Printing Your Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but printing your wedding invitations doesn't have to be. There are many options available to help you create the perfect invitations for your special day. You can choose from a variety of printing services, each offering different customisation options such as foil finishes, letterpress, and die-cut shapes. You can also opt for a digital-friendly option by including a QR code on your invitations, linking to your wedding website and other details. It's recommended to send out invitations at least six to eight weeks before the wedding, so be sure to plan and order your invitations in advance.

Custom designs

Finding a Designer

If you want a completely custom design, consider hiring a professional designer or working with an in-house design team offered by some printing companies. This option allows you to collaborate and create invitations that reflect your style and theme.

Online Design Tools

Many printing services offer user-friendly online design tools that allow you to customise templates with your wedding details and information. These tools often provide various design and style options, including modern, rustic, floral, and beach themes. You can also upload your own photos and images to personalise your invitations further.

Design Software

If you're comfortable with design software, you can create your own wedding invitation design from scratch. Platforms like Canva offer an extensive range of design tools and templates, allowing you to create elegant and special invitations.

Paper Stocks and Finishes

The paper and coating you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Consider thicker paper stocks for added durability and a luxurious feel. Various finishes are available, such as matte, gloss, linen, and pearl, each offering a unique texture and appearance.

Printing Options

When it comes to printing your custom designs, you have several options:

• Online printing services: Companies like Vistaprint, Prints of Love, Zazzle, and Overnight Prints offer affordable and high-quality printing services, often with customisation options like rounded edges and envelope inclusions.
• Local print shops: Local printing companies can provide personalised service and attention to detail. They may also offer a wider range of paper and finish options, ensuring your invitations are truly unique.
• Retail stores: Some retail stores, like Staples and Walmart, offer printing services for wedding invitations. This option is usually more affordable, but the quality may vary, and they may have limited paper and finish options.

Timing

Remember to plan ahead and order your invitations with sufficient time before your wedding. Invitations should ideally be sent out at least eight weeks before the event, so ensure you allow for design, printing, and delivery times.

Custom-designed wedding invitations allow you to express your creativity and personal style. Whether you work with a professional designer or create your own design, the options for customisation are endless, ensuring your invitations are as unique as your celebration.

Printing options

There are many printing options available for wedding invitations, depending on your budget and preferences. You can choose from a variety of paper types, colours, and printing techniques to create a unique and personalised invitation. Here are some options to consider:

Paper type:

• Silk paper: Offers a smooth surface and beautiful finish.
• Glossy paper: Makes the colours look more vibrant.
• Brilliant white matt paper: Ideal for cards without photos.
• Premium matt paper: Best choice for an extravagant wedding invitation.
• Luxe paper: Choose from a range of luxe papers such as textured, coloured, or transparent vinyl.

Printing technique:

• Letterpress: Creates an impression of the text or design on the paper.
• Foil stamp: Adds a metallic finish to the invitation.
• Raised foil: Gives a three-dimensional effect to the foil design.
• Metallic print: Creates a shiny, metallic look.
• White ink: Perfect for dark-coloured paper.
• Digital print: A standard printing option.
• Print on wood: For a unique, natural look.

Customisation:

• Personalised print: Include guest names on each invitation, address labels, and place cards.
• Custom design: Work with a designer to create a one-of-a-kind illustration or map.
• Matching stationery: Coordinate your invitations with other wedding stationery such as save-the-date cards, RSVP cards, and thank-you cards.
• Rounded corners: Add a modern and sophisticated touch to your invitations.
• Envelopes: Choose from a variety of envelope colours and include address printing.

When deciding on printing options, consider your wedding theme, colour palette, and budget. You can also order samples or work with a professional designer to ensure your invitations are perfect for your special day.

Matching stationery

Matching your wedding stationery is a great way to tie your wedding theme together and create a cohesive look. While it's not necessary to match everything, here are some tips to achieve a coordinated look:

Choose a Theme and Colour Palette

Decide on a theme and colour scheme that aligns with your wedding style and preferences. This will help guide the design and overall aesthetic of your wedding stationery. Consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create, whether it's elegant and classic or whimsical and modern.

Design the Invitation as the Focal Point

The wedding invitation is the main component of your suite and will set the tone for your entire correspondence. It should be the largest and most substantial card, including key details such as the host, couple's names, date, time, venue, and attire. If the reception is at a different location, include a separate reception card. You can also include other insert cards with additional information such as directions, lodging suggestions, or a weekend itinerary.

Extend the Design to Other Items

Maintain consistency by using the same design elements, fonts, colours, and paper type across other stationery items. This includes save-the-dates, RSVPs, thank-you cards, place cards, escort cards, menus, and even your wedding website. For a truly matching suite, carry over the same theme and colour palette to create a seamless look.

