Invitations are probably also the easiest thing to make and require the least amount of experience or equipment. Basically, you need a printer and paper. Everything else is just extra depending on your chosen decorations. The first thing that you need to do is decide on your paper choice. I didn't realize how wasteful a wedding was until I took a course on designing and environmental responsibility. I also realized there are a ton of different paper choices. The texture and materials can make a huge difference in even a simple design.
I am currently in love with seed paper and hand pressed recycled paper. They have a nice thick feel and a hearty texture. They also get embossed slightly depending on the type of printer that you use with them. However, make sure that they will run through your printer without jamming. There are several companies that will send you a sample to try out and also see the color choices in person. I really like the papers from Plantable Seed Paper. http://www.plantableseedpaper.com/ They can even custom blend seeds into the paper for you. The best part is that you guests toss the paper in the ground pour on a little water and they get a constant reminder about your wedding. Cool, right?
Even if you don't pick a sustainable paper homemade invitations come out beautifully and no one else is going to have the same invitations. I get tired of seeing the same ones all the time. It also doesn't necessarily tell me how to dress for the wedding.
So once you pick out the type of paper settle on a design or at least style. Ours was rustic and simple so we used a light brown cardstock. It had a bit of dappling for paper imperfections which kind of pulled in the rustic. Some ideas would be to paint large sheets of paper with watercolors in the colors of your wedding. Let them dry, cut apart and them run them through the printer. Each guest will get a different looking invitation. Some invitations are super simple and adorable. They are just plain paper with a punched border. The writing then stays elegant and simple. Just make them fit you! You can order different sizes and colors of envelopes online or pick them up at an office store. I got mine from Walmart and we are still using the extras for homemade birthday cards.
I would also not waste the time or money with RSVP cards. There are many sites where your guests can RSVP for free and an email alert is sent to you. This is more green as well as saving you money on stamps and possibly envelopes. Also many times guests forget to write their names, number attending or even their dinner choice on the cards. Basically, a waste of a stamp and paper because the information just isn't there. Another reality is that they won't RSVP at all unless you call them. We had about 50 people RSVP for our wedding and 250 showed up. I'm glad I didn't pay for plates. :) I've seen invitations go out on Facebook. It is a little less classy but in reality it's super functional.
I do realize that not everyone has the time or energy to put forth on their wedding. Basically, my wedding was cheap because I saved myself the labor costs and did everything myself. If you need help with invitations, I can help you out by sending a comment or email here. I am also able to make them for you and save a little bit of cash by sending me a message on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatieDidKreate
The most important thing to remember is to have fun. It's a wedding after all!
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