your hands, and done right, it can be just as beautiful as anything from a stationery boutique, at a fraction of the cost.

This guide covers everything: the tools you need, the software that makes design approachable, printing options from home inkjet to professional cardstock, the correct assembly order for inserts, and a realistic breakdown of what DIY actually costs. Whether you want to handle every step yourself or design your own invitation and hand off the printing, there is a path here for you.

Why Make Your Own Wedding Invitations?

The most obvious reason is money. A professionally printed invitation suite can run $4 to $12 per piece, and with 100 guests, that adds up fast. A truly DIY approach can bring that cost down to under $2 per invitation. Even a semi-DIY approach, where you design everything yourself and use a professional print service, typically costs 40 to 60 percent less than buying a fully custom suite.

Beyond cost, there is creative control. You choose the fonts, the colors, the layout, the wording. You can match your invitation exactly to your wedding aesthetic rather than adapting your vision to what a designer offers. If you want illustrated botanicals, a hand-lettered feel, or a minimalist card with a single line of text, you can build it.

There is also something meaningful about the process itself. Addressing envelopes, assembling inserts, sealing each one by hand: for many couples, this becomes one of the most memorable pre-wedding evenings. A glass of wine, a good playlist, and a stack of invitations that you made together.

Browse wedding invitations from Paperlust to see what styles are trending, then use them as inspiration for your own design.

What You Need: Essential Tools

You do not need a craft room full of equipment. Start with the basics and add only what your design calls for.

• Paper trimmer: A rotary or guillotine trimmer gives you cleaner, straighter cuts than scissors. This is the one tool worth spending money on.
• Bone folder: For crisp, professional folds on any vellum overlays, belly bands, or folded elements.
• Scoring board: Pairs with the bone folder to create fold lines without tearing.
• Corner rounder punch: Optional, but rounded corners give invitations a polished, modern feel.
• Hole punch: If your design uses ribbon or twine to tie inserts together.
• Envelope liner template: Guides the cut if you are lining envelopes with patterned paper.
• Double-sided tape or glue dots: Cleaner than liquid glue for assembly.
• Wax seal kit: An increasingly popular way to seal envelopes with a personal monogram or motif.

Design Software: Canva, Templett, and Adobe Compared

Choosing the right software depends on your design experience and how much time you want to invest.

Canva (Free and Pro)

Canva is the starting point for most DIY couples. The free tier gives you access to thousands of wedding invitation templates you can customize: swap fonts, colors, photos, and text in minutes. The Pro tier ($15/month) unlocks premium templates and the Background Remover tool. Canva exports a print-ready PDF with bleed marks, which is exactly what you need if you are sending your file to a print service. It is the easiest option and produces genuinely beautiful results. Read the full guide on how to print Canva wedding invitations for step-by-step instructions.

Templett and Corjl

These platforms host editable templates sold by independent designers, mostly on Etsy. You buy a template, open it in the browser-based editor, and customize it directly without any software download. The templates are built for home printing, so sizing and bleed are already set. Quality varies by designer, so read reviews carefully before buying.

Adobe Illustrator

The professional choice. Illustrator gives you complete control over every element: vector graphics, custom typography, precise layout. The results can be stunning. The learning curve is steep and the subscription costs $22+ per month. Worth it if you already know the software or are designing for a very large guest list where investing time pays off.

Microsoft Word and Publisher

Accessible but limited. Word is fine for simple text-based designs, but alignment and print formatting can be frustrating. Not recommended if design is a priority.

Printing at Home vs. Using Paperlust’s Print Service

This is where many DIY guides stop short. There are actually four distinct options, each with real trade-offs.

Home inkjet printer

Works well on 65lb to 80lb (176gsm to 216gsm) cardstock. Color accuracy varies by printer and ink. Suited to casual aesthetics and smaller guest lists. Cost is typically $0.05 to $0.15 per page in ink, plus paper.

Home laser printer

Produces sharper text and fine lines than inkjet. Toner can crack if the paper is scored or folded after printing. Better for text-heavy designs than illustrated ones.

Local print shop (FedEx, Staples, or similar)

A step up in quality and paper weight options. Expect to pay $0.15 to $0.50 per page. You will get better color consistency than a home printer, but paper choices are limited and you lose the personal control of doing it yourself.

Paperlust print-your-own-design service

This is the semi-DIY sweet spot. Design your invitation in Canva (or any design software), then print your own design at Paperlust. Your file is printed on premium cardstock up to 380gsm, with the same professional finish as any Paperlust order. You get a designer proof within 1 to 2 business days before anything goes to press. It is the best of both worlds: you keep full creative control, and Paperlust handles the quality printing on paper that a home printer simply cannot handle. Order a $5 sample pack first to feel the paper stocks before committing.

Paper Types: What Works Best for DIY

Paper weight is measured in pounds (lb) for American cardstock or GSM (grams per square meter) internationally. The higher the number, the thicker and more substantial the card.

• 65lb cardstock (176gsm): The lightest option suitable for invitations. Feeds through most home printers without jamming. Has a slight flex that feels less formal.
• 80lb to 100lb cardstock (216 to 270gsm): The sweet spot for DIY. Feels substantial and professional. Some home printers struggle with the heavier end of this range.
• 110lb cardstock (298gsm): Very thick, requires a commercial printer for reliable results.
• Vellum (translucent) overlays: A popular trend, layered over the main card and tied with ribbon. Adds an elegant, ethereal quality.
• Kraft paper: Warm, rustic, earthy. Works beautifully with botanical designs and outdoor wedding aesthetics.
• Paperlust stocks (via print-my-own-design): Access to Matte 300gsm, Linen 300gsm, and Premium 380gsm, which no home printer can accommodate. Wild Cotton 600gsm is available for letterpress orders.

Envelope Addressing: Tips and the Address Manager

Addressing 100 or more envelopes by hand is one of those tasks that sounds romantic until hour three. A few approaches make it manageable.

For a handwritten look without writing every envelope yourself, print addresses directly onto envelopes using your home printer. Set up a template in Canva or Word, test on plain paper first to check alignment, then feed envelopes carefully one at a time. Use a consistent font that matches your invitation aesthetic.

For the truly professional option, Paperlust’s Address Manager lets you import your guest list via Excel or a simple CSV upload. Addresses are then printed directly on envelopes, approximately $0.20 per address, saving hours of hand-addressing. It is one of the most underrated time-savers in the entire wedding stationery process.

Whichever method you choose, double-check every address against your guest list before printing the full run. A returned invitation means a late RSVP.

While you are at it, make sure your invitation wording is correct before anything goes to print.

