Printing Your Own Wedding Invites: An Etsy Guide

Etsy is a great place to find stylish wedding invitations that won't break the bank. But if you're going to print them yourself, it's important to get it right. The good news is that there are plenty of options available, from printing at home to using online services or local vendors.

Printing at home can be a fun and cost-effective DIY project. But if you're going down this route, it's important to choose the right paper. You don't want to end up with a printer jam or invitations that look blurry.

If you're not confident about printing yourself, there are plenty of online and local printing services to choose from. Online services like Vistaprint, Shutterfly, and Prints of Love offer convenience and speedy delivery. Local printing services, on the other hand, allow you to see and feel the paper options in person and get guidance from experts.

Whichever route you choose, be sure to do your research, read reviews, and ask for test prints to ensure your invitations look perfect.

Choosing the right paper weight

Printing Process

The printing method you plan to use will play a crucial role in determining the suitable paper weight. If you intend to print the invitations yourself, it's important to consider the capabilities of your home printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle paper weights ranging from 80lb to 100lb cardstock. However, it's always a good idea to consult your printer manual for specific recommendations.

On the other hand, if you opt for a professional print shop, you'll need to consider their equipment and capabilities. Be sure to contact multiple print shops to understand their processes and whether they can accommodate your desired paper weight, thickness, and texture.

Invitation Style

The style of your wedding invitation will also influence the paper weight you choose. If you're creating a flat invitation card, a heavier weight cardstock of 80lb or higher is recommended. For folding invitation cards, a lighter weight cardstock in the range of 65lb to 100lb is typically used since they will be twice as thick after folding.

If you're creating layered invitation cards or using pockets or wraps, you have more flexibility with the weights. Just remember to keep the top layer light (80lb or less) and attach it to a heavier card. The backer or pocket can be as heavy as you like since it won't be printed on.

Postage

Another important consideration is the postage cost. Invitations with heavier cardstock will require additional postage. If you want to keep postage costs down, opt for a lighter weight cardstock. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of paper weight depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. Consider your budget, the overall tone you want to set for your wedding, and the printing process you plan to use.

Paper Weight Recommendations

• 80lb to 100lb cardstock: Suitable for most home printers and provides a sturdy yet flexible option for invitations.
• 110lb cardstock: Considered "heavyweight" and adds a luxurious feel to wedding invitations. Many invitation companies use cardstock in this weight range.
• 65lb cardstock: A minimum weight to avoid transparency issues, but may still be too thin for some printers.
• 90lb cardstock: A good balance between thickness and flexibility, suitable for most printers.

Online vs local printing services

There are several factors to consider when deciding between online and local printing services for your Etsy wedding invitations. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to weigh these factors before making a decision.

Online Printing Services

Websites like Shutterfly, Vistaprint, FedEx, and Staples are popular choices for printing wedding invitations. These sites often offer a quick turnaround time, a variety of options, and a simple, streamlined process. They are also easily accessible and may provide discount codes or coupons. However, the quality of online printing services can vary, and there may be limited options for customisation and personalisation.

Local Printing Services

Using a local printing service allows you to see and feel every paper option and detail, such as embossing and metallic detailing. Local printers can also match your colours and designs to protect your branding and ensure consistency. They offer superior customer service, as you will be working closely with printing experts who can guide you through the process and provide recommendations. Local printers can also offer shorter turnaround times, especially for rush orders, and may provide additional services such as design work and direct mail campaigns.

Factors to Consider

The most important factors to consider when choosing a printing service are quality, pricing, turnaround time, and customer reviews. It is essential to select a service that fits within your budget and can deliver your invitations within your desired timeframe. Be sure to do your research by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from friends and family. Ask your vendor for test runs before printing your entire batch of invitations, and opt for heavier-weight cardstock to give your invitations a fancier and more expensive look and feel.

Printing at home

Printing your Etsy wedding invitations at home is a fun and cost-effective option. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Choose the Right Paper:

Select a high-quality cardstock for your invitations. Look for paper that is thick enough to feel luxurious and withstand handling without bending or tearing. Standard weights range from 110 lb to 120 lb, but you can go heavier for an even more premium feel.

Download and Edit Your Template:

Once you've purchased your Etsy wedding invitation template, download the file. It might come in a standard 5 x 7 JPG or PDF format. If you need to make any changes, such as adding your wedding details, use a computer to edit the template. You can also reach out to the Etsy seller for assistance.

Test Print:

Before printing your final invitations, it's essential to do a test print to ensure everything looks good. Print a sample on your chosen cardstock and check for any errors or adjustments needed. This step may take a while, so be patient and make all the necessary changes before printing the final batch.

Print Final Invitations:

Once you're happy with the test print, it's time to print your final invitations. Ensure your home printer can handle the cardstock you've chosen to avoid any jams. Print slowly and in small batches to reduce the risk of errors.

