Customizing Blank Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Printing your own wedding invitations is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. With the right tools and a bit of planning, you can create beautiful, professional-looking invitations at home. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to print on blank wedding invitations, from choosing the right paper and template to customising your design and getting the perfect print. We'll also offer tips for troubleshooting and assembling your invitations, so you can impress your guests and make your wedding planning a breeze.

Selecting a template and customising your design

Selecting a Template:

• Consider your wedding style and theme: Think about whether you want a simple and elegant design, something bold and colourful, or perhaps a whimsical motif like watercolour or vintage-inspired. Browse through different options and create a mood board on Pinterest to identify your style.
• Keep printability in mind: Designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds are generally easier to print at home and will help you save on ink.
• Choose a reputable source: Look for downloadable templates from talented stationers and graphic designers, either through their own websites or platforms like Etsy, Minted, Shutterfly, or Zazzle. These templates are typically affordable and customisable.

Customising Your Design:

• Customisation options: Some designers allow you to make changes to fonts and colours, while others provide a semi-custom option where you can input your wedding details into a pre-designed template.
• Wording and language: Ensure the language and tone of your invitation suit you as a couple and align with your wedding's theme and style.
• Proofreading: Before finalising the design, be sure to proofread the text for any errors or mistakes. Ask a third party to review it and read it aloud to catch any potential grammar issues.
• Full bleed design: For a professional look, opt for a "full bleed" design, where the colours or artwork extend to the edge of the paper with no white margins. This will give your invitations a polished appearance.

Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of customising your wedding invitations. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating elegant and personalised invitations that set the tone for your special day.

Choosing the right paper

Printing Process

The printing process you plan to use is a crucial factor in determining the type of paper you should choose. If you're printing your invitations at home, consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most home printers can handle 80 lb to 100 lb cardstock, but it's important to consult your printer manual for specific recommendations. If you're using a professional print shop, inquire about their equipment and capabilities to ensure they can accommodate your chosen paper's weight, thickness, and texture.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitation will also influence your paper choice. Flat invitation cards, which consist of a single sheet, typically use heavier cardstock, usually starting at 80 lb cover weight. On the other hand, folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock, as they will be folded in half, with a popular weight range of 65 lb to 100 lb cover weight. If you're creating layered invitations, it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80 lb cover weight or less) and attach it to a heavier card.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper, measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm), is another important consideration. Cardstock weight for wedding invitations can range from 65 lb to over 200 lb. Generally, heavier paper weights are preferred for a more luxurious feel, but keep in mind that thicker paper may require additional postage. Paper weight also affects the cost, with heavier weights tending to be more expensive.

Paper Type

There are several types of paper to choose from, each offering a unique look and feel:

• Cotton paper: Strong, durable, and absorbent, cotton paper is a popular choice for a clean and classic look. It has a soft feel and works well with various printing techniques.
• Linen paper: Linen paper has a subtle woven texture and a matte finish, giving it a timeless and elegant appearance. It's perfect for hiding imperfections and adding visual interest.
• Vellum: This thin, translucent paper adds a soft, frosted touch to your invitations. It can be used as a layer over the invitation or printed directly.
• Recycled paper: Eco-friendly and cost-effective, recycled paper is available in various textures, colours, and thicknesses. Kraft card stock, resembling brown grocery bags, is a popular choice for natural or rustic weddings.
• Solid white cardstock: This medium to heavyweight paper has a smooth, matte finish and comes in different colours and weights, making it versatile for printing at home.
• Parchment: A thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marbled look, parchment adds a unique touch and layers well with other papers.

Budget

Finally, your budget will play a role in determining the type of paper you choose. More expensive papers, like cotton fiber, may offer a luxurious feel and superior print quality, but there are also cost-effective options that can still look elegant, such as recycled paper or solid white cardstock.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing paper for your wedding invitations. Consider your printing method, invitation style, budget, and personal taste to make the right decision for your special day.

