Printing Wedding Invitations: A Guide To Using Canva

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but designing and printing your own wedding invitations with Canva can make the process a little easier. Canva is a free, web-based design tool that allows you to create and print beautiful, custom designs for your wedding invitations. With Canva, you can choose from a variety of templates, fonts, images, and graphics to personalize your invitations. You can also select the paper type and finish to create elegant, eco-conscious invitations. Once you're happy with your design, you can choose to print your invitations yourself or have them professionally printed by Canva or another printing service.

Finalise your design and download it

Finalising your design and downloading it is the last step in creating your wedding invitations using Canva. Before you do this, make sure you are happy with the layout, text, and images. You can use Canva's simple drag-and-drop interface to play around with your design and move text boxes and graphic elements. You can also change the colour of your text or graphics and resize your artwork.

Once you are happy with your design, it is a good idea to proofread your invitation. Check that all the information is correct and save your file. If you are printing your invitations yourself, download your design as a PDF file and select crop marks and bleeds so you know where to trim your paper. If you are printing at home, avoid full-bleed background colours to save on ink, and consider a black-and-white design for cheaper printing.

If you are using a professional printing service, download your design as a high-quality PDF, PNG, or JPG file. Check the file requirements of your chosen printing service to ensure you download the correct file format. You can also order prints of your designs directly through Canva.

Choose your printing method: print at home or use a professional service

When it comes to printing your wedding invitations, you can either print them yourself at home or use a professional printing service. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your needs and preferences before making a decision.

Printing your wedding invitations at home can be a cost-effective option if you're on a tight budget. All you need is a printer and some cardstock, and you can easily customise and print the invitations yourself using Canva's user-friendly platform. However, it's important to note that there have been reports of poor print quality and difficulties in printing correctly sized invitations with Canva. As such, it is recommended to test print a sample invitation before printing your entire batch.

On the other hand, using a professional printing service can save you time and effort, especially if you're not confident in your DIY skills. Canva offers high-quality printing services, with a variety of paper types and sizes to choose from. They can even address and mail your invitations for you, making the process stress-free. Additionally, they plant a tree for every print order placed, so you can stay sustainable while creating your dream invitations.

If you're still unsure about which printing method to choose, consider your budget, time constraints, and level of confidence in executing the task. Printing at home may be more affordable, but it requires more time and effort. On the other hand, using a professional service may cost more, but it ensures high-quality results and saves you time. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and preferences for your wedding invitations.

Whether you decide to print your wedding invitations at home or use a professional service, Canva provides a range of customisation options to make your invitations unique and reflective of your special day. With their user-friendly platform, you can easily design invitations that perfectly capture the tone and theme of your wedding celebration.

If printing at home, use cardstock and a printer

If you're printing your wedding invitations at home, you'll need to invest in some cardstock and a printer. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Choose Your Cardstock

First, decide on the type of cardstock you want to use. Standard wedding invitations are usually printed on white or cream cardstock, but you can choose from a variety of shades within those colours. Consider the overall colour scheme of your invitation and how the cardstock will complement it. If you're environmentally conscious, you may want to opt for 100% recycled paper with 30% post-consumer waste. For a luxurious feel, choose 100% cotton paper. Textured paper can also add a unique touch to your invitations.

Order Samples

Before placing your final order, request samples from your chosen paper distributor. This will allow you to evaluate the paper weight, colour, and texture to ensure it meets your expectations. Most distributors will provide samples for free or for a small shipping fee.

Determine the Amount

It's always a good idea to order more cardstock than you think you'll need to account for any mistakes or last-minute additions. A good rule of thumb is to order 20-25% more than the number of invitations you plan to send. This will give you some wiggle room during the printing process.

Select Your Printer

Not all printers are created equal when it comes to printing invitations. You'll need a laser printer or an inkjet printer for the best results. A laser printer uses toner powder and heat to set the ink into the paper, while an inkjet printer uses liquid ink. Laser printers are generally faster and better suited for printing on metallic cardstock or simpler designs. Inkjet printers, on the other hand, can produce more complex designs but may be slower and prone to errors.

