Create Your Dream Wedding Invites, Absolutely Free

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs and do them yourself. There are a variety of online tools and templates available to help you design your own invitations, and you can print them at home or use a professional printing service. This option gives you the freedom to be creative and bring your specific ideas to life. However, it's important to do your research and be prepared for some trial and error, especially when it comes to choosing the right paper and ink.

Printing options: from letterpress to online, at-home, local, or Gocco printing

Printing your own wedding invitations can be a budget-friendly alternative to hiring a professional. There are several printing options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of some popular printing methods:

Letterpress

Letterpress printing creates a textured and sophisticated look, with letters that are indented on the front and slightly raised on the back of the invitation. This technique is labour-intensive and requires soft, bulky paper, such as thick card stock or cotton fibre. It is one of the most expensive printing methods and typically takes two to six weeks to complete.

Online Printing Services

Online printing services offer convenience and affordability. Websites like Prints of Love, Vistaprint, Zazzle, and Overnight Prints provide digital printing services with various customisation options. These services are ideal for those on a tight budget or timeline, as they offer quick turnaround times and competitive prices.

At-Home Printing

Printing your wedding invitations at home gives you full control over the process and can save you money. However, it requires time, effort, and a good quality printer. Consider the type of printer and ink you have, as well as the paper weight and design to ensure the best results. This option may be more affordable than professional printing but could take longer.

Local Printing Shops

Local printing shops offer a convenient option for those who want more customisation and professional-looking invitations. They can help select the best paper for your design, trim the cards, and provide a high-quality finish. This option may be more expensive than online services but could offer faster turnaround times.

Gocco Printing

Gocco printing, also known as Cricut Cuttlebug, is a DIY solution for adding special touches to your invitations. It allows you to include letterpress, embossing, or die-cutting at a lower cost. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can make your invitations stand out.

Paper choices: weight, finish, and type

The paper you choose for your wedding invitations is an important decision. The weight, finish, and type of paper will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right paper for your DIY wedding invitations:

Weight

The weight of the paper, measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm), will affect the durability, thickness, and cost of your invitations. For wedding invitations, it is recommended to use cardstock with a weight of at least 80 lbs or 12-point stock to give them a sturdy and luxurious feel. Cardstock weight for wedding invitations can range from 65 lbs/176 gsm to over 222 lbs/600 gsm. The right weight for your invitations will depend on your printing method, invitation style, and personal preference.

Finish

The finish of the paper refers to its texture and coating. There are several types of paper finishes to choose from, including:

• Linen: A delicate woven texture that adds visual interest and hides imperfections.
• Cotton: Smooth and absorbent, giving a clean, modern look.
• Parchment: Thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marble appearance.
• Felt: A thick cardstock with a texture similar to canvas.
• Kraft: Recycled cardstock with a rustic, coarse texture.
• Vellum: Translucent paper that can be layered over illustrations or photos.
• Solid White: Medium to heavy-weight paper with a smooth, matte finish.

Type

The type of paper you choose will depend on your printing method and personal preference. Here are some options to consider:

• Dye-based ink: Produces vivid images and is suitable for semi-gloss or gloss-coated paper.
• Pigment-based ink: More expensive but longer-lasting, especially when paired with archival papers.
• Photo paper: Used for printing high-quality photos.
• Textured paper: Linen, feltweave card stocks, and cotton rag add a tactile element to your invitations.

When selecting the paper for your DIY wedding invitations, it is important to consider the weight, finish, and type of paper that will best suit your design, printing method, and budget. Remember to do a test print to ensure your chosen paper works well with your printer and ink.

Design tips: layout, typography, and wording

The layout, typography, and wording of your wedding invitations are essential aspects of the design process. Here are some tips to help you create elegant and informative invitations:

Layout

The layout of your wedding invitation sets the overall structure and appearance. Consider the following tips for designing an effective layout:

• Use a "bleed" design: Create a design that slightly extends beyond the trim edge of the paper. This ensures that there are no unwanted white spaces on the final product, and it also makes cutting your invitations easier.
• Size your invitations appropriately: Smaller invitations, such as a petite 4.25" x 6" version, are not only cost-efficient but also less likely to get folded or bent during mailing.
• Consider printing multiple invitations per sheet: This approach saves paper and reduces waste. You can print two or three invitations on each sheet, making the cutting process more manageable.
• Avoid using scissors for cutting: Invest in a paper cutter or use an X-Acto knife to ensure clean and even cuts for your invitations. Uneven cuts can detract from the overall aesthetic.

