Printing Wedding Invites: Card Stock Techniques

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, and printing wedding invitations can add to the expense. Printing your own wedding invitations at home is a budget-friendly alternative for couples who aren't afraid of a little DIY work. There are plenty of talented stationers and graphic designers who offer downloadable files that can be customised and printed at home. This can be a fraction of the cost of a custom invitation suite and printing services.

Choosing a paper type

The paper type you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on the printing style and your budget. Here are some options to consider:

Card and Cover Stock

Cardstock is a medium to heavy-weight paper made from tree pulp or cotton. It usually has a smooth, matte finish but can also come in a variety of colours and weights, making it perfect for printing at home. Cardstock is also relatively inexpensive, so you can print all your invites on a small budget. The weight of the cardstock is measured in pounds, with cardstock weight ranging from 45# to 300# or higher. The higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the more luxurious your invitations will feel.

For home printing, 80# to 90# cardstock is ideal as it can go through most desktop printers without any issues. 100# cardstock can also work for some home printers, but it may cause problems with others. If you're looking for a more luxurious feel, 110# to 130# cardstock will give your invitations a professional look, but you may need to use industrial printers to handle this weight.

Cotton Fiber

Cotton paper is the costliest option, but it feels super soft and has no imperfections. It's also incredibly durable and responds well to different printing techniques like letterpress. Cotton cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations, with weights ranging from 110 lb to 120 lb.

Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper

Kraft paper has a rustic, on-trend look that resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags. It's a great choice for vintage or outdoorsy weddings. Wood-grain paper has a subtle wood grain texture embossed into the paper and is perfect for accents like belly bands and tags.

Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper

These papers are flexible, translucent, and very thin. They are commonly used in layered invitations to provide depth and interest. You can use different levels and sizes to create a border or to mute underlying stock or graphics. However, keep in mind that glue will show through these papers.

Premium Papers

You can also choose to upgrade your wedding invitations with premium papers and finishes, such as metallic pearl paper or foil printing. Metallic pearl paper has a unique shimmer, but it is not recommended if you are using a lot of dark colours in your design. Foil printing adds a shine to your invitations and is available in colours such as gold, silver, and rose gold.

Selecting a printing service

There are several options to consider when selecting a printing service for your wedding invitations. You could opt for a professional printing service, or choose to print your invitations at home. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Cost:

Professional printing services can vary in price, depending on the quantity, quality, and customisation of your wedding invitations. Printing at home may be more cost-effective, but it is important to consider the cost of materials such as paper, ink, and envelopes.

Quality:

Professional printing services often offer higher-quality prints and more customisation options, such as foil printing, letterpress, or embossing. They may also have a wider range of paper types and weights to choose from. Printing at home may be more limited in terms of paper options and print quality.

Time and convenience:

Printing at home may take more time and effort, especially if you are doing a large quantity of invitations. Professional printing services can handle the printing and assembly process for you, saving you time and hassle.

• Prints of Love: Offers high-quality printing with free 2-3 day shipping. They print a wide range of sizes and orientations, and offer customisations like rounded edges and linen paper. They also have an eco-friendly initiative, planting a tree for every order placed.
• Vistaprint: An inexpensive online printing option that provides quality paper goods. They often have sales and coupon codes available, and offer templates if you don't want to design your own invitations.
• Zazzle: Features thousands of wedding invitation templates that can be customised and ordered online. They also offer coordinating pieces such as table numbers, signage, and menus.
• Overnight Prints: An environmentally-conscious printing service that uses recycled paper and waterless printing. They offer high-quality printing services for save-the-dates, invitations, day-of stationery, and thank-you notes.
• Canva: A DIY design tool and online printer that allows you to design and print your own invitations. They offer flexible printing options and free templates to choose from.

When selecting a printing service, it is important to consider your budget, the level of customisation and quality you require, and the turnaround time needed for your invitations. Reading reviews and comparing prices from multiple printing services can help you make an informed decision.

Customising your design

Customising your wedding invitation design is a fun and creative process. You can choose to do this yourself or enlist the help of a professional designer. Either way, there are several elements to consider when finalising your design.

Firstly, decide on the language and wording of your invitation. The tone of the text should reflect the theme and style of your wedding. For example, you might opt for traditional or contemporary wording. It's also essential to ensure your invitation includes all the necessary information, such as a request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, and location, RSVP instructions, and any other relevant details.