Assembly: The Correct Order of Inserts

This is the step most guides skip, and it matters more than you think. Stuffing an envelope incorrectly is one of those small things guests notice, even if they cannot quite say why.

The standard assembly order, from bottom to top:

1. Directions or accommodations card (smallest enclosure, goes in first, face up)
2. Details card (reception or itinerary info, face up)
3. RSVP envelope (flap up)
4. RSVP card (tucked under the RSVP envelope flap, face up)
5. Main invitation card (largest piece, face up on top)

The whole stack goes into the outer envelope face-up toward the envelope flap, so guests pull it out and read the invitation without having to flip anything over.

If you are using a belly band or ribbon to bind the insert stack, wrap it around all pieces in this order before inserting. Wax seals go on the outer envelope flap as the final step.

Cost Breakdown: Truly DIY vs. Semi-DIY

Here is an honest comparison for a 100-guest wedding (100 invitation suites):

The semi-DIY path via Paperlust sits in a compelling middle ground: you carry the creative cost (your time in Canva), Paperlust carries the production cost. The result looks fully professional, and every order includes planting a tree as part of Paperlust’s sustainability commitment.

Timeline: When to Start and What to Expect

• 4 to 5 months before the wedding: Start designing. Browse inspiration, define your style in 3 to 4 words (e.g., minimalist, romantic, botanical, vintage), and open Canva or your chosen software.
• 3 months before: Finalize your design. Order paper and supplies if printing at home. Order a $5 sample pack from Paperlust if using their print service. Confirm all wording.
• 10 to 11 weeks before: Do a test print run. Check colors, sizing, and bleed. Adjust and finalize.
• 9 to 10 weeks before: Print the full run or submit files to Paperlust. Begin assembly once cards arrive.
• 6 to 8 weeks before: Mail invitations. Destination weddings: mail at 4 months to give guests time to book travel.

Build in a buffer at every stage. Printers jam, files need adjustments, and envelope addressing always takes longer than expected.

DIY tip: Custom stickers and labels elevate your handmade invitations. Print envelope seals, address labels, or decorative stickers at Paperlust Print Shop, from $0.08 each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really print wedding invitations on a home printer?

Yes, for lighter cardstock (65lb to 80lb / 176gsm to 216gsm). Results depend heavily on your printer model and ink quality. Run a test page first and compare colors to your screen, as home printers often print cooler or darker than the digital preview. For heavier stocks or more polished results, use a print service.

What file format should I export from Canva for printing?

Export as PDF Print with crop marks and bleed enabled. This gives the printer the information needed to cut accurately. If printing at home, PDF is still preferable to PNG for color consistency and resolution.

How far in advance should I mail wedding invitations?

6 to 8 weeks before the wedding for most guests. 3 to 4 months for destination weddings or guests who need to book travel and accommodation.

Is DIY cheaper if I include labor costs?

Honestly, if you value your time at a standard hourly rate, truly DIY is not always cheaper than a professional service. The semi-DIY model, design yourself plus professional printing, gives you the best financial outcome when time is factored in. The process is also genuinely enjoyable for most couples.

What cardstock weight do I need for a professional-looking invitation?

Aim for at least 80lb (216gsm) for a card that feels substantial. Paperlust’s Matte and Linen stocks are 300gsm, which is the weight where invitations start to feel genuinely luxurious in the hand. Order a $5 sample pack to compare weights before you commit.

Can I use my own design with Paperlust’s printing service?

Yes. The print your own design at Paperlust service lets you upload any file, whether designed in Canva, Illustrator, or another tool, and have it printed on premium paper stocks with a professional finish. You receive a designer proof within 1 to 2 business days before printing begins.

The post DIY Wedding Invitations: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own | Paperlust appeared first on Paperlust.

Canva is a brilliant design tool. The print options it gives you are good for some weddings, and not built for others. The honest version of this guide is that where you print your Canva design matters more than how you export it.

If you’ve finished a Canva invitation and you’re trying to figure out how to actually get it onto paper, this is the decision tree.

How Canva’s Print Path Actually Works

Canva isn’t a printer. It’s a design surface that hands your file to one of two fulfilment partners.

Option 1: Canva Print (mail order)

Inside Canva, you can hit “Print with Canva” and place an order directly. The file is sent to a Canva-managed print partner, printed digitally, and posted to you. Turnaround is typically 4–7 business days, plus shipping. Stock options are limited to a handful of standard cardstocks: matte, satin, recycled, and a thicker premium card.

Option 2: Officeworks pickup (Australia only)

If you’re in Australia, Canva also integrates with Officeworks. You design in Canva, click “Print with Officeworks”, choose a store, and pick up your printed invitations the next day in most cases. Same digital print process. Stock list is similar: standard digital cardstocks, finished flat.

Both routes share the same fundamental constraint: digital print, standard stocks, no specialty finishing. That’s the whole technical envelope. Everything below is about deciding whether that envelope fits your wedding or not.

What Canva + Officeworks Can Print (And What It Can’t)

Below is the honest capability matrix for a Canva-designed wedding invitation, comparing the standard Canva/Officeworks digital pipeline against a specialty printer like Paperlust that accepts your same Canva PDF.

The pattern is consistent: the Canva pipeline does one print method (digital) on a small set of standard stocks. Specialty printers exist because there are six other techniques and dozens of stocks the digital pipeline can’t physically produce.

Specialty Techniques the Canva Pipeline Doesn’t Offer

If you’ve ever held a wedding invitation that felt different from a postcard, this is why. None of these techniques run through Canva Print or Officeworks because they require a dedicated press, custom plates, or finishing equipment that isn’t in the digital workflow.

Letterpress

A traditional press pushes inked metal plates into thick cotton stock, leaving a tactile impression you can run a fingertip across. Canva can mimic the look with shadows on screen, but the impression itself only happens on a real letterpress. It’s the dominant choice for formal, traditional, and luxury invitations.

Canva, even at maximum DPI, renders flat. Letterpress is dimensional. Browse letterpress wedding invitations to see the depth in person via a sample pack.

Foil stamping (the real kind)

Real foil stamping uses heat and pressure to bond metallic foil to paper. It catches light, shifts as the card moves, and reads as genuinely metallic at any angle. Canva and Officeworks can print a metallic-look ink (flat pigment with a sheen, not actual foil) but they cannot apply foil stamp.

This is the most-misunderstood gap in the Canva pipeline. Couples often expect the gold lines they designed in Canva to print as foil. They print as gold-coloured ink. See the difference on real foil-stamped invitations.

Die cutting

If your invitation isn’t a rectangle, arch, scallop, hexagon, oval, custom contour, it has been die cut. A custom blade is shaped, mounted, and pressed through the stock. Officeworks doesn’t run die cutting; their finishing equipment cuts straight rectangles. Specialty printers maintain a library of standard dies (arch, scallop, oval, circle, hexagon) and can cut custom shapes with a setup fee.