Prepare Your Printer

Ensure your printer is in good working condition and has enough ink to complete the job. Printing invitations can use a significant amount of ink, so it's a good idea to purchase extra ink before you start. You don't want to run out of ink halfway through!

Test Print

Before printing your final invitations, it's crucial to do a test print to ensure that everything is aligned correctly and that the colours are accurate. Feed a piece of cardstock into your printer and make any necessary adjustments to the settings until you're happy with the result.

Print Your Invitations

Once you're satisfied with the test print, it's time to print your invitations. Feed the cardstock into your printer, making sure it's properly aligned. Depending on the number of invitations, this process may take some time, so be patient and allow for any potential delays. Stay by the printer during the printing process to catch any issues early on.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful, professionally-looking wedding invitations from the comfort of your own home.

If using a professional service, consider printing through Canva or try Office Depot, VistaPrint, or FedEx

If you're looking for a professional service to print your wedding invitations, there are several options to choose from. Each service offers different features and benefits, so you can select the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Here's an overview of four popular options: Canva, Office Depot, VistaPrint, and FedEx.

Canva is an excellent choice for printing wedding invitations, offering a wide range of customizable templates, high-quality prints, and eco-conscious printing. With Canva, you can personalize your invitations by choosing from various fonts, colours, images, and illustrations. They also provide free and easy delivery, and for every print order placed, they plant a tree as part of their sustainability initiative. The price of printing wedding invitations with Canva starts at $4.60 per invitation.

Office Depot is another option for printing your wedding invitations. They offer a range of custom wedding invitation designs, including different shapes, sizes, and themes. You can choose from various paper options, such as raised print, magnetic, or full-colour designs. Office Depot also offers bonus rewards and free delivery or store pickup options for qualifying purchases. The price of their wedding invitations starts at $42.99 for a 10-piece case.

VistaPrint is a well-known printing service that has been in the custom printing business for over two decades. They offer a wide range of wedding stationery, including invitations, thank-you cards, and save-the-date cards. VistaPrint allows you to explore different designs, paper stocks, and finishes to create a cohesive wedding suite. They also provide free envelope addressing and design services for a truly personalised experience. The price of their wedding invitations starts at $50 for 50 invites.

FedEx provides printing services for wedding invitations as well. While their specific pricing and options may vary by location, some users have reported paying around $0.20 per invitation at FedEx/Kinko's. It's important to bring your file in the correct format, such as a PDF, to preserve the desired font. Additionally, FedEx/Kinko's may charge a fee for manipulating the file if it's not set up correctly beforehand.

Order envelopes if needed

When it comes to ordering envelopes for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose envelopes that complement your wedding theme and the style of your invitations. You can select from a variety of colours, sizes, and textures to create a cohesive and elegant look. For instance, if you're planning a black-tie or traditional wedding, double envelopes (inner and outer envelopes) can add a formal touch to your invitation suite.

Secondly, consider the size of your invitations when ordering envelopes. Standard wedding invitations are typically 5x7 inches, so you'll need envelopes that accommodate this size. However, if you've designed smaller RSVP cards or inserts, you'll also need envelopes that fit those dimensions. Luckily, envelope suppliers offer a range of sizes, so you can find the perfect fit.

Thirdly, you can opt to personalise your envelopes further by customising them with your guests' names and addresses. This not only adds a special touch but also saves you time in handwriting each envelope. You can also choose to include envelope liners, which come in various colours and designs to enhance the overall presentation of your invitations.

Finally, when ordering envelopes, it's a good idea to consider the quantity you'll need. Depending on the number of invitations you plan to send out, you may want to order a few extra envelopes to account for any last-minute additions to your guest list.

Ordering envelopes for your wedding invitations ensures that your invitations arrive safely and elegantly to your guests, setting the perfect tone for your special day.

Frequently asked questions