Printing Wedding Invitations: Fedex's Easy Guide

Printing wedding invitations at FedEx can be a cost-effective option for those who don't want to splurge on fancy invites. It is a simple process and can be done by visiting one of their locations or through their website. To get started, create and finalise your invitation design and save it on a storage device such as a compact disc, floppy disc, or flash drive. If you have specific paper requirements, it is recommended to bring them with you to the FedEx Office. Once you're at the store, approach a customer service representative and provide them with your design, paper preference, and any other specifications such as double-sided printing or tissue paper. It is advisable to request a couple of sample prints to ensure the invitations meet your expectations. After reviewing the samples and confirming the print job, provide your contact and payment information, and agree on a collection date. It is essential to allow sufficient time between printing and your event in case reprints are required.

Printing costs and how to save money

Printing wedding invitations at FedEx can be a cost-effective option, but the price can vary depending on several factors, and it's important to be mindful of potential hidden costs. Here are some tips to help you save money on printing costs:

Firstly, if you already have a design in mind, consider buying your own paper and cutting the invites yourself after printing. This can significantly reduce costs, as you're only paying for the printing service. However, this option requires careful execution, as there's a lot that can go wrong during the cutting process.

If you plan to print in colour, it's worth noting that full-page colour or a splotch of colour usually costs the same at copy places like FedEx. So, if your design includes a coloured background or large coloured elements, you can utilise this pricing structure to your advantage.

Another way to save money is to finalise your invitation design before taking it to FedEx. If you need them to make any adjustments to your file, there may be a fee involved. For example, one person reported being charged a $10 fee per file that needed manipulation. Therefore, it's advisable to have your design exactly as you want it printed to avoid unexpected charges.

When it comes to printing costs, black ink is typically the cheapest option. If you opt for coloured ink or speciality inks, such as white ink, the price per print will likely increase. White ink, in particular, may require a specialty printer, which can be more expensive.

To get the best value, it's recommended to compare prices with other printing services and consider shopping around for quotes. Online printing sites like Minted, Shutterfly, and Vistaprint often offer competitive prices and occasionally have sales or discounts. Additionally, some retailers, such as Costco, offer cheaper and better-quality printing services than budget-friendly options.

Lastly, if you're printing a large number of invitations, ask FedEx about potential volume discounts. Sometimes, they may offer a reduced rate for bulk printing orders.

File formats and how to preserve fonts

When printing wedding invitations at FedEx, it is important to ensure that your font style and format are preserved. Here are some tips on file formats and font preservation:

File Formats:

It is recommended to convert your wedding invitation design into a PDF file before printing. This helps to preserve the font style and layout of your invitation. PDF files can be easily viewed and printed across different platforms, ensuring that your design remains consistent.

Font Preservation:

To ensure that your chosen fonts are printed accurately, it is essential to use the correct file formats for fonts. Here are some common font file formats:

• OpenType (.otf & .ttf): This is a widely used font format that offers cross-compatibility between different operating systems and applications. OpenType fonts are ideal for graphic design software and desktop publishing.
• TrueType (.ttf): Developed by Apple and licensed to Microsoft, TrueType fonts are commonly used and supported by both Macintosh and Windows computers.
• Web Open Font Format (.woff): This format is specifically designed for web pages and is compressed to enable faster content download.

When creating your wedding invitation file, ensure that you have the appropriate licenses and permissions for any fonts you use. Additionally, if you are using multiple fonts, double-check that they are compatible and complement each other aesthetically.

Lastly, when providing your file to FedEx, it is advisable to communicate your requirements clearly. Specify the desired paper type, ink color (including any special colors like white ink), and the exact dimensions of your invitations. This will help ensure that your wedding invitations are printed accurately and to your desired specifications.

Printing white ink on dark paper

Another option is to use a printer that has white ink or toner. Most printers don't print white because white ink and toner are expensive and require a lot of maintenance. The Uninet iColor 560 white toner printer is one such printer that can print white on black paper. To do this, the position of the white toner cartridge in the printer needs to be swapped with the cyan cartridge by moving it to the last slot. The ProRip software is also required to tell the printer where to put the white ink.

Printing white on black paper can also be achieved through other special printing methods, such as white foil, white engraving, or a specialty white toner. These options may be more expensive than traditional letterpress printing on white paper, but the finished product can be well worth the investment.

Printing and cutting services

Firstly, finalise your invitation design and save it onto a storage device such as a compact disc, floppy disc, or flash drive. If you have specific paper requirements, purchase this in advance and bring it with you to the FedEx Office.

Visit a FedEx Office location and speak to a customer service representative. Provide them with your storage device, as well as details such as the desired number of invitations, the type of paper, and any additional options like double-sided printing or tissue paper. FedEx offers a range of paper types and printing options to choose from.

It is recommended to request a couple of sample prints to review the quality and accuracy of the printing. This also allows you to make any necessary adjustments before finalising the bulk order. Once you are satisfied with the samples, provide your contact and payment information, and set a date for the completion of the order.

On the due date, pick up your invitations and carefully inspect each one for consistency and errors. Due to the use of multiple printers for large orders, slight variations in printing quality may occur. If you notice any issues, address them with the FedEx team and request reprints if necessary.

Alternatively, you can utilise the FedEx website for your convenience. Download and install the File, Print FedEx Kinko's application, which simplifies the process of customising print settings and adding the FedEx Kinko's driver to your print options. Open your invitation file on your computer and select the "Print" option. Choose "File Print FedEx Kinko's" as the designated printer and confirm the print command. The application will guide you through selecting the desired printing and paper options, as well as providing shipping or pickup preferences.

Picking up your order

Picking up your FedEx order is simple. You can either choose to have your order delivered to your home or business address, or you can opt to pick it up from a FedEx location or a nearby secure location.

If you choose to have your order delivered, you don't need to be present for the FedEx pickup. Just make sure to leave your package somewhere safe and accessible to the driver. You will receive a FedEx door tag that confirms the pickup and provides tracking information.

If you prefer to pick up your order yourself, you can redirect your package to a FedEx location or another secure location for pickup. To do this, enter your tracking number on the FedEx tracking page, select "Manage Delivery," and then choose "Hold at Location." You will be notified via text, automated phone call, email, or door tag when your package is ready for pickup.

When picking up your package, bring a government-issued photo ID. If the address on your ID doesn't match the address on the package label, you will also need to provide an alternative form of ID, such as a utility bill, insurance card, property statement, or credit card statement.

It's important to note that FedEx will hold your package for up to 7 days before returning it to the shipper. Therefore, it is advisable to pick up your order promptly after receiving the notification.

Frequently asked questions