So, you're thinking about making your own wedding invitations with a Cricut? Brave! I respect that. I also respect my sanity, but hey, to each their own.
First, gather your supplies. Cardstock is your new best friend (or worst enemy, depending on how this goes). Don't skimp! Get the good stuff. You'll thank me later when your invitations don't look like they survived a paper airplane competition.
Then there's the design. Oh, the design! Hours spent scrolling through Etsy and Pinterest. You'll find your perfect template, tweak it 78 times, and then decide it's still not *quite* right. That's normal.
Finding the Right Template
Choosing a template is harder than picking a Netflix movie with your partner. "Do you want romantic floral or modern minimalist?" The answer, of course, is "Yes, but also, no."
Pro tip: Free templates exist. Use them. Your budget will thank you. Your sanity might too.
But here's my unpopular opinion: Don't overthink it. Simple is good! No one remembers the intricate details of your invitation. They just want to know where and when to show up for free food and maybe a dance-off.
Let the Cricut Do Its Thing (Hopefully)
Now comes the fun (or terrifying) part: actually using the Cricut. Load your cardstock. Cross your fingers. Pray to the crafting gods.
Watch in anticipation as the machine whirs and clicks. Sometimes it works like a charm. Other times, it decides to eat your cardstock for lunch. Just roll with it.
Seriously, buy extra cardstock. You WILL need it.
And don't be afraid to experiment with different blades. The Deep Cut Blade is a lifesaver if you're using thicker materials. Or, you know, just want to feel like you're operating heavy machinery.
Weeding: The Art of Tiny Paper Removal
Ah, weeding. The process of meticulously removing all the tiny pieces of paper from your design. It's like a zen garden, but with the potential for paper cuts and existential dread.
Get a good weeding tool. Your fingers will thank you. Your sanity might still question your life choices, but at least your fingers will be intact.
Put on a podcast or listen to some music. You'll be here for a while. I recommend something calming. Unless you thrive on stress, in which case, crank up the death metal.
Assembly Required (and Possibly Tears)
Once everything is cut and weeded, it's time to assemble your invitations. This is where you discover whether you're truly a crafty genius or just someone who made a huge mistake.
Glue, ribbon, envelope liners… so many choices! Don't go overboard. Remember, simple is good! (Unless you really love glitter. Then, by all means, go wild.)
Here's another unpopular opinion: Envelope liners are overrated. Save yourself the time and money. No one will notice they're missing. Except maybe your overly critical aunt Susan. But who cares what she thinks?
Stuff those envelopes, seal them with love (or maybe just tape, no judgement), and get ready to mail them out.
Congratulations! You've officially made your own wedding invitations with a Cricut. You're either incredibly proud of yourself or wondering why you didn't just order them online. Either way, you survived.
Now go take a nap. You deserve it.
