Designing Your Own Paper Wedding Invites

Everything You Need to Know About Designing Paper Wedding Invites With the Experts at Bliss & Bone

If you and your partner are in the throes of wedding planning, one of the key components is your stationery—and that includes deciding whether you want to go with print or digital. Similar to choosing between paper and plastic at a grocery store, everyone has their preferences and there really are not many rules these days when it comes to following proper etiquette. With all of that said, the most classic option is always paper wedding invites. These are printed pieces of stationery that go out to all of your invited guests.

In this guide, we will cover everything couples need to know about paper wedding invites. From understanding why couples choose to order paper wedding invitations to the design process, there is a lot to explore within this category. With our expert advice and opinions, we hope you and your partner will feel more empowered and excited about all of your stationery-related decisions.

What Are Paper Wedding Invites?

Paper wedding invitations are exactly what they sound like: wedding invitations that are printed on pieces of paper. There are a wide range of styles and ideas that couples come up with to create paper wedding invites, and that is why no two sets are exactly alike. The presentation, written text, fonts and overall design are all customized by couples and their chosen stationer.

If you order paper wedding invites, a stationery set will typically include the following:

The paper wedding invitation itself. This goes into all of the details about your celebration. Some of the must-have pieces of information include the name of the hosts, your and your partner’s names, the name and address of the venue (or venues, if you plan to relocate for the reception or after party), time of the ceremony, RSVP details and requested attire (examples include black tie or cocktail).
Insert cards. If you are planning other events before or after your wedding celebration, you can include insert cards that share that information with your guests. An insert card could be a full wedding weekend itinerary, a quick note about a post-wedding brunch or even a smaller gathering like a bridesmaids’ luncheon.
RSVP cards. With the RSVP, you have two choices if you design a paper wedding invite: You can ask guests to reply through your wedding website, or go the more popular route with a RSVP card and envelope. For the former, you will need some sort of insert card or directions on the paper wedding invite that signal these instructions to your guests. However, most couples who ultimately create paper wedding invitations prefer to send those over with a pre-stamped and addressed envelope and reply card. On it, guests can share how many people will attend from their party, and you can even add dietary restrictions or meal choices. (Keep in mind that you can also ask these questions if you want guests to RSVP virtually). On your RSVP card, you should also make it clear that you need responses back by about two to three weeks prior to your celebration.
Paper wedding invite “extras.” While these are not necessary, some couples love adding a little extra magic to their paper wedding invitations. You can talk to your stationer about securing your paper wedding invites with a belly band that keeps all of the stationery together. Plus, you can also add smaller insert cards that share the URL to your wedding website, which can then direct guests to your registry.

As with all wedding invites, paper ones take a little more prep time than digital versions because of the printing process. One wedding expert told Martha Stewart Weddings that it is preferred to have final proofs of paper wedding invites about six to eight weeks before you plan on sending them out. That means you will need to plan everything with your stationer several months in advance in order to meet that deadline. You should also ask your stationer how much work is involved on your end. For instance, you and your partner might want to address, stamp and mail out your paper wedding invites. But if you are in a time crunch or want a pro to handle everything, you can see what your stationer’s prices are. In addition to that, many couples enlist a calligrapher to address their wedding envelopes. You will need to contact your calligrapher and compare processing times for that as well.

By the end of the paper wedding invitation process, you should have them in the mail six to eight weeks prior to your wedding day. That will allow your guests to receive their paper wedding invites and reply (hopefully!) before the suggested deadline. From there, you can get started on finalizing the guest list and mapping out the all-important seating chart for the reception—more on that later.

The Difference Between Paper Wedding Invitations and Digital Options

As you discuss your stationery decisions with your partner and anyone else who has offered to help cover some or all of the wedding costs, there are a few things to keep in mind. One of the biggest conversations you might have is making a choice between paper and virtual wedding invitations. There is not one “right” way to go here, so we are sharing the pros and cons of both methods below:

The Benefits of Paper Wedding Invitations

For couples who love traditional and classic weddings. As the saying goes, you can’t go wrong with a classic—and that idea resonates with couples who gravitate toward paper wedding invitations. For centuries (yes, centuries!), couples have shared their happy news through the mail. Of course, it all started with town criers way back when, but these days, people love sticking with the paper wedding invite tradition.
For couples who really want a keepsake. Another main argument in favor of paper wedding invites is that you can hold onto them for years to come. Digital invites are sent to guests’ emails, so while you can look back on it, you would do so through a screen. For those who want a tangible piece that will help them remember their wedding day, paper wedding invites are an excellent choice.
For couples who have guests with technology-related challenges. It is also possible that many of your invited guests are not comfortable with using their email or computers. Some might not even have one! If that is the case for some of your guests, you might want to send out paper wedding invites. Another option is to send some paper wedding invites to guests you know will not want to or be able to receive your celebration details otherwise.

