Printing Wedding Invitations: Regular Printer Or Professional Service?

Wedding invitations can be printed on a regular printer, but it's important to note that there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of printer and paper used will affect the overall quality of the invitations. For instance, laser printers generally offer sharper text and handle thicker paper better than inkjet printers, but they may struggle with printing on metallic papers or envelopes. On the other hand, inkjet printers are typically slower and more costly per print, but they can handle thicker papers and certain types of vellum that laser printers cannot.

Another factor to consider is the design of the invitation. Some printers may not be able to accommodate full-bleed designs, which require printing beyond the edge of the paper and then trimming down to size. Additionally, the ink colours used and the weight of the paper can impact the final result. Thicker papers, such as cardstock, are often recommended for a more luxurious feel, but they may also increase printing costs.

Printing wedding invitations at home can be a budget-friendly option, but it may require some trial and error to ensure the desired outcome. Online printing services, such as Vistaprint, Zazzle, and Canva, offer affordable alternatives with a variety of customisation options. These services can provide high-quality prints on different types of paper stock and in most standard sizes.

Paper type and weight

The paper type and weight you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on several factors, including the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preference.

Printing Process

The printing process is an important factor in determining the type and weight of paper you can use for your wedding invitations. If you plan to print your invitations at home, you need to consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80 lb to 100 lb cardstock, but it's important to check your printer's manual for specific information.

On the other hand, if you plan to use a professional print shop, you should contact them beforehand to learn about their equipment and capabilities. Some print shops may have restrictions on the weight, thickness, and texture of paper they can handle.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitations will also play a role in choosing the paper weight. If you're creating flat invitation cards, a heavier weight cardstock (80 lb and up) is recommended. For folding invitation cards, a lighter weight cardstock (65 lb to 100 lb) is typically used since they will be twice as thick after folding.

If you're creating layered invitations or using pockets or wraps, you have more flexibility. In general, it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80 lb and under) and attach it to a heavier card. The backer or pocket can be as heavy as you like.

Postage

Another consideration is the postage cost for your invitations. Invitations that weigh more than 1 ounce will require additional postage. If you want to keep postage costs down, choosing a lighter weight cardstock is advisable.

Preference

Finally, personal preference is an important factor in choosing the paper weight for your wedding invitations. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. Ultimately, it's your decision and you should choose the paper that works best for your design and budget.

Printer type

There are several options for printing wedding invitations, each with its own pros and cons.

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are typically able to handle thicker paper than laser printers, but they are slower and less crisp, and they generally cost more per print. They are also able to print on handmade paper and envelopes with the flaps open without burning the paper or smearing the ink. However, the lines of text designs are not as crisp as those printed by laser printers.

Laser Printers

Laser printers are faster, crisper, and generally cheaper than inkjet printers. They are not susceptible to bleeding if they get wet, and the colours are more accurate and do not vary as much based on ink levels. However, they usually cannot handle thicker papers, and they can get warm and bend the paper. They also cannot print on envelopes with the flaps open, as the adhesive can melt and ruin the printer.

Print Shops

Print shops are a good option if you want to outsource your printing. They can handle luxurious paper better than most in-house printers and offer finishing services such as hole drilling, scoring, and die-cutting. However, they may be more expensive, especially if you have a large number of invitations to print.

Cost of ink

The cost of ink for printing wedding invitations at home can vary depending on several factors, including the type of printer, the number of invitations, and the design of the invitations. Let's take a closer look at how these factors can influence the cost of ink for printing wedding invitations.

Firstly, the type of printer you use can impact ink costs. Some printers are more ink-efficient than others, and the cost of ink cartridges can vary between printer brands. For example, one person shared their experience of printing 60 invitations, 60 map inserts, and around 200 monograms for under $10 using their local college printing services, while another person spent $250 on a laser printer and didn't even use one set of starter cartridges. It's important to consider the ink efficiency of your printer and the cost of replacement cartridges when budgeting for printing wedding invitations at home.

The number of invitations you need to print will also affect the cost of ink. The more invitations you print, the more ink you will use and the higher the cost. This is a fairly straightforward calculation, and it's important to ensure you have enough ink to print test invitations and any additional inserts or cards.

The design of the wedding invitations plays a significant role in determining ink usage and cost. Designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds will generally use less ink and be more cost-effective. On the other hand, designs with colourful backgrounds or heavy saturation can significantly increase ink usage and costs. Additionally, if you choose a design with white font, it may be more cost-effective to use a print shop, as printing white font at home can be challenging and use a lot of ink.

To estimate the cost of ink for your wedding invitations, you can calculate the expected ink coverage and refer to the specifications of your printer cartridges. By dividing the total ink coverage of your invitation design by the yield of your ink cartridge, you can estimate how many cartridges you will need and the associated cost. This calculation will provide a more precise estimate of the ink costs for printing your wedding invitations at home.

