Your wedding invitation is a precious memento, a tangible reminder of the love and joy you shared on your special day. But time can take its toll on even the most beautiful paper. That’s why learning how to preserve wedding invitations is essential for keeping those cherished memories alive.
Whether you’re sentimental, artistic, or simply want to keep your invitation in pristine condition, Viva Wedding Photography has compiled creative ways to preserve your wedding invite and turn it into a treasured keepsake.
Classic Wedding Invitation Keepsake Ideas
1. Framing (most popular)
Turn your wedding invitation into a stunning piece of wall art and create a personalized gallery in your own home. Framing your invite, whether in a classic frame or a shadow box, is a simple yet elegant way to showcase its design. Choose a large frame that complements your wedding colors, or get crafty with a DIY project for a more personal touch.
Your keepsake can be as minimal or elaborate as you like. For a clean and understated look, a shadow box frame, foam squares, and some lovely background paper in a solid color or matching pattern are all you need. Display your cherished reminder of your wedding day in a prominent spot, like your bedroom or hallway, so you can relive the memories every day.
2. Memory box
Craft a personalized memory box brimming with cherished mementos from your big day. Combine various textures and dimensions, like fabric swatches from your attire, a printed copy of your vows, the cork from your celebratory toast, or a preserved flower from your bouquet, to create a truly unique and captivating collection.
This approach also allows ample space to incorporate your entire wedding stationery suite, including RSVP and detail cards, as well as the envelope. These seemingly small details serve as powerful reminders of the countless moments that made your wedding day unforgettable.
3. Put it on a plate
Showcase your cherished wedding memories by incorporating your invitation details onto a dish, plate, or custom pottery. Display your personalized piece on a stand or shelf, creating a lasting reminder that seamlessly blends with your kitchen decor. The best part is that you can choose a style that perfectly matches your personal taste and aesthetic.
If you prefer a classic look, consider a timeless sterling silver or pewter invitation tray or serving plate. These sophisticated keepsakes can become treasured family heirlooms passed down through generations. For a more contemporary feel, opt for custom pottery adorned with your invitation’s personalized script, symbols, logos, or details. Whichever style you choose, it’s a uniquely beautiful way to commemorate your special day.
4. Turn it into a holiday ornament
Celebrate your first Christmas together by transforming your wedding invitation into a festive ornament.
Gather these materials:
- Large Globe Ornament
- Wedding Invitation
- Ribbon
- Glitter
- Paper Trimmer
- Scissors
- Pen
Instructions:
- Cut the invitation into ¼-inch wide strips.
- Wrap each strip around a pen to create curls.
- Carefully insert the curled strips into the ornament, shaking it periodically to make space.
- For extra sparkle, add a sprinkle of glitter.
- Replace the ornament top and secure it.
- Tie a ribbon bow through the top loop.
Now, you have a unique and sentimental addition to your holiday decorations!
Creative Ways to Preserve Wedding Invitations
5. Resin preservation
Are you looking for a truly eye-catching way to preserve your wedding invitation? Resin preservation might be the perfect fit. This modern method encases your invitation in crystal-clear resin, creating a stunning 3D effect that showcases every detail.
Resin is a liquid substance that hardens into a clear, durable plastic. Your invitation is carefully placed in a mold, and resin is poured over it, encapsulating it completely. Once cured, the resin creates a smooth, glossy finish that protects your invitation from dust, fading, and other damage.
You can choose from various types of resin, including epoxy resin (most common), UV resin (cures quickly with UV light), and polyester resin (strong but has a strong odor). Molds come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to create personalized pieces like paperweights, coasters, or even jewelry with your invitation encased within.
Resin preservation can be a DIY project, or you can enlist the help of professionals. DIY kits are available online, offering everything you need to get started. However, if you’re concerned about handling resin or want a more complex design, professional preservation services specialize in creating exquisite resin pieces.
6. Scrapbooking
If you’re a sentimental soul who loves crafting and storytelling, scrapbooking is a wonderful way to preserve wedding invitations. It allows you to create a personalized keepsake that weaves together your invitation with photos, mementos, and heartfelt journaling.
Your wedding invite can be the centerpiece of a dedicated scrapbook page or integrated into a larger album documenting your love story. Consider placing it in the center, surrounded by photos of you and your partner, engagement pictures, or snapshots from the big day.
I highly recommend experimenting with different layouts. You can use decorative papers, stickers, ribbons, and other embellishments to enhance your page. Incorporate dried flowers from your bouquet, fabric swatches from your attire, or even a piece of ribbon from your favors.
7. Digital preservation
Digital preservation offers a practical, accessible, and space-saving way to safeguard your cherished memories. There are several ways to create a digital copy of your invitation:
- Scanning: Use a high-resolution scanner to capture a detailed image. Save it as a JPEG or PNG file for easy sharing and viewing.
- Photography: If you have a good camera or smartphone, take a well-lit photo of your invitation against a neutral background. Use a tripod or steady surface to avoid blurriness.
- Professional Services: For the highest quality results, consider professional scanning or photography services. They can ensure optimal lighting, color correction, and image resolution.
Once you have a digital version of your invitation, you have countless options for storing and sharing it:
- Cloud Storage: Upload your digital copy to a secure cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. This ensures easy access from any device and protects against accidental loss.
- External Hard Drive: Back up your digital invitation onto an external hard drive for an additional layer of security.
- Social Media: Share your digital invitation on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram to celebrate your anniversary.
Additional Tips for Preserving Your Wedding Invitation
No matter which preservation method you choose, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind to ensure your wedding invitation remains in pristine condition for years to come:
- Choose archival materials: Opt for acid-free paper, adhesives, and storage boxes to prevent yellowing and deterioration.
- Protect from sunlight: Display or store your preserved invitation away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Professional help: If your invitation is very old, fragile, or valuable, consider seeking professional preservation services. Experts can assess the condition of your invitation and recommend the best preservation techniques.
>>> Some amazing ideas to inspire your wedding invitation:
- 21 Floral Wedding Invitations for Your Romantic Celebration
- Postage Stamps for Wedding Invitations – Best Buying Guide
- 37 Wedding Invitation Ideas that Tell You Love Story
Your wedding invitation is a window into the beginning of your happily ever after. Viva Wedding believes that by taking the time to preserve your wedding invitation, you’re not just preserving a physical object but also the joy, love, and dreams that it embodies. So, choose a method that speaks to you, and let your invitation continue to inspire and remind you of the beautiful journey you’ve embarked on together.
