Affordable Wedding Invites: Printing Tips And Tricks

Wedding invitations can be expensive, so many couples opt for DIY invitations to save money. There are several ways to create cheap wedding invitations, from printing them at home to using online printing services.

One option is to design the invitations yourself using a program like Canva or Microsoft PowerPoint, and then print them at a store like Staples, Walmart, FedEx, or Office Depot. This allows for customisation and can be more affordable than professional printing services.

Another option is to use a website like Etsy, Minted, Shutterfly, or Zazzle, which offer invitation templates that can be customised and then printed at home or through a professional printer. These websites often have sales and discount codes, making them a budget-friendly choice.

When creating cheap wedding invitations, it's important to consider the paper type, ink usage, and shipping costs. Thick cardstock and high-quality paper can add to the cost, as can colourful designs that use a lot of ink. It's also crucial to proofread the invitations and consider the timing, as invitations should ideally be sent out eight weeks before the wedding.

Buy a template from a reputable company

If you're looking for a simple, stress-free way to create your wedding invitations, buying a template from a reputable company is a great option. This option allows you to focus on customising the design to your liking without having to start from scratch. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

Choose a Reputable Company:

Select a company that specialises in wedding invitation templates and has a good reputation. Some popular options include Canva, Etsy, Cards and Pockets, Greetings Island, and Basic Invite. These companies offer a variety of templates to choose from, and some even provide customisation services.

Customise Your Template:

Once you've selected a company and chosen a template that fits your wedding theme and style, it's time to customise. You can personalise the template by adding your wedding details, such as the date, time, venue, and any other relevant information. Some companies allow you to change fonts, colours, and other design elements to make the invitation truly yours.

Consider the Printing Options:

After finalising your design, decide whether you want to print the invitations yourself or use a professional printing service. If you opt for professional printing, you can explore options like Vistaprint, Staples, or local print shops. Compare prices and printing quality before making your decision. If you choose to print at home, ensure you have access to a high-quality printer and enough ink supply.

Plan Ahead:

Give yourself ample time to create and print your invitations. It's recommended to send out invitations at least eight weeks before your wedding, so plan your printing accordingly. Consider any potential delays or adjustments and order your invitations with some buffer time.

Assemble and Mail:

Once your invitations are printed, it's time to assemble them. This includes cutting the paper to size, adding any embellishments, and inserting them into envelopes. You can use glue dots or double-stick tape for a neat finish. Finally, take your complete invitations to the post office to have them weighed and stamped, ensuring they reach your guests on time.

By following these steps and buying a template from a reputable company, you can create beautiful, cheap wedding invitations that reflect your personal style without breaking the bank.

Use a free template

Using a free template is a great way to save money on your wedding invitations. There are many websites that offer free, customisable templates for wedding invitations, including Greetings Island, Canva, Template.net, and Etsy. These templates are easy to personalise and can be printed at home or at a printing service.

Canva, for example, offers hundreds of editable designs suitable for any wedding theme. You can also include a photo of you and your partner on the invite by simply dragging and dropping the image onto the template. Greetings Island also offers customisable templates with options for fonts, colours, stickers, and photos. They also have a Premium membership that unlocks over 5000 designs for $3.49 per month or $26.99 per year.

Once you've downloaded your chosen template, you can print your invitations at home or use a printing service such as Vistaprint, Staples, or CatPrint. If you're looking for a more sustainable option, Greetings Island encourages users to download, email, and share their invitations online via social media or messaging apps.

Print at home

Printing your wedding invitations at home is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some tips to help you create beautiful, professional-looking invitations without breaking the bank:

Choose a Template

Select a printable invitation template online or create your own using a word processing program. Templates are available in various designs, from fun to formal, and can be customized with your wedding colours and text. If you're feeling creative, you can design your own layout, incorporating artwork or decorative icons, or using only text. Play around with different fonts, font combinations, and treatments (such as italics, uppercase, or lowercase) to find a style that suits your taste.

Paper and Envelopes

When choosing paper for your invitations, consider the weight and colour. Cover weight cards are perfect for invitations as they are thicker and more durable. If you want a more sustainable option, opt for recycled paper. Order 20-25% more paper and envelopes than you need to allow for mistakes and practice runs. You can also order paper samples (known as a swatch book) to get a better idea of the colours and weights available.

Printing

If you're printing at home, make sure you have a good quality printer and enough ink. Practice printing on regular paper first to ensure your invitations look perfect. You can also try printing on different types of paper to see which gives the best results.

Embellishments

There are several ways to take your invitations to the next level. Consider using enclosures to hold your invitation and any additional components, such as response cards or reception cards. You can also use flat cards as backings to add heft to your invitation. Paper sashes or ribbon in complementary colours can be wrapped around your invitation for a stylish touch.

Assembly

Once you have all your pieces, it's time to assemble your invitations! This is a great opportunity to get your family and friends involved. Set up an assembly line with each person responsible for a different task, such as applying adhesive, adhering the invitation to the backing, or inserting the completed invitation into the envelope.