Browse die-cut wedding invitations for the standard shape library.

Embossing & debossing

Two metal dies (a male and female) press the stock between them, creating either raised relief (emboss) or sunken impression (deboss) without ink. It’s how monograms, crests, and motifs read formal even on a plain card. Canva can render an outlined logo, but only an embossing press can give it dimension.

Vellum overlays

A semi-translucent sheet of vellum sits on top of (or wraps around) the printed invitation, often printed itself with names, dates, or florals. The two layers together (cotton base plus vellum overlay) produce a softness Canva can’t replicate. Specialty printers handle the registration, the binding (wax seal, brad, ribbon, glue), and the assembly.

Specialty stocks: cotton, coloured cardstock, handmade

Officeworks and Canva Print stock options run through standard digital papers: matte, satin, basic recycled, and a thicker “premium” white. They don’t offer:

• Cotton, the soft, fibrous stock letterpress and embossing need to take an impression cleanly
• Coloured cardstock: sage, navy, blush, charcoal, terracotta, mocha (anything beyond white/ivory/kraft)
• Handmade and deckle-edge papers: visible fibres, raw torn edges, artisan textures
• Heavy double-thick stocks, 600–800gsm laminated cards that read luxury at first touch

The stock often matters more to the final feel than the design itself. A simple typographic invitation on heavy cotton outclasses an ornate Canva design on 200gsm digital matte every time.

When Canva + Officeworks Is the Right Call

This isn’t a knock on Canva. It’s a brilliant tool used badly when couples expect digital print to deliver specialty results. Used well, the Canva + Officeworks path is the cheapest, fastest way to print a perfectly good invitation.

It’s the right call when:

• The wedding leans casual or modern-minimal: backyard ceremonies, beach weddings, courthouse plus dinner. Digital flatness reads consistent with the vibe.
• You’re printing save the dates, not the main invite. Save the dates are typically 6–9 months ahead and lower-stakes than the formal invitation. Many couples use Canva + Officeworks for save the dates and specialty print for the main suite.
• You want a physical store pickup option. Officeworks gives you next-day in-store pickup in most Australian cities, which suits couples who prefer to walk in rather than wait on shipping.
• Your design is photographic or gradient-heavy. Digital print handles photos and gradients well. Letterpress and foil can’t reproduce a photograph, they’re solid-colour techniques.
• Budget is the binding constraint. Canva + Officeworks runs roughly AUD $1.50–$3.50 per invitation depending on stock. Specialty starts higher.

When You Should Upgrade to Specialty Print

The clearest signals you’ve outgrown the Canva + Officeworks pipeline:

• You want guests to feel something tactile. Letterpress impression, embossed monogram, raised foil. If “feel” is part of the brief, specialty print is the only path.
• You’re designing for a formal or luxury wedding. Digital flatness undermines a black-tie or estate-wedding aesthetic. Texture cues formality.
• You want a custom shape, not a rectangle. Arch, scallop, oval, contour-cut crest: specialty only.
• You want a coordinated suite. Matching RSVP, details card, menu, place cards, programs, signage. One printer, one stock palette, one set of fonts kept in sync. Officeworks treats every piece as a separate one-off.
• Your stock palette includes coloured cardstock. Sage, terracotta, navy, blush, charcoal. If it’s not white, ivory, or kraft, it’s not in the Canva pipeline.
• You want a vellum overlay, pocket fold, or wax seal. Assembly and finishing happen at specialty printers, not photocopy shops.

Bringing Your Canva Design to Specialty Print

Good news: you don’t have to rebuild your design. Most specialty printers (including Paperlust) accept the same PDF you’d send to Canva Print or Officeworks. The workflow is one extra step.

Step 1: Finalise your design in Canva

Embed fonts, double-check spelling on names/dates/venue, and make sure key text sits inside the safe margin (about 4mm in from the trim edge). If your design has a background colour or pattern, extend it past the trim line by 3–5mm so there’s bleed.

Step 2: Export as PDF Print with bleed and crop marks

In Canva, go to Share > Download > PDF Print. If the option is offered, tick Bleed & crop marks. PDF Print exports at 300 DPI: the standard for clean print results. Don’t use PDF Standard (lower DPI) or PNG.

Step 3: Choose your print method first, then upload

This is the step the Canva pipeline doesn’t ask you to make. Before you upload anywhere, decide: digital, letterpress, foil, die cut, embossed? The print method drives stock choice and pricing. Paperlust’s print-my-own-design page walks you through the options.

Step 4: Submit the file and review the proof

Upload your PDF. Specialty printers run a designer-check on every file, flagging low-resolution images, font embedding issues, bleed problems, or registration risks for foil and letterpress. You’ll get a designer-confirmed digital proof within 1–2 business days.

Step 5: Approve and print

Once approved, the file goes to press. Paperlust runs 24-hour express turnaround on digital print, and standard production ships within a few business days. Letterpress, foil, die cutting, and embossing add plate-making and finishing time on top, so book those orders with a few extra days of lead time.

Pricing Reality Check

The cost gap between Canva + Officeworks and specialty print isn’t margin, it’s technique. Knowing the rough numbers helps you decide whether the upgrade is worth it for your invite count.

For 80 guests, the difference between Canva + Officeworks digital and a letterpress-and-foil specialty suite is roughly AUD $250–$700. For weddings averaging $40,000+, that’s a 0.6–1.7% line item that defines the first impression of the entire event.

If your wedding leans more casual or you’re working a tighter total, the digital pipeline gets you a perfectly good result. The honest test: would you be embarrassed by the invitations sitting next to your ceremony stationery and signage? If the suite needs to look cohesive across rooms, it’s a specialty job.

Common Mistakes Couples Make Going from Canva to Print

• Designing in RGB and expecting CMYK to match exactly. Screen colour (RGB) has a wider range than print colour (CMYK). Reds drift orange, navies drift purple, ivories print flat white. A specialty printer’s proof shows you the conversion before commit. Officeworks doesn’t proof, so you find out when you pick up.
• Forgetting bleed. If your design ends exactly at the trim line, any cutting drift leaves a thin white edge. Always extend backgrounds 3–5mm past the trim.
• Using low-resolution images. Canva preview is on-screen; print needs 300 DPI. Stretched stock photos and small graphics blow up pixelated. Replace anything below 1500px on the long side before exporting.
• Choosing PDF Standard instead of PDF Print. PDF Standard is lower-resolution and stripped for web sharing. PDF Print preserves print-quality DPI and embeds fonts correctly.
• Designing for a square or rectangle when you actually want a die cut. If you have any chance of going die cut, design with a wider safe margin from the start. Specialty printers can advise on shape templates before you finalise.
• Treating the invitation as a one-off and the rest of the suite as separate. RSVP, details, menu, place cards, signage, table numbers. If they don’t share stock and finish, the whole suite reads inconsistent.

