Printing Wedding Invites: Entourage Edition

Printing your own wedding invitations is a great way to save money and create a unique design. The first step is to select your paper and envelopes. You can either purchase an invitation suite, which includes blank invitations, enclosures, and envelopes, or buy cardstock and envelopes separately for more design versatility. When it comes to paper type, you'll want to choose something thicker than regular printer paper, like cardstock, for a more luxurious feel. The next step is to design your invitations. You can use a word-processing or design software program to create your design and select your desired fonts, colours, and graphic elements. Once you're happy with your design, it's time to print! You can either print the invitations yourself at home or use a printing company. If printing at home, make sure to do a test print first and have extra ink on hand. After printing, assemble your invitations and pop them in the envelopes!

Choosing a printing service

When it comes to choosing a printing service for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to go for a full DIY approach or opt for a semi-DIY route. If you choose to design your own invitations from scratch, you will need to find a printing service that allows for custom designs and offers a wide range of customisation options. On the other hand, if you decide to use a printable invitation template, ensure that the printing service you choose can work with the file format of the template.

Another important consideration is the cost. Printing services can vary significantly in price, so it's essential to compare prices and find one that fits within your budget. Some printing services offer discounts or coupons, so be sure to look out for those. Additionally, consider the quantity of invitations you need. Some printing services offer discounts for larger orders, while others may have a minimum order requirement.

The quality of the printing service is also crucial. Read reviews and look for printing services that have a reputation for producing high-quality invitations. Check what type of paper they use and whether they offer different paper stocks and weights. Ideally, you want to choose a printing service that uses thick, luxurious paper that will make your invitations feel special. Also, find out if they offer customisation options such as rounded edges, foil accents, or embossed designs.

Finally, consider the turnaround time. If you're working with a tight timeline, choose a printing service that offers quick turnaround times or even same-day printing. However, keep in mind that rush printing services may come at an additional cost.

• Prints of Love: Offers high-quality printing with free 2-3 day shipping. They print a wide range of items, from invitations to menus and thank-you cards.
• Vistaprint: An inexpensive option that provides quality paper goods. They often have sales and coupon codes available.
• Zazzle: Features thousands of wedding invitation templates that can be customised. They also offer coordinating pieces like table numbers and signage.
• Overnight Prints: An environmentally-conscious printing company that uses recycled paper and waterless printing. They offer quick turnaround times and have loyalty benefits.
• Canva: A DIY design tool and online printer that allows you to design and print your invitations in one place. They offer flexible printing options for various paper goods.
• Staples: A well-known printing company that offers same-day printing services. However, the quality may vary depending on the location and the level of care of the employees.
• Local print shops: Consider supporting a small local business by using their printing services. They often provide more personalised service and higher attention to detail.

Selecting a paper type

Selecting the right paper for your wedding invitations is a crucial step in the process of creating your dream invitations. The paper type will set the tone and style for your wedding, and there are a variety of options to choose from. Here is a guide to help you select the perfect paper for your special day:

Cardstock

Cardstock is a medium to heavyweight paper made from tree pulp or cotton. It is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it offers a smooth, matte finish and comes in a variety of colours and weights. When choosing cardstock, consider the thickness or weight of the paper, which is measured in pounds or grams per square meter. For a more luxurious and professional feel, opt for a heavier weight, such as 110 lb cardstock, which is considered "heavyweight" and ideal for wedding invitations. Keep in mind that some home printers may have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle, so be sure to check your printer's specifications.

Cotton Paper

Cotton paper is known for its strength, durability, and soft feel. It is a great option for wedding invitations as it absorbs ink better, resulting in richer colours. Cotton paper is also a good choice if you want your invitations to have a clean, modern look, and it is considered "photo-safe", making it ideal for invitations with photographs. This type of paper is more costly but will give your invitations a luxurious feel.

Linen Finish Paper

Linen finish paper is a high-quality, cotton-blend paper with a slightly crosshatched surface that resembles linen fabric. It provides an elegant look and feel to your invitations. This type of paper is a good choice if you want to add a subtle texture to your invitations without compromising on quality.

Recycled Paper

If you're environmentally conscious or having a rustic-style wedding, recycled paper is a great option. It is made from repurposed materials and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including kraft cardstock and pulpy, handmade papers. Recycled paper is a budget-friendly choice that doesn't compromise on style.

Pearlescent Paper

Pearlescent paper adds a touch of elegance to your wedding invitations. It has a shimmery finish that gives photographs a soft glow. This type of paper is perfect if you want to add a subtle sparkle to your invitations without overwhelming the design.

Vellum

Vellum is a semi-transparent paper that resembles tracing paper. It is usually layered on top of an opaque sheet of paper and is great for adding depth and interest to your invitations. Vellum is a unique choice that will give your invitations a dreamy, romantic feel.

In conclusion, selecting the right paper for your wedding invitations depends on your personal style, budget, and printing method. Consider the weight, texture, and finish of the paper to create invitations that reflect the tone and theme of your wedding. Remember to do a test print if you're printing at home, and don't be afraid to ask for samples from different suppliers to find the perfect paper for your special day.

