Design, Create, And Print Your Own Wedding Invitations

Creating and printing your own wedding invitations is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're looking for a traditional or casual style, there are plenty of options available to design and print invitations that reflect your unique wedding theme and personality. From choosing the right paper and envelopes to selecting fonts and colours, this process allows you to customise every detail to match your vision. With careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can craft elegant and memorable invitations without breaking the bank.

Choosing a template and customising the design

Selecting a Template:

Start by deciding on the style and theme you envision for your wedding invitations. Do you prefer a simple and elegant look, or something bold and colourful? Perhaps you're drawn to a watercolour motif or a rustic, natural theme. Exploring various websites and creating a mood board on Pinterest can help you narrow down your options. Keep in mind that designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds are usually more cost-effective and printer-friendly.

Customising the Design:

Once you've chosen a template, it's time to make it your own. Customise the template to reflect your wedding's colour scheme, font preferences, and any other unique touches you desire. If you're comfortable with design software, you can do this yourself, or you can enlist the help of the template designer to make specific changes.

Finalising the Details:

Before finalising the design, carefully review the wording to ensure it suits your style as a couple and reflects the theme and tone of your wedding. Consider whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary tone. Don't forget to have someone else proofread the text for any errors or mistakes.

Selecting Paper and Printing Options:

The choice of paper can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Opt for thicker cardstock for a more luxurious feel. You can also explore different textures, such as linen or felt, to add a unique touch. If you're environmentally conscious, choose recycled paper options. Additionally, decide whether you want a matte, glossy, or uncoated finish for your invitations.

Printing and Assembly:

Consider your printing options, whether it's printing at home or using a professional printing service. If printing at home, ensure you have enough ink and test the printing process on sample paper first. If using a printing company, provide them with the correct file type, usually a high-resolution PDF, to ensure the best results. Finally, assemble your invitations, adding any desired embellishments like ribbons or envelope liners.

Remember, creating your own wedding invitations is a creative process, and it's essential to plan ahead, allowing enough time for any adjustments and last-minute changes.

Selecting paper type and weight

Selecting the right paper type and weight for your wedding invitations is crucial to achieving the desired look and feel. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Printing Process

The printing method you choose will play a significant role in determining the type and weight of paper you can use. If you plan to print your invitations at home, consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80 lb to 100 lb cardstock, but it's essential to consult your printer manual for specific recommendations.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitation will also influence your paper choice. Flat invitation cards, which consist of a single sheet of cardstock, typically use heavier weight cardstock, such as 80 lb and above. On the other hand, folding invitation cards are usually made with lighter stock, as they will be twice as thick after folding. A popular weight range for this style is between 65 lb and 100 lb cover.

Postage Costs

Keep in mind that the weight of your invitation will impact postage costs. Invitations weighing over one ounce will require additional postage. If you want to keep postage costs down, opt for lighter cardstock.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of paper weight and type is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. Consider your budget, the overall tone you want to set for your wedding, and your design preferences when making your decision.

Paper Type Options

When selecting the type of paper, you have various options, including solid white cardstock, linen cardstock, cotton cardstock, parchment paper, felt cardstock, Kraft (recycled) cardstock, vellum, simple colored cardstock, wood grain cardstock, and laid cardstock. Each type of paper has unique characteristics, such as texture, finish, and weight, so choose the one that best suits your design and printing method.

Paper Weight Options

Cardstock weight is typically measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm). The weight range can vary from 45 lb to 300 lb or higher. A good starting point for home printers is 80 lb cardstock, and you can increase the weight gradually to achieve the desired look and feel. For a more professional appearance, aim for cardstock weighing 100 lb or more, with the heaviest weight suitable for home printing being around 120 lb. Weights above 150 lb are generally reserved for professional printers and specialized printing techniques like letterpress and foil stamping.

Buying ink and envelopes

Printing your own wedding invitations can be a great way to save money, but it's important to consider the costs of ink and envelopes. Here are some tips for buying ink and envelopes for your DIY wedding invitations:

Buying Ink:

The type of ink you need will depend on your printer. Most inkjet printers use dye-based ink, which is known for its wide colour gamut, deep blacks, and brilliant saturation. Dye-based ink is a good choice for printing on semi-gloss or gloss-coated paper and will produce vivid images. However, it is not as long-lasting as pigment-based ink. Pigment-based ink is more expensive but produces prints that last longer, especially when paired with archival papers. If you're using a lot of colour in your design, you'll likely need to buy replacement ink cartridges. Look for bulk ink packs at stores like Sam's Club, Costco, or Amazon to save money.

