How to Make Printable “Save the Date” Wedding Invitations

How many of you are planning a wedding this year? Having raised four daughters, I can tell you something about just how much money it takes to plan such a special event. I have also discovered some great cost-saving tips along the way. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create printable “Save the Date” wedding invitations. Best of all, it will be fun, quick, and easy.

The Scrap Girls’ Boutique contains a category of products named Digital and Printable Cards and Crafts. It is chock-full of ready-to-assemble products as well as digital templates. For my printable “Save the Date” wedding invitation, I am going to use ScrapSimple Card Templates: 5×7 Monogrammed Announcements Mini.

1. Open the template file in your photo editing software and insert your photo.

If you don’t know how to do this, don’t worry. All ScrapSimple products come with complete instructions.

2. Use digital scrapbooking papers and “clip” them to the template’s elements to create a style and color scheme you like. (Clipping mask shortcuts: Ctrl+G for Photoshop Elements, Ctrl+Alt+G for Photoshop)

I’ve decided to use a graphic design style that appeals to this couple. This style is easy to create. I’ve used digital papers from the Lovin’ Life Collection. The bold colors are eye-catching and they contrast with the faded photograph, resulting in a balanced design.

My printable “Save the Date” wedding invitation is almost done!

3. Add your text. 

Although text layers are provided on this digital scrapbooking card template, I’ve decided to change the design a bit. Don’t feel you must use the text layers provided. Improvise. Turn off one or more text layers (click on the Eye icon in the Layers Palette to turn on or turn off a layer) or use the Text Tool to insert your own text layer.

Be sure to use a font that complements the design style you are trying to create. I used a clean, bold, non-serifed font for the main words. I also used a handwritten font for a softer look on the actual photo of this soon-to-be-wed couple. It still has a contemporary feel to it. I clipped a coordinating digital paper to the text to give it some added texture.

Save a JPG file of your card. My printable “Save the Date” wedding invitation is almost complete! There is only one step remaining.

4. Print your invitation on a home inkjet or laser printer.

I decided to use ivory cardstock (110 lb.) for these printable invitations. It will give the card a slightly worn and faded look.  The cardstock will also provide a finished look on the backside of this wedding invitation. Two invitations will fit on each sheet of 8.5×11-inch paper.

5. Cut apart the individual cards using a high-quality paper cutter.

You’ve created a unique, individualized, printable “Save the Date” wedding invitation quickly and inexpensively. Now, congratulate yourself and cross this one item off your “Things to Do” wedding list!

Here is my completed card. I think the bride and groom are going to love it!

Kim Meeder
http://www.scrapgirls.com/AboutUs/AU_KimMeeder.htm