Designing the invitations

Choose a Template or Design Platform:

Begin by selecting a template that aligns with your wedding theme and style. Websites like Canva, Etsy, and Download & Print offer a wide range of customisable templates with various themes, from rustic florals to modern geometric patterns. These platforms allow you to personalise fonts, colours, and images to match your wedding motif.

Customise Your Invitation:

Once you've chosen a template, it's time to make it your own. Add all the essential details, such as the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and RSVP instructions. You can also include additional information, such as the wedding website address and gift registry details. Play around with different font styles and sizes to create a cohesive look that reflects your wedding's aesthetic.

Select Your Paper Type and Finish:

The choice of paper can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Opt for a thicker paper stock, such as cardstock, for a more luxurious and elegant feel. Consider paper with a textured finish, like linen or felt, for a unique touch. Additionally, decide on the finish you want for your invitations. A matte finish offers a soft, natural look, while a glossy finish adds shine and makes colours pop.

Finalise and Proofread:

Before finalising your design, carefully proofread all the information for accuracy. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and consider having a third party review it as well. This step is crucial to ensure no mistakes are overlooked. You can also create a free digital proof to share with others and get their feedback.

Print or Order Prints:

After finalising your design, decide whether you want to print the invitations yourself or use a professional printing service. If you opt for DIY printing, ensure you have access to a high-quality printer and enough ink. Alternatively, consider using online printing services or local print shops, which can often provide faster and more convenient options.

Assembly and Envelopes:

If you choose to assemble the invitations yourself, use a paper cutter for clean cuts. For a more secure seal, use glue dots or double-stick tape instead of glue. Select envelopes that complement your invitation design and allow for a comfortable fit. Don't forget to include RSVP envelopes as well.

Remember to plan ahead and give yourself enough time for designing, printing, and assembling the invitations. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and personalised wedding invitations that set the tone for your special day.

Printing the invitations

Select your invitation type:

Choose between traditional and casual invitations. Traditional invitations are more formal and include multiple enclosures, such as a reception invitation and response card. They are printed on high-quality paper. Casual invitations are less formal, may include fewer enclosures, and often direct guests to a wedding website. They offer more design versatility and may feature distinct paper designs and embellishments.

Order invitation paper and envelopes:

You can either purchase an invitation suite, which provides blank invitations, enclosures, and envelopes, or opt for separate cardstock and envelopes. If you choose an invitation suite, order 20-25% more than needed to account for mistakes. For separate cardstock and envelopes, order 25-50 extra pieces of cardstock. Don't forget to order envelopes for all enclosures and consider using outer and inner envelopes for added protection.

Design the invitations:

Use word processing or design software to create your invitations. Select 1-2 fonts that complement each other, with one script font and one block font. Experiment with font sizes, ensuring they are legible (avoid sizes smaller than 9 pt). Center the text or try right or left justification for a unique design. Add visual interest with graphic elements, high-resolution clip art, and pops of color.

Print the invitations:

Before printing, run a test print to ensure the design and settings are correct. Feed the cardstock into your printer, and stay nearby to monitor the printing process. Purchase extra printer ink beforehand to avoid last-minute runs to the store. Alternatively, consider the cost of printing at home versus a local print shop, which may offer a more professional finish.

Assemble the invitations:

Involve family and friends in this process, providing a completed invitation as an example. Depending on your invitation design, assembly may include mounting printed invitations on cardstock, adding enclosures and embellishments, and placing them in envelopes.

Remember to give yourself enough time to print and assemble the invitations, aiming to mail them 5-8 weeks before the wedding date.

Assembling the invitations

Assembling your wedding invitations is a great opportunity to involve family and friends in the wedding preparations. Depending on your invitation, 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.

• Set up an assembly line: Create an assembly line with all the necessary materials, including the printed invitations, envelopes, enclosures, embellishments, and any other components. This will streamline the assembly process and make it more efficient.
• Use glue dots or double-sided tape: Instead of using liquid glue, opt for glue dots or double-sided tape to secure the different layers of your invitation together. This will help you avoid messy glue stains and ensure a neat finish.
• Pay attention to details: Take your time and pay attention to the small details when assembling your invitations. Ensure that all the components are aligned correctly and that any embellishments are securely attached.
• Involve your wedding party: Assembling invitations can be a fun activity to do with your wedding party. It's a great way to bond and get everyone involved in the wedding preparations. You can assign different tasks, such as stuffing envelopes, attaching ribbons, or applying stamps.
• Create a sample invitation: Before you begin assembling, create a sample invitation that serves as a guide for everyone involved. This will ensure that all the invitations are assembled consistently and accurately.
• Allow enough time: Assembly can take longer than expected, especially if you have a large number of invitations to put together. Plan ahead and allow plenty of time for the assembly process to avoid last-minute stress.

Frequently asked questions