Typography

The choice of fonts and text layout plays a crucial role in the visual appeal of your invitations. Here are some typography tips:

• Choose fonts that reflect your wedding theme: Select fonts that complement the style and atmosphere of your wedding. You can browse through various font options available in design platforms or upload your own fonts to create a unique look.
• Customize the color scheme: Play around with different color schemes to find the perfect match for your wedding theme. You can use colors that tie into your wedding color palette or experiment with contrasting shades for a bold statement.
• Adjust font size and layout: Ensure that the font size is legible and that the text is properly spaced out. Pay attention to the overall balance and hierarchy of the text to make important information stand out.
• Add text effects: If you're sharing your invitations digitally, you can enhance the text with animation or other effects to make your message more engaging.

Wording

The wording of your wedding invitations should be thoughtful and convey the necessary information clearly. Here are some guidelines:

• Include a request for attendance: Begin by inviting guests to witness and celebrate your special day.
• Mention the names of the couple: Traditionally, for different-sex couples, the bride's name appears first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples or those choosing a different order, consider what looks best with your card design.
• Provide the date, time, and location: Clearly state the date, time, and venue address to ensure guests have the necessary details for attendance.
• Include additional information: Share any extra details such as the wedding website, gift list, or accommodation options for out-of-town guests.
• Proofread and edit: Before finalizing the design, carefully review the wording for any errors or typos. Ask a third party to read through the text to catch any mistakes you may have overlooked.

Paper cutting: use a professional paper cutter or order pre-cut paper

If you're printing your own wedding invitations, you'll need to trim your paper down to size. The best way to do this is with a paper cutter, which will give you clean, quick, and even cuts. You can buy paper cutters online or in stationery stores. If you don't want to buy a paper cutter, you can use a sharp X-Acto knife, but this will be more time-consuming and fiddly.

Another option is to order pre-cut paper. You can buy paper that's already cut to the standard wedding invitation size of 5 x 7 inches, or a more petite 4.25" x 6" version. You can also buy paper that's cut slightly larger than you need, and then trim it down to size with a paper cutter. This will give you more flexibility in terms of the design and layout of your invitations, as you won't be restricted to set sizes.

When ordering pre-cut paper, it's important to consider the weight of the paper. Invitation paper should have a weight of at least 80 pounds or 12-point stock to give it that luxurious feel. However, keep in mind that very heavy paper may be too thick to feed through your printer. Check your printer's specifications before ordering paper to ensure it's compatible.

In addition to the weight, you'll also want to consider the finish of the paper. Coated papers, such as semi-gloss, gloss, matte, resin, or polymer, are a good choice for invitations with colourful designs or photos. These coatings help to reduce bleeding and runoff, resulting in a crisp, professional finish. If you're going for a more textured look, linen, feltweave card stock, and cotton rag paper are all popular choices for wedding invitations. Again, check that your printer can handle the paper type before placing your order.

Ordering pre-cut paper can be a convenient way to ensure your invitations look polished and professional. It saves you the time and effort of cutting each sheet yourself, and you can be confident that every invitation will be the same size. However, it may be more expensive than buying full sheets of paper and cutting them yourself, so it's important to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.

Packaging and embellishments: consider postage costs

When creating your own wedding invitations, it's important to consider the cost of postage, which is often forgotten about. The cost of postage will depend on the shape, weight, and any embellishments you choose to include. The standard rate for mailing a letter is $0.73, but this is for rectangular lightweight letters. Most wedding invitations weigh more than 1 ounce, and each additional ounce will cost $0.28 on top of the standard rate. If your invitation has a wax seal, ribbon, or any other embellishments that add thickness to the envelope, it will be considered "non-machinable" and cost an extra $0.46. Square envelopes will also incur this additional cost.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it's recommended to have your full suite weighed at the post office before purchasing stamps. This will help you avoid the embarrassment and expense of having your invitations returned to you, or worse, having your guests pay the difference.

When planning your wedding invitations, keep in mind that certain choices can increase the cost of postage. Using thicker cardstock, adding three-dimensional details, or choosing a non-rectangular envelope can all increase the weight and dimensions of your invitation, resulting in higher postage costs.

To save money on postage, consider the following tips:

• Opt for a rectangular envelope that meets the standard size requirements.
• Choose a thinner cardstock or paper for your invitation.
• Avoid adding bulky embellishments such as wax seals or knotted ribbons.
• Limit the number of inserts to only what is necessary, such as the invitation, details card, and RSVP envelope.

By considering the packaging and embellishments of your DIY wedding invitations, you can better estimate the cost of postage and avoid any unexpected expenses.

Frequently asked questions