The Benefits of Digital Wedding Invitations

For couples who want an eco-friendly option. Because digital wedding invites do not require any paper, many eco-conscious couples are deciding against paper wedding invites. This changes the overall experience of opening a wedding invite, but it is certainly a method that will reduce your carbon footprint while wedding planning.
For couples looking to save more money. In a similar way, saving on paper also cuts costs significantly. You also do not have to order all of the insert and reply cards or envelopes that typically come with paper wedding invites, so there is a lot less involved there. With that said, you will need to make sure any of those necessary and helpful details are included somewhere on your virtual invite or your wedding website.
For couples who are working with a shorter turnaround time. Let’s say you and your partner want to get married as soon as possible. If you are working on a shorter planning timeline than the average wedding, it could be a good idea to opt for digital invites. Theoretically, you can go online, design your invites and send them out on the same day. They will be sent directly to guests’ inboxes and then you can watch RSVPs roll in as soon as that day.

You have a lot going on for your wedding, and your invites should not add to your stress. By reviewing the benefits of both of these, you should have a clearer picture of the best route for you, your partner and your particular celebration. Budget is also a major factor here, so it is crucial that you have a budgeting conversation early on in the process—even before you book your venue or hire any wedding vendors.

The biggest difference between digital and paper wedding invites is the cost, which has a massive range. For instance, digital invites should cost around $1 each, while some engraved paper wedding invites can go into the thousands for 100 cards. Understanding what you can (and can’t) afford beforehand will save you lots of time and money as you build out your trusted vendor team and get to work on crafting the one-of-a-kind stationery you have always wanted.

Where to Find Inspiration for Paper Wedding Invite Ideas

If you ultimately decide on paper wedding invites, you can source inspiration for them in every aspect of your planning process. You will likely want to establish some sort of wedding theme or color palette beforehand, since this can inform most of the choices you will make going forward.

Here are some of the most popular places or routes to find ideas for your paper wedding invites:

The venue. The exact location where you are getting married is obviously the biggest source of inspiration for your paper wedding invitation. You can see if you can include a photo or drawing of a main area at your venue on the Save the Date or paper wedding invitation. We have also seen unique touches like copying the pattern of the venue’s signature flooring for a bold and creative envelope liner. There is a lot of freedom that comes with bringing your own personal style to your paper wedding invitations, so long as it is manageable for both your stationer and budget.
The theme. Themes may sound a bit extreme, but you do not have to go over-the-top with it. While some couples might go for an on-the-nose idea like a country-themed wedding at a barn, others might simply want to include a neutral color palette as their “theme.” Consider the various styles out there, and see which ones you and your partner are leaning toward. Your venue and the area where you get married can also easily inform this decision.
The city where you are getting married. Are you getting married on the beach in Hawaii? Or having a backyard bash at your childhood home? Either way, you can easily reflect the city or surrounding area in your paper wedding invites. For instance, a starfish drawing could go with a beach wedding in the Caribbean, or an image of a mountain could work well with an Aspen celebration. Think about the things you love about the city, state or even country where you are celebrating and then go from there with your paper wedding invites.
A signature color you and your partner love. Another option is to ignore everything listed above and just choose a color you and your partner both love. This color can be featured throughout your celebration: Bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s ties, in the floral design, on the tables at the reception and anywhere else you would like it. It is recommended, however, that you choose a color that coordinates with the season. For example, a wintry green might not work for a brightly colored Palm Springs, California wedding.
The time of year. As we mentioned, seasonality matters. If you are getting married on a snow-capped mountain in the wintertime, for example, you can find paper wedding invites that have a moodier tone with winter colors. Deep blues and greens, or even reds, can go seamlessly with an event hosted in the snowy mountains. Meanwhile, fun pops of pink and orange are best suited for weddings hosted in the spring or summer months.
The requested attire. What you and your guests are wearing can also contribute to the inspiration behind your paper wedding invitation. To give you an idea of what we’re talking about, you want your paper wedding invitations to match the overall vibe and feel of your event. So, if you are hosting a more classic wedding and ask everyone to dress in black tie attire, you want to think of elements that coordinate with that. Black and white paper wedding invites with a script font, for example, are the ideal complements to such a soiree. In a similar way, a serif font with fun colors is ideal for more casual, cocktail attire-recommended events.

