How to Make Invitations with Bows
For easy instructions how to make DIY invitations with bows, view our video tutorial and step-by-step illustrated guide below. These diy invitations were designed for ease of use with our free invitation templates and premium invitation supplies, no special software or equipment is required. Components include a pre-cut heavyweight background cards, printable overlay, sheer chiffon ribbon and envelopes.
Helpful tips:
- Put together a couple of invitations from start to finish, the first few will always take much longer until you are familiar with the process.
- Setup your workspace as an assembly line process: complete a step for all of your invitations before moving on the to next step. If you have help, assign a step (or steps) to to one person. For example one person attaches all overlays to background cards, one person attaches the embellishments, one person addresses, stuffs and seals the envelopes.

Items you will need
Time to Assemble 1-1/2 minute each, plus printing and cutting all of the overlays, which takes typically 1/2 to 1 hour
Easy instructions to create printable overlay for all layered invitations
1. Download our free wedding invitation templates for Word
The text for layered invitations will be printed or copied onto 8.5"x11" overlay paper using our free wedding invitation templates, the standard sized sheets are provided for ease of printing as small pre-cut overlays would be difficult to setup and feed correctly. Each sheet will provide four 4.25"x5.5" overlays.


2. Change Text and Font
Change wedding invitations wording as desired and experiment with different typefaces to get the look you want. Insert beautiful vintage invitation clip art (click for examples) for a personal touch. The free wedding invitation templates are setup for 11 lines of text using 29pt line spacing...the first line is blank to adjust for the embellishments requiring holes. You may need to make adjustments depending on length of wording and the embellishment chosen. When finished, copy and paste the text into the other three table cells.

3. Print onto Overlay Sheets
Print on test paper before printing on the overlay. Make sure you have several people proofread your text and cut the test paper in half both ways to make sure it is centered. Print on overlay's when you are sure everything is correct. We recommend purchasing water resistant ink jet ink or using a laser printer or copier, for better durability.

4. Cut Overlay with Paper Cutter or Trimmer
After you have finished printing, you will need a paper trimmer or paper cutter to cut the overlay in half vertically and horizontally. If you are using a cutter, cut the paper 5.5" from the edge of the longer side, then again at 4.25" from the edge (longer side up). If you are using a paper trimmer, mark the overlay with a pencil using the lines on our paper guide at the top and sides or measure 5.5" down from the long side and 4.25" from the short side. Starting with the long side up, match up the pencil line with the guide marks on the trimmer. You can cut two sheets of the 65# overlay or three sheets of the vellum at a time. Mark the cut sheets on top and bottom with a pencil using the paper guide or measure 4.25" from the edge and make the final cut.