Mailing

Don't forget to factor in the cost of postage when budgeting for your wedding invitations. The weight and size of your invitations will determine the postage required. It's also a good idea to mail your invitations earlier than you think to ensure they arrive on time, especially if you're sending them internationally.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful, cheap wedding invitations from the comfort of your own home. Happy printing!

Use a professional printer

Using a professional printer can be a great way to save money on your wedding invitations without compromising on quality. Here are some tips and suggestions for achieving this:

Choose a Reputable Printer:

Select a professional printing company that offers high-quality printing services at affordable prices. Some popular options include Vistaprint, Staples, and Prints of Love. These companies often have deals or coupon codes available, so be sure to look out for those. You can also check out local print shops, which may offer more personalized services and competitive prices.

Compare Prices and Services:

Before settling on a printer, compare prices and services offered by different companies. Request quotes and ask about any additional costs, such as shipping or customization fees. Consider the quantity you need and whether the printer can accommodate your timeline.

Provide Your Own Design:

If you're comfortable with design software, you can create your own invitation design and have it printed professionally. This gives you complete creative control and can be more cost-effective than using the printer's design services. Websites like Etsy offer customizable templates that you can purchase and edit yourself.

Paper and Printing Options:

Consider the type of paper you want for your invitations. Thicker cardstock, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, will give a more luxurious feel. You can also choose paper with texture, such as linen or felt. Ask the printer about their paper options and request samples to ensure the final product meets your expectations.

Discuss printing options with the printer, such as gloss finish, backside printing, or rounded corners. Be mindful that certain design elements, like white font or colorful backgrounds, may increase printing costs or be better suited for professional printers than home printers.

Plan Ahead:

Printing with a professional printer may take longer than expected, so plan accordingly. Allow sufficient time for designing, proofing, printing, and assembling your invitations. Remember that invitations should ideally be mailed out at least eight weeks before the wedding, so work backward from that date to create a timeline for your printing process.

Assembly and Envelopes:

Consider the assembly process and whether you want to include any embellishments, such as envelope liners or belly bands. You can often include these options with your printing order or purchase them separately and assemble them yourself. Don't forget to factor in the cost of envelopes, which should be slightly larger than your invitations.

Using a professional printer for your wedding invitations can be a cost-effective option that ensures a polished final product. With careful planning and research, you can create beautiful invitations that fit within your wedding budget.

Compare prices

When it comes to printing cheap wedding invitations, there are a variety of options to choose from, each with its own pricing structure. Here is a detailed comparison of prices to help you make an informed decision:

Online Printing Services:

• Prints of Love: Recommended for professional printing, Prints of Love offers a wide range of sizes and orientations for invitations, RSVP cards, menus, and thank-you cards. They also provide customizations like rounded edges and linen paper upgrades. The cost is $0.90 per print for 100 5" x 7" invitations, and they offer free 2-3 day shipping and basic envelopes.
• Vistaprint: Vistaprint is a well-known inexpensive online printing option, often offering sales and coupon codes. The cost is $1.28 per print for 100 5" x 7" invitations, and they provide quality paper goods.
• Zazzle: Zazzle offers thousands of wedding invitation templates that can be customized, with prices varying depending on the template chosen. Uploading a custom design is also an option. The cost is approximately $1.58 per print for 100 5" x 7" invitations.
• Overnight Prints: An environmentally-conscious option, Overnight Prints uses recycled paper and waterless printing. They offer a range of printing services, from save-the-dates to thank-you notes. The cost is $0.49 per print for 100 5" x 7" invitations.
• Canva: Canva is a popular DIY design tool and online printer. It allows users to design and print custom wedding invitations, with the option to use free templates. Pricing varies depending on the chosen design and print options.

Local Printing Shops:

• Staples: Staples offers customizable templates and same-day printing services for wedding invitations. The price varies depending on the paper type and quantity ordered.
• Walmart: Walmart offers printing services for invitations, with prices starting at $0.89 per piece for cardstock printing.
• FedEx: FedEx provides printing services, allowing users to upload custom designs and select from various paper options. The cost can be as low as $0.12 per print for 4" x 6" prints.
• Office Depot: Office Depot offers printing and cutting services, making it a convenient option for printing wedding invitations and related items. Pricing varies depending on the quantity and paper type.
• Local Print Shops: Local print shops can provide personalized services and expertise in selecting the best paper and printing methods. Pricing may vary, and it is recommended to request quotes from multiple shops for comparison.

Other Options:

• Etsy: Etsy offers a wide range of customizable wedding invitation templates at affordable prices. The cost varies depending on the designer and the level of customization required.
• Greetingsisland.com: This website offers free wedding invitation templates, with the option to pay a small amount to remove the watermark.
• Canva: Canva is mentioned again due to its popularity and affordability. It offers a range of customizable templates and printing options, making it a one-stop shop for designing and printing wedding invitations.

It is important to consider the level of customization, paper type, printing method, and quantity when comparing prices. Additionally, be cautious of extremely low-priced options, as they may compromise quality or be a scam.

Frequently asked questions