Everything about your wedding should feel cohesive—and that includes your paper wedding invitations. Prioritize what you love most about your wedding, and highlight or accent it in your paper wedding invites. There are so many sources of inspiration all around you as well. Review social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and more to learn more about the trending themes and styles people are using for everything from paper wedding invites to decor. People are coming up with new and original ideas for wedding planning every second of the day, and you can be on the pulse of it all by simply opening up your phone and scrolling through.

Examples of the Best Paper Wedding Invitations

While there are so many ideas to take in while wedding planning, it is always helpful to see real examples. To get you started with your paper wedding invitations, we have found a few of the most popular styles and examples of every one of them. Available at Bliss & Bone, these templates are fully customizable. So, if there is something you want to change, feel free to include that in your notes to the designer. From there, the designer assigned to you will take in your request and apply it to the proof that you will receive for your order.

Classic paper wedding invites: The most classic weddings usually stick with tried and true color combinations like black and white or white and navy, and a script font to highlight certain aspects of the invite. The Blair paper wedding invitation, for example, features the couple’s first initials in a script font, and the entire card is white with black text, and it’s paired with a light gray envelope. Plus, you can always change the colors and move items around as you build your paper wedding invitations.
Gold paper wedding invites: There are some prints and paper products that really stand out, and gold paper wedding invites are a bold and beautiful option for couples hosting a glamorous event. The Avery paper wedding invites combine neutral colors with a pop of gold for a memorable design that all of your guests will love.
Vintage-inspired paper wedding invites: It is also possible to make it look like your paper wedding invitations were created in a completely different time in history. Couples love how the Amelia paper wedding invite includes all of the important event details in a beautiful script font that almost looks like it was handwritten. The paper, font and envelope colors can also change to match your particular event, so customizing is available.
Botanical paper wedding invites: You can really wow your guests with a designed wedding invitation background. It can immediately introduce guests to the theme of your wedding, and give them an idea of what to expect at the event. A perfect example of this concept is the Amber paper wedding invitation, which shows leaves in the background with the text overlay providing all of the details your guests need to know. This would work for a botanical garden fête or other space where plants are a major talking point.
Tropical paper wedding invites: Tell your guests to set their watches to island time with a paper wedding invitation that perfectly suits the surrounding area at your venue. Palm fronds, monstera leaves and more can all translate to the tropical escape that awaits your guests in just a few short weeks. Take the Brando paper wedding invite, for instance, which has monstera leaves looming in the top right corner of the invitation. We also highly recommend pairing it with a coordinating green envelope to really set the tone.
Edgy paper wedding invites: While paper wedding invites are considered more “traditional,” there are plenty of edgier templates to explore. Just look at the Hendrix paper wedding invitation, which puts a twist on the classic script font. Designed as a black and white paper wedding invitation, it is customizable and can work for practically any couple who want something a little different.
Pastel paper wedding invites: Bringing color into your paper wedding invite is an easy way to tie all of your wedding elements together. There is something so beautiful and soft about pastels, and the Luna paper wedding invite proves how it can go perfectly with a spring or summer wedding. It has a bit of everything, too: The couple’s first initials, their first names in a handwritten-type font and a clean and simple serif font in all caps to share the key details.
Letterpress paper wedding invites: Letterpress is one of those timeless printing styles that will never go out of style. Martha Stewart really reintroduced it to the wedding industry, and it has been a staple ever since. It creates an impression in the paper, and you can fill it with any color you can imagine. The Lyra paper wedding invites show how this particular printing process adds dimension and contrast that is truly unique and special.
Paper wedding invites with metallic foil: There are other customizations that really take your paper wedding invite to the next level. One of the most traditional and beloved is the incorporation of metallic foil. At Bliss & Bone, you can choose between flat, letterpress and foil printing. If you choose the latter, you have the opportunity to select your favorite among a variety of metallics, and the Rowan paper wedding invitation is a great example of how it can look. Keep in mind that this is the priciest option available on our site, so take note of the price difference as you build out your paper wedding invites.
Square paper wedding invites: While many of our paper wedding invites are presented as rectangular in shape, you can also personalize it with the size you love most. The Stone paper wedding invitation is one clear way to see how a square paper wedding invite would look. Simple, sophisticated and straightforward, it could be everything you and your partner are looking for in your paper wedding invitations.

