Kinkos Wedding Invitations: What You Need To Know

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. Many couples opt for printing services to ensure their invitations look professional and elegant. FedEx Office, formerly known as Kinko's, offers printing services for various purposes, including wedding invitations. This paragraph aims to explore whether Kinkos is a suitable option for couples seeking to print their wedding invitations and discusses the process, costs, and potential challenges involved.

Kinko's printing costs

Kinkos, now known as FedEx Office, offers printing services for wedding invitations and other types of invitations. The company provides two ways to print invitations: by going into one of their locations or by using their website.

Printing at a FedEx Office Location

To print at a FedEx Office location, you must first create and save your invitation design on a storage device such as a compact disc, floppy disc, or flash drive. If you have specific paper that you want the invitation printed on, bring it with you. At the FedEx Office location, provide a customer service representative with your storage device, the desired number of invitations, the type of paper you want to use, and any other options such as double-sided printing or tissue paper.

It is recommended to request that the representative print a couple of sample invitations so you can review and approve the design before printing the entire order. You will also need to provide your contact and payment information. Once the invitations are printed, you can pick them up and check each one for consistency and errors.

Online Printing via the FedEx Office Website

An alternative option is to print your invitations through the FedEx Office website. To do this, you need to download and install the File, Print FedEx Kinko's application, which allows you to customize the settings on your computer for professional-quality printing. After opening your invitation file on your computer, select the "Print" option and choose "File Print FedEx Kinko's" as the designated printer. Then, specify your printing options, including the number of copies and any paper preferences.

You can choose to have your invitations shipped to you by providing your shipping address and payment information, or you can opt to pick them up from a nearby FedEx Office location.

Printing Costs

The printing costs at FedEx Office vary depending on the paper type and printing method chosen. Self-serve printing on standard 24lb paper is charged at $0.65 before tax per side printed, while printing done by a staff member starts at $0.69 before tax. There is also a printing discount available for large quantities, and signing up for a printing account can provide a 10% discount on the entire order.

For reference, one user reported paying $25 to print 100 invitations at FedEx/Kinkos, while another user mentioned a cost of $1.20 per invitation for printing and cutting services.

It is important to note that FedEx Office may charge additional fees for file manipulation if your file requires adjustments. Therefore, it is advisable to have your file exactly as you want it printed to avoid these extra charges.

Kinko's vs. other printing services

Kinkos, now known as FedEx Office, offers printing services for wedding invitations. The company allows customers to print their invitation designs in-store or through the FedEx Office website. To print in-store, customers must bring their invitation design on a disc or flash drive, along with the paper they want to use, if they have specific requirements. FedEx Office offers a range of printing options, including different paper types, two-sided printing, and tissue paper. Customers can request samples to be printed before finalising their order. The company also provides a File, Print FedEx Kinko's application, which allows users to customise settings and print their invitations from home for pick-up or delivery.

Other printing services, such as Office Depot, Office Max, and Staples, also offer invitation printing. These companies may have restrictions on paper size, with some only printing on full-size paper (8.5" x 11"). For instance, Staples offers colour printing for $0.50 per page and industrial paper cutting for $2 per cut. Office Depot allows customers to bring their own paper and offers a similar service for around $0.55 per page.

Compared to Kinkos, these alternative printing services may have more limitations regarding paper size and customisation. Kinkos stands out for its ability to print to any size, not just pre-determined options, and its helpful associates. However, other services, like Staples, may be more cost-effective, and most will correct any mistakes made at no extra cost. Ultimately, the choice between Kinkos and other printing services depends on factors such as cost, convenience, and the level of customisation desired.

Kinko's paper options

When it comes to paper options, Kinkos, now known as FedEx Office, offers a wide range of choices to suit different printing needs. The specific type of paper you choose will depend on the purpose of your print job and the desired finish.

One of the most common types of paper is cardstock, which is thicker and more durable than ordinary paper. Cardstock is often used for creating invitations, making it a suitable option for wedding invitations. It can be coated or uncoated, depending on your preference and the overall look you want to achieve.

If you're looking for something more durable and heavy-duty, cardboard is another option. Cardboard is made from unbleached wood pulp and has a corrugated inner layer, making it ideal for projects where sturdiness is a priority.

For a more lightweight and inexpensive option, foam board is a popular choice. It has a polystyrene core layered between two pieces of paper, making it sturdy yet easy to handle. This type of paper is often used by business professionals for presentations.

