Creating Wedding Invites: Cardstock And Crafting Basics

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but making them yourself can save you money and bring your families together. One of the most important decisions when making your own wedding invitations is choosing the right cardstock. Cardstock is thicker than standard computer paper, allowing it to have a more luxurious feel without a steep price tag. It also doesn't need to be folded to fit into an envelope.

When selecting cardstock, pay attention to the weight. Paper is classified by weight, which is the amount that 500 sheets of that paper would weigh. The higher the weight, the sturdier the paper. For wedding invitations, it is recommended to use cardstock with a weight of at least 80 lb. This will ensure that the paper is substantial enough without being too heavy to feed into your home printer.

There are several places where you can purchase cardstock, including online retailers such as Amazon and specialty paper stores like Cardstock Warehouse. When choosing a paper colour, consider using coloured cardstock to incorporate your wedding colours into the invites. You can also print a black-and-white design on coloured cardstock or back your invitations with patterned paper.

In addition to cardstock, you will need envelopes, ink, and a design for your invitations. You can design the invitations yourself or purchase a template from sites like Etsy, Creative Market, or stock photography websites. Remember to plan ahead and purchase extra supplies in case of mistakes.

Choosing cardstock colours and weight

When choosing cardstock for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider, such as colour, weight, and finish.

Colour

The colour of your cardstock will depend on your wedding theme and personal preference. If you want to incorporate your wedding colours into your invites, you can print a black-and-white design on coloured cardstock or back your invitations with a pretty patterned paper. You can also choose to add colour with envelopes, envelope liners, belly bands, or other embellishments.

Weight

The weight of the cardstock will impact the look and feel of your invitations, as well as whether or not you can print them at home. Paper is classified by weight, which refers to the weight of 500 sheets of that paper. The higher the weight in pounds, the sturdier the paper. For wedding invitations, a weight of at least 80 lb. is recommended. This weight will make the invitations feel more substantial than computer paper, but not too heavy or thick to feed into a home printer. For a single folded sheet, a weight of 110 lb. is recommended. Heavier weights, such as 150 lb. and up, are best reserved for professional printers, embossers, and letterpress printing.

Finish

Cardstock comes in a variety of finishes, including solid white, linen, cotton, parchment, felt, kraft, vellum, and simple coloured cardstock. The finish you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve and the type of printer you have. For example, if you are printing at home, textured cardstock can help to hide imperfections, while smooth cardstock is recommended for printing at a local print shop.

Trial and Error

When choosing cardstock for your wedding invitations, it is important to experiment with different papers before purchasing in bulk. You can purchase sample sheets or swatch decks to test your printer's capabilities and ensure you get the right paper for your design.

Designing the invitations

The first step in designing your wedding invitations is to choose a template. You can design the invitations yourself using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva, or you can purchase a template from a site like Etsy or Creative Market. If you're not confident in your design skills, it's worth noting that many pre-made templates are available for a low cost (usually between $5 and $20). When choosing a design, opt for something with just 2-3 colours to save on printing costs.

Next, you'll want to create any inserts for your invitations. These can be designed using a simple Word document or Canva and should include details such as directions, reception information, and registry information. If you want to save money and reduce the amount of paper used, you can forgo the inserts and direct guests to your wedding website for more information.

Once you have your design ready, it's time to think about the paper you'll use. Cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it is thicker and more luxurious-feeling than standard computer paper. When choosing cardstock, consider the weight – the higher the weight, the sturdier the paper. For a single-folded sheet, 110 lb cardstock is recommended, while for feeding into a home printer, you'll need something thinner, around 80-90 lb weight. You can purchase cardstock in a variety of colours to match your wedding theme, or opt for a simple white or cream.

Before printing your invitations, it's a good idea to do a test print to ensure your design looks good and your printer can handle the paper weight. Play around with the print quality settings to achieve the sharpest prints, and consider using textured cardstock to hide any imperfections. If you're printing at home, buy your ink in bulk to save money, and remember to always do a test print of your final design before printing the whole batch.

Finally, assemble your invitations by cutting them to size and adding any embellishments such as belly bands or monograms. You can use glue dots or double-stick tape for a neat finish.

