Printing Double-Sided Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Double-sided wedding invitations are a great way to save money and add a creative element to your invites. They are also more environmentally friendly as they save on paper. You can include extra information on the back, such as a map, a photo, or a meaningful quote. If you're worried about guests not seeing the information on the back, you can add a note on the front to “see reverse” or reception info on reverse. Many printing companies offer double-sided printing for free, and you can also find a range of double-sided invitation templates online.

Printing costs and options

There are several options available for printing double-sided wedding invitations, each with its own costs and benefits. One option is to use an online printing service, such as Etsy or Anthology Print. These services typically offer a range of paper finishes, including glossy, matte, and satin matte, which can affect the cost per card. For example, Anthology Print charges an additional $0.05 per card for their Premium Satin Matte finish.

Another cost to consider is the design of the invitations. Some printing services offer custom design services, which can be more cost-effective if you also plan to print with them. For example, Anthology Print charges $30/hour for custom design if you print with them, but $60/hour if you plan to print the invitations elsewhere.

If you already have a design in mind, you can also look for printing services that allow you to upload your own design, such as Paperlust. This option gives you more flexibility in terms of personalizing your invitations but may require additional costs for the design work.

Finally, it's important to consider the production time and shipping costs when choosing a printing service. Standard production time can range from 8-10 business days, and shipping costs can vary depending on your location.

Overall, printing double-sided wedding invitations can be a cost-effective option, especially if you take advantage of services that offer free double-sided printing. By comparing the costs and options offered by different printing services, you can find the best choice for your budget and design preferences.

What to include on the back

Double-sided wedding invitations are a great way to save money and paper. However, it is important to consider what to include on the back of the invitation to ensure that your guests have all the information they need. Here are some ideas and suggestions for what to include on the back of your double-sided wedding invitations:

Additional Information

If you have a lot of information to convey to your guests, the back of the invitation is a perfect place to include extra details. This could include reception information, such as the venue and time, as well as any other relevant details like accommodation options or transport arrangements. By including this information on the back, you can ensure that your guests have easy access to all the key details in one place.

Map and Directions

Including a map and directions to your wedding venue is a thoughtful touch, especially if your venue is in a remote location or difficult to find. This way, your guests can easily navigate to the wedding without getting lost. You could also add public transport options or parking information to make their journey even smoother.

Website and RSVP Details

If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the web address on the back of your invitation. This allows guests to access further information and RSVP online if they prefer. You can also include RSVP details, such as the deadline for responses and any specific instructions for dietary requirements or song requests.

Creative Elements

The back of your invitation is also a great space to get creative. Consider adding a personal touch, such as a photo from your engagement or a meaningful quote that reflects your relationship. You could even include a special message for your guests, thanking them for their support and presence on your special day.

A Note to Prompt Guests to Check the Back

Finally, it is worth noting that not everyone automatically checks the back of an invitation for additional information. To ensure your guests don't miss any important details, consider adding a small note at the bottom of the front page, such as "See reverse for more details" or "Reception info on reverse." This will prompt guests to flip the invitation over and take in all the information you've provided.

Invitation etiquette

When it comes to invitation etiquette for your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering double-sided invitations. Firstly, traditional wedding invitations typically include key information on the front, such as the ceremony's location, reception details, date and time, and the couple's names. However, if you want to include additional information or creative elements like engagement photos, maps, or personal messages, a double-sided invitation can be a great solution. This extra space allows you to get creative and add a personal touch to your invitations.

When designing your double-sided invitations, it's essential to ensure that all the critical details are on the front. This includes the main invitation and essential information your guests need to know, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding. You don't want to risk any confusion or the possibility of your guests missing important details.

To avoid any potential issues, consider including a subtle indication that there is more information on the back. For example, you could add "(Over)" or "See reverse for additional details" at the bottom of the front page. This way, your guests will know to flip the invitation over and won't miss out on any crucial information.

Another thing to keep in mind is the placement of the invitation when your guests open the envelope. You may want to design the invitation so that the backside with the additional details or QR code faces the front, becoming the first thing your guests see. This approach ensures that your guests immediately see the extra information you've provided and encourages them to engage with the invitation.

Finally, while double-sided invitations can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, it's worth noting that some guests may not instinctively turn over the invitation to look for more information. This is especially true for more traditional guests who are used to single-sided invitations. To cater to this, you could include a separate details card with your invitation, ensuring that all your guests have access to the necessary information.

Design and personalisation

Double-sided wedding invitations offer more space to include all the information about your big day, as well as allowing for creative additions such as photos, maps, or meaningful quotes.

When it comes to design, you can choose from a range of templates or create your own unique design. If you already have a design in mind, you can send it to a printing service, and they will bring it to life. You can also personalise your invitations by changing the colours, fonts, and design elements to match your wedding style and theme.

If you want to include extra information, such as reception details or RSVP deadlines, you can choose to print on the back of the invitation. However, some people consider this approach "tacky" and believe that important details should be on the front or on a separate details card. To avoid any confusion, you could add a small note on the front, such as "See reverse for additional details" or "Reception Info on Reverse".

To make your invitations even more personal, you can include engagement photos, or a QR code that links to your wedding website. This is a great way to provide your guests with easy access to all the information they need, such as accommodation or travel details.

Finally, consider the paper type and finish to add the perfect finishing touch to your invitations. You can choose from a range of options, including glossy, matte, or satin finishes, as well as different types of paper, such as recycled paper if you want to prioritise sustainability.

Eco-friendly options

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are several eco-friendly options to consider if you want to reduce the environmental impact of your special day. Here are some ideas for printing double-sided wedding invitations in an eco-friendly way:

Sustainable Paper Choices:

One of the most important considerations for eco-friendly invitations is the choice of paper. Opt for paper that is recycled, sustainably sourced, or carries eco-friendly certifications. This ensures that the production and sourcing of the paper stock have a minimal impact on the environment.

Vegetable and Soy-Based Inks:

Traditional printing inks can be environmentally harmful. However, some companies offer vegetable or soy-based inks, which are much more eco-friendly. These inks are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable, making them a more sustainable choice.

Recyclable and Biodegradable Materials:

Choose a printing company that uses recyclable or biodegradable materials. This includes not only the paper but also the envelopes and any other packaging or finishing touches. This ensures that your invitations can be properly disposed of after use, reducing waste.

Carbon Offset Initiatives:

Some printing companies have initiatives to offset the carbon emissions associated with the printing process. For example, they may partner with organizations that plant trees for every order placed. This helps to counteract the environmental impact of the printing process and contributes to reforestation efforts.

Digital Alternatives:

If you're concerned about paper waste, consider digital wedding invitations. There are now many elegant and customizable digital invitation options available. You can send these via email or messaging apps, reducing paper waste and postage emissions.

Reuse and Upcycling:

If you're crafty, consider upcycling materials to create your invitations. For example, you could use recycled paper or even fabric scraps for a unique, eco-friendly invitation. You can also encourage guests to reuse or recycle the invitations after the event.

By considering these eco-friendly options, you can create beautiful, personalized wedding invitations while also being mindful of the environment.

Frequently asked questions