Next, consider the overall aesthetic of your invitation. You can choose from a variety of themes, such as classic, rustic, elegant, or whimsical. Play around with different fonts, colours, and images to create a design that reflects your personal style and the atmosphere of your wedding. If you're designing your invitation yourself, you can use online tools like Canva, which offer customisable templates and the ability to upload your own images.

If you're happy with your design, it's a good idea to run it past a few people to check for errors or spelling mistakes. It's also essential to consider the paper type and weight, as this will impact the overall look and feel of your invitation. Thicker cardstock tends to give a more luxurious impression, while lighter stocks may feel more delicate. You can also choose from various finishes, such as matte, gloss, or uncoated, to complement your design.

Finally, don't forget to plan for any additional embellishments or inserts you may want to include, such as envelope liners, belly bands, or stickers. These extra touches can add a personalised and elegant finish to your invitations.

Budgeting for printing costs

Budgeting for wedding invitation printing costs can be tricky, as there are many factors that influence the final price. Here are some tips to help you plan and allocate your budget effectively:

Understand the Cost Breakdown

The cost of printing wedding invitations depends on various elements, including paper type, printing method, design complexity, and embellishments. Paper type plays a significant role, with premium choices like cotton or linen being more expensive than standard options like cardstock or matte paper. Printing methods such as digital printing, letterpress, or thermography also vary in price, with digital being the most budget-friendly option.

Consider the Number of Invitations

The number of invitations needed will impact the overall cost. Ordering in bulk can often lower the per-unit price, making it a cost-effective option for larger guest lists. However, keep in mind that a higher quantity will also require more postage, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

Choose Your Printing Method Wisely

Different printing methods have different price points. Digital printing is usually the most affordable option, followed by offset printing and thermography, while letterpress printing and engraving are more expensive. Consider your budget and the desired look and feel of your invitations when selecting a printing method.

Be Mindful of Design Elements

Intricate design elements like calligraphy, embossing, foil stamping, or die-cutting can increase the cost of your invitations. These embellishments may also extend the production timeline, requiring rush shipping to stay on schedule. If you're on a tight budget, opt for a simpler design with minimal embellishments.

Compare Suppliers and Get Quotes

The cost of wedding invitations can vary depending on the supplier. Compare prices from different stationery stores, design studios, and online retailers. Get quotes from multiple vendors and ask about any additional costs, such as envelopes or postage. This will help you find the best value for your budget.

Plan and Prioritize

When budgeting for printing costs, decide on your priorities. If you want a luxurious look, you may need to increase your budget. However, if you're working with a limited budget, consider compromising on certain elements or opting for a simpler design. Remember, a minimalist design can be just as elegant.

Finalising and sending your invitations

You've designed your invitations, finalised your guest list, and are now ready to send out your invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

• Finalise the details: Before sending out your invitations, ensure that you have included all the necessary details such as the full names of you and your fiancé(e), the hosts' names (if applicable), the date, time, month, year, and full address of the venue. Other important details such as the dress code, map to the venue, accommodation options, and wedding-related activities can be included in the invitation suite or on your wedding website.
• Set a timeline: The general recommendation is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, if you are planning a destination wedding or have a large number of international guests, it is advisable to send them out earlier, preferably 12 weeks in advance. This will give your guests ample time to make travel arrangements and accommodation bookings.
• Include an RSVP card: To ensure you receive timely responses from your guests, include an RSVP card with a deadline of around one month before the wedding. This will give you and your vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations.
• Weigh and post your invitations: Take one fully assembled invitation to the post office to get it weighed and sized, so you know the required postage. If possible, hand-cancel the invitations by adding a postal mark over the stamp to prevent reuse and reduce the risk of damage.
• Protect your designs: If you are using wax seals, consider placing the invitations inside another envelope to protect them during transit.
• Reduce costs: To cut down on postage costs, you can use second-class stamps, opt for smaller and simpler designs, or include FAQs on your wedding website instead of an information card.
• Send digital invitations: If you are concerned about costs and environmental impact, consider sending digital invitations through email or WhatsApp, or using e-vite websites.
• Follow up: After sending out the invitations, don't forget to follow up with guests who have not responded, especially those who need to make travel arrangements.
• Plan ahead: Remember to factor in the time required to receive responses and finalise details with your venue and caterers. Aim to get all your replies back at least two weeks before the deadline you provide to your venue and vendors.
• Enjoy the process: Designing and sending out your wedding invitations is an exciting part of the planning process, so have fun with it and get creative!

Frequently asked questions