Setting up your printer

Before you start printing, it's important to ensure your printer is set up correctly. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Measure your card: Use a ruler to measure the height and width of your blank wedding invitation card. This step is crucial as it will help you create a correctly-sized print template and input the custom size into your print driver.
• Create a printing template: Open a page layout or word-processing program such as Microsoft Word and create a new document. Locate the page setup area and enter the custom dimensions of your card. Now you're ready to type in and format your text!
• Load card stock: Load a single card into the manual feed tray of your printer as a test. The location of the tray will vary depending on the make and model of your printer. Adjust the plastic guides so that the card fits securely in the tray.
• Change paper size in the printer driver: Communicate to your print driver that you are printing on a custom-sized card by entering the card dimensions. This is usually done by locating the paper size, paper handling, or quality and media settings in the print driver properties.
• Test print: Once you've set up your printer and adjusted the settings, it's time to test print a single card. If your test print is successful, you can proceed to print the entire batch. It is recommended to load no more than 20 cards at a time to avoid paper jams and ensure optimal print quality.

By following these steps, you'll be able to set up your printer correctly and achieve the desired printing results for your blank wedding invitations.

Printing a test card

• Measure Your Card: Use a ruler to measure the height and width of your blank wedding invitation card. This step is important as it ensures that your print template is the correct size and that you enter the right dimensions into your print driver.
• Create a Printing Template: Open your preferred word processing or page layout program, such as Microsoft Word. Create a new document and locate the page setup area. Enter the custom dimensions of your card, ensuring that the document on the screen matches the measurements of your invitation card. Now you can add your text and format it according to your preferences.
• Load the Card: Once you are happy with the appearance of your invitation card on the screen, load a single card into the manual feed tray of your printer for testing. The location of the tray will depend on the make and model of your printer and whether it is a laser or inkjet printer.
• Adjust the Plastic Guides: Ensure that the card fits securely in the tray by adjusting the plastic guides accordingly. This step is important to prevent misprints and alignment issues.
• Change Paper Size in Printer Driver: Communicate to your print driver that you are printing on a custom-sized card. Navigate to the properties or settings of your print driver and locate the option to enter custom dimensions. This is usually found under menus related to paper size, paper handling, or quality and media.
• Print One Card as a Test: Now, print a single card as a test. By printing just one card, you can ensure that the dimensions, formatting, and text are all correct before printing your entire batch of invitations.

After printing the test card, carefully examine it to ensure that the text is legible, the formatting is correct, and the card looks exactly as you envisioned. If adjustments are needed, make the necessary changes to your template or printer settings and print another test card. Once you are satisfied with the test print, you can proceed with printing the rest of your blank wedding invitations.

Finalising and assembling

Printing and Paper Selection:

• Choose a paper type that suits your desired aesthetic and budget. Consider thicker cardstock for a more luxurious feel. Specialty stationery stores or print shops offer a range of options, including linen or felt textures.
• Test different paper samples on your home printer to ensure compatibility and the desired outcome.
• Select the correct file type for printing (PDF or JPEG) and ensure a resolution of 300 DPI or higher for a crisp, clear print.
• Consider ink usage, especially for designs with colourful backgrounds, as this can increase costs. Opt for designs with more white space and lighter colours to optimise ink usage.

Assembly:

• Use a paper cutter with a sharp blade to achieve clean cuts for your invitations.
• For assembling layers or adding envelope liners, use glue dots or double-stick tape for a secure and neat finish.
• Select envelopes that complement your invitation size and style. Ensure they are slightly larger than the invitations to allow for easy insertion.
• If you wish to add a pop of colour, choose an envelope in a light shade so that the address remains visible. Envelope liners, either metallic or patterned, can also enhance the presentation.

Final Checks and Postage:

• Once your invitations are assembled, take a complete set (including all embellishments and inserts) to the post office to have it weighed.
• The shape and size of the envelope will impact postage costs. Discuss any special handling instructions, such as hand-cancelling, with your postal worker to avoid potential damage during processing.
• By following these steps, you can ensure your wedding invitations are finalised and assembled with care, resulting in a beautiful and professional finish.

Frequently asked questions