Add Personal Touches

Make your wedding stationery unique by adding personal touches. You can customise the colour scheme to match your wedding colours or manipulate the text by changing the font, style, size, and placement. Consider adding a custom monogram or a special illustration to give it a one-of-a-kind feel.

Assemble the Suite

When assembling your wedding stationery suite, organise the cards by size, with the invitation at the bottom. You can separate the cards with tissue or vellum paper and secure them with a belly band, ribbon, or wax seal. For an extra touch of elegance, consider using a luxe ribbon or adding a custom wax seal with your initials.

Utilise Free Recipient Addressing

Save time and elevate the look of your envelopes by taking advantage of free recipient addressing services offered by some stationery companies. You can upload a list of addresses, and your guest's names and addresses will be printed on each envelope, creating a stylish and cohesive look.

Matching your wedding stationery adds a sense of cohesion to your wedding theme and showcases your unique taste and style. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and coordinated suite that will impress your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Timing

6-8 Months Before the Wedding:

Start researching and planning your wedding invitations. Decide on the style, colour scheme, and design elements you want to include. This is also a good time to create a guest list to finalise the number of invitations needed. If you're opting for a custom design, reach out to stationery designers and printers to discuss your requirements and request quotes.

4-5 Months Before the Wedding:

Finalise the details of your wedding invitation design. This includes confirming the wording, design layout, and any special finishes or printing techniques you want to use. Submit your order to the printer, providing them with all the necessary information, including the approved design, guest list, and addresses.

3 Months Before the Wedding:

At this stage, you should receive the first proof of your wedding invitations from the printer. Carefully review the proof for any errors or necessary adjustments. Communicate any changes to the printer and request a revised proof if needed. It's important to ensure that all the details are accurate before giving the final approval for printing.

2 Months Before the Wedding:

By now, you should have approved the final design and your invitations should be in the printing and production stage. Stay in communication with the printer to ensure they are on track and address any last-minute issues that may arise.

6-8 Weeks Before the Wedding:

This is the recommended timeframe to send out your wedding invitations. Allow enough time for addressing envelopes, postage, and delivery to your guests. Sending invitations at least eight weeks in advance gives your guests ample time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to make travel arrangements.

4-5 Weeks Before the Wedding:

By this time, your guests should have received the invitations and started responding. If you included RSVP cards, you can expect responses to arrive around this time. Keep track of the responses and follow up with guests who haven't replied yet to get a more accurate headcount for your wedding.

Remember, the above timeline is a general guide, and the actual timing may vary depending on the complexity of your wedding invitation design, the number of invitations, and the availability of your chosen printer. It's always a good idea to build in some flexibility to your schedule to accommodate any unexpected delays.

Extras

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are endless possibilities to customise and elevate your design. From paper type to printing methods, here are some extras to consider:

Paper Type

The paper you choose for your wedding invitations can add a luxurious touch. Opting for textured paper, such as linen or cotton, can give your invitations a premium feel. You can also select from a range of colours, including classic white, elegant silver, or even transparent vinyl. If you're environmentally conscious, there are also recycled paper options available.

Printing Techniques

The printing technique you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Here are some popular methods:

• Letterpress: This technique creates indented letters on the front and a raised impression on the back of the invite. It's perfect for traditional designs but can be pricey and time-consuming.
• Engraving: Engraving results in raised letters on the front and a bruise on the back. It's ideal for ultra-formal weddings and works best on thick paper.
• Thermography: This method is similar to engraving but with a smooth back and slightly shiny lettering. It's a more affordable alternative for a formal look.
• Digital printing: Digital printing is ideal for casual weddings and quick turnarounds. It uses tiny ink dots to form letters and designs, offering flexibility in colour choices.
• Offset printing (lithography): This technique is similar to digital printing but with a rubber stamp-like cylinder, resulting in higher quality and slightly higher prices.
• Foil stamping: Using a heated copper plate, foil stamping leaves a metallic design on the paper. It complements luxe and romantic weddings but is one of the most expensive processes.
• Embossing: This technique creates raised, inkless designs, perfect for monograms and borders. It's typically done on thicker paper stocks and can be combined with coloured ink for added flexibility.

Additional Extras

Beyond the invitation itself, you can also customise other elements to create a coordinated suite of wedding stationery:

• Address labels: Save time by printing address labels for your envelopes, including "Save the Date", invitation, and "Thank You" cards.
• Return address labels: Customise return address labels in your chosen style.
• Save the Date cards or magnets: Ensure your guests mark their calendars with these reminders.
• Ceremony programs or booklets: Provide guests with an overview of the ceremony proceedings.
• Reception welcome sign: Greet your guests with a stylish welcome sign at the reception venue.
• Custom stickers: Add a personal touch to any item with custom stickers featuring your design.

Frequently asked questions