In terms of finish, you can choose between coated and uncoated paper. Coated paper has a light layer of clay that enhances the sharpness of images and details. It offers a range of finishes, from matte to high gloss, and is perfect for projects that require crisp colours and long-lasting moisture resistance.

On the other hand, uncoated paper does not have a layer covering the natural fibres, making it more absorbent. This type of paper is ideal for print jobs without images or if you plan to write on the paper after printing.

When selecting paper, you also need to consider the weight, which is measured in pounds or points, depending on the type of paper. Heavier paper is generally thicker and stiffer, making it more durable and suitable for special printing techniques like embossing or foil stamping. However, lightweight paper is more cost-effective and suitable for budget-conscious projects or mail that needs to adhere to weight requirements.

Kinko's design requirements

Kinko's, now FedEx Office, offers printing and copying services for invitations, among other things. The company provides two ways to bring in your design and get it professionally printed: visiting one of their locations or using their website.

Design Requirements for In-Store Printing:

• Create and save your invitation design on a compatible storage device, such as a compact disc, floppy disc, or flash drive. Ensure your design is finalised before taking it to FedEx Office.
• If you have specific paper requirements, bring the paper with you.
• Provide the customer service representative with your design file, the number of invitations needed, the type of paper you want (if choosing from their options), and any other specifications, such as double-sided printing or tissue paper.
• Request a couple of sample prints to review while still at the store. This allows you to check the quality and make any necessary adjustments.
• Agree on a completion date with the representative, ensuring it is well in advance of your event to allow for potential reprints.
• Provide your contact and payment information.
• Pick up your order on the agreed date and carefully check each invitation for consistency and errors, as different printers may produce slightly different results.

Design Requirements for Online Printing:

• Download and install the File, Print FedEx Kinko's application from the FedEx Office website. This application allows for customisation of settings and adds the FedEx Kinko's driver to 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 will pick up your invitations from a FedEx Office location or have them shipped to you. If opting for delivery, provide your shipping address and payment information. If choosing to pick up, select a location near you.

It is important to note that FedEx Office cannot print white ink on dark papers, as this requires special printing methods and ink. Additionally, they do not print on pre-cut cardstock, only on full sheets.

Kinko's printing process

Wedding invitations are a special part of the entire wedding planning process. FedEx Office, formerly known as Kinko's, offers printing services for wedding invitations. Here is a detailed overview of the Kinkos printing process:

Finalise the Design:

Firstly, finalise the design of your wedding invitations. You can use software or online tools to create your desired layout, colours, fonts, and wording. Ensure that you have the final design ready before proceeding with printing.

Choose Printing Method:

Kinkos offers two printing methods: in-store or online. For in-store printing, save your invitation design on a compact disc, floppy disc, or flash drive. If you prefer printing online, you can upload your design to their website and utilise the FedEx Kinko's application for customisation and professional-quality settings.

Paper Selection:

Decide whether you want to provide your own paper or choose from Kinkos' paper options. If you have specific requirements, such as pre-cut cardstock or a particular colour, you may need to supply your own paper. However, Kinkos offers a variety of paper types and sizes, including full-size paper (8.5" x 11") and smaller sizes like 5" x 7".

Visit the Store:

If you opt for in-store printing, visit your nearest FedEx Office location. Bring your design file on a compatible storage device and any specific paper you want to use. Provide the customer service representative with all the necessary details, including the number of invitations, paper type, and any additional options like two-sided printing or tissue paper.

Sample Printing:

Request the representative to print a couple of sample invitations. This step allows you to see how the final product will look and make any necessary adjustments. If you're satisfied with the samples, proceed to the next step.

Set a Timeline:

Discuss the timeline with the representative. Set a date for printing completion that is well in advance of your wedding to allow for any potential reprints or corrections. Provide your contact and payment information to finalise the order.

Pick Up and Inspect:

On the agreed-upon date, pick up your wedding invitations from the store. Inspect each invitation carefully for consistency and errors. Different printers may produce slightly varying results, so it's essential to check for any discrepancies.

Online Alternative:

If you choose to print online, follow the similar steps of uploading your design, selecting printing options, and providing payment information. You can choose to have your invitations shipped to you or pick them up from a nearby location.

By following these steps, you can effectively use the Kinkos printing process to create your wedding invitations. It is recommended to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for any unforeseen issues or corrections.

Frequently asked questions