What to Do With Your Canva Save the Date vs Your Main Invitation

A common pattern that works well: print save the dates digitally (Canva Print or Officeworks) and reserve specialty for the main invitation suite.

• Save the dates are sent 6–9 months out, mostly to confirm the date. Lower stakes, often photographic, casual styling. Digital print handles them well. Browse save the date designs.
• Main invitations arrive 8–10 weeks before the wedding and set the tone. This is where letterpress, foil, die cut, and specialty stocks earn their cost. Browse wedding invitation designs.
• RSVP, details, menu, place cards. Once you’ve committed to specialty for the main invite, keeping the suite consistent matters more than saving on each piece. Browse RSVP cards.

This split lets you keep the budget honest where it doesn’t matter and spend it where guests actually pick the card up and look at it twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Canva Print or Officeworks print real foil on my wedding invitation?

No. Both services run digital print only. They can render a metallic-look ink (a flat pigment with a slight sheen) but cannot apply real foil stamping. Real foil requires a foil stamping press, which is a specialty technique.

Does Officeworks do letterpress?

No. Officeworks runs digital print and basic finishing (cutting, folding, laminating). Letterpress requires a dedicated press with custom plates, available only through specialty printers like Paperlust.

Can I get a die-cut shape (arch, scallop, oval) from Canva or Officeworks?

No. Both pipelines cut to standard rectangles or rounded-corner rectangles. Custom shapes require die cutting, which uses a custom blade pressed through the stock. Specialty printers maintain standard die libraries (arch, scallop, oval, hexagon, circle) and can cut custom shapes with a setup fee.

What’s the cheapest way to print Canva wedding invitations in Australia?

Officeworks pickup is typically the cheapest, around AUD $1.50–$2.50 per invitation on standard digital stock for quantities of 50–100. Canva Print is comparable but adds postage. For genuinely budget-tight weddings, Officeworks is the practical choice.

Will my Canva colours look the same when printed?

Close, but not identical. Canva designs in RGB; printers output in CMYK. Saturated reds and bright navies shift slightly. Specialty printers send a colour-accurate digital proof before commit, so you can adjust. Officeworks doesn’t proof, so you’ll see the result at pickup.

Can I print my Canva design on cotton or coloured cardstock?

Not through Canva Print or Officeworks. Their stock list runs to standard digital papers. To print a Canva file on cotton, sage, navy, blush, charcoal, or any specialty stock, upload your PDF to a specialty printer that offers those stocks. Paperlust accepts the same Canva PDF and prints across the full stock range.

Do I need to redesign my Canva file for specialty print?

Usually no. Export as PDF Print with bleed and crop marks, and most specialty printers run a designer file-check before plates are made. They’ll flag font embedding issues, low-resolution images, or registration risks (mainly for foil and letterpress) and request fixes if needed. The design itself stays as you built it.

How long does specialty print take compared to Officeworks pickup?

Officeworks is typically next-day in-store pickup. Canva Print is 4–7 business days, mailed. Paperlust offers 24-hour express on digital print and ships standard within a few business days; letterpress, foil, die cut, and embossed orders take additional time for plate-making and finishing. If your wedding is more than 10 weeks out, turnaround isn’t a constraint either way.

Can I get matching RSVP cards, details cards, and menus printed from Canva designs?

Through Officeworks or Canva Print, each piece is treated as a separate order with no coordination across stock or finish. Through a specialty printer like Paperlust, you can submit the full Canva-designed suite and have everything printed on matched stock with consistent finishing, one project, one proof round, one delivery.

Is it worth upgrading from Canva + Officeworks if I love my design?

The design isn’t the question, you can take the same Canva PDF to specialty print. The question is whether the print method and stock match what you want guests to feel. If your design would benefit from letterpress depth, foil shimmer, a die-cut shape, or a coloured cotton stock, the upgrade earns its cost. If the design is photographic or gradient-heavy and the wedding is relaxed, digital print is fine.

The Bottom Line

Canva is a great place to design a wedding invitation. The Canva + Officeworks pipeline is a perfectly good place to print one, if what you’ve designed is digital-flat by intention. If you’ve designed something you wanted to feel premium (the texture, the foil, the impression, the shape, the stock) the print method has to match the design ambition.

The good news: it’s the same Canva PDF either way. You decide where to send it.

Custom stickers add the finishing touch. From envelope seals to favour labels, browse custom stickers at Paperlust Print Shop, from $0.08 each.

The post How to Print Canva Wedding Invitations: Officeworks vs Specialty Print (2026) appeared first on Paperlust.

Planning a wedding is such an exciting time, but managing the budget can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. One great way to save money without sacrificing style is by diy wedding invitations by your own and using the expertise of experienced print shops to print them. Here’s a friendly guide to help you save on your wedding stationery.

Design Your Own Invitations with Templett

Templett is a super user-friendly online platform that allows you to create your own stationery with a lot of free invitation templates. Whether your style is classic, modern, or whimsical, Templett has a wide variety of templates to match your taste. The easy-to-use platform lets you choose your favourite design, drag and drop elements, add text, and voilà, your dream invitation is ready. Once finished, you can download your design and print the invitation with a trusted partner, such as Paperlust, who will bring your vision to life with their expertise in the wedding stationery printing industry. Simply upload your artwork, and the Paperlust team will take care of the rest

Downloading Your Design For Printing

Once you’ve crafted your beautiful invitation template, the next step is to download the file. Templett allows you to download your designs in both PDF and JPG formats.

Export Options:

PDF with Bleed (Recommended!): When downloading as a PDF, be sure to select the bleed option. This extra area around the design helps minimise printing errors and avoids white borders.

JPG with Bleed: Templett automatically includes the bleed when downloading as a JPG, ensuring a seamless print result.

Printing Your Invitations

With your design ready, it’s time to bring it to life through printing. You can choose from several options: a print shop, a copy shop, or printing at home. Each of these has its pros and cons when printing the invitations. See below for the details:

Print at Home

Pros:

• Cost-effective option to save your budget with your own printer and paper.
• Print at your own pace and time.
• Have control of the printing process and can make quick adjustments or updates.

Cons:

• Limited material options for paper and print types, which can affect the print result.
• The quality is far different from that of a professional print shop.
• It’s very time-consuming to handle the printing process while arranging a wedding, which is already complicated!

