Arch Wedding Invites: Printing The Perfect Design

Arch wedding invitations are a unique way to impress your guests. Arch-shaped cards are very trendy at the moment and are perfect for modern weddings. You can design your own arch invites using a template and software such as inDesign, Illustrator, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs. Alternatively, you can order a design from Etsy or use Canva. When printing arch wedding invitations, it's important to check if your printer can handle custom sizes and heavier weight card stock. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to print arch wedding invitations, ensuring they come out exactly as you envisioned.

Arch wedding invitation design ideas

Arch-shaped wedding invitations are a unique way to impress your guests. Whether you're planning a casual or formal wedding, there are various design ideas to consider for your arch-shaped wedding invitations.

For a casual wedding, a simple design with a couple of greenery branches can set the tone. If you're having a modern wedding, you might opt for a minimalistic design with small metallic details in real foil or metallic print. Dark colour stock with white ink or real foil creates a glamorous and stylish contrast.

If you're looking for something more formal, a classic doorway arch invitation in black and gold is a sophisticated option. You can also incorporate a floral theme with a floral border, a wax seal, and a scalloped envelope pattern.

Etsy and Zazzle offer a wide range of arch wedding invitation templates, from elegant and luxurious designs to modern and minimalist styles. You can also find unique options like holographic invitations or invitations with gold foil details.

When choosing your arch wedding invitation design, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding to create a cohesive look. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and choose a design that reflects your personality and taste.

DIY printing vs. professional printing

DIY printing and professional printing each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to printing arch wedding invitations. Here is a detailed comparison of the two options:

DIY Printing:

DIY printing can be a budget-friendly option for couples who are willing to put in some extra time and effort. It allows you to design and print your invitations at home, saving you the cost of hiring a professional printer. However, it is important to consider the time and resources required for this option. You will need to invest in high-quality paper, ink, and other materials, as well as ensure that your printer can handle the custom size and thickness of arch-shaped cards.

Additionally, the process may require some trial and error to ensure proper alignment and printing quality. It is recommended to download templates and use design software or online tools such as Canva to create your invitations. This option provides flexibility and customization but may require a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with the software.

Professional Printing:

Professional printing services, on the other hand, offer convenience and a guaranteed level of quality. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle custom printing jobs, ensuring your invitations look polished and professional. While it may be more expensive, outsourcing your printing can save you time and stress, especially if you are working with a tight schedule.

Professional printers can also provide additional services such as paper selection, trimming, and special finishes. They can guide you in choosing the best paper type and weight for your desired printing method, such as foil printing or UV printing. This option is ideal for couples who value convenience and want to ensure a consistent level of quality across their invitations.

In summary, DIY printing gives you greater control over the design and cost of your arch wedding invitations, but it requires more time and effort. Professional printing may be more expensive, but it offers convenience, high-quality results, and additional services that can enhance the overall look and feel of your invitations. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.

Checking your printer's specifications

When it comes to printing arch wedding invitations, it's important to ensure that your printer can handle the custom size and thickness of the cards. Here are some detailed steps to check your printer's specifications:

• Check Printer Specifications: Before you start printing, review your printer's specifications to confirm its capabilities. Not all home printers can handle pre-cut arch cards due to their unique dimensions and thickness. Check if your printer can accommodate custom sizes and heavier weight card stock.
• Printer Compatibility: If you're unsure about your printer's capabilities, refer to its manual or the manufacturer's website. Look for information regarding custom paper sizes, printable areas, and supported paper types and weights. This information will help you determine if your printer can handle arch-shaped invitations.
• Print Shop Alternatives: If your home printer isn't suitable, consider reaching out to local print shops. Discuss your requirements with them and inquire about their ability to print on pre-cut arch cards. They may have commercial printers that can handle custom sizes and thicker card stock.
• Paper Size and Orientation: Arch-shaped cards require custom paper size settings. Ensure your printer can be configured to print on non-standard paper sizes. Also, check if it can handle different paper orientations, as some arch cards may need to be fed into the printer in a specific direction.
• Paper Tray and Feed Options: Examine your printer's paper tray and feed options. You may need to select the appropriate tray, such as a manual feed or a specific paper cassette. Additionally, look for settings that allow you to choose between different paper types, such as card stock and plain paper.
• Test Printing: Before printing a large batch of invitations, it's advisable to perform a test print. This will help you identify any potential issues with the printer's settings, paper feed, or print quality. Make any necessary adjustments to your printer settings or design file until you achieve the desired output.

By carefully checking your printer's specifications and capabilities, you can ensure a smoother printing process for your arch wedding invitations.

How to print arch paper

Printing arch-shaped paper for your wedding invitations is a great way to save money and create a modern look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to print arch paper:

Step 1: Design Your Arch Invitations

First, you will need to create your arch invitation design. You can do this by downloading a template and using design software such as inDesign, Illustrator, or even Microsoft Word or Google Docs. If you are not a designer, you can order a design from Etsy or use Canva to create your invites. Ensure that your design file fits the arch or half-arch cards you plan to print.

Step 2: Check Your Printer

Not all home printers or print shops can print pre-cut arch cards due to their custom size and thickness. Before you begin, check your printer specifications or consult with a local print shop to ensure they can handle custom sizes and heavier weight card stock.

Step 3: Save and Rotate Your File

Once you have your design ready, save your file as a PDF and rotate it 180 degrees. This step is necessary because most printers cannot grip round edges, so arch cards must be loaded flat edge first. By rotating the file, you ensure that the design is printed correctly on the card.

Step 4: Set a Custom Paper Size

You need to communicate to your printer that you are printing on a custom-size card instead of standard letter-size paper. Do this by setting a custom paper size in your print driver. Look for options like "Page Setup" or "Paper Size" in your printer settings. You may also need to select the tray and paper type.

Step 5: Load the Cards Flat Side First

Load one card into your printer with the flat side first. This allows the printer to recognize and feed the cards through correctly. If your printer has an external tray, this should be straightforward. For internal trays, you may need to experiment to determine the proper way to insert the cards.

Step 6: Run a Test Print

Print a test page to ensure that everything is working correctly and the design is where you want it to be. Check if the printing is straight and the quality meets your expectations. If not, you may need to adjust the page size or change the paper settings in your driver or file.

Step 7: Print Your Cards

Once you are happy with the test print, you can print all your arch cards, loading them in small batches until they are all complete.

Customising your invitations

Customising your arch wedding invitations is a fun and creative process. You can choose to do this yourself or enlist the help of a designer. If you're confident in your abilities, you can download a template and use software such as inDesign, Illustrator, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs to create your design. Alternatively, you can order a design from Etsy or use Canva to design your invites.

When customising your invitations, it's important to consider the style you want to achieve. Do you prefer a simple and elegant look or something bold and colourful? Creating a Pinterest board as a mood board can help you identify your style and find designers who utilise similar elements.

If you're printing your invitations at home, keep in mind that designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds tend to work better with home printers and will save you ink. You can also choose to have a print shop handle the printing for you, which can provide a more professional finish.

Another important consideration is the language and wording of your invitations. Choose wording that suits your style as a couple and reflects the theme and style of your wedding. It's a good idea to have a third party read through your text to check for any errors or mistakes.

Finally, don't forget to select the right type of file for printing. PDF files generally have higher quality than JPEGs, but the required file type may vary depending on your printing method. Ensure your template resolution is 300 DPI or higher for a crisp and clean print.

Frequently asked questions