These are only a handful of the ideas and examples you will find at Bliss & Bone. When you have reviewed the rest of them, you can start personalizing your own and working with a dedicated designer to make it all happen. You will receive a digital proof within two to three business days, and every order comes with two rounds. This way, you can rest assured that you will work together to design the best possible stationery set.

After you have approved the design, the production process will get into motion and you should receive your shipping confirmation 12 to 15 business days later. If you are working with a shorter timeline, rush services are also available for an additional fee.

What to Do After Receiving RSVPs From Your Paper Wedding Invites

If you’re like us, you and your partner are always thinking ahead. So, what can you expect to do when those RSVPs start rolling in shortly after you send out your paper wedding invitations? These will likely get submitted around two to three weeks before your wedding, when a lot is going on. You and your partner (and your planner, if you hired one!) are going to be fielding phone calls from vendors making their final confirmations before the big day, and you need to try and stay as organized as possible. If you are collecting RSVPs through the mail, you may want to start tracking responses in a Google Sheet. Or, if you are collecting responses through your wedding website, you can easily review your online account for those statistics. When it is time to finalize the guest list, here’s what you need to do:

Make sure you have recorded everyone’s responses. Even though you asked for RSVPs by a certain time period, your guests might not always follow your specific instructions. They could have forgotten, or your paper wedding invites may have gotten lost in the mail. Either way, you need to do some outreach to confirm whether every remaining guest is a “yes” or “no.” This may seem frustrating, but you and your partner can use it as an opportunity to connect with your loved ones and check in with them before your big day.
Send the final total to relevant vendors. Your vendors, particularly the planner, venue coordinator and catering staff should have the final number of guests attending your wedding. The venue coordinator will need the number to map out the chairs that are needed at the ceremony and reception, and the catering company will want to know exactly how many plates to prepare for the reception.
Decide where you and your partner are sitting. There are two popular options for where the guests of honor will sit: At a sweetheart table, a smaller table designed just for you and your partner, or at a larger table with the wedding party. Think about how you want the layout of the reception to look, and ask your venue what is common or recommended in that particular space. And if you are renting tables from the venue, they might not even have some configurations. Check with the group sourcing your seating (either your venue or a rental company), and then consider what you would prefer. Some couples like a little alone amid such a chaotic and wonderful day, while others want to enjoy the entire night close together with family and friends.
Determine where all of your guests are sitting. After you have figured out where you, your partner and the wedding party are going, you need to make decisions about everyone else in attendance. You can seat families together, friend groups and there could even be a kid table for little ones under a certain age. This is often the most difficult part of the process, especially if you have guests that do not know other people in attendance. It will require some brainpower to determine which groups and couples will enjoy spending their dinner together, but you and your partner can work on this as a team. At this time, you should also decide whether you want to make specific seating assignments or simply give your guests free reign. The former will put you in total control over the reception setup, while the other will require less time and effort on your part.
Design the seating chart display. Once the more taxing part of the seating chart is complete, you can use the right side of your brain to create a display. This is usually set up somewhere at cocktail hour, so guests can meander over and see where they need to go later on in the evening. The most common seating chart display is writing out the table assignments on a board that is held up on an easel. But as time goes on, couples are coming up with more original ideas for this part of the wedding celebration. Shots of tequila with names on each glass and a map with tables named after the couple’s favorite vacation spots are a few of the most interesting and unique setups we have seen. Try and stick with a display that has a coordinating theme or colors to the overall event. This is a beautiful addition that should blend in during cocktail hour.

