Easy Ways to DIY Your Wedding Invitations

As a wedding stationer, I completely understand that creating beautiful invitations can be a big investment. When I got married, I made my own invitations as a way to save money — and I ended up loving the process so much that it launched me into starting my business!

Now that I’m nearly four years into running Green Crown Press, I’ve learned a lot about what actually makes an invitation suite feel elevated… and what you can skip or DIY without sacrificing quality. If you want to save money while still creating gorgeous, luxurious invitations, here are my best tips.

1. Invest in the Main Invitation

The invitation is the heart of your suite. It’s the piece guests will touch first, and the one they’re most likely to save.

If you’re working within a budget:

  • Invest in a professionally printed main invitation
    (digital or letterpress — both can look high-end)

  • DIY the additional pieces like details cards, RSVP cards, and inserts

This approach keeps the most important piece at a professional level while still giving you budget flexibility.

2. Use High-Quality Paper to Elevate Your Entire Suite

The fastest way to make DIY pieces look expensive? Good paper. Cotton, uncoated, or eggshell-textured papers instantly feel luxurious.

My go-to paper for letterpress is 110# cotton, but it also works with most inkjet printers. The texture provides a luxury look even with a simple design. Pro tip: Ink generally prints more muted on uncoated papers. Use darker colors for crisp, clear text. I use this cotton paper in my own business every day, and it’s beautiful for both DIY and professionally printed pieces.

3. Add Visual Interest with Colored Papers

You don’t have to add expensive print methods to make your suite feel intentional. Using colored paper for the details card, RSVP card and envelope liners adds contrast, depth, and sophistication without increasing the printing cost. Even adding just a single colored insert can transform your suite.

4. Elevate Your Suite with Envelope Liners

Envelope liners are one of the easiest “wow factor” upgrades. There are a lot of downloadable templates on Etsy that can be printed and cut at home. This is one of the tricks I used when I designed my own invitations, and it instantly made my suite feel more luxurious.

5. Use High-Quality Colored Envelopes

Upgrading your envelope is an affordable, big-impact decision. Colored envelopes frame your suite beautifully and create an immediate impression before guests even open the envelope. Some of my favorite brands are Gmund, Colorplan, or Soho Paper.

6. Finish the Suite with Vellum or Ribbon

Small finishing touches make a big difference. Wrapping your suite together makes everything feel polished, cohesive, and intentionally designed. Some of my go-tos are vellum wraps - lightweight, elegant, and easy to use, and silk or velvet ribbon to add softness and texture. I frequently use these vellum wraps in client suites, and I love this ribbon for adding a romantic touch.
Your DIY invitations don’t have to look “DIY.” With thoughtful materials and a few strategic upgrades, you can create a wedding suite that feels elevated, cohesive, and beautiful — without overspending.

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