Kinkos: Wedding Invitation Printing Options For Couples

Printing wedding invitations at FedEx Kinko's is a convenient option for many. The business, now called FedEx Office, allows customers to print their own wedding invitation designs at their locations or on their website. This service is popular among those who want to save money by designing their invitations themselves and printing them at a low cost. However, it is important to note that FedEx Kinko's may not be able to accommodate all design requirements, such as printing white ink on dark paper.

Printing costs

FedEx Office allows customers to bring their own invitation designs and have them professionally printed at their locations or through their website. This flexibility means you can create unique and personalised invitations without incurring high costs.

When printing at a FedEx Office location, it is essential to finalise your invitation design before taking it in on a compact disc, floppy disc, or flash drive. If you have specific paper requirements, you can also bring your own, ensuring your invitations are printed on your chosen stock.

The cost of printing at FedEx Office varies depending on several factors. Firstly, the number of invitations you need will impact the overall cost. The more invitations you print, the higher the total expense. Secondly, the type of paper you choose will affect the price. Printing on basic paper will be more affordable than specialty papers or cardstocks.

Additionally, any special printing requirements or add-ons will influence the final cost. For example, printing in colour or opting for double-sided invitations will increase the price compared to simple black-and-white, single-sided prints. FedEx Office also offers various options like tissue paper, which can enhance the look of your invitations but will add to the total expense.

It is worth noting that FedEx Office may charge additional fees for any adjustments or manipulations made to your file. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure your design is exactly how you want it before submitting it for printing.

Overall, FedEx Office provides a convenient and relatively affordable option for printing wedding invitations. By bringing your own design and paper, you can further reduce costs and create elegant invitations within your budget.

File formats

When printing wedding invitations at FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko's), it is important to consider the file formats that are compatible with their printing systems. Here is some information about the file formats you can use:

• PDF: Saving your invitation design as a PDF file is recommended to preserve the desired fonts. This ensures that your chosen fonts will be maintained even if FedEx Office doesn't have the exact fonts installed on their system. By using a PDF, you can avoid any potential formatting issues and ensure consistency in your invitation design.
• Word Pad or Word Document: You can create and save your invitation design using a simple word processing program, such as Word Pad or Microsoft Word. Make sure to lay out the wording with the exact measurements of your invitation and use the desired font. Saving your file in a common format like .doc or .docx makes it accessible for printing.
• Image Files: If you have designed your invitations using graphic design software, you might have image files such as JPEGs. While these can be printed, keep in mind that JPEGs are typically used for lower-resolution images and might not produce the sharpest text for your invitations.
• Other Formats: FedEx Office may support other file formats, such as specific graphic design or publishing software. However, it is always a good idea to contact your local FedEx Office location or their customer support to confirm if they can work with your specific file format.

When preparing your file, it is crucial to finalize the design before submitting it for printing. Any last-minute changes or adjustments should be made beforehand to ensure a smooth printing process and avoid additional fees.

Paper types

When it comes to paper types, there are a few options to consider for wedding invitations. Firstly, it is important to choose between coated and uncoated paper. Coated paper has a light layer of clay on the surface that enhances images and details, with finishes ranging from matte to high gloss. It is ideal for projects that require crisp colours and images, as well as moisture resistance. On the other hand, uncoated paper does not have this layer, making it more absorbent and suitable for print jobs without images or if you plan to write on it. Uncoated paper is commonly used for stationery and envelopes.

For wedding invitations, cardstock is a popular choice. Cardstock is thicker and more durable than ordinary paper, making it suitable for invitations, postcards, and menus. It can be coated or uncoated, depending on your preference. When selecting cardstock, you can choose between different weights, typically measured in points, such as 12 pt. or 16 pt. Heavier paper is generally more durable and less susceptible to rips and wrinkles, while lightweight paper is more cost-effective and suitable for projects with high page counts.

If you are looking for something more unique, foam board is another option. It has a polystyrene core layered between two pieces of paper, making it lightweight, sturdy, and inexpensive. However, keep in mind that FedEx inks and paper stocks may not be "archival," meaning they may not be designed to last without fading or wrinkling. If you want your invitations to be long-lasting, consider choosing a paper type and printing method that ensures archival quality.

Printing methods

Printing your wedding invitations at FedEx Office (formerly known as FedEx Kinko's) offers flexibility and convenience. You can either visit one of their locations or use their website to print your invitations. Here is a detailed guide on the printing methods available:

Printing at a FedEx Office Location:

• Finalize your invitation design and save it on a suitable storage device: a compact disc, floppy disc, or flash drive.
• Bring your design file and, if you have specific requirements, the paper you want the invitation printed on to a FedEx Office location.
• Provide the customer service representative with your file, the desired paper type (if using theirs), the number of invitations, and any other options like double-sided printing or tissue paper.
• Request a couple of sample prints to ensure the invitations meet your expectations.
• Agree on a completion date, provide your contact and payment information, and return on the due date to pick up your order.
• Check each invitation for consistency and errors, as different printers may produce slightly different results.

Printing via the FedEx Office Website:

• Download and install the File, Print FedEx Kinko's application from the FedEx Office website. This application simplifies the process of customizing print settings and adds FedEx Kinko's as one of your print drivers.
• Open your invitation design on your computer and click "Print," selecting "File Print FedEx Kinko's" as the designated printer.
• Choose your printing options, including the number of copies and any paper preferences.
• Decide whether you want to pick up your invitations from a FedEx Office location or have them shipped to your address. Provide shipping details and payment information if necessary.

Design process

The design process for wedding invitations can be a fun and creative experience, and there are several ways to go about it. One option is to design the invitations yourself using a program like WordPad or Microsoft Word. This allows you to choose the exact measurements, font, and layout that you want. Finalize the design and save it as a PDF to ensure the font is preserved, then transfer the file to a compact disc, floppy disc, or flash drive.

Another option is to order a custom design from an online platform like Etsy. You can specify your requirements and receive a digital file to print. This option may be more costly but can save time and effort.

When designing your invitations, consider the paper type and size. FedEx Office (formerly known as FedEx Kinko's) offers a range of paper types, including linen paper, and allows printing on custom sizes. You can also bring your own paper to print on.

Before finalising your design, it is recommended to create a sample invitation to ensure the desired result. This can be done by printing a few copies at FedEx Office or using an online application to preview the design.

Additionally, keep in mind any special printing requirements, such as white ink on dark paper, which may require a specialty printer.

Overall, the design process involves deciding on the invitation's layout, font, and paper type, finalising the digital file, and, optionally, creating a sample for testing. By following these steps, you can ensure your wedding invitations are designed and printed exactly as you envision them.

Frequently asked questions