Buying Envelopes:

When choosing envelopes for your wedding invitations, consider the size, colour, and style. Standard invitation sizes include C5, C6, C7, DL, and A7 (5x7). You can also add a pop of colour with your envelopes, such as sage green, ivory, or gold. If you want to include RSVP cards, make sure to get envelopes that fit those as well. Some envelopes come with self-seal or peel-and-stick closures for easy assembly. You can find envelopes at craft stores, stationery shops, or online retailers like Amazon.

Remember to plan ahead and buy extra ink and envelopes in case of mistakes or printing issues. By purchasing in bulk and comparing prices, you can stay within your budget while creating beautiful wedding invitations.

Printing and assembling the invitations

Once you've designed your wedding invitations and are happy with the layout, it's time to print and assemble them. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Printing the Invitations:

• Test your printer: Before printing all your invitations, do a test print to ensure the design and colours come out as expected. Make any necessary adjustments to the design or printer settings.
• Feed the cardstock: Use the correct paper slot in your printer for the cardstock or paper you are using. Ensure the paper is fed correctly to avoid jams or misprints.
• Stay by the printer: Keep an eye on the printing process to spot any issues immediately and prevent paper wastage.
• Buy extra ink: Ensure you have enough printer ink to complete the job. Buying in bulk can be more cost-effective.
• Consider professional printing: Evaluate the cost of printing at home versus using a local print shop. They may require a specific file format, such as a .pdf, so check their requirements.

Assembling the Invitations:

• Prepare for assembly: Ensure you have all the components of your invitation suite, including any enclosures, embellishments, and envelopes.
• Create an assembly line: Set up a workspace with all the necessary tools, such as glue dots, double-stick tape, scissors, or a paper cutter.
• Delegate: This is a great opportunity to involve family and friends. Provide a completed invitation as an example for reference.
• Mount and embellish: If your design requires it, mount the printed invitations onto cardstock or backing paper. Add any embellishments like ribbons or paper strips.
• Insert and seal: Place the invitation, along with any enclosures, into the envelopes. Seal the envelopes using glue or double-stick tape.
• Weigh and post: Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed and to purchase the correct postage. This will ensure you have the right stamps and avoid any issues with delivery.

Addressing the envelopes

When addressing the envelopes for your wedding invitations, it's important to follow certain etiquette guidelines to ensure your guests feel welcome and respected. Here are some detailed instructions for addressing envelopes:

Outer Envelope Etiquette:

• The outer envelope is the one that will be stamped and addressed to your guests. It should follow formal etiquette guidelines.
• For a married couple with the same last name, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by their full names. For same-sex couples, indicate the appropriate prefixes. You can also list their first names individually for a less traditional approach.
• If the couple has different last names, write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." on separate lines or together on the same line, with the woman's name first.
• When addressing an unmarried couple living together, include both full names on one or two lines, with appropriate titles, starting with the person you are closer to.
• For single persons, use the appropriate prefix ("Mr." for men, "Ms." for women, and "Mx." for non-binary individuals) followed by their full name.
• If a single person has a plus-one, include their name if known, or simply add "& Guest" after the invitee's name.
• For engaged couples, address them as unmarried or use "Future Mr. and Mrs." for a more casual approach.
• When inviting a family, address the envelope to the whole family or include "& Children" after the parents' names. If you want to specify which children are invited, list their names separately after the parents' names.
• For individuals with distinguished titles (e.g., doctors, military personnel, lawyers), use their titles in the address. If both members of a couple have titles, list the person with the higher-ranking title first.

Inner Envelope Etiquette:

• The inner envelope is optional and is placed inside the outer envelope to keep the invitation pristine. It only includes the names of the invitees.
• Inner envelopes are more informal, so you have the option to leave out certain elements of the formal name format used on the outer envelope. You can use personal titles and last names or first names only.
• If you are inviting a single person with a plus-one, mention both names on the inner envelope if you have that information.
• For families, list the names of the children (in order of birth) separately after addressing the parents.

General Guidelines:

• Always double-check your guests' preferred titles and spelling of their names.
• Individually addressing envelopes by hand is a nice touch but not necessary. You can print guest address labels or use pre-printed envelopes.
• When including home addresses, avoid abbreviations for a more formal look.
• If you are only using an outer envelope, clearly state all invited parties, including plus-ones and children.

Frequently asked questions