Printing Wedding Invite Inserts: A Step-By-Step Guide

Printing your own wedding invitation inserts is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. There are many ways to go about this, from using a home printer to enlisting the help of a printing company.

If you choose to print your inserts at home, it's important to do your research and be mindful of the type of printer and ink you have. Dye-based ink, for example, produces vivid images when printed on semi-gloss or gloss-coated paper but lacks the longevity of pigment-based ink. When selecting your paper, opt for a durable material with a weight of at least 80 pounds or 12-point stock to achieve the heft and feel of a typical invitation.

For those who don't want to cut their own inserts, invitation suites are available from many companies, offering blank invitations, enclosures, and envelopes. Alternatively, you can purchase cardstock and matching envelopes separately, giving you more design versatility.

Once you have your paper, use word processing or design software to create your inserts. Remember to do a test print before printing your final copies to ensure you're happy with the design and that there are no printing issues.

Choosing the right paper for your invites

The type of paper you choose for your wedding invites will depend on a few factors, such as your budget, the printing style, and the overall style or theme of your wedding. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect paper for your special day:

Paper Weight and Thickness

The weight and thickness of the paper, also known as cardstock, are important considerations. The standard weight for wedding invitations is typically between 80# and 120#. This weight range ensures that your invites can be easily printed on most home printers or commercial printers. Heavier cardstock, such as 150# and above, is usually reserved for professional printers and special printing techniques like embossing or letterpress. Keep in mind that thicker cardstock will also increase the cost of postage.

Paper Texture and Finish

The texture and finish of the paper can add a tactile element to your invites. Smooth papers are great for flat printing or screen printing, while textured papers, such as linen or cotton, can enhance the look and feel of your invitations. Cotton cardstock, in particular, is known for its soft and luxurious feel. It also absorbs ink well, resulting in rich and vibrant colours. Other options include Kraft paper for a rustic look, vellum for a sleek and modern effect, or even acrylic for a unique and dramatic statement.

Paper Colour

White or off-white paper is the most popular choice for wedding invitations as it provides a crisp and elegant backdrop for your design. However, coloured paper can also be used to create a unique and stylish invitation suite. Popular colours include blush, navy, and grey, while black paper paired with gold foil stamping can make a bold statement. If you want to add a touch of sparkle, consider pearlescent paper, which has a subtle shimmer finish.

Printing Technique

The printing technique you choose will also impact the type of paper you select. Flat printing is the most cost-effective option and works well with most paper types. For a more luxurious look, consider special printing techniques such as foil stamping, letterpress, or thermography. These techniques often require thicker cardstock and can add texture and dimension to your invitations.

Budget Considerations

Finally, your budget will play a significant role in choosing the right paper for your wedding invites. Simple white cardstock is usually the most affordable option, while specialty papers, such as cotton or vellum, may be more expensive. If you're working with a tight budget, consider minimising the number of pieces in your invitation suite or opt for digital printing, which is generally more cost-effective than custom printing techniques.

Selecting the right printer and ink

Printer Type

The two most common types of printers are inkjet and laser printers. Inkjet printers are generally better for printing detailed images and intricate fonts, while laser printers excel at printing documents with lots of text. If you plan to use intricate fonts or include detailed images on your invites, an inkjet printer is the way to go. Laser printers, on the other hand, are faster and more cost-effective but may not produce the same level of detail as inkjet printers.

Paper Compatibility

Not all printers can handle thicker papers like cardstock, which is commonly used for wedding invites. Be sure to check the printer specifications to ensure it can accommodate the type and weight of paper you plan to use. Pay close attention to the paper weight, typically identified in lbs., points, or GSM. You don't want to end up with a printer that can't handle your chosen paper type, leading to curling or jamming issues.

Rear Paper Feed

For DIY stationery projects, a rear paper feed is a must-have feature. It allows you to feed specialty paper like cardstock one by one into the printer, avoiding the potential issues that occur when printing from a front feed tray. With a rear feed, you can create smooth, jam-free prints on your chosen paper stock.

Cartridge Size and Costs

Consider how much you plan to spend on ink cartridges. Cartridge costs can vary across printer models, and some offer more prints per cartridge than others. Compare printing costs by checking the cartridge size and page yield. High-yield and extra-high-yield cartridges provide more ink and more prints per cartridge, helping you save money in the long run.

Ink Type

The type of ink you use will impact the longevity and visual appearance of your invites. Dye-based ink, commonly used in inkjet printers, offers a wide colour gamut, deep blacks, and brilliant saturation. However, it may not last as long as pigment-based ink. Pigment-based ink, on the other hand, contains fine colourant powder suspended in a solution, resulting in prints that last longer, especially when paired with archival papers. Keep in mind that pigment-based ink is typically more expensive and requires printers with multiple colour pots.

Ink Consumption

If your wedding invites have an elaborate, colour-heavy background, it will not only affect your paper choice but also drain your ink reserves quickly. Be prepared to buy replacement cartridges to maintain the desired colour quality. To save costs, consider using compatible cartridges from reputable distributors, and check with your printer manufacturer to estimate how many pages you can expect from each cartridge.