Copy Shop

Pros:

• Printing the invitations at a copy shop can be cost-effective if you have a limited budget.
• Fast turnaround time.

Cons:

• The staff isn’t as knowledgeable as print shop professionals, so if you have any issues with paper, print types, etc., they are less able to help you.
• Fewer options for paper, print types, and other custom finishes such as die cuts.
• The quality is far different from that of a print shop.

Print Shop

Pros:

• Print shops use high-quality materials, ensuring perfect results.
• Extensive options for customization, from paper and print types to custom die cuts, etc.
• Expert staff to help you get the best invitations.
• Print shops will send you a design proof before proceeding to production to ensure the best result.

Cons:

• The price is expensive, but the quality is unquestionable.
• The turnaround time takes longer.
• Limited control over the printing process compared to printing at home.

Why Choose Paperlust for Printing?

Paperlust, based in Australia, is an expert in handling wedding invitation stationery. Our print-only service is perfect for couples who have designed their invitations and are looking for professional printing. Here are some advantages of printing with Paperlust:

Advantages of Paperlust:

• Premium Quality: Paperlust uses top-quality paper and ink to ensure your invitations look stunning. You’ll also receive free premium white envelopes!
• Worldwide Shipping: We can ship globally and offer free shipping for orders over $300 USD
• Sustainability: All paper used by Paperlust is FSC certified, and they plant a tree for every order, adding value to your wedding.
• Expert Advice: Their experienced team provides advice on the best printing options for your design.
• Competitive price: Paperlust have a competitive price to print your own design starting 3.5 AUD
• Fast Turnaround: We handle the invitation printing as fast as possible without breaking the result. See our production timeline on each print types
• Customer Service: Paperlust offers responsive and reliable customer service, ensuring a smooth process.

Prepare Your Design For Paperlust Print

1. Finalise Your Design: Ensure your design is finished and downloaded in PDF and JPG formats with the bleed option.
2. Request a Quote: Fill out the form on Paperlust’s website to get a quote, and upload your design file.
3. Accept the Quote: Within two days, Paperlust’s team will send you a quote for printing. Accept the quote to proceed.
4. Design Proof: Once you pay the invoice, Paperlust team will send you a design proof for review before moving to production.

By designing your own invitations on Templett and printing them at a professional print shop, you can create stunning, personalised wedding invitations with exceptional results. Don’t worry about the cost; you can choose a print shop with competitive prices, such as Paperlust.

Choosing the Right Paper Stock for Your Templett Design

One of the biggest advantages of printing your Templett design through a professional service like Paperlust is access to premium paper stocks that home printers simply can’t handle. Here’s how to choose the right stock for your design.

Digital print on smooth matte: The most affordable option and ideal for designs with fine detail, photography, or gradients. Smooth matte stock produces crisp, clean results with accurate color reproduction – perfect for Templett designs that rely on intricate florals or watercolor effects.

Textured stock: For a premium feel without the premium price of letterpress, a lightly textured stock adds tactile quality to any design. Works especially well with script-heavy Templett templates.

Kraft paper: If your Templett design has earthy, rustic tones – terracotta, warm green, or brown – printing on kraft paper creates a cohesive, natural look. Note that light colors and white text will print differently on kraft, so preview your design carefully.

Cotton and specialty stocks: For couples who want something truly special, Paperlust can print your custom design on cotton paper or other premium stocks. Request a $5 sample pack to see how your colors translate before committing to your full print run. Explore the full range of wedding invitation paper options when uploading your Templett design.

Common File Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a perfectly designed Templett file, small prep mistakes can affect the final print. Here’s what to watch out for.

Forgetting the bleed: As mentioned above, always export with bleed enabled. Without bleed, your printed cards may have thin white borders around the edges. Even a 3mm bleed can make the difference between a professional result and a DIY-looking one.

Screen vs. print color: RGB colors look vibrant on screen but print differently than CMYK. Deep saturated blues and vibrant reds are particularly prone to shifting. If your design has specific brand or theme colors, request a proof before printing your full run. Paperlust’s designer proofs are delivered within 1 to 2 business days.

Resolution: Export your Templett file at 300 DPI minimum for print. Lower resolutions look fine on screen but will print with visible pixelation, especially on script text and fine-line details.

Font embedding: When exporting as PDF, ensure all fonts are embedded in the file. Missing fonts can cause text to reflow or display incorrectly. Templett’s PDF export handles this automatically, but it’s worth confirming if you’re making any adjustments outside the platform.

What Paperlust Does with Your Uploaded Design

When you upload your Templett file to Paperlust’s print-my-own-design service, here’s what happens behind the scenes.

First, a Paperlust team member reviews your file for print readiness – checking bleed, resolution, color mode, and any potential issues. If something needs attention, they’ll contact you before printing rather than proceeding with a suboptimal file. This pre-press review is included in the service.

A digital proof is then prepared and sent to you for approval, typically within 1 to 2 business days. Review it carefully – check for typos, confirm the margins look balanced, and verify that no important text is too close to the edge. Once you approve, your invitations go to press.

Two rounds of edits are included. If the proof reveals an issue with the file – a color that printed differently than expected, a margin that needs adjustment – the team can address it before the final run.

Completing Your Invitation Suite

Most Templett purchases include multiple templates – invitation card, RSVP card, information card, envelope liner, and sometimes save the dates. Printing the complete suite through a single provider ensures color consistency across every piece.

For extra finishing touches that make the whole suite feel cohesive, custom envelope seal stickers from Paperlust Print Shop – printed with your monogram, wedding date, or a design element from your Templett template – are an easy, affordable addition. They’re a small detail that guests notice. Wedding invitations start from $2.04 per card, and save the dates from $1 per card, making a complete printed suite achievable on most budgets. Browse the full collection of printed wedding invitations if you’d prefer a design that comes pre-built rather than template-based.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print my Templett invitation at a print shop?
Yes – Paperlust’s print-my-own-design service accepts uploaded Templett files. Always export with bleed enabled and at 300 DPI minimum for best results.

What file format should I use?
PDF with bleed selected is the recommended export format. JPG works too – Templett includes bleed automatically. PDF preserves vector sharpness and embedded fonts better for complex layouts.

How do I get a proof before printing?
Upload to Paperlust’s print-my-own-design service and a digital proof is prepared within 1 to 2 business days. Two rounds of edits included. Production starts only after you approve.

Why do my colors look different when printed?
Screen colors use RGB mode; print uses CMYK. Deep blues, vibrant reds, and neons are most prone to shifting. Request a physical proof before your full run if color accuracy is critical.

The post How to Print My Templett Wedding Invitations appeared first on Paperlust.