In summary, the cost of ink for printing wedding invitations at home depends on the efficiency of your printer, the number of invitations, and the design of the invitations. By considering these factors and making informed choices, you can effectively manage the cost of ink for your wedding invitation printing project.

Design and style

Wedding invitations can be printed on a regular printer, but there are some important design and style considerations to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to help you create elegant and professional-looking wedding invitations using your regular printer:

Paper Choice:

• Avoid regular thin printer paper. Opt for cardstock paper, preferably with a weight of at least 100# or 250 GSM. For a more luxurious feel, consider using 120# paper, which is equivalent to 300 GSM.
• Visit a specialty stationery store or a print shop to choose the right paper for your invitations. You can also order samples to test print on your home printer before committing to a large quantity.
• Keep it simple: Opt for a clean and elegant design rather than a busy or cluttered look. This will make your invitations easier to read and give them a sophisticated aesthetic.
• Colour palette: Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding theme. Stick to a limited colour palette to create a cohesive and elegant design.
• Font selection: Select fonts that are easy to read and align with your wedding style. Avoid overly decorative or hard-to-read fonts.
• White space: Incorporate adequate white space into your design to avoid a cluttered look. This will also help highlight important information.
• Full bleed design: For a professional look, consider a "full bleed" design, where the colour or design extends to the edge of the paper. This requires printing on a larger sheet of paper and then trimming it down to size.
• Customisation: If you're using a downloadable template, ensure that you can customise it to match your wedding style and colours. This may include changing font styles, colours, and other design elements.
• Proofreading: Before printing, proofread your invitations for any errors or mistakes. Ask a friend or family member to review the design as well to catch any typos or grammatical errors.
• Envelopes: Choose envelopes that complement your invitation design. Consider adding a pop of colour or using envelope liners to enhance the presentation. Ensure the envelopes are large enough to fit your invitations comfortably.
• Embellishments: Add personal touches with embellishments such as belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals. These details can elevate the look of your invitations and make them stand out.
• Assembly: Plan the assembly process to ensure a neat finish. Consider using glue dots or double-stick tape for a clean and secure hold.

By following these design and style tips, you can create elegant and stylish wedding invitations using your regular printer. Remember to allow for ample printing time, as printing on thicker cardstock may require some adjustments and testing.

Size and shape

Wedding invitations come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and there are several factors to consider when determining the size and shape that best suit your needs. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right size and shape for your wedding invitations:

Standard Sizes:

• 5" x 7" – This is the most common standard wedding invitation size and can be found at any wholesale invitation retailer. It is suitable for various events, including business anniversaries and weddings.
• 5.5" x 8.5" – This size is also standard and offers a familiar feel while providing extra space for creative designs. It is often featured on wedding invitation size guides and is ideal for luxury or exclusive events.
• 4" x 9.25" – This slim wedding invitation is versatile and can be oriented to print vertically or horizontally.
• 6" x 9" – This size allows for a grander presentation and is perfect for those who want to showcase the glitz and glamour of their event from the start.

Shape Options:

In addition to the standard rectangular shapes, you can also opt for square invitations, which are well-suited for modern designs. If you're feeling creative, die-cutting services can create invitations in any shape you desire.

Country-Specific Sizes:

Outside of North America, invitation sizes are typically based on the A-series paper sizes, making it easy to find matching envelopes.

Cost Considerations:

Sticking to common invitation sizes will help keep costs down, as printers are already familiar with printing them. The more names you want to feature on the invitation, the smaller the font will need to be, so a petite or square invitation may not be ideal if you have multiple hosts.

Weight and Dimension Restrictions:

Consider the weight and dimension restrictions of the countries you're mailing the invitations to and from. The size and number of elements in your invitation suite will impact postage costs. Larger and more complex invitations will require additional postage.

Practicality:

If you're printing at home, consider the practical aspects such as printer compatibility and paper availability. Most wedding invitations are 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5", and printing these sizes may require printing multiple invitations on a larger sheet of paper and then cutting them down to size.

Customization:

When customizing your invitations, think about the overall design aesthetic and the mood you want to convey. If you're going for a formal or traditional look, the classic 5" x 7" size is a good choice, allowing you to include accessories like direction cards, RSVP cards, and reception cards.

Envelope Sizing:

The size and shape of your envelope should match the largest element within your invitation bundle. As a rule of thumb, the envelope dimensions will increase by 1/4" for height and width compared to the largest invitation element.

Budgeting:

Don't forget to factor in the cost of paper, ink, envelopes, and postage when budgeting for your wedding invitations. Printing at home can save costs, but it may require more time and effort.

In conclusion, when deciding on the size and shape of your wedding invitations, consider the practical aspects of printing, the desired aesthetic, and your budget to create invitations that set the right tone for your special day.

Frequently asked questions