Designing your invites

Designing your own wedding invites can be a fun and rewarding process, and there are many ways to get creative with your invitations. Whether you're looking for bold, modern typography or a rustic, nature-inspired look, there are plenty of customizable templates available online. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Choose your style: Select a design that reflects your wedding theme and personality. Consider incorporating floral patterns, vintage motifs, rustic charm, or bold typography. You can also add a personal touch by including a photo from your engagement shoot.
• Select your colour palette: Choose colours that complement your wedding's colour scheme. You can use soft pastel colours for a vintage look or go with bold colours for a more playful and casual feel.
• Customise the details: Add all the essential information to your invitation, including the names of the couple, the wedding date, venue address, time, and dress code. You can also include RSVP cards, enclosure cards, and even a wedding website URL.
• Select your paper type and quantity: Opt for a thicker paper stock for a more luxurious feel. Consider the durability, weight, and finish of the paper. Matte, pearl, linen, glossy, and hemp-blend paper stocks are all popular choices. Order a few extra invitations in case of mistakes or last-minute guest additions.
• Proofread and finalise: Before finalising your design, carefully proofread all the information for any errors or typos. Use the preview feature to see how your invitation will look once printed, and make any necessary adjustments.
• Consider printing options: Decide whether you want to print the invitations yourself or use a professional printing service. If you choose to print them yourself, make sure you have access to a high-quality printer and enough ink. Otherwise, consider using an online printing service or a local print shop.
• Create a cohesive suite: Extend your invitation design to other wedding stationery items, such as RSVP cards, envelopes, and enclosures. This will give your wedding a cohesive and well-put-together look.
• Add special touches: To make your invitations stand out, consider adding embellishments like belly bands, envelope liners, or wax seals. These details can elevate the look and feel of your invitations.
• Seek inspiration: If you're feeling stuck, browse through wedding blogs, Pinterest boards, or Etsy shops to gather inspiration for your design. You can also use online tools like Canva to create and customise your invitations.
• Plan ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to design and print your invitations. It's recommended to send out invitations at least 6-8 weeks before your wedding, so make sure you start the design process early to avoid rushing.

Printing your invites

Printing your own wedding invites is a great way to save money and add a personal touch. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Select your printer and ink

The type of printer and ink you use will impact the final result. Most inkjet printers use dye-based ink, which produces vivid images but doesn't last as long as pigment-based ink. Pigment-based ink is more expensive but creates prints that last longer, especially when paired with archival papers. Consider the colour scheme of your invite, as elaborate or colourful designs will drain your ink reserves quickly.

Choose your paper

The paper you choose will significantly impact the look and feel of your invites. Select a durable material with a paperweight of at least 80 pounds or 12-point stock. If your design includes photos, pair dye-based ink with photo paper to bring out the sharpness and colour. Generally, choose paper with a coating such as semi-gloss, gloss, matte, resin, or polymer when printing with dye-based ink. If you're using pigment ink, you can explore a range of textured papers such as linen, feltweave card stocks, and cotton rag.

Design your invites

You can use a word-processing program or design software to create your invites. Select two complementary fonts for your invitation, one script and one block, to ensure readability. Experiment with different font combinations, sizes, and treatments such as italics and uppercase or lowercase typeface. Centre the text or consider right or left justification depending on your invitation design. Adjust the line spacing as needed to make the invitation easy to read.

Add visual interest

Use high-end clip art with a resolution of at least 300 dpi to add graphic elements to your invites. Incorporate images like florals, branches, or Victorian flourishes to create timeless appeal. Add carefully placed pops of colour or consider using embellishments like ribbon or paper strips to enhance the design.

Test and print

Before printing your final invitations, run a test print to ensure the design and settings are correct. Feed the cardstock into your printer and stay by the printer to monitor the process and catch any issues. Purchase extra printer ink before you start to avoid running out halfway through. Alternatively, evaluate the cost of printer ink for your home printer compared to a local print shop, as it may be more cost-effective to have the invitations printed professionally.

Assemble and send

Involve family and friends in the assembly process, providing a completed invitation as an example. Depending on your design, assembly may involve mounting printed invitations on cardstock, adding enclosures and embellishments, and placing them in envelopes. Don't forget to weigh your completed invitation at the post office to calculate the correct postage!

Assembling your invites

Now that you've printed your wedding invites, it's time to assemble them. This is a great opportunity to involve family and friends in the wedding preparations. Provide a completed invitation as an example for anyone helping you. Depending on your invitation design, assembly may simply involve putting printed invitations in envelopes, or it may require mounting printed invitations on cardstock, adding enclosures and embellishments, and then placing invitation suites in envelopes.

If you're using layering papers, mount your printed invitation onto the layering cardstock. The layering paper should be about 1/4 inch larger than the printed invitation, creating a border effect. Secure the two papers together with a small piece of double-sided tape at the back of the invitation.

Next, add any enclosures, such as RSVP cards, reception invitations, or information cards. Depending on the number of enclosures, you may wish to secure them together with a belly band, or simply place them in the envelope. If you're using a belly band, wrap it around the invitation suite, securing it at the back with a small piece of tape or a glue dot.

Finally, place your invitation suite inside the envelope. If you're using inner and outer envelopes, place the invitation suite inside the inner envelope first, and then place that inside the outer envelope. Seal the envelopes with a small piece of double-sided tape or a glue dot.

And that's it! You've assembled your wedding invitations. Now you're one step closer to your big day.

Frequently asked questions