If all of these steps have been completed, there is just one thing left to do: go enjoy yourself! While there are a lot of hoops to go through and choices to make, you are so close to having the time of your life with your closest family and friends. All of the little details rarely go unnoticed, so your guests will be extra appreciative of the special nods and thoughtful touches along the way.

Matching Your Paper Wedding Invites to the Rest of Your Stationery

While they are perhaps the most significant piece of the puzzle, your paper wedding invites are only one part of your stationery suite. You can choose paper designs for a few of these, or you can opt for digital versions. Either way, you can combine them to create a fully cohesive set that you can even connect to decor at your celebration. Here are the stationery items that should be on your radar:

The wedding website: This is where guests will visit whenever they want to confirm details or can’t find something on your paper wedding invitations. Often seen as the “wedding information hub,” a wedding website can also show guests where and how to RSVP, and provide details about lodging and transportation. On the more fun and creative side, it can also be used to share sweet photos from your engagement session and suggest where guests should eat, drink and explore near your wedding venue.
The Save the Dates: The primer for your big day, Save the Dates are sent out around the same time you complete your wedding website. It is recommended that these are sent to all invited guests six to nine months before the wedding day—or even earlier, especially if you are hosting a destination wedding. These can be sent through the mail or via email, but they need to include two main details: Where and when the event is taking place. If you are hosting a full weekend of events, for instance, you will need to make that clear so guests can schedule their travel dates accordingly. Many couples who go this route say something like “Save the Weekend” as opposed to “Save the Date.”
The rehearsal dinner invitations: If you follow traditional etiquette rules, the groom’s family is responsible for hosting the rehearsal dinner. Either way, you can still communicate that you want your rehearsal dinner invitations to match or at least coordinate with the rest of your stationery. These are also available as digital or printed invites, and they should be sent out to a smaller group of guests about six weeks before the rehearsal dinner.
The wedding menu: The wedding menu will be presented to each guest when they sit down at the reception. So, it should coordinate with both your stationery and the tablescape design. This is always printed, and usually details the courses you will be served at dinner, as well as any additional details about the reception. If you want, you can even include a logo or monogram (more on that below!) to further personalize the design.

At Bliss & Bone, you can also look through a variety of curated collections that include many—if not, all—of these items. When you shop by collection, you can also take advantage of premade, customizable templates that look like you spent a lot of time and effort creating on your own. These were developed by our team of designers, and you can find one that suits almost any theme and style. From boho chic to nautical navy, there are near-countless options to review with your partner.

If you want to personalize it even more, you can also order a custom logo or monogram. These typically showcase your and your partner’s initials, first names, new shared last name, wedding date and more. You can also add a special design to further tie your stationery together. And while the logos and monograms are made for your stationery, you can purchase it for use outside of Bliss & Bone’s products. Couples have gotten incredibly creative with their logos, and we have seen them used on aisle runners, bar signs at cocktail hour and even on signs at the reception.

Experiencing Bliss & Bone’s Paper Wedding Invites Before Ordering

Still not quite sure if you want to go with digital or paper wedding invites? To better understand the difference, you may want to feel the product in real life. Bliss & Bone offers a wedding paper samples kit. With your order, we will send over six to eight samples of paper products from our studio, including paper wedding invites. That way, you can experience the difference between one- and two-ply cardstock, see what it looks like to get letterpress printing and more. We also make sure to send over all of our different printing styles, so you will also get to see examples of art-quality flat print and metallic foil as well. When you place your order, you can also share which styles you are most interested in, and we will try our best to source the appropriate materials.

You do not want any surprises when it comes to your wedding planning, and knowing the card stock and printing methods used on paper wedding invites will help you feel more confident about your decision. You can even mix and match some printing techniques to develop the exact look you want for your special paper wedding invites. The wedding paper samples are sent out every Friday via priority mail, but you can choose to have yours expedited at checkout.

Getting Started on Your Paper Wedding Invitations at Bliss & Bone

Your paper wedding invitations should reflect you, your partner and your love. They will serve as a special keepsake that you and your guests hold onto for years, and with that, they should coordinate with the rest of your celebration. There are a lot of decisions and components that go into it all, and we hope that this guide can help you navigate the sometimes daunting process. If you have any questions, our team is only a message away. You can feel free to contact us online or send an email to hello@blissandbone.com. We are prepared and eager to help you plan out and design your dream paper wedding invitations.