Cutting and Finishing:

If you've printed your invitations on larger cardstock, you'll need to cut them down to size. Use a paper cutter or a craft knife and a straight edge for a clean, precise cut. You can also add any finishing touches, such as embossing or metallic detailing, at this stage.

Envelopes:

Don't forget to choose envelopes that fit your invitations. You can also print your return address on the envelopes or add any other special touches to make them stand out.

Printing your wedding invitations at home allows for a personalised and budget-friendly approach. Take your time, and don't be afraid to ask for help from crafty friends or family members. Enjoy the process, and happy printing!

Editing and customising your invites

Choosing a Template:

Firstly, select an Etsy design template that aligns with the theme of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic barn wedding, consider invitations with floral or rustic designs. Opt for clean lines and square fonts for a contemporary black-and-white theme. Ensure your chosen template has space for essential details like location, date, time, wedding website, and dress code.

Proofreading and Testing:

Before finalising your design, download and print a sample to ensure you're happy with the overall look and feel. Make any necessary changes and conduct multiple tests to perfect the design. Ask a friend or family member to proofread the invitation for any missed errors or inconsistencies.

Paper Selection:

When choosing a printing service, consider the paper options available. Select a heavier-weight cardstock, as it tends to feel fancier and gives a high-quality aesthetic to your invitations. If you're printing at home or using a local printing service, you can choose and feel the paper before finalising your decision.

Customisation Options:

Some Etsy sellers offer customisation services, allowing you to personalise your invitations further. This could include adding your wedding colours, changing font styles or sizes, or even including illustrations or photos.

Printing Options:

You have two main options for printing your Etsy wedding invitations: printing at home or using an online or local printing service.

Printing at home gives you more control over the process and can be more cost-effective, especially if you're comfortable with DIY projects. However, it may require more time and effort, and you'll need to ensure you have the right equipment and supplies, such as a good-quality printer and cardstock paper.

Using a printing service, on the other hand, can offer more convenience and professional results. Online printing services like Vistaprint, Shutterfly, and Prints of Love provide quick turnaround times and often have discount codes available. Local printing services allow you to see and feel the paper options in person and offer guidance if needed.

Final Checks:

Before giving the final approval, ensure that the colours, font styles, and overall layout are exactly as you envisioned. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors and confirm that all the necessary information is included.

Remember, your wedding invitations set the tone for your special day, so take your time during the editing and customisation process to ensure they perfectly reflect your vision.

Cost-saving methods

Etsy is a great place to find stylish wedding invitations that won't break the bank. Here are some cost-saving methods for printing Etsy wedding invitations:

• Print at Home: One of the most cost-effective ways to print Etsy wedding invitations is to do it yourself at home. This option gives you more control over the printing process and can save you money on printing services. It's a fun DIY project, but it requires some time and effort. Ensure you have a good printer and enough ink to produce high-quality invitations.
• Online Printing Services: Websites like Vistaprint, Shutterfly, and Prints of Love offer affordable and convenient printing options. They often provide discount codes and coupons, making them a budget-friendly choice. These sites are designed for ease of use, and you can usually upload your designs and place orders with just a few clicks.
• Local Printing Services: If you're looking for a more personalised experience, consider using a local printing service. While it may be slightly more expensive, you'll have access to a wider range of paper options, including speciality papers with embossing or metallic detailing. Local printers can also provide expert guidance if you're feeling overwhelmed by the process.
• Compare Prices and Shop Around: Don't settle for the first printing service you find. Take the time to compare prices and shop around to ensure you're getting the best deal. You can also look for online reviews and recommendations to find hidden gems or avoid vendors with poor-quality printing.
• Paper and Envelope Choices: When creating your invitations, consider the cost of the paper and envelopes. You can find deals on specialised cardstock online, and purchasing in bulk can help reduce the cost per invitation. Additionally, choosing standard envelope sizes can save money on postage.
• Flat Printing: Opting for flat printing instead of raised or embossed printing can also reduce costs. Flat printing is a more affordable method that still produces elegant and professional-looking invitations.
• RSVP Methods: Instead of including RSVP cards and pre-stamped envelopes, consider setting up a free wedding website where guests can RSVP online. Alternatively, you can provide an RSVP phone number or email address to reduce the cost of additional cards and postage.
• Assembly and Mailing: Creating an assembly line for stuffing and addressing envelopes can streamline the process. Double-sided tape or a tape runner can securely attach the invitation layers together. If you're hand-addressing invitations, printing addresses directly on the envelopes or using address labels can save time and ensure legibility.
• Weight and Postage: Finally, consider the weight of your invitations before finalising the design. Invitations over one ounce in weight will incur additional postage fees. Taking a completed test invitation to the post office can help you determine the exact cost of mailing, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments to stay within your budget.

Frequently asked questions