I was going to make our wedding invitations because I wanted to save money, and not be lured or pressured into getting the whole outer envelope + inner envelope + insert + tissue + mo’ tissue shebang. While I love to design, paper is my least favorite medium. So despite having the paper purchased and a template all worked out, I changed my mind and went to a shop recommended by friends. This is what I got:
The colors are a bit off in the pic, and I think it looks better in person. The red sleeve is used in place of the inner envelope.
Even though it is not the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen, this is certainly one of the best decisions I’ve made. It saved me a world of headache and heartache by paying a few extra bucks. Now of course, shopping around for a good deal is pretty much a given. Here was mine:
The lesson here is to know your limits. Is this worth doing myself? If you don’t love it, it isn’t too easy, and the item isn’t priced ridiculously, you’re better off finding a reasonable vendor. Having a good gauge on when to work and when to pay can be critical to a pleasant wedding planning experience indeed!
Have you decided to go the professional route on any projects you originally intended to DIY?
The color and design match wonderfully. And just who is this recommended vendor?
OMG which shop did you go to and do they take orders from the internet? I love the metallic red printing and the little crystals on the sleeves.
I thought I’d DIY all my paper goods (menus, table numbers, invites) but then realized that a vendor would be just as cheap with a lot less headaches and errors. I did DIY the map though!
ohh they’re pretty! can you please let me know who the vendor is? i’m trying to cut costs on invitations and everywhere i look, it’s about an arm and a leg 
Those are beautiful! invitations!! Can you please tell me who the vendor is?? Is there a website?? Thank you!!
Invitations. FI talked me out of making my own when he say how much it was stressing me out. I thank him everyday for that.
wow that printing company is my new idol! how did they provide such design and keep the cost low. i would’ve totally gone for that. my diy invites cost $250.00
Where did you get these?
@sally: If I had the talent of most of the Bees here I’d DIY. I bow down to them for their ill skillz and patience!
@jen: I printed my own insert (with map) too!
@ ALL: much further details on what I got and where I got them from will be on the next invite post. I don’t want to just name drop here without the proper warning! 
Yeah, I’d like to hear who the vendor is! Why do you have to warn them… ?
You definitely aren’t crazy! There are ongoing studies concerning a possible danger in water bottles. Bottled water is transported in unrefrigerated trucks for long distances. The bottles heat up, and a dangerous chemical, Bisphenol A can leak out. Regardless of this chemical, the water definitely does pick up some of the oily chemicals leaking from it’s plastic. ^_^
I just carry around nalgene bottles filled with filtered tap from home. ^_^ Less waste, better tasting water, less MONEY, and it’s got me drinking more than ever. ^_^
Ooh - so pretty! I can’t wait to see where you got them from!
You know, in case I have one of those “I’m Going to Keel Over Finishing These DIY Invites” days? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure the Mister might appreciate me actually being alive for the wedding. I need a plan B sista’ - do tell!
LOVE them!
from where???? where??? very nice and neat!
[...] addition to positive reader feedback, I also received a couple notes on our RSVPs complimenting the [...]
They are beautiful. Is it possible to see a closeup of the insert you made? I’d like to get an idea how I’m going to include my website address on my invitation. Thanks. meowej-wedding@yahoo.com
[...] half tubes that hold the baggies behind the tea tins are the sleeves of leftover invitations after slight [...]
Mrs. Green Tea, Sacramento
Age and Occupation: 30, Tea Analyst
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Coffee Critic
Engagement Date: November 17, 2006
Wedding Date: August 23, 2008
Blogging Since: June 10, 2008
Venue: Vineyard on the Delta
About Me: I'm just your average obsessive compulsive, arts & crafts loving, funky-on-the-inside/boring-on-the-outside girl, who dares to say 'Hey! I can make that!' Nerdy professional by day, goofy won-ton by night. The won-ton sometimes comes out during the day when I'm fed the dollar breakfast at Ikea. Since our engagement, wedding planning has put me on high alert for bargains and I've been pushing my nimble fingers through callous building experiments!
I will never cease to be amazed by people who make their own invitations! I would probably have a nervous breakdown!! I think these are great and you did save yourself a lot of time. However, all the Bees who make their own invites always do an amazing job.