Printing the invitations

Printing your own wedding invitations at home is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you through the printing process:

Choose the Right Paper

The first step is to select the right cardstock for your invitations. Cardstock is thicker than regular computer paper and comes in various weights and colours. For home printing, choose cardstock that is not too thick for your printer. Most home printers can handle 80 lb. cardstock, but you can experiment with heavier weights up to 120 lb. for a more luxurious feel. If you're unsure, check your printer's instructions and do a test print.

Design Your Invitations

You can design your invitations yourself using software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva. Keep it simple and elegant, and try to use no more than 2-3 colours to save ink. If design isn't your forte, you can purchase templates from sites like Etsy, Creative Market, or stock photography websites for a reasonable price. Remember to leave space for important details like the date, time, location, and any additional information for your guests.

Purchase Ink in Bulk

Printing at the highest quality settings and using the "photograph" or "high" setting can use a lot of ink. To save money, buy ink in bulk from stores like Sam's Club, Costco, or Amazon. It's a good idea to have at least one extra set of ink as a backup in case you run out.

Plan Ahead and Proofread

Give yourself plenty of time when printing your invitations to account for any mistakes or printer issues. It's recommended to mail invitations eight weeks before the wedding, so plan your printing schedule accordingly. Always proofread your invitations for spelling and grammar errors and have someone else read them over as well to catch any mistakes.

Choose Your Printing Method

You have two main options for printing: printing at home or using a local print shop. Home printing is more affordable and convenient, but the print quality may vary. Local print shops, like Kinko's or FedEx Office, can provide higher-quality prints at a fraction of the cost of boutique printing. However, they may have restrictions on paper size and type.

Test and Adjust Settings

Before printing your final invitations, do some test prints and adjust your printer settings to get the desired colours and quality. Play around with different print quality settings to find the sharpest results. If you're using a local print shop, save your designs on a thumb drive as high-resolution PDFs.

Finalise and Assemble

Once you're happy with the test prints, it's time to print your final invitations. After printing, assemble your invitations by inserting them into envelopes. You can seal the envelopes with stickers, wax seals, or even melted wax for a fancy touch. Don't forget to weigh your assembled invitations at the post office to ensure you're using the correct postage.

Buying ink in bulk

When it comes to buying ink in bulk, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to consider the quality of the ink. High-quality ink will ensure that your invitations look professional and elegant. It is also important to buy ink that is compatible with your printer. Most ink retailers will allow you to select your printer model to find the right ink.

Another factor to consider is the cost. Buying in bulk can often lead to significant savings, but it is important to compare prices between different retailers to get the best deal. Some retailers, like Inksupply.com, offer discounts on shipping for bulk orders, which can further reduce the overall cost. Additionally, some websites like Supply Link USA offer flexible pricing, allowing you to negotiate prices or take advantage of discounts on slightly damaged packaging.

It is also worth noting that buying ink in bulk may require some research to find a reputable supplier. While there are many options available, including Amazon, Costco, and Sam's Club, it is important to ensure that the ink is of good quality and compatible with your printer. One way to ensure quality is to look for ink that is produced in your country of residence, as it must adhere to certain standards and specifications.

Finally, when buying in bulk, it is a good idea to plan ahead and calculate your ink needs accordingly. Consider the number of invitations you need to print, as well as any other printing projects you may have in the future. By purchasing a larger quantity of ink upfront, you can save time and money in the long run.

Selecting envelopes

When it comes to selecting envelopes for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to choose envelopes that are the right size for your invitations, allowing for a bit of room so that the invitations don't fit too snugly. Don't forget that you'll also need envelopes for any RSVP cards or other inserts. If you want to add a pop of colour to your invitation suite, opt for an envelope in a light colour so that the address is still visible. Envelope liners are another great way to dress up your invitations, with options such as metallic paper or patterned designs.

When it comes to purchasing envelopes, you can find them at craft stores, online retailers, or specialty paper stores. Some popular options include Amazon, Envelopes.com, and Fine Cardstock. It's a good idea to purchase samples or a swatch deck to test the quality and ensure they will fit your invitations before committing to a large order. You may also want to consider the weight of the envelopes, as thicker envelopes can add a more luxurious feel. However, keep in mind that very thick envelopes may require additional postage.

Additionally, if you plan to mail your invitations, it's important to consider the cost of postage. Square envelopes or heavier pieces may require more postage, so be sure to factor this into your budget. It's also recommended to bring a complete invitation suite to the post office to get it weighed and to calculate the exact postage needed.

Frequently asked questions