Punch Holes in Background Card
Line up background cards and our yellow paper guide to punch two holes or use a pencil and mark 1 1/4″ down from top and 2 3/8″ in from each side
Punch Holes in Overlay
Line up overlay cards and our yellow paper guide to punch two holes (hold up to light to view marks) or use a pencil and mark 1/2″ down from top and 1 7/8″ in from each side.
Attach Ribbon
Cut ribbon on an angle to 14″ length, you can use our paper guide to measure, cut 3″ past the long edge of the guide (11″).
Feed both ends of the ribbon in each hole from the back to the front.
Tie a bow tie, pull loops to tighten and adjust ends if necessary.
Trim ribbon ends on an angle.
Assembling and Addressing Wedding Invitations
We recommend handwriting the addresses to your guests on the front of envelopes for a personal touch, and using our easy-to-print return address envelope labels on the back of envelopes, which double as a seal. The envelope is addressed with the guest’s full name and address, avoid using abbreviations for streets and cities. The return address should be on the back flap of the outer envelope. When assembling your invitations, the reply card with stamped envelope or reply postcard should be on top, then the reception card, then the invitation. Use an envelope seal for an elegant touch.
Mailing your Wedding Invitations
Before stamping, bring a sample of the completed invitations to the post office to determine the correct postage. Invitations should be mailed four weeks before your wedding or six weeks for out-of-town guests or if your wedding falls near a holiday.
Order Supplies to Make Invitations with Sheer Ribbon Bows
Select Heavyweight Background Card
Apple Green 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartBerry Pink 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartBluebell Petal Paper 5×7
$0.34 Add to cartBurgundy Wine 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartDark Green 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartDusty Pale Blue 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartEggplant Purple 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartEmerald Green 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartFrench Blue 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartGrass 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.48 Add to cartHandmade Cotton 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.48 Add to cartHandmade Leaf Imprint 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.58 Add to cartHandmade Mixed Petal 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.48 Add to cartHandmade Rose Petal 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.48 Add to cartHandmade Sage Green 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.48 Add to cartHandmade Teal 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.48 Add to cartJet Black 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartLavender 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartLavender with Leaves 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.48 Add to cartLemon Yellow 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartMagnolia Pale Pink 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartMetallic Gold 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartMetallic Silver 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartMica 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartNatural Handmade 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.48 Add to cartNavy 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartOlive Green 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartPale Green 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartPapaya Orange 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartPear Green 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartSand 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartScarlet Red 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartSea Glass 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartShell Pink 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartSunflower 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartTiffany Blue 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartVanilla Cream 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cartWheat 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cart
Select Printable Overlay, Sheer Ribbon and Envelope
- Sale!
25th Anniversary Charms for Invitations
$0.17 Add to cart - Sale!
Amethyst Crystal Brads for Invitations
$0.11 Add to cart - Sale!
Anchor Charms for Invitations
$0.15 Add to cart Apple Green 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cart- Sale!
Apple Green Grosgrain Ribbon for Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Awareness Ribbon Charms for Invitations
$0.20 Add to cart - Sale!
Bell Charms for Invitations
$0.23 Add to cart Berry Pink 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cart- Sale!
Birch Lokta Twisted Cord for Invitation Tie
$0.43 Add to cart - Sale!
Birch Lokta Twisted Cord to Wrap Invitations
$0.11 Add to cart Blank Invitation Envelopes
$0.36 Add to cart- Sale!
Blossom Pink Satin Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Blue Plaid Ribbon to Wrap Invitations
$0.32 Add to cart - Sale!
Blue Wave Paper Belly Band Sashes for Invitations
$0.22 Add to cart Bluebell Petal Paper 5×7
$0.34 Add to cart- Sale!
Bride and Groom Charms for Invitations
$0.15 Add to cart - Sale!
Bride Charms for Invitations
$0.20 Add to cart - Sale!
Brown Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Brown Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon to Wrap Inviatations
$0.27 Add to cart - Sale!
Brown Swiss Dot Grosgrain Ribbon to Wrap Inviatations
$0.27 Add to cart - Sale!
Burgundy Star Silk Flowers for Invitations
$0.09 Add to cart Burgundy Wine 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cart- Sale!
Butterfly Charms for Invitations
$0.15 Add to cart - Sale!
California Poppy Glitter Paper Belly Band Sashes for Invitations
$0.22 Add to cart Calla Lily 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.36 Add to cart- Sale!
Calla Lily Silk Flowers for Invitations
$0.18 Add to cart - Sale!
Candy Pink Satin Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Caribbean Paper Belly Band Sashes for Invitations
$0.22 Add to cart - Sale!
Carnation Pink Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Celtic Jacquard Ribbon to Wrap Inviatations
$0.32 Add to cart - Sale!
Chai Charms for Invitations
$0.15 Add to cart - Sale!
Champagne Charms for Invitations
$0.20 Add to cart - Sale!
Cherry Red Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Cherub Charms for Invitations
$0.15 Add to cart - Sale!
Chinese Coin Charms for Invitations
$0.20 Add to cart - Sale!
Chocolate Windsor Paper Belly Band Sashes for Invitations
$0.16 Add to cart - Sale!
Christmas Tree Charms for Invitations
$0.15 Add to cart - Sale!
Citrine Pale Orange Crystal Brads for Invitations
$0.11 Add to cart - Sale!
Citrus Orange Mini Brads for Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Cobalt Blue Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Concord Grape Mini Brads for Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Cowboy Boot Charms for Invitations
$0.15 Add to cart - Sale!
Cream Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Cross Charms for Invitations
$0.15 Add to cart - Sale!
Daffodil Yellow Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart Dark Green 5×7 Cardstock for Invitations
$0.28 Add to cart- Sale!
Dolphins Charms for Invitations
$0.15 Add to cart
Add Options
Wire to Attach Charms
$0.02 Add to cartSix Earth Glass Beads
$0.02 Add to cartSix Ice Glass Beads
$0.02 Add to cartSix Ocean Glass Beads
$0.02 Add to cartSix Rainforest Glass Beads
$0.02 Add to cartUltra Thin Super Adhesive Glue Dots
$0.04 Add to cart- Sale!
Apple Green Grosgrain Ribbon for Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Carnation Pink Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Cherry Red Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Cobalt Blue Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Daffodil Yellow Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Fuchsia Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Brown Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Cream Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Orange Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
White Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Kelly Green Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Sky Blue Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Wine Grosgrain Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Blossom Pink Satin Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Candy Pink Satin Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Latte Brown Satin Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Moss Satin Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Turquoise Satin Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Lavender Satin Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Silver Satin Ribbon Wedding Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Citrus Orange Mini Brads for Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Concord Grape Mini Brads for Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Silver Mini Brads for Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
White Mini Brads for Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Raspberry Pink Mini Brads for Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Sunny Yellow Mini Brads for Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Tiny White Brads for Invitations
$0.05 Add to cart - Sale!
Gold Irish Claddagh Brads for Invitations
$0.07 Add to cart - Sale!
Silver Umbrella Brads for Invitations
$0.07 Add to cart - Sale!
Wedding Cake Brads for Invitations
$0.07 Add to cart - Sale!
Dragonfly Copper Brads for Invitations
$0.07 Add to cart - Sale!
Gold Maple Leaf Brads for Invitations
$0.07 Add to cart - Sale!
Silver Snowflake Brads for Invitations
$0.07 Add to cart - Sale!
Small Embossed White Paper Petals
$0.07 Add to cart - Sale!
Small Embossed Yellow Paper Petals
$0.07 Add to cart - Sale!
Silver Skeleton Leaves for Invitations
$0.07 Add to cart - Sale!
Burgundy Star Silk Flowers for Invitations
$0.09 Add to cart - Sale!
Lavender Star Silk Flowers for Invitations
$0.09 Add to cart - Sale!
White Star Silk Flowers for Invitations
$0.09 Add to cart - Sale!
Light Pink Tassels
$0.09 Add to cart