Do it yourself wedding invitations are a fantastic way to place a personal stamp on your wedding and save money at the same time. With the cost of weddings rising every year, DIY wedding invitations can save you a significant amount that you can use for the actual ceremony or reception, where it will be much more memorable. Of course, you want invitations that are lovely and professional looking and with today’s many online sources of paper, accessories and trimmings, you can make your own invites that look wonderful.

The most vital element to professional looking results when making your own invitations is not skimping on the equipment. You can find wonderful suppliers on the Internet that have the card stock, trims and inks you’ll need to make gorgeous invitations at home that will be uniquely yours.

Card stock is the foundation for the entire wedding invitation. Be sure you buy a high quality card stock that isn’t flimsy. You can find wonderful card stocks that are pre-creased in a variety of folds, including gate folds, traditional folds and tri-folds, so that you can make a style that reflects the level of formality of your wedding. Colors will range from the more traditional whites and creams to rich jewel tones and glimmering metallics. You can either print your invitations directly on the card stock or use these as the base and overlay them with vellum or parchment paper that’s printed with your words, using the colored card stock as the background.

Vellum or Parchment is thinner than card stock but should still be substantial enough that it won’t tear easily and will stand up to a run through your printer. There are endless varieties of these papers. Some hand-made papers feature tiny bits of flower petals or foliage or confetti for a romantic look and feel, while others feature pale pastel tints and sheer look so that they can be used as an overlay.

Ribbon Trim is one of the most well loved superfluities used on DIY wedding invitations. The endless varieties unfilled allow you to personalize your invitations to match your wedding theme by threading a bit of ribbon through the top, bottom or side of each invitation and tying in a simple knot or an intricate bow. Grosgrain ribbon or raffia are casual, while silks and satins are more luxurious. Are your bridesmaids in silver gowns with the groomsmen in basic black? Consider trimming your invitations in black ribbon edged in silver.

Rubber stamps and seals make it simple to add decorative touches to your DIY wedding invitations. Shop online or visit a scrap booking store, where you’ll find elaborate stamps featuring scrollwork, flowers, bells and other motifs appropriate for weddings. You might want to choose the initials for you and your fianc

A fantastic green wedding

Dressed in white can have a green twist. There are a number of ways to make your perfect day as environmentally friendly as possible. Here are some vital thoughts to consider for a fantastic <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.thegreenpages.com.au”>green</a> wedding:

Invitations - everyone knows that the right paper stock is one of the most vital decisions you can make when it comes to pre wedding day plotting. But as a replacement for of going for a heavy card stock with environmentally damaging gloss or matte, consider if you need to have paper invitations at all!

Many wedding websites have sprung up to allow couples to plot their day and give guests all the information they need in paper saving electronic format. Couples can upload photos, tell their unique tale and direct guests to their registry on line. Many also have an RSVP feature so you can manage your list with a few clicks of the mouse. You and your mother can argue over background colours and menu patterns to your hearts ‘content!

Dress – The right dress makes the memories. That doesn’t mean you need to spend a small chance (not to mention make a heavy environmental cost) with a tailor made piece that will just sit in your wardrobe for years to come. Consider vintage pieces or family pieces, there is nothing more sentimental to your mother, than walking down the aisle in same dress she wore back in the day. (You can tailor and amend it to suit your own taste and fashion of course!) Meanwhile, some companies make gorgeous custom made pieces from sustainable fabrics , such as hemp, bamboo or organic cotton. Some even “upcycle” older gowns.

Gifts – Do you really want to face the possibility of end up with two chip dippers or a variety of toasters that you’ll have some distress returning? You can use your unique day to promote some well deserving charities and eco causes. Question your guests to make a donation to your favourite in lieu of presents, then you can be sure you’re getting the exact model of kettle you want!

Flowers – Consider the season when alternative your flower arrangements. Out of season arrangements are often shipped from overseas adding to miles and emissions. There are also a number of issues regarding the ethics of the cut flower industry, with many sources citing cheap labour and unfair work conditions. Australia is abundant with gorgeous species of wattles, banksias and colourful kangaroo paws for a truly unique look. Surpass yet, go organic!

Food – Organic caterers are all the rage. They provide some of the best food that you know is pesticide free and pleasantly tasty. Look for a baker that uses organic eggs and flour and other sustainable ingredients.

Venue and transport – Pick a venue that’s simple to get to and encourage your guests to carpool, or surpass yet, provide some shuttle bus transport yourself. Having the reception in the same place as the ceremony also cuts down on travel and emissions.

Rings – Eco is a girl’s best friend. Lots of fantastic companies “up cycle” jewellery from older pieces. Take in an ancient family heirloom and have it recrafted to make your own one of a kind piece.

Find more green wedding thoughts from the Green Pages, Australia’s number one green directory.