The best thing about these is that they are so versatile. Use them as cake toppers, string them into chains to decorate, convert them into wedding place cards, or make just the dresses and use them as the theme for your bridal shower. With elegant lace patterns or pastel colours the toppers can be kept classic, while bright colours and patterns can convey a sense of fun and are perfect for more laid-back affairs.

The Dress:

1. Choose a rectangular piece of origami paper. Place paper pattern side down, and fold in half lengthwise, forming a smaller rectangle.
2. Open paper up. Fold both edges in to the centre fold.
3. Open paper again. Flip over so patterned side is facing up. Fold so that outer creases (white dots) meet the middle crease (green dots).
4. Flip paper over.
5. Fold paper almost in half (leaving 5mm space at the top) and back on itself (leaving another 5mm fold at the bottom).
6. Flip paper over, and turn 180 degrees.
7. Make the collar by folding down the inside top two corners.
8. Make the pleat of the dress by pulling the paper up and out to the side. Crease down into place.
9. Flip over
10. Make the V-neck at the top by pulling back the top, creasing down the sides.
11. Fold the sides of the top in. Make the angle of the skirt by folding in the sides of the dress.
12. Flip over and fold out the sleeves of the dress.

The Shirt:

1. Choose a rectangular piece of origami paper. Place paper pattern-side down, and fold in half lengthwise.
2. Open paper up. Fold in half the other way.
3. Fold the top third down.
4. Fold the two edges in to meet the middle
5. Fold top corners outwards so they are hanging over the edge. These will become the sleeves.
6. Flip paper over. Fold bottom up 5mm (valley fold).
7. Flip page over, and then rotate 180 degrees. Fold in the two top edges to make the collar.
8. Bring the bottom all the way up to the top and tuck in under the collar.

So there we go! Brilliant, right? If you’re interested in more clever DIY paper art ideas, check out our DIY Origami Flowers, our Favourite DIY Paper Flowers, and our Pinterest boards Paper Flowers and Paper Art, Origami + Creativity.

The post DIY Origami Cake Toppers appeared first on Paperlust.

Tonia says that recently brides have wanted colours and more looseness in their bouquets, a reflection of the popularity of bohemian chic themed weddings and the more casual walk down the aisle towards the married future.

The bouquet we order turns out to be a bit of a challenge: we’ve come without a specific brief. Looking around the store, we ask for colour and seasonal blossoms (after begging and being gently refused a pink pineapple at the centre of our tropical bouquet. ‘It’s probably more appropriate for a table setting.’ I finally concede). We settle for citrus fruit to add bulbous thickness through the middle.

Tonia’s preparation is smooth with experience. She holds the growing bouquet in one hand, while she strips the tulip stems of leaves with the other and tells us how the shop has recently changed ownership. Jai is likely to stay for a while. He used to work behind the counter with her, now he’s the boss. Talk quickly devolves into how much Tonia loves her job. The whole time she hasn’t stopped smiling and I tell her I’m ready to give up everything to become a florist. ‘Don’t get me wrong,’ she says, ‘I love my holidays too.’

The bouquet has rapidly grown into a loose ball of bright colours. And that’s the thing about going to a flower boutique like Poho, especially one that has experience in providing flowers for the bridal bouquet and decorative flowers for the day, they know exactly what they’re doing. While I want to add every exciting flower and colour, Tonia gently eases me back. ‘We generally stick to a monochromatic colour palette.’ Then she adds from there. The only time she stops, suddenly unsure, is to decide whether to add purple. ‘I like it.’ Sarah says firmly. Then it’s a question of what kind of purple of flower to add. Once they’ve settled on the perfumed sweet peas, the wrapping of the stem begins. A string keeps the bouquet together and a ribbon is tightly wrapped around the centre, leaving bare stems poking out the bottom, in keeping with the loose, dangling volume that is something of a house style at Poho flowers. A more traditional bouquet would be around the base of the flowers to the bottom of the stems in a ribbon that matches the brides dress. The ribbon at the middle of our bouquet marks a good place to hold the flowers.

I’m surprised by the weight of it once it’s been wrapped and tied again with another ribbon around the paper (I have a new found respect for the co-ordination and grace of women in high heels and dressed in their best, with the weight of the whole day on them, as well as a bouquet of flowers as they walk down the aisle).

Wrapped in paper with water soaked tissue at the bottom, the bouquet fades during the day. At home in water the stems stand upright to life once again. The care and life expectancy will vary from flower to flower. Generally speaking, you’ve got one or two days after they’ve been cut for your bouquet, though they’ll still be standing well in a vase of water.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Your florist will need to know when, where and the quantity of flowers they need to provide;
• What kind of flowers you want. If you have a theme and a brief, they’ll love you to bits. If you’re not sure, most boutiques will be happy to have a chat, maybe called ahead to let them know that you’ll be taking up their time;
• Ask about care instructions for your flowers and bouquet to make sure they can last as long as possible;
• You’re paying for quality and a weight off your mind.

But maybe you’re more like me and you prefer going down to the flower market in the morning and chewing through your breakfast while you pick out the flowers that you want to be carrying down the aisle later that day. Whether it’s putting together your own bouquet or arranging table settings, I imagine there’s something quite therapeutic about keeping your hands busy with something living while your mind able to race ahead.

There are some cons to doing it yourself though. Without a florist, you’re doing away with years of expertise. That beautiful stroll to the markets isn’t going to end well if you get there and the flowers you want are out of stock. You’ve got to weigh up for yourself if you really have the time amongst everything else you have to do, to do this yourself as well. There’s also no guarantee that purchasing a small amount of flowers from the markets is going to be that much cheaper than working with a florist.

Still want to build your own bouquet? Here’s a DIY Flower Bouquet Guide for a more formal wedding bouquet.

Choosing your flowers

Remember that flowers are seasonal so their availability and quality will vary depending on the time of year. Make sure to ask your vendor about flower care specific to the kinds of flowers you purchase.

Another thing you might like to consider, if you’re interested in perfecting all the little details, is the meaning that are sometimes attributed to flowers. Our own little bouquet was probably sending out some mixed messages: the red tulips are said to be a declaration of love (so we were doing okay), but while the sweet peas are generally considered to represent a kind of pleasure, they also indicate a goodbye or gratitude for a lovely time that’s coming to an end (hmm…).

A traditional bouquet will probably include roses or chrysanthemum. The meaning of these flowers tends to vary between colours.

The white rose signifies purity, while the yellow represents friendship, red passionate love. Combined, red and white flowers are said to signify unity.

In contrast, the white Chrysanthemum signifies truth, yellow means a secret admirer, red signifies sharing.

Traditionally, the wedding bouquet was much simpler, using wildflowers and herbs that represented fertility.

