Post # 1
Member
3 posts
Wannabee
What’s your take on invites, DIY or have them done?
They’re can be some pros and cons.
DIY: With DIY you have total control of the out come , which can be good or bad. You can search out all your materials, which also can be good or bad. If you have specific taste it can sometimes be very difficult to find ready-made elements that fit your needs. You’re usually limited to flat printing, unless you find a printer who is willing to do small quantities for something like thermography or letterpress printing. And it is time consuming. Tips: Keep it simple, always account for extras, assemble with friends or bridal party, and allow at least a week of spare time to get everything together.
Using a Designer: If you have no idea what you want, a designer can help narrow it down. A designer should have a vast knowledge of paper, design elements, printing methods and embellishments to help you accomplish the aesthetic you’re looking for. A designer usually has a minimum amount of time for process to be complete. Ultimately using a designer saves you time by doing all the foot work for you. Keep in mind, in the end you still need to address them.
So with that, DIY or Designer and why?
Post # 4
Member
129 posts
Blushing bee
I say go for the DIY invites. I think that yes the designer invites are Fancy and have the label I suppose but if you make them yourself it is more personal and a sense or your own style. You can really have fun with it! I went out looking for invitations last week and I saw one that was alright but nothing special and it was $9.00 per invite. Thats Insane!! I am very creative (Im in advertising/marketing) so I am making my own and having fun designing them too!
Good Luck!
Post # 5
Member
3563 posts
Sugar bee
I”m not crafty at all and don’t have the first idea how to DIY my own invites, so we’re getting them made (which I guess would be designer invites? even though we’re having them custom designed).
Post # 6
Member
1269 posts
Bumble bee
I am DIYing. I found paper on sale as well as using my unique design. Double yay!
Post # 7
Member
803 posts
Busy bee
theyre profefssionals for a reason, i’ll let them do what they do best! could i do them myself. absolutely. is it worth my time. nope!
Post # 8
Member
10216 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
semi-diy honestly lol!!!
**caveat** i have helped people design invitations but my own are proving quite errrr mind boggling
Post # 10
Member
1206 posts
Bumble bee
I didn’t have time for DIY so Designer was perfect for me. I knew what I wanted and she made it happen!
Post # 11
Member
3538 posts
Sugar bee
I did DIY, simply because I didnt know there was etsy and and I live in a remote town… now i know of etsy and it would have made it simpler, but FH and I have had a good time putting them together and its been fun! and plus, I couldnt find any in the ‘right’ colors I wanted. 🙁 so creating my own has been good!
Post # 12
Member
3282 posts
Sugar bee
We DIYed because, well, I loved making our stuff completely “ours” and we could have total control…not to mention, it definitely was more cost efficient.
Post # 13
Member
5822 posts
Bee Keeper
I DIYed but I regret it. If I could go back I would have done professional letterpress invites because:
DIY took up too much of my time
DIY didn’t look as luxe as I would’ve liked
DIY cost me more because I had to have all of the items shipped to me
I got carried away and put way too much into the invites when they didn’t need all of that information (and thus paper!) in them
DIY cost me the same as professional
Post # 14
Member
5262 posts
Bee Keeper
I wanted to DIY but with school and work I think I’m going to go designer. I’m putting my time and energy into projects I’m better at!
Post # 15
Member
7774 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
Like crebre, I guess mine are semi-DIY? I’m ordering the DIY pocketfold kits from Cards and Pockets and having them printed, then assembling everything myself.
It is definitely WAY cheaper, and I don’t care abnout designer invites. I’m not really a paper buff like some of the bees.
Post # 16
Member
1078 posts
Bumble bee
I personally agree with ClairDarling…they are the professionals for a reason. While I always admire budget-savvy brides, I think this is an area that should often be left to the experts.
Plus, most online invitation retailers have such great deals right now….whatever you spend on supplies and time, it would probably be just as cost-effective to buy them online.
(Look at it this way – if there’s a printing or other sort of mistake, it will all be taken care of for you! No worries there.)
