If you’ve ever fallen down a Pinterest rabbit hole of dreamy wedding invitations, welcome signs, and personalized signage… and then gulped at the price tag of custom designs, you’re not alone.
Luckily, there’s a smarter—and dare we say more beautiful—way to bring your wedding vision to life: DIY wedding stationery.
No, it’s not about cutting paper with craft scissors or giving up your evenings to hand-glue bows (unless you want to!). Today’s DIY stationery is all about elegant, editable templates that let you design luxury-level wedding details—without the stress or the splurge.
Whether you're newly engaged or deep into wedding planning mode, this guide will help you understand:
- What DIY wedding stationery actually is
- What pieces you can create (spoiler: it’s more than invitations!
- Why it works beautifully for modern brides like you
- How to avoid common DIY overwhelm and get stunning results
Let’s dive in.
So, What Is DIY Wedding Stationery?
DIY wedding stationery is exactly what it sounds like—wedding invitations, signage, and paper details that you create yourself. But don't worry—this doesn't mean you're starting from scratch or doing it alone.
Modern DIY stationery is built on editable templates—pre-designed digital files that you can customize with your names, dates, colors, fonts, and wording to match your exact wedding style.
Think of it as a shortcut to professional-quality design, without the custom-designer price tag. Instead of emailing back and forth with a stationer and waiting weeks for proofs, you can:
- Choose a design you love instantly
- Personalize it in minutes
- Download and print on your timeline
Fun fact: Many brides are choosing editable templates not just for the price savings, but for the freedom and flexibility to control the creative process.
What Can You DIY? (Hint: It's Not Just Invitations)
You might be surprised how many stationery items you can DIY with templates! Here's a list of what today's brides are creating with ease—and what your guests will be swooning over:
Pre-Ceremony + Ceremony
- Save the Dates – Announce your engagement in style
- Rehearsal Dinner Invitations – Set the tone and build excitement
- Wedding Invitations – The star of the show, complete with RSVP and detail cards
- Envelope Liners & Address Labels – Elegant extras that elevate your suite
- Ceremony Programs – Keep guests informed and on-theme
Reception Signage
- Welcome Signs – A gorgeous first impression at the entrance
- Seating Charts – Organized and Insta-worthy
- Place Cards or Escort Cards – Add a personalized touch at the tables
- Table Numbers – Functional but beautiful
- Menu Cards – A perfect way to show off your culinary choices
- Favor Signs – “Please take one” never looked so chic
- Cards & Gifts Sign – Let guests know where to drop their well wishes
- Honeymoon Fund Sign – Tasteful way to invite contributions with charm
- Guestbook Sign – Invite your guests to leave their love notes
After the Big Day
- Thank You Cards – Match your style and send gratitude with grace
- Photo Print Signs – “Take a photo, leave a memory” boards or Polaroid displays
The beauty of doing this all with editable templates? You can keep everything cohesive. From the first save-the-date to the last thank-you card, your stationery will look like it came straight from a boutique—because it kind of did (just a digital one).
Why DIY Stationery Works for Modern Brides
Let’s be honest: wedding planning can feel like a full-time job… on top of your full-time job. You're balancing budgets, timelines, decisions—and still trying to create a day that feels uniquely you.
This is where DIY stationery becomes a total game-changer. It’s:
- Budget-Friendly – Skip expensive design fees and still get luxe results
- Customizable – Make everything match your color palette and vibe
- Fast + Flexible – Edit when it’s convenient for you, without waiting on proofs
- Empowering – You’re in creative control (but with a beautiful starting point)
DIY templates give you that sweet spot between creative freedom and guided ease. You don’t need to be a designer to create something stunning—just a bride with a vision and a few quiet minutes on your laptop.
But What If I’m Not “Techy”?
We hear this fear a lot. And we get it! The thought of designing anything can feel overwhelming if you're not sure where to start. But with the right tools, it's so much easier than you think.
Here’s what you don’t need:
- A fancy design program
- A graphic design degree
- Perfect calligraphy handwriting
Here’s what you do need:
- A laptop or desktop
- Internet connection
- A Canva account (most templates use this free tool! It is very user friendly and you can sign up for this for free and access in your browser)
Templates from shops like ours are built for simplicity, with intuitive tools and helpful guides so you can feel confident and creative.
Printing Tips to Keep It Beautiful (Without Breaking the Bank)
Okay, you’ve personalized your dream stationery—now what?
Here are a few beginner-friendly printing tips that’ll help your designs look as luxe as they feel:
Choose the Right Paper
- For invitations: 90–110 lb. cardstock or matte photo paper gives a professional look
- For signs: Use heavier card or foam board, depending on your display method. Consult with your local print shop and ask for their recommendations.
Test Print First
Before printing a full batch, do one test print to check alignment, colour, and sizing.
Consider Local Print Shops or Online Printers
- Office supply stores like Staples, or Officeworks often do beautiful, affordable printing
- Online printers (like Vistaprint or Prints of Love) offer bulk discounts (plus you can use my special link and get a 10% discount at Prints of Love along with FREE US shipping. With every order they also plant a tree in your name!)
- Tip: Choose “actual size” or “100% scale” when printing to avoid stretched images
Home Printing? No Problem
If you have a solid printer and some good paper, you can definitely DIY print at home. Keep extra ink on hand and check your printer settings for best results. Our wedding stationery template shop provides a print guide with your purchase.
Quick Tips to Keep the Process Simple & Stunning
If you're just starting out, here are 5 ways to avoid overwhelm and design like a pro:
-
Stick to a Color Palette
Choose 2–3 tones that reflect your theme and apply them across all pieces. -
Use Matching Fonts
Templates will often include curated fonts. Resist the urge to over-customize. -
Don’t Overcrowd the Design
White space is your friend. Let your design breathe—it adds elegance. -
Print in Batches
Tackle one section at a time (invites first, signs later). -
Stay Organized
Save versions as you go: “Save the Date – Draft,” “Final Invite,” etc.
Real Talk: DIY Isn’t About Doing It Alone
Here’s what we believe at Pretty Peonies: DIY doesn’t mean you should feel stressed, stuck, or unsupported.
In fact, that’s exactly why our templates exist—to give you a head start, a confidence boost, and a beautiful foundation to work from.
Some customer love:
You can have a stunning, memorable wedding on a budget that works for you. And you deserve to feel proud of every detail—especially the ones your guests will hold in their hands or see as they walk into your venue.
Final Thoughts: Yes You Can Do This
At the end of the day, your wedding should feel like you—stylish, thoughtful, and full of heart. DIY stationery helps make that possible, without the custom-price chaos.
So whether you're designing a garden-inspired invitation suite, crafting the perfect favor sign, or putting the finishing touch on your seating chart, just know: it can be beautiful and budget-friendly. And it’s okay to take the simple path that still feels simple but offers dreamy results.
Looking for a place to start?
Explore our wedding stationery templates: Pretty Peonies Shop for romantic, easy-to-edit stationery templates designed with your dream day in mind.