Watch out for the 80s comeback of Baby’s Breath. As a head piece, in a bouquet or in table arrangement, it’s said to represent festivity.

Choosing your colour

When it comes to colour, a lot of it has to do with taste: what do you like? What colour is appropriate for the style of your wedding? Do you want to be using colours that have significance?

In the end, some colours just go together better than others. Remember, Tonia at Poho said they usually try to stick to a monochromatic colour scheme.

Instructions

To start, you will need floral shears, floral tape, bouquet pins and some kind of bouquet wrap, which would be a basic kind of tape that will be covered later with decorative ribbon.

1. Remove foliage from the stem. Don’t forget the thorns if you’ve gone for classic roses
2. Cut the stems to roughly the same length. Try between 25cm and 35cm
3. Use 2-4 flowers as a base or anchor by bunching the stems together and wrapping with floral tape. Make sure to leave 3-4cm of exposed stem below the flower, and 10-12cm from the bottom of the stem
4. Build the bouquet by adding flowers around the anchor, as you like. Keep in mind the size as you wrap the flowers to the base
5. When you’re happy with the size and structure of the bouquet, wrap with floral tape from the 3-4cm gap below the flowers, to the base
6. Use the floral tape as a guide to wrap the ribbon or fabric you’re using as a bouquet wrap, and pin into the tap and stems as you wind down

And so you have a very special, custom wedding bouquet!

The problem with doing it yourself is partly the mess, but mostly the risk that your DIY handy work isn’t quite the same standard as a professional florist. Try a test run while you’re still in the planning phase and see if creating your own wedding bouquet is really worth the possible trouble.

In the end, the trick to flowers is making sure they complement everything else you’re trying to achieve on the day. Stick to the golden wedding planning rule: do what’s right for you, and everything should work out from there.

The post The Wedding Flower Bouquet: DIY vs. Professional Florist appeared first on Paperlust.

Egg Carton Fairy Lights

Photo: Buzzfeed

Yes! ‘Egg carton’, you read that right! To create these lights all you need is an egg carton, scissors, paint and a paintbrush. Adding your favourite colour or even the theme colour of your wedding can be a great personal touch. We love how the illumination from the light creates an ombre colour effect.

Dixie Cup lights

These Dixie cup lights are perfect for an outdoor wedding (with good weather of course).

Photo Source : diyordont.blogspot.com.au

Jam jars

Rustic wedding anyone? This style is all about going back to basics. We know jam jars are awesome (and great for drinking out of at hipster bars) but who would of thought they could look this great filled with water, floating tealights and straw ribbon.

Photo Source: buzzfeed

Photos and Lights

To give your wedding a romantic yet fun environment, why not allow your guests to peg Polaroid photos (you will need to have a polaroid camera on hand) to a string of lights.

Photo Source: buzzfeed

Tulle

Light, luxurious and lacey. Match your lights to you wedding dress with pieces of tulle or lace tied in bows around the lights. For more about how Mallory creates these beautiful lights visit her blog.

Photo Source: prettyquirkypants.com

Paper lanterns

Lia was inspired by Spring in creating these paper lanterns but we think these can be used for weddings across all seasons.

Photo Source: Lia Griffith

Glitter tea lights

If you are stumped for table decoration ideas glitter tea lights in gold or silver could help brighten up every table. Wedding Star provide the perfect tutorial.

Photo Source: Wedding Star

Anyone for a game of ping pong?

Hmm, maybe not at a wedding, but that’s not to say they can’t be used as decorations!

Photo Source: Hummingtonpost.com

Sources:

Egg carton fairy lights

–https://www.pinterest.com/pin/459648705691044131/

Dixie cup lights

–https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17592254767530769/

Jam jars

–http://www.iheartnaptime.net/15-ways-to-use-mason-jars/bottle-for-candle-082/

Photos & lights

–https://www.pinterest.com/pin/8092474307361594/
–http://www.lights4fun.co.uk/the-blog/bedroom-fairy-light-ideas-quick-easy-diy-fairy-light-wall/#jp-carousel-1571
–https://www.pinterest.com/pin/508554982896666058/
–https://www.pinterest.com/pin/536069161869090441/

Paper lanterns

–http://somethingturquoise.com/2013/11/12/how-to-make-paper-lanterns/

Glitter tea lights

–https://www.pinterest.com/pin/256353403762799080/

Ping pong lights

-http://www.hearthandmade.co.uk/party-lights/
–http://thequicknewcomer.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/lds-beach-reception.html

This is a cute idea too:

by adding tape onto the outside of tea light candles for decoration.
–https://www.pinterest.com/pin/433260426623838551/

https://paperlust.co/blog

The post Eight ways to light up your wedding décor, inside and out appeared first on Paperlust.

If you think that your guests should have their own little memories to take away, an awesome idea is to create your own photo booth. By building your own photo booth you know that everything is exactly how YOU want it, at the end of the day that’s the only thing that matters! You can even send out a perfect photo thank you card to guests after the big day! No tacky red velvet curtains or mainstream props… It’s time to have fun! So here we have the traditional photo booth on the left, it looks like a lot of fun, but the concept is a bit tired and lacks style. So instead, it’s time to get creative. Theme it! You can create props out of of flowers to compliment your  bohemian themed wedding, or maybe coral crowns if you are having a beach themed wedding… the ideas are endless. Photo Source: Brian Worley Photo Source: modwedding.com

Creating a classy photo booth

Setting Up Your DIY Wedding Photo Booth

A well-executed DIY photo booth doesn’t look DIY – it looks intentional. Here’s how to set one up that guests actually use and that produces photos worth keeping.

Location: Choose a spot near the reception area but slightly out of the main traffic flow – somewhere guests can naturally drift to between dinner and dancing. Good natural light or access to a power outlet for artificial lighting is essential. A corner works well: two walls provide a natural backdrop without requiring a free-standing structure.

Backdrop: This is the single most important element. Options that consistently photograph well: a flower wall (fresh, dried, or paper flowers), a macrame or fabric panel, a simple balloon arch in two or three coordinating colors, a sequin curtain for evening receptions, or a stretch of greenery (eucalyptus, ivy, tropical foliage) draped across a frame. The backdrop should match your wedding color palette – it should look like it belongs at your wedding, not like a generic party supply store backdrop.

Camera setup: A DSLR or mirrorless camera on a tripod with a remote shutter release gives the best image quality. Many couples also use an iPad on a stand with a dedicated photo booth app – these handle the countdown, capture, and sharing in one system and require no technical knowledge from guests. A ring light positioned directly behind the camera eliminates shadows and produces flattering, consistent results regardless of when guests use the booth.

For printed photo strips at the event, a dedicated photo booth printer (available to hire) or a portable photo printer like a Canon Selphy gives guests an instant takeaway. Add custom sticker labels with your wedding date and names to the back of each print strip as a keepsake. The Australian shop offers a sticker range, while the US shop sells custom photo-strip seal stickers as circle stickers in 30 mm and 40 mm diameters for narrow strips. Browse Paperlust’s wedding invitation collection to find designs that match the aesthetic you’re building for your reception.

Photo Booth Props: What Works and What Doesn’t

Props can make a photo booth feel playful and personal – or they can feel like leftovers from a 2015 corporate Christmas party. Here’s how to choose props that actually fit your wedding.

Props that work: Anything that connects to your wedding theme, the couple’s shared interests, or the location. A beach wedding: sunglasses, shell leis, mini surfboards. A garden wedding: flower crowns, oversized sunflowers. A formal black-tie wedding: feather fans, long gloves, pearl necklaces, tiny top hats. Props that tell your story as a couple – references to how you met, your shared hobbies, your favorite destinations.

One prop that reliably works is a set of custom selfie frames: guests hold them up to frame their own shots, they suit the whole group, and they carry your names or wedding hashtag in every photo.

Props that don’t work: Generic “bride tribe” and “squad goals” speech bubble props that have no connection to your wedding. Poorly made props that look cheap in photos. Too many props – a cluttered prop basket produces cluttered photos. Aim for 8 to 12 well-chosen items rather than 30 options.

DIY prop ideas: Custom speech bubble props printed and cut from cardstock (very cheap, highly personalized), flower crowns made from fresh or faux florals, personalized fans or parasols, and hats sourced from a vintage or costume shop. Custom props with the couple’s names, wedding date, or an inside joke are the most shareable.

Coordinating Your Photo Booth with Your Wedding Stationery

The most polished wedding photo booth experiences feel like a designed extension of the wedding itself – not a separate element that could belong to any party. Here’s how to create visual continuity.

Use the same color palette as your invitations and florals in the backdrop, prop choices, and any signage at the booth. If your invitation features deep navy and gold, your backdrop could be a navy fabric drape with a gold metallic balloon arch. If your theme is romantic botanical, a greenery wall with white blooms and natural wood props continues the visual language. A small printed sign at the booth entry – “#[YourWeddingHashtag]” or “Photo Booth this way →” – in the same typography and colors as your invitation ties everything together.

For custom signage, favor tags, and personalized photo strip labels that match your wedding aesthetic, custom stickers from Paperlust Print Shop are printable in any size and shape. And if you’re still finalizing your invitation design, explore Paperlust’s full range of wedding invitation styles – the design you love for your invitation is the design system your whole wedding can follow, from florals to photo booth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you set up a DIY photo booth?
Good location with natural light, a backdrop matching your wedding palette, camera or tablet on a tripod with ring light, and 8-12 well-chosen props. A photo booth app on an iPad handles countdown and sharing automatically.

How much does it cost?
$100 to $500+ depending on backdrop choice and camera setup. Using your own DSLR and a DIY balloon arch backdrop is the most budget-friendly combination.

What makes a good backdrop?
One that matches your wedding palette, photographs well in any light, and looks intentional rather than assembled at the last minute. Flower walls, greenery panels, balloon arches, and sequin curtains all work reliably.

What props should I use?
8 to 12 props that connect to your theme or story. Avoid generic party supplies. Custom speech bubbles, flower crowns, themed accessories, and items in your wedding colors work best.

A DIY photo booth done right earns its place as one of the most-talked-about moments of your reception. Guests who spend 20 minutes in the booth always come back with memories – and photos – that feel completely different from the formal shots. It’s the unscripted part of your wedding that produces the most genuine joy. Start with a backdrop that matches your invitation aesthetic, choose props that tell your story, and let the rest happen naturally. The single best photo from the booth deserves better than a fridge magnet, so turn the digital file into a framed photo print for the hallway in A4, A3 or A2. Order from the US shop, or choose framed prints in Australia from the Australian shop.

The photo booth is one of the few reception elements where guests are genuinely the creators rather than the audience. Give them a beautiful backdrop, a few props that make them laugh, and a simple way to capture the moment – the rest takes care of itself. For more ideas on pulling your wedding aesthetic together from invitation to reception detail, explore Paperlust’s wedding invitation collection and let your chosen design lead everything else.

The post How to: DIY Photobooth For a Modern Style Wedding appeared first on Paperlust.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different for table decoration and therapeutically hands-on in preparation for the big day, why not try DIY Origami Flowers? Whether it’s enlisting your mum, or rounding up your friends for one last hurrah(without too much hurrah), paper flowers can end up being used to add colour and excitement and at the fraction of a cost of traditional flower arrangements.

We’ve chosen our favourite origami flower and carefully plotted out the instructions.

TULIPS

1. Placing the coloured or patterned side up, fold the square in half, then in half again, as shown in the diagram. Crease well and then open out.
2. Turn the paper over so the plain side is facing upwards. Fold diagonally in half in both directions. Crease well and then open out.
3. With the plain side facing upwards, bring the two centre fold edges to the other centre fold, as shown in the diagram. Flatten the paper and stand with the loose edges flat.
4. Now, fold the bottom corners of the front flaps up to the top corner. Turnover and repeat on the other side.
5. Turn the front flap to the left, like turning the pages of a book. Repeat on the other side.
6. Flatten again and, now, move the upper edges of the folds towards each other and tuck one flap into the other for each of the edges.
7. Flatten and make sure the distances between A and B are equal.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 on the back of the model.
9. Blow into the base of the tulip to inflate the body of the flower.
10. Peel down each petal to expose the bulb in the centre.

And there, you have a DIY Origami Flower.

For a simple stem you can use silver wire, or try your hand at a green origami stem.

STEM

1. With the uncoloured page facing upwards, crease your paper in half, diagonally.
2. Fold your paper out and fold the corners into the diagonal crease.
3. Keep these folds and fold the upper edges into the centre fold.
4. Repeat another fold of this edge into the centre.
5. Fold your paper in half lengthways.
6. Fold your paper in half widthways.
7. Peel the outer piece of paper, or leaf, from the stem and reverse the centre fold to give your leaf shape.

To attach the stem to the flower, the tip of the stem should insert into the base of your flower or use wire through the centre to create stability.

We’ve had some fun with the colours. Check out some more of our Favourite DIY Paper Flowers for inspiration.

Origami flowers look even better when they share the table with printed wedding place cards, the handmade feel of paper flowers pairs naturally with custom stationery and gives each table its own character.

If you’re making paper flowers for a bridal shower gathering too, they make a great group activity and the finished flowers can double as centerpieces on the day.

The post DIY Origami Flowers appeared first on Paperlust.