I've been searching the net for different types of invitations that are cheap, cute and individual, but if i have to see one more invitation with roses or hearts on it I'm gonna puke!
Any ideas on how to come up with something that wont break the budget, or a site that has different choices, Thanks, Lexy
Easiest question ever. Etsy.com is the solution, m'dear Lexy. Tons of options from dozens of artists, none of them with hearts or roses. Your money goes straight to a crafty type, and you get truly unique invitations. Etsy Wedding has a few invitation highlights.
(Also, there are some great DIY invite ideas on the OBB social network!)
About Ariel Meadow Stallings
Author of Offbeat Bride: Creative Alternatives for Independent Brides, Ariel acts as the publisher of all the Offbeat Empire websites. She lives, loves, and dorks out hard in Seattle, WA.
Zan said
I am so in love with etsy.com. Every person I've dealt with has been really nice and genuinely wanted to help me.
Tina said
I bought blank invites from walmart and then made the wording and designs on the computer. The turned out gothic looking and only cost me 10.00 plus postage.
Ariel said
Ooh Tina, I'm all for DIY — but Wal-Mart freaks me out.
Chloe said
This may sound goofy – but Michaels (the craft store) has really simple invitation kits. You print your invitation on your own computer so there are lots of options for your own changes. My fiance & I used ones with "handmade" paper for our wedding and they worked great. It only cost $70 for 100 invitations.
kayla Zuest said
I'm buying my invitations from oslopress.com
Not cheap but definitely a bit offbeat
brideoramakelley said
Anyone have suggestions for invitations that are NOT DIY, but that you can preorder over internet and get good quality?
Ariel said
Kelley, all the invites on Etsy are ready-to-roll un-DIY invites.
Meghan said
I purchased my invitations from Womancraft.net.
They make beutiful handmade paper. All of it is from recycled paper and recycled botanicals. They offer personal service and were great to work with!
They also have programs, menis and hand-bound books, which I used as my sign-in book.
WomanCraft, is the social enterprise of Deborah’s Place. The employment provided by WomanCraft is permanent and artisans are paid a living wage so that they may maintain and improve housing stability. Additionally, artisans participate in on-the-job curricula, leadership development opportunities and business management and marketing decisions.
Recycled, custom-made invitations with a social mission (http://www.womancraft.net/index.php)
Sharon said
My DIY invite pick was from this company: http://invitesite.com/
They get bonus points for using tree-free or recycled papers.
Sara said
I will be getting my invites and probably some 'save the date' ideas from Penny People http://www.pennypeople.com/
This girl and I went to university together, she is awesome, creative, kind-hearted and also, cheap!!! You can call them and they will basically do whatever you want. It is an internet based DIY that they will finish for you, I guess?? Anyway check it out.
adelle said
I got my 9 yr old daughter to do a design on the computer with 'art rage' paint program. We then just added the wording and emailled them to the guests.
Laura said
I avoided the froofy look by getting a wedding logo from www.truelovelogos.com and buying vibrant-colored stock and envelopes from a offbeat stationery store here in Austin, TX. I designed them myself with the files I got from truelove and got tons of compliments at their uniqueness. Using a vibrant color on your invites (paper or ink) can really make a difference and stands out from all the ivory and white.
Jeannie said
I made my own invites that look like concert tickets with Excel. I couldn't stand the hearts & flowers either! **GAG** If you have a computer and are